Balsa River, La Fortuna

National GeographicOct 22

This Country is Central America’s Ultimate Nature Escape

Discover a land where rainforest meets reef, volcanoes tower above cloud forests, and pura vida is a way of life. Here’s our guide to where to stay, what to eat, and what to know before you visit ...

16 things in this story

The Springs Resort & SpaHotelHot springs resort with views of the Arenal volcano.
Arenal Volcano National ParkSightHike trails through old lava fields and forest.
Sarapiquí RiverPlaceThe area around the river is mostly lowlands tropical rainforest, having lush vegetation with a large variety of plant,…
Balsa RiverPlace
Elsewhere
Hotel BelmarHotelMonteverde, Costa RicaMountain retreat with on-site microbrewery and zero-waste restaurant.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological ReserveSightMonteverde, Costa RicaSee the canopy via suspended bridges and elevated platforms.
OstionalNeighborhoodGuanacaste, Costa RicaAttracts do-gooders to turtle nesting grounds.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural ReserveSightNicoya Peninsula, Costa RicaPreserves dry tropical forest alive with wildlife.
Manuel Antonio National ParkSightCentral Pacific, Costa RicaPairs biodiverse jungle trails with white-sand coves.
Cahuita National ParkSightPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa RicaOffshore reefs protect vibrant coral ecosystems.
Soda y Mirador CinchonaRestaurantAlajuela, Costa RicaMakes the best tortilla aliñada.
El RemansoHotelOsa Peninsula, Costa RicaEco-lodge with open-air villas overlooking the Pacific.
Camino de Costa RicaTrailCosta Rica16-day cross-country hiking trail.
Rincón de la Vieja National ParkSightGuanacaste, Costa Rica
Santa TeresaNeighborhoodNicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
NosaraNeighborhoodNicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

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Balsa River

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This Country is Central America’s Ultimate Nature Escape