Famous for its nighttime lava fireworks, Arenal Volcano towers above a lovely lake of the same name.

The 10,526-hectare/26,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, nestled in moisture-filled hanging clouds, provides a home to thousands of species of plants, animals and insects. a

This national park is the largest tract of virgin rain forest in Costa Rica and covers more than half of the Osa Peninsula. Famous for its scarlet macaws and a multitude of other wildlife, it is a colorful must-see for adventure naturalists

Manuel Antonio is home to one of the smallest national parks (1,700 acres) and is by far the most popular in Costa Rica. While visiting Manuel Antonio, you can easily venture into the town of Quepos.