Opportunities for adventure, relaxation and exploration for snowbirds is unlimited in Costa Rica, which is why the country is one of the most visited international destinations in Central America. With an abundance of unique wildlife, landscapes and climates, Costa Rica proudly shelters approximately 6 percent of the known biodiversity in the world, and protects 26 percent of its land mass.

The country’s unique landscape and pleasant year-round temperatures create diverse adventures for snowbirds to explore. From zip lining and hiking in the rainforest, to surfing and whale watching on the coasts, Costa Rica offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and exceptional opportunities for making memories.

The phrase “Pura Vida” can be heard echoing throughout Costa Rica from coast to coast. Used as a greeting or expression of happiness, the phrase literally translates to “pure life,” however its meaning is “full of life,” which accurately describes the adventure and wonder that awaits snowbirds.

Local Snowbird Community 

Costa Rica has become a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds, with many well-organised local snowbird communities offering a range of clubs, organizations, events, and gathering places tailored specifically to seasonal travelers. 

Snowbirds often get involved in local life by volunteering or participating in community activities, which helps them integrate and make lasting connections. Many also take part in language classes to improve their Spanish and better interact with local residents.

Events and Activities

•  Local Sports and Fitness Clubs: Snowbirds often participate in local sports leagues, including golf, tennis, and pickleball. Many communities have clubs specifically for expats where you can join matches or tournaments.
• Gathering Places Expat-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants: Establishments such as Café Tico and The Maple Leaf Restaurant in Tamarindo offer familiar Canadian fare and act as social hubs for the snowbird community.
• Community Centers: Places like the Atenas Community Center often hosts events and meetings for snowbirds. These centers provide a space for informal gatherings, classes, and activities.
• Local Markets and Festivals: Attending local markets and festivals provides snowbirds with opportunities to engage with the broader community while enjoying Costa Rican culture.

Getting Here 

Traveling from Canada to Costa Rica is relatively straightforward, with several convenient options available.

Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose is the country's main airport, and receives daily flights from major Canadian and US cities.

The modern Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste receives charter and schedule flights for tourists visiting Guanacaste, Monteverde and La Fortuna. This comfortable airport connects with beautiful beaches in one of the largest and most important tourist areas in the country.

Direct Flights from Canada to Costa Rica

AIR CANADA

Direct Flights: Air Canada offers direct flights from several Canadian cities to Costa Rica.

Destinations:

• Toronto (YYZ) to San José (SJO) & Liberia (LIR)
• Montreal (YUL) to San José (SJO)
• Ottawa (YOW) to San José (SJO)
• Vancouver (YVR) to Liberia (LIR)

Frequency: Flights from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa are available year-round. Flights from Vancouver are seasonal.

WESTJET

Direct Flights: WestJet provides direct flights from Canadian cities to Costa Rica.

Destinations:

• Toronto (YYZ) to Liberia (LIR)
• Calgary (YYC) to Liberia (LIR)
• Winnipeg (YWG) to Liberia (LIR)
• Vancouver (YVR) to Liberia (LIR)

Frequency: Flights are often seasonal, operating during peak winter with great connections from the rest of Canada.

AIR TRANSAT

Direct Flights: Air Transat offers direct flights.

Destinations:

• Toronto (YYZ) to San José (SJO) & Liberia (LIR)
• Montreal (YUL) to San José (SJO) & Liberia (LIR)
• Quebec City (YQB) to San José (SJO)

Frequency: Flights from Toronto and Montreal are available year-round. Flights from Quebec City are seasonal.

PORTER AIRLINES

Direct Flights: Porter Airlines offers direct flights.

Destinations:

• Toronto (YYZ) to Liberia (LIR) & San José (SJO)
• Ottawa (YOW) to Liberia (LIR)

Frequency: Flights from Toronto to Liberia are available year-round – flights from Toronto to San José and Ottawa are seasonal.

Entry Requirements

Canadian citizens can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days – to be determined by an immigration officer at the point of entry. However different rules may apply for citizens holding passports from other countries.  

