7 Things to do in Costa Rica

Here's a list of seven great things to do in Costa Rica, starting at number seven and working its way to number one:

7. Climb a volcano
When you think of Costa Rica you may not think right away about volcanoes, but the truth is that the country is as good a place as any to go see these geological beasts. One of the best places to go is Arenal Volcano near the town of La Fortuna. At night, if the weather permits, a climb up this amazing volcano can lead to some incredible sightings of bright red flowing lava. To top things off, down near town a host of resorts have taken advantage of this below surface heating by creating some of the world's most impressive hot spring systems.

6. Go bird watching
Now before you start cracking jokes about "twitchers" and "birdders" being more bird than human, you have to give birding in Costa Rica a try. The cloud forest region of Costa Rica is home to some of the most diverse bird life. Through the trees you might glimpse brightly coloured toucans, humming birds, parrots and even a famous mythical bird called the quetzalcoatl if you are really lucky. You'd be hard pressed to find a better place to bird watch in the world.

5. Bathe in a waterfall
Who doesn't want that movie experience where you're swimming in a cool pool of water below a powerful waterfall? There are a number of very impressive waterfalls in Costa Rica that seemingly just carve through the rain forest landscape before crashing into pools of pristine water. 

4.Go surfing
Costa Rica provides some of the best surfing in all of Central America.  From the northern beach towns of Mal Pais all the way down to the easy breaks of Manuel Antonio and Jaco, while in Costa Rica you are never too far from good swell.  It doesn't matter if your a hardened surfer or a first timer hoping to learn, there are lots of opportunities to ride the waves.  The best part is that there is never a soft sand beach or a cold beer too far away.

3. See the sea turtles
On both coasts of the country there is the chance to take part in watching the sea turtles nest.  Seeing these giant animals, who are still remnants of the age of the dinosaur, climb onto the shores of the beaches and nest is an absolute thrill.  The opportunity to watch as the turtles carve the beach with such speed and then plopping out dozens of round eggs is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most.

2. Go ziplining
Costa Rica has the original zipline near the town of Monteverde, and who doesn't want to do the original?  Strap yourself to a cable and speed your way through the middle of the high cloud forest as trees, and the life that lives within them, whizzes by at top speed.

1. Search for monkeys...or better yet, sloths
Throughout the country there are lots of opportunities to see monkeys, or better yet sloths.  National Parks like Manuel Antonio provide the easiest entry into the rain forest which will allow you to have an up close and personal experience with the animals.  If you're hoping to dig a little bit deeper head down to the Osa Peninsula which actually forms the second most bio-diverse place on the planet next the Brazil's Pantanal region.  If you like monkeys, Costa Rica is a great place for you.

Brendan van Son is a travel writer and photographer from Alberta, Canada.  You can read about his travels at Brendan's Adventures or check him out on Facebook.

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