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Off the Beaten Path in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path

Web pic: Oxcart procession
by OCNJBritt

Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Costa Rica attractions, posted by real travelers and locals.

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Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path

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	Free Arenal Hot Springs, Tabacon Tip Rating:

By ABankerMU on January 4, 2005

Costa Rica Page by ABankerMU

Arenal Hot Springs, Tabacon

by ABankerMU

Just west of the Tabacon resort near Volcan Arenal along Hwy 142, there is a small bridge, under which runs a small stream. If you want to experience hot springs without doing the Resort/Spa for $25, park your car in the spa parking lot and head down to the bridge. At the bridge, carefully climb down on the North side of the street. When down, start hiking south (crossing under the bridge). It may seem strange, but if you keep going, you'll find plenty of places to relax in the hot spring water amongst the peace and quiet of the forest. It was great. I hate resorts, and love to get off the beaten track. This is the best of both worlds. Check out the picture attached.

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	Manzanillo Hiking Trail Tip Rating:

By ABankerMU on January 4, 2005

Costa Rica Page by ABankerMU

Manzanillo

by ABankerMU

Manzanillo is a small town a short drive from Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side of the country. If you drive to the southern end of the town, there is a dirt/sand road that continues onto/along the beach. If you follow that road until it ends, you can follow the beach several hundred meters until you reach a trail that goes back into the rainforest. The trail weaves in and out of the RF, on and off of the beach, to many deserted and picturesque stretches of beach. There is plenty of wildlife to be seen and heard along the way as well. This is a great hike and well worth getting a pair of shoes muddy and wet.

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	Stop at the bridge and check out the crocodiles Tip Rating:

By frank_delargy on September 13, 2004

Costa Rica Page by frank_delargy

looking down at the cro from
the bridge

by frank_delargy

On the road to Quepos from San Jose there is a bridge that you cross over. At the far end of the bridge should be some cars parked and there should be some people on the bridge. They are looking at crocodiles.
The crocodiles just wait in the water with their mouths open. I think that they are waiting for fish to swim into their mouths.
While on the bridge we saw a gorgeous pair of scarlet macaws flying over the river... an incredible image.. but too far away to get a good picture with my digital camera.

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	Catarata La Fortuna Tip Rating:

By ABankerMU on January 4, 2005

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Catarata La Fortuna

by ABankerMU

The waterfalls of Catarata La Fortuna are an excellent way to kill a couple hours. Near the Arenal area, specifically Fortuna, the waterfalls are a short hike down a well maintained trail. The steps can be slippery when wet. The hike down is a piece of cake, but you may need to take a break or two on the way back up. The waterfall and surrounding rainforest are beautiful. Check out one of the various travel guides or ask around in Fortuna to get directions.

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	Look for crabs near the rivers & beaches. Tip Rating:

Updated By frank_delargy on April 29, 2005

Costa Rica Page by frank_delargy

blue crab

by frank_delargy

We saw some wonderul red, white & blue crabs in a stream that went down towards the beach. I don't know how common they are, but we saw quite a few.
I was dumbfounded by the colours.
I mean how many red, white & blue animals have you seen?? Except of course for the equally exciting Macaws.

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Website: http://delargy.com/2003_8_CostaRica/Costa_Rica_pacific_coast.htm

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	Nesting turtles Tip Rating:

By kyoub on March 26, 2005

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Olive Ridley Turtle

by kyoub

Nesting turtles can be found on the beach of Ostinal National Wildlife Refuge, most any night of the year. The massive arrivals called arribadas are usually only between July and Dec..
We were there in Sept, there was a full moon, and as soon as we arrived out on the black sand beach, we could see the Olive Ridley turtles coming ashore.
They drug their heavy bodies, full of eggs, up to the top of the beach and started digging a hole. Soon they started laying their eggs. There were vultures all around, trying to grab the eggs to eat. The turtles used their large flappers to hurry and cover the hole, then they went back to the sea.
What a thrilling experience this was, it seemed I was just dreaming.

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	Away from the beach where the Monkeys play Tip Rating:

Updated By zweiblumen on December 1, 2004

Costa Rica Page by zweiblumen

Look Out Point

by zweiblumen

Manuel Antonio National Park is popular for it's beaches. Located about 7km to the South of Quepos on the Pacific coast. Just a 3km walk from the Playa Espadilla Sur beach you reach a look out point with excellent views over the ocean and the bay surrounding Playa Puerto Escondido. The walk takes you through forest and the chances of seeing monkeys are very great indeed, in particular White Faced Capuchins plus the rarer Squirrel Monkeys, Three Toed Sloths may also be seen. Look out too for large (harmless) lizards called Ctenosaurs.

Just follow the signs for "Mirador"

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	Your own secret beach in the middle of the country Tip Rating:

Updated By regs on September 1, 2004

Costa Rica Page by regs

Matapalo at sunset

by regs

Matapalo Beach is located 45 mins S of Manuel Antonio, and about 15 mins N of Dominical. When we went (end of high season) there was 2 other people staying in the entire village! We ate breakfast with large iguanas and wild horses, and took midnight swims under a full moon. It felt like our own secret beach.
The water is warm (although beware of the undertow at high tide), the sand is black, and the locals are extremely friendly.
It is easiest to reach by renting a car, as the buses to/from Manuel Antonio are not consistent. Be warned - in rainy season the road can often get washed out! There are no places to get cash, and most places don't take credit cards. Stock up before leaving one of the main towns.
The beach on either side leads to natural estuaries, where you can go kayaking, or take part in jungle/canopy tours.
Check out my recommendation for Bahari Beach Bungalows under accomodation: http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/t/ea7b1/3/9ca/

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	Parque Viborana Tip Rating:

Updated By zweiblumen on December 1, 2004

Costa Rica Page by zweiblumen

Red Eyed Tree Frog

by zweiblumen

Approximately 10km to the East of Turrialba (Cordillera Central, Cartago region) is the Parque Viborana sepentarium a small privately run reptile collection. Among the collection can be seen several of Costa Rica's (and the World's) most venomous snakes (such as the Bushmaster and Fer de Lance) plenty of photo opportunities here! Not just poisonous snakes but a Boa Constrictor, smaller non venomous snakes and Tree Frogs. For anyone wanting to learn about reptiles this is the place to go. You can also get the chance to handle some of the creatures (not the poisonous ones obviously!)

Entrance fee to the serpentarium is US$7.00 money goes towards reptile research.

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Phone: 538-1510, 381-4781

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	View an active crater Tip Rating:

By kyoub on March 26, 2005

Costa Rica Page by kyoub

Poas park

by kyoub

At Poas Volcano, you can stand at the edge of the crater and look down 900+ feet and watch geyserlike eruptions that leave no doubt this mountain is very active.
There are trails in the park but mostly you will see rabbits, frogs, and toads.
Around 80 species of birds live in this 13,838 acre park so keep your bins handy.

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