Please check here for more information:

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica#entryexit

Weather – October to April

Costa Rica is located in the tropics, which gives its ecological surroundings – its forests, waters, soils and climate – certain characteristics. Its flora and fauna are bountiful, thanks to the 12 different microclimates that are found in the country

The microclimates are influenced by various factors such mountains, plains and plateaus, the influence of the oceans (winds and sea breezes and the temperature of ocean currents) and the general atmospheric circulation. The interaction of all these local geographic, atmospheric and oceanic factors mean different areas see a variety of weather year-round.

There is a northwest-southeast mountain range which divides Costa Rica into two sides: the Pacific and the Caribbean. Each side has its own precipitation and temperature pattern;

Pacific

The Pacific region is characterized by a well-defined dry and rainy season

• The dry season lasts from December to March, with march typically being the driest and hottest
• April and November are transition months, with a mix of weather patterns
• The rainy season goes from May to October, with the rainiest months being September and October
• The rains mainly occur during the afternoon and early evening and are often short in duration

Caribbean

• The climate of this side of the country does not have a well-defined dry season, since rains remain steady between 100 and 200 mm even in the driest months.
  Two relatively dry periods exist in the coastal zones
• The first dry period is between February and March and the second between September and October.
• There are two rainy periods between the dry ones. The first goes from November to January and the second one stretches from May to August
• The rainiest month on the Caribbean side is December
• Rain falls mostly during the night and morning

Terrain and Landscape

Costa Rica is a tropical destination. Its look and landscape changes throughout the year, and the country is in a constant state of renewal and rejuvenation. 

The Costa Rican landscape is one of great variety, filled with lush vegetation and stunning displays of flora and fauna. With jungles, beaches, and a wide array of terrain and climate zones, Costa Rica is a playground for many types of travellers. 

No matter the season or region, there is always something exciting to discover, or uncover. For those willing to go off the beaten path in Costa Rica, the rewards are endless.

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Costa Rica offers a wide range of medium and long-term rental accommodations that cater to snowbirds looking for stays ranging from 1 to 6 months. Whether you prefer a home, condo, or hotel, there are numerous options available in various popular communities. 

Popular Communities for Snowbirds

1. Tamarindo

• Overview: A vibrant beach town known for its surf culture and lively expat community.
• Accommodations: Offers a variety of rental options, including beachfront condos, private homes, and long-term vacation rentals.
• Features: Plenty of amenities, restaurants, and social activities tailored to expats.

2. Atenas

• Overview: Known for its pleasant climate and welcoming expat community, Atenas is a quieter option in the Central Valley.
• Accommodations: Includes rental homes and condos, often in gated communities with shared amenities.
• Features: Offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to San José.

3. Grecia

• Overview: A charming town with a strong expat presence and a friendly local atmosphere.
• Accommodations: Various rental homes and apartments are available, often in tranquil settings with beautiful views.
• Features: Known for its cooler climate and close-knit community.

4. Liberia

• Overview: The capital of Guanacaste province, Liberia is a hub for travelers heading to the nearby beaches and national parks.
• Accommodations: Offers a range of rental properties, including apartments, homes, and condos.
• Features: Convenient location with access to services, shopping, and transportation.

5. San José

• Overview: The capital city offers urban amenities and is a gateway to various attractions in Costa Rica.
• Accommodations: Includes high-rise apartments, condos, and long-term stays in serviced apartments.
• Features: Ideal for those who enjoy city life and cultural activities.

Sustainability

With a goal to be the first carbon neutral country in the world by 2050, sustainable practices are observed in every region of the country, adopted by all citizens and embraced by visitors. From local Costa Rican cuisine to artisan crafts to traditional customs and celebrations, sustainability is embedded deeply in the culture and traditions of Costa Rica.

Costa Ricans are proud to live among and protect their country’s rich environment, as this small nation holds six percent of the world’s land-based biodiversity and 3.5 percent of its marine life.  Costa Rica produces nearly 93 percent of its electricity from renewable resources and 26 percent of its territory is protected natural land. A pioneer in sustainability and tourism, Costa Rica is a model for sustainable practices for many industries within the region and around the world.

