Northwestern Costa Rica Travel Guide

Don't miss out on the Sky Trek while here. Zipping above the rainforest on cable lines is an amazing experience!

I had the opportunity to visit Costa Rica in 2001 after I won an all-expenses paid Extreme Vacation trip from a local radio station. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this country, you have to make sure to plan a to stay a couple of days in the Arenal region.

The Arenal region is an awesome place to visit. I stayed at the Arenal Lodge, and my room's balcony faced a courtyard full of lovely flowers and provided an idyllic view of the most active volcano in Costa Rica - Volcan Arenal. The view in the early morning and late evening hours is fabulous because you can actually see the volcano erupt and watch the lava flow down the side of the mountain. In addition to watch the volcano, you have to venture down toward the hot springs that are heated by the volcano itself. Just sitting under a small waterfall with the water rushing over your shoulders will ease away all of the tension from your neck.

Other things that you should check out while there is to take a canopy tour through the trees in the surrounding area. The guides are helpful, friendly, and experts at making sure that you are properly secured before you take off from one tree to the other. If you do the canopy tour, make sure to bring plenty of mosquito spray because you will be in the midst of the jungle.

Another activity you should plan is to book a whitewater rafting tour on the Toro River, a Class IV river, offered by a company in La Fortuna. The tour can be arranged prior to arriving at the hotel, and you can arrange for transportation to and from the hotel to get you where you need to meet with the rest of the people on the tour. After a day of whitewater rafting, you are treated to an authentic Costa Rican meal at a local restaurant and then it is back to your hotel.

There are plenty of things to do and see in the Arenal region of Costa Rica. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days there to take advantage of some of the local activities and have a good time!

Monteverde is where all tourists go in Costa Rica . Nevertheless it is worth going there. It is beautiful and there is so much to do! If you go there, please do sleep at Hostel Jireh in Santa Elena! The owner Guillermo, a young, enthusiastic Costa Rican guy, who just started the hostel, will make sure you will have the best time ever! The place is small and simple, but very very cheap, clean and you have everything you'll need (kitchen, great breakfast, internet, hot shower, excellent advice concerning trips and possibility to book them), plus the best service! We didn't want to leave because we had such an amazing time. The atmosphere is very cosy, it feels like you're one family. Guillermo introduces all backpackers to each other, organises barbecues and even goes dancing with you!

Please have a look at:  www.hosteljireh.com