Top Reasons to Go to Costa Rica

With more bird species than in the United States and Canada packed into an area about half the size of Kentucky, perfect surf conditions on both coasts, and some extremely wild rivers, Costa Rica guarantees travelers an action-packed vacation.

Bird-Watching
As part of the narrow isthmus connecting the Americas, Costa Rica is a natural biological melting pot. With less than 0.03% of the planet's surface, it is home to some 875 bird species, more than the United States and Canada combined. Some stay year-round; others come and go with winter migration.

Caño Negro, Northern Plains. Waterfowl, such as jabiru and snail kites, are abundant.
Carara National Park, Central Pacific. Scarlet macaws are reliable sightings, as are great egrets, boat-billed herons, anhingas, and trogons.

Cerro de La Muerte, South Pacific. This is probably the best place in the country to spot a resplendent quetzal.

Corcovado National Park, South Pacific. The largest population of (endangered) scarlet macaws in the country lives here.

La Selva Biological Station, Northern Plains. If you're interested in (but totally clueless about) bird-watching, sign up in advance for the Birdwatching 101 course. Scientists have tallied nearly 500 species here.

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Northern Plains. The resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot, the orange-bellied trogon, and the emerald toucanet are just some of the 400 species that have been logged here.

Tortuguero National Park, Caribbean. The bare-throated tiger heron, the sungrebe, and the agami heron are some of Tortuguero's many waterfowl species.

Surfing
Deliciously warm water, year-round waves, and two coasts add up to one of the world's best-known surfing destinations. There's even better news: that popularity hasn't yet translated into overcrowding. Most surfers bring their own boards, as evidenced by the crowds that get off the plane and make a beeline for the oversize luggage carousel, but you'll find plenty of places to rent equipment if you're not quite that hardcore.

Jacó, Central Pacific. Easily accessible Jacó draws the many surfers who come here as much for the partying as the waves.

Pavones, South Pacific. It's a long trip here, but your reward is one of the world's longest left-breaking waves.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Caribbean. One of the world's best (and toughest) waves, Salsa Brava, laps right offshore in town.

Tamarindo, North Pacific. The north coast's consummate surfing town and a good place for beginners; the stretch of shoreline north to Playa Grande and south to Playa Negra satisfies experts.

White-Water Adventures
Insanely steep hills and heavy rainfall make the country a mecca for white-water sports, and there's a level of ease or difficulty to match anyone's expertise (or lack thereof). Have fun, but be brutally frank with yourself about your abilities and fears before setting out on any rafting or kayaking excursion. Base yourself in these places to find white-water outfitters.

La Fortuna, Northern Plains. Trips on the Toro, Balsa, San Carlos, and Sarapiquí rivers are offered out of La Fortuna.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Northern Plains. Outfitters based here can take you on similar excursions to those offered from La Fortuna.

Quepos, Central Pacific. Head here for action on the Savegre and Naranjo rivers.

San José. You might not guess it, but San José is a major rafting center; the Reventazón and Pacuare rivers are close enough that you can be back in time for dinner. The Pacuare, El General, and Corobicí rivers lend themselves to overnight or multiday trips.

Turrialba, Central Valley. Many outfitters congregate in Turrialba, arguably the country's white-water capital, and close to the action.