Guanacaste

Overview

With a total of 5,921 sq. miles and more than 400 miles of coastline, the Guanacaste area comprises the Pacific Coast area from the border of Nicaragua to the Bongo River estuary in the Nicoya Peninsula. This area is also home to a very important section of Costa Rica’s cultural and natural heritage, and boasts a significant number of protected areas including water, land, mountain, and coastal ecosystems that are teaming with life.

The incomparable beauty of its landscapes, which ranges from tropical dry forests to lowland mountain forests, its warm climate, as well as its flourishing nature have made Guanacaste one of the most popular regions amongst locals as well as snowbirds.. It is also one of the most developed areas because of its high level of investment in hotel and real estate developments. 

All along the Guanacaste coastline are a number of beaches where snowbirds  can swim in  warm Pacific Ocean waters.. There is an array of white-sand beaches and calm, intense-blue waters.

There are two commercial centers located in the northern area: Liberia and Santa Cruz, which, in turn, are linked with five important tourism development centers: Papagayo, El Coco, Flamingo, Conchal, and Tamarindo. In the southern area, the commercial center is Nicoya with Samara being the development center.

Things To Do

Guanacaste offers many kinds of activities related to relaxation, health, culture, adventure, and nature, as well as sport and recreational activities.

• Photography - Thanks to the climatic conditions of Guanacaste, the rich flora and fauna, as well as many natural, cultural and architectural landscapes, photography is a popular activity among visitors.
• Sportfishing - Sportfishing is one of the main attractions in the Northern Pacific where multiple world records have been broken for catching (and releasing) the largest swordfish.
• Observing architectural and historical sites - There are sites and buildings of important architectural and historical significance as well as national monuments that are considered “must see” in Abangares, Bagaces, Cañas, Liberia, and Santa Cruz.
• Bird watching - Bird watching is mainly in the protected areas like Palo Verde, Curú, Bolaños Island, and Tenorio. These are the most important, but there are other sites where this activity is popular.
• Food tasting - Typical towns are characterized by small restaurants, known as “Sodas” featuring traditional Guanacaste cuisine. Cañas, Tilarán, Liberia, as well as Santa Cruz are known for their traditional dishes and beverages.
• Adventure in the canopy - There are a few options to enjoy activities that take place in the canopy, where there are a number of monkey and bird species.
• Purchasing local arts and crafts - Arts and crafts in Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya are made from pure clay, following traditional techniques used by the Chorotega indigenous people. They create ornaments, jars, flower pots, vases, plates, ocarinas (a musical instrument) and other pieces. These items can be purchased in a number of locations throughout Guanacaste. Also available for purchase are bowls made from the typha plant which is also used for various types of paper products.
• Cycling - The area has a number of picturesque trails, adventure or leisure sites for road or mountain biking. Some of the trails have views of the beach and mountains.
• Hiking - There is no limit to the number of hiking trails in the area where visitors can take in many different natural, architectural, cultural, religious, and commercial attractions.
• Horseback riding - Because Guanacaste is mainly a rural area, this activity can be done all over in coastal areas, communities, or mountain areas. Horseback riding tours can be found via local tour operators.
• Diving - Diving has been growing in Guanacaste thanks to the excellent sites and great diving conditions. There are specialized businesses who cater to divers. Some of the more noteworthy areas are the Gulf of Papagayo and the Santa Catalina islands.
• Rural Tourism - Excursions along the Tempisque River and through the Palo Verde national park allow visitors to observe crocodiles, birds, and monkeys, amongst many other species.

