Costa Rica by Zones

Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and variable climate offers a multitude of travel destinations to explore and enjoy. That is why is a top world travel destination, it has something for everyone: tropical rainforest, green mountains, spectacular beaches, active volcanoes, wild rivers and lakes, charming towns and many more.There are few countries where a visitor can enjoy true natural wonders from coast to coast. There is a fascinating variety of wildlife, much of it now protected by an enlightened national conservation system widely regarded as a model of its kind, that is one of the many reasons Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable tourism practices. In this section MTA Travel Solutions will give you valuable information on major tourist areas of Costa Rica.

Jacó

Jacó is a coastal city in Costa Rica's Puntarenas province, located on the Pacific Ocean. Jacó is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from San José, its popularity has attracted large tourist attention, this since Jacó is popular for its surfing and lively nightlife. It lies about 15 miles south of the popular Carara National Park, the city hosts several All inclusive hotels, restaurants, shops, nightclubs and discos.

Dominical

On the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the country's most beautiful uncut gems, Dominical. From its turquoise green water to its fiery red and gold sunsets, the natural beauty of the area is second to none. The town sits on the Pacific Ocean bordered to the north by the Rio Baru, on the east by three thousand foot high mountains and to the south by dark, coffee brown, beaches and coves.

Sarapiquí

The canton or county of Sarapiqui forms a major portion of Heredia province. Covering 85% of Heredia's total land area, Sarapiqui is known throughout Costa Rica for its amazing and rich biodiversity as well as for being an adventure seeker's dream destination. Lying in the north east of the country and bordered by Nicaragua in the north, Sarapiqui is now a very popular tourist getaway for families and thrill seekers alike.

Rincon de la Vieja

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a still relatively undiscovered gem of the Costa Rican interior. Within it, is the active Volcan Rincón de la Vieja, an andesitic stratovolcano, one of 5 volcanoes in the Cordillera de Guanacaste (Guanacaste Mountain Range). The highest peak of Rincón de la Vieja stands at 1916 meters above sea level.

Central Valley

The central Valley is the geographic, political, cultural and economic heart of the country, and in which half of Costa Rica's population is concentrated. Surrounded by beautiful, Middle-range Mountains, with vast plains and wavy hills, this fertile valley covers 31 miles (50 km) in the east-west direction, and some 9 to 12 miles (15 to 20 km) in the north-south sense.

Tortuguero

Whether it's by kayak, by boat or hiking trough forest trails, Tortuguero National Park is a perfect example of tropical rain forest. The Park is made up of more than 18000 hectares and protects a wealth of exotic wildlife including those that gave it its name - turtles.

Corcovado

Corcovado National Park is unparalleled for natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and foliage nearly pulsing with lushness. Corcovado is one of the rainiest regions in Costa Rica with records of up to 5500 mm of rainfall on the highest peaks.

Guanacaste

Guanacaste, Costa Rica northwestern province, is best known for its number of every type, texture and color beautiful beaches and cattle surrounded by a rich diversity of natural habitats, estuaries, posture land, dry tropical forest, marshes, rivers folklore, music, color and traditional food.

Puerto Viejo

At 10.2 miles (16 km) south of Cahuita is Puerto Viejo of Limón, a charming Caribbean town bordering the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Monteverde

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Santa Elena Forestry Reserve are different Parks but they share the same exuberant atmosphere. A great number of trails invite visitors to walk through the Parks. The Reserves extends across both slops, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Manuel Antonio

Located on the top of a hill in the Pacific Ocean near Quepos, Manuel Antonio has plenty of sandy white beaches, the main habitat types in the Park are primary and secondary forest, mangrove swamp, marsh and littoral woodland which have made this one of the most beautiful and popular Parks in the entire system.

Arenal Volcano

Rising over a mile in height, Arenal Volcano located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, offers visitors a rare opportunity to view one of the world's most active volcanoes. After sleeping quietly for over 400 years, Arenal erupted with tremendous force in July 29-31, 1968. "A lunar landscape" was created by the volcano as several square miles were covered by rocks, lava and ash.