Experiences

Guanacaste

1. Tamarindo Beach - Tamarindo Bay is formed by the union of Playa Grande and Playa Ventanas. It is an area known for its beautiful beaches but also for its mangroves . Within the tourist area, you will find many restaurants with a wide range of international cuisine, plus hotels for all budgets and a great nightlife scene. It is also one of the most famous surfing beaches. Playa Tamarindo has been awarded for many years with the Blue Flag Award, which recognizes commitment to the environment by providing clean and safe beaches and water for visitors.
2. Rincón de La Vieja National Park - The Rincon de la Vieja National Park has an area of 14,083 hectares and can be accessed through both Liberia and Upala Buenos Aires. The park has two distinct areas: Las Pailas and Santa Maria. The first area includes a set of trails that take you to various points of the volcano, including the path to the craters (Von Seebach and Rincon de la Vieja), the path to Las Pailas, the trail to the falls La Cangreja and Escondidas, the path to the White River pool, and the trail to fumaroles and mud volcanoes. The second sector, Santa Maria, includes a set of paths among which are: the path to the waterfall enchanted forest, the path to the Pailas sector, the path to the pails of cold water, and the trail to the hot springs.
3. National Park Marino Las Baulas - The National Park Marino Baulas is located on the Nicoya Peninsula and includes several attractions that will catch your eye, such as Carbon Beach, Ventanas and Langosta, the Morro and Hermoso hills and mangroves San Francisco and Ventanas. It is a park of special importance thanks to the leatherback turtle, hence its name which translates to ‘The Leatherback Marine National Park.’ The leatherback is the world's largest sea turtle and is in danger of extinction. Costa Rica protects these turtles to keep their populations healthy and growing number of individuals.
4. Samara Beach - Samara Beach is a bay about 4 kilometers long, with clear sand, gentle waves and an area of mangroves. It is recognized as one of the safest and most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. On the horizon is Chora Island, right in front of the Punta Indio, where one can spot an area of coral reefs. The vegetation of the area is landlocked, so you can appreciate trees like the manzanillo, coconut palms, and creepers such as beach bean plants, among others. This beach, like Tamarindo, has received the Blue Flag Award for its commitment to the environment. In addition to its beautiful beach, the town of Samara offers many attractions and water activities such as surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving,
5. Hornillas y Miravalles Volcano - Miravalles Volcano is located in the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range, near the town of Guayabo, several places offer hot springs of a yellowish color, laden with volcanic minerals to help you relax. In addition to its natural attractions, the Miravalles volcano is also used for geothermal energy, because it is one of the 7 active volcanoes of the country. In the Hornillas sector you can walk by a volcanic crater where you can see hot mud, fumaroles, and Sulfur Rivers while enjoying the healing benefits of these minerals.
6. Llanos del Cortez Waterfalls - Costa Rica is a country rich in natural beauty and because of its many rivers you can find beautiful waterfalls. One of the most beautiful in the country is the series of waterfalls, Llanos del Cortez. They are located near the town of Bagaces on the way to Liberia. To enter, one must detour on a dirt road for a few kilometers, and walk through a transitional forest. Among the peculiarities of this waterfall is the white sand beach that is formed by the sedimentation of the river and the pool of clear water to enjoy the sun and nature.
7. Cavernas de Barra Honda - The Barra Honda National Park, in addition to offering several trails within the dry forest, also features one of the most beautiful caves in the country. It is a cave located a few kilometers from Nicoya and 450 meters high; therefore, in order to visit, one must descend several meters on a vertical ladder. The cave system of Barra Honda combines ancient coral reefs that emerged from normal lifting of the tectonic plates and the stalactite and stalagmite formations.
8. Cañas and archaeological site El Farallon - The Cañas area and its surroundings are rarely visited by foreigners but it is an area rich in tourist attractions. The city of Cañas is located in the plains of Guanacaste, on the road to Liberia. Some of the activities available in the area are: rafting on the Corobici River, hikes in the Pelado Volcano, and visits to the archaeological site El Farallon, which has great historical importance for the petroglyphs located on the stone wall near a river. It is a place that  allows snowbirds  to connect with the history of Costa Rica.

Events

• Colonial church in San Blas - This beautiful church is located in the center of the town of Nicoya and it is located where the first parish was established in Costa Rica in 1544. Inside is a small historical religious museum. Patronage festivals are celebrated every year on December 15.
• Santo Cristo de Esquipulas patronage festival - The festival includes “La Vispera”  on January 13, where a statue representing the Christ of Esquipulas is carried from Arado to a house in the outskirts of Santa Cruz. January 15 is the Patron Saint Day, which is celebrated by a procession through Santa Cruz.  During  January, there are traditional dances, Marimba and typical Guanacaste music, plays, poetry readings,  and traditional folkloric songs..
• Nuestra Señorita La Virgen de Guadalupe Festival - The Virgen de Guadalupe festival is a series of celebrated events occurring in November and December including  countdown) and La Virgen de Guadalupe Day.This final day begins at dawn and a  mass is held.
• Arts and crafts from Guaitil and San Vicente - The locals from Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya --towns with over  5,000 years of traditional ceramic work, create beautiful ceramics from clay with traditional techniques learned from the Chortega indigenous people who once lived in this area. Ornaments, jars, flower pots, vases, plates, ocarinas--a musical instrument-- are available for sale. . 

Central Pacific Coast

Overview

This region of the country stretches from the city of Puntarenas to the mouth of the Río Barú in the area known as Dominical de Osa. It has three cities attractive to snowbirds  : Quepos, Jacó and Puntarenas. The region also comprises the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya. 

A wet and rainy climate allows for greater biodiversity in the beaches and hills  featuring a tropical wet forest to tropical forest to tropical dry forest. 

Things To Do

• National Park Manuel Antonio and its beaches - The town of Manuel Antonio is adjacent to  the popular Manuel Antonio National Park--a beautiful paradise of flora and fauna. The park has several trails and beaches with white sand and turquoise and emerald waters. Park visitors can see monkeys, sloths, deer and various species of birds and reptiles.
• Tárcoles river- The bridge over the Tarcoles River is a mandatory stop for tourists wishing to visit the Central Pacific. Here you can observe a host of crocodiles in a river  densely populated by these reptiles.. Yyou can also take  boat tours along the Tarcoles River where you will see herons, monkeys, and slots.
• Jacó beach - Jacó Beach is one of the easiest beaches to reach from San Jose, as it is only 1 hour and 30 minutes from the capital. at both Escondida Beach and Jacó Beach, visitors will find  some of the best surfing in the country.
• Carara National Park - The Carara National Park is home to three different types of forests: Tropical Rainforest, Tropical Wet Forest and Wet Forest Carara also has an accessible universal path allowing access for wheelchair and vision impaired patrons.
• Savegre river - The Savegre River originates in the Cerro de la Muerte and descends several kilometers before emptying into the Pacific, passing through several national parks and natural reserves,  home to wildlife such as tapirs, jaguars, and many species of birds, including the quetzal.
• Herradura beach & golf course - Close to Jacó is Herradura Beach. At  the luxurious Marina Los Sueños, there’s  an internationally renowned 18-hole golf course. The far end of the beach is a natural refuge for several species of seabirds. The beach boasts emerald waters and dark sand, a natural paradise for snowbirds to explore.
• Barú beach - Baru Beach is a wide beach bordered by lush coastal vegetation next to the National Wildlife Refuge of the Silvestre Finca Baru Pacific. . During the fall,you can see the nesting Kemp's ridley and hawksbill turtles. You can also enjoy  mangrove tours, kayaking, hiking and horseback riding.

Experiences

• Horseback riding - Horseback tours are  available in the coastal communities or in the mountains of this region.
• Hiking- Hiking is a good way to take in various  attractions, including natural parks, beaches, ecotourism trails, historical buildings, architectural monuments or cultural tours around various communities of interest.
• Recreational cycling - The region features beaches, mountains and picturesque roads, offering adventure or relaxation for snowbirds looking to tour  on regular or mountain bikes.
• Adventure tours - The Quepos–Manuel Antonio area offers all-terrain-vehicle tours high in the mountains. Other adventures include walking over suspension bridges, touring mangrove swamps by boat, butterfly gardens, horseback riding, dolphin and bird watching, sportfishing and more.
• Bird watching - Snowbirds will find a spectacular range of tropical birds in this region.  Bird-watching can be enjoyed in various public and private protected areas, including Negritos, Pajaros, Cabo Blanco, Carara and Curu.
• Photography - Diverse flora and fauna in natural areas, stunning coastal landscapes and cultural interest make taking photos and video a highly popular tourist activity.
• Sportfishing - Sportfishing is one of the Central Pacific’s main attractions. Artisan, recreational or challenging sportfishing may all be enjoyed in the Quepos area.
• Rural tourism activities and services - El Silencio Lodge is located half an hour from downtown Quepos. The El Silencio Cooperative offers visitors horseback riding or hiking through natural protected areas with panoramic views of the Savegre Valley and the Pacific coast. Waterfalls, rafting and kayaking trips are available on the Savegre River
• Ecoturismo Comunal Quebrada Arroyo is located 25 kilometers east of Quepos on the highway to Londres. This commune allows visitors to learn about their rural community and lifestyle while enjoying nature. Visitors will find wooded trails ideal for bird-watching and enjoying waterfalls and viewpoints.

Central Valley 

Overview

The heart of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Central Valley offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including the best museums in the country: Gold, Jade, National, Costa Rican Art, La Salle Natural Sciences, Insects at the University of Costa Rica, Contemporary Arts & Design and Children's, among others. 

Also, the architectural jewel of Costa Rica is located here: the National Theatre.

The capital San José hosts most government services, but other provincial capitals – Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago – also offer a number of commercial services.

The Central Valley has two areas of extraordinary beauty that are destinations themselves: Turrialba and the Valley of the Saints. Rural villages offer great scenic beauty and a glimpse of Costa Rica’s past with adobe houses, large coffee plantations, mills and dairy farms.

Experiences

• Sugar mills - Sugar mills manufacture products from sugar cane. Mostly located in rural areas, some old sugar mills are still powered by oxen. Several sugar mills have been converted into attractions for travelers wanting to try sugary treats such as perico, sobado and espumas.
• Museums - The most culturally and historically diverse selection of museums in the country are located in this region, including the National Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Children’s Museum, Museum of Costa Rican Art, Gold Museum, Popular Culture Museum, Juan Santamaria Museum, Orosi Museum, Entomological Museum, La Salle Museum, Jade Museum and others.
• Bird watching - The Central Valley offers many bird-watching sites, including Copey de Dota and Macizo de la Muerte , El Rodeo Protected Area, the environs of the University for Peace, the Tapanti area, Paraiso and the upper regions of Coronado. Exotic birds of all types may also be seen in the Simon Bolivar Zoo and the Bird Zoo in La Garita, Alajuela.
• Treetop and trail adventures - Several companies host nature trail and forest canopy tours. The TURU BA-RI Tropical Park in Turrubares has facilities with an ecotourism focus, gardens with exotic species, an herbarium, a garden maze and a butterfly garden.
• Photography - Photography is a popular activity thanks to the varied cultural, architectural and scenic options available, as well as the wealth of flora and fauna, waterfalls, rivers, volcanoes, coffee and sugarcane plantations and dairies.
• Spanish lessons - Spanish lessons are  offered in some state universities, as well as through a few private institutions and travel agencies. Courses may be taken not only in the capital but also in towns such as San Isidro de Coronado, Colon City and Paraiso.
• Butterfly and snake gardens - Visitors  can observe a variety of butterfly species or learn about the natural history of snakesin San Jose, Heredia and Turrialba.
• Rural tourism activities and services - Rural tourism activities  in the Central Valley area plentiful. A wide variety of attractions and activities are offered around La Cangreja Lodge in Puriscal, one kilometer south of Mastatal. Activities include nature-trail hiking, visits to a sugar mill, horseback riding to Del Rey waterfalls or La Cangreja hill, tobacco tours and visits to the Quitirrisi Indigenous Reservation.
• San Jose Rural Lodge - offers several activities and attractions including trips through a nature preserve, visits to a coffee refinery, bicycle tours and visits to the Quitirrisi
• Indigenous reservation - There are several indigenous centers that welcome visitors in this region.
• Bajo La Paz Student Hostel - allows guests to enjoy nature and communal life. Activities include hiking trails through primary and secondary forests, horseback rides to Las Placas hill, visits to sugar mills and waterfalls and trout fishing.
• La Flor de Paraiso Tropical Agro-ecology Farm and Language School - offers tours of the property, visits with farm animals, organic crops, observing forest in regeneration, a crafts workshop, botanical garden and sugar mill.

Puntarenas

Overview

Puntarenas is one of the most important tourism regions in Costa Rica. Its coastline is full of islands, inlets, beaches, and beautiful natural treasures, all of which make it an excellent  destination. There is a multitude of attractions based around the beaches, as well as protected areas, both land- based and around its islands. 

The peninsula area includes popular tourist sites  Tambor, Santa Teresa, and Montezuma, all with very beautiful natural beaches.  You can also find the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, San Lucas, Chira, Tortuga, and Coco Islands.

In Monteverde, the primary attraction is the Monteverde Biological Reserve, however there are many other nature sites, picturesque trails, hanging bridges, as well as butterfly and frog exhibits.

Things To Do

What to do in Puntarenas and the gulf islands

• Monteverde Cloud Forest - The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the natural jewels of Costa Rica, as it is one of the few patches of this type of forest that still exist in the world as well as one of the best known worldwide for the scientific research The nearby town of Santa Elena offers plenty of hotels and restaurants, along with a wide range of activities including tree-climbing, canyoning, zip lining, and hiking in various private reserves in the area.
• Montezuma beach and waterfalls - Playa Montezuma is a small cove in the Gulf of Nicoya.  One of the main attractions of the area is the Montezuma waterfall and containing a natural pool, which can be enjoyed after a walk along the riverbed.
• Cabuya beach and the Absolute Natural Reserve of Cabo Blanco - Cabuya Beach features  a rocky walkway that at low tide connects the mainland with the island of Cabuya, where there is an interesting Pre-Columbian Indian cemetery that is still in operation. Nearby is the Absolute Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve.
• Gulf of Nicoya isles - The Gulf of Nicoya is home to several islands and islets.  Among the largest islands in the Gulf are: Deer Island with lots of mangroves,  Sugar Bread Islet with a large population of seabirds, particularly brown pelicans; Chira Island, the largest island in the Gulf; San Lucas Isle, where the former prison of Costa Rica was located.
• Tárcoles River and crocodiles - The Tárcoles River offers crocodile watching. On the way to the Pacific coast, the main bridge over the Tárcoles River has become an obligatory stop for visitors interested in seeing the crocodiles. You can enjoy boat tours  to the mouth of the river to watch birds and have a closer experience with crocodiles
• Surf in Barranca’s River-mouth - Mostly known for its surfers, Rio Boca Barranca is considered one of the best beaches for longboard in the world and the second longest and slow wave of Costa Rica, which allows surfers more time to try and practice pirouettes. Whether you are a surfer or you just like to watch the action, this is the place to be.
• Puntarenas and Mata Limón estuaries - The estuary of Puntarenas is full of seabirds, which is the reason why it has been named a wildlife refuge. The estuary of Mata Limón is  near the town of Caldera, a few kilometers away from Puntarenas, perfect for artisanal fishing and seabird watching.

Experiences 

• Monteverde, Coffee tour - Who would not want to take a tour of a coffee plantation? The coffee processing plant of the co-op in the San Luis community allows visitors to learn about the process, ending with a stop at the roasting facility to taste samples of the coffee.
• San Luis waterfall - Located in the town of San Luis, the waterfall is an impressive site at around 1,000 ft. To get there, visitors must walk a short distance.
• Monteverde music festival - This takes place during snowbird season --different musical groups from around the country are invited to perform between December and March.
• Visiting art galleries - There are a number of art galleries to visit with courses on ceramics, sculpting or painting offered, as well as the purchase products on sale there. There are also photos available of the flora, fauna, and landscapes of Costa Rica.
• Cheese factory, Monteverde - The main attraction is observing the cheese making process and purchasing ice cream, sweets and other products that derive from milk.
• Quaker community - The Quakers came to Monteverde in the 1950s in order to carry on with their customs and lifestyle. They are dedicated to farming and livestock, which later led to the creation of a milk cooperative, benefitting local Costa Ricans in the area.
• Casem arts and crafts - The Committee for Santa Elena and Monteverde Artisans (CASEM ) offer creative pieces made from wood, clothing, and souvenirs made from various materials.

See why Canadian snowbirds love Costa Rica: