If your future vacation plans are taking you to Costa Rica then you’re in for some amazing meals! Known for their mild yet flavorful cuisine, the food in Costa Rica is both homey and healthy. For many vacationers the main attraction to a specific area is the food (and special dishes do make up a larger portion of our identifying cultures). You’ll enjoy many meals with your family and fellow travelers as you enjoy the beautiful land of Costa Rica.
The City of Costa Rica has put millions of dollars into its tourism and since people from all over the world vacation there, you can find and taste just about any type of food you want. But, if you’re looking for authentic cuisine you’re going to love the local fare as well. Rice and beans are a staple that are served at just about every meal, including breakfast! You’ll also find a heavy use of plantain, from the banana family, which can be fried, mashed, cooked into chips or made into soup.
A typical breakfast features rice and black beans, eggs, tortillas, fried plantains and a big cup of coffee! Main meat dishes use pork or beef but you can also get chicken and fish (especially along the coast).
Although the meals can be starchy, the use of an abundance of fruits and vegetables and lack of dairy products make this a fairly healthy nutritional region. The tropical fruits and veggies found in Costa Rica will make meal time fun and educational for the whole family, not to mention delicious! You’ll have plenty of fresh papaya, guava, watermelon and coconut to eat! In fact, coconut is another “Tico” favorite and is featured in many dishes.
Costa Rica’s main export is coffee, and rich bold coffee is available everywhere you look. It’s a caffeine lover’s dream vacation! Served black or with milk, the fresh beans are hard to beat. Another local special you can enjoy while shopping in the tourists districts is Agua de pipa (quite literally a young green coconut with a straw). Suffice to say, you will be well feed during your Costa Rica Rios Adventure Vacation!
Puerto Viejo and Cahuita lie within the province of Limon and are the two main tourist towns of the southern Caribbean coast in Costa Rica. They are like a country within a country (think Texas) and you will feel like you crossed a border somewhere and ended up on a Caribbean island. The culture is very different than the rest of the country, with a more Rasta and Caribbean flair, unique cuisine emphasizing the use of coconut milk, curry and fresh seafood, and a laid back friendly pace of life. They celebrate Carnival, just like in the Caribbean Islands, and the whole province celebrates with a long weekend of partying, extravagant costumes, lots of music and delicious street BBQs.
Wildlife
The area is a natural habitat for a wide variety of exotic creatures and is home to the famous Sloth Sanctuary. There, they rehabilitate and care for injured or orphaned sloths and try to teach visitors about this extraordinary animals. There is also the Jaguar Rescue center in Playa Cocles that also helps needy animals and is open for morning tours, but in the afternoons they are busy taking the animals into the forest to see which ones are ready to fend for themselves in the “real world.” There are also several national parks and reserves, with well kept walking trails to follow. This is where you will see an incredible amount of Costa Rican wildlife. I have never been to this part of Costa Rica without seeing many monkeys (howler and white-faced) and sloths, as well as tons of exotic birds, iguanas, turtles nesting, some snakes and more. If your Costa Rica adventure vacation is not complete without some wildlife, you should definitely consider a visit to this area.
The beaches along this coastline are stunningly beautiful with the jungle touching the sand, which leads into the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. They are almost always empty, giving you a feel of really getting away from it all. Rent a bike and ride up and down the coast until you find your own special piece of paradise. Our favorite beach is Punta Uva. It’s a truly idyllic spot, with calm warm waters which are great for our young kids, some nice snorkeling, soft sand and just enough waves to boogie board sometimes. You can also rent sea kayaks or stand up paddle boards and explore the rocky outcropping that makes a natural boundary for the beach. Playa Cocles and Playa Negra are better known for their excellent surf. The world-famous Salsa Brava is an epic break that comes up in an easterly swell and can be massive! It’s recommended for experts and pros only as the reef below can do some real damage to the unlucky.
Things to See and Do
Although this area doesn’t feel super touristy, there is still plenty to do. Learn about the indigenous people, swim in waterfalls, snorkel the Caribbean sea, take a surf lesson, rent a SUP board,zipline through the rainforest or go horseback riding. The hotels are mostly small boutique hotels with bungalows dotted around tropical gardens. They’re perfect for couples on their honeymoon, intrepid travelers and families on their Costa Rican family vacation. We prefer to stay outside of the town for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Puerto Viejo has around 49 countries represented by the expatriates who call it home, which means there are a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. From authentic Italian to Thai to simple but delicious sandwiches on freshly made bread, you’ll be able to get something to please everyone. Don’t forget to visit Bread and Chocolate (open for breakfast and lunch) and try their delicious iced coffees and homemade organic chocolates.
So, if you are someone who likes to experience something a little different on your vacation, doesn’t need 5-star all-inclusive resorts and likes to explore the less explored, then the Puerto Viejo could be a good place to finish up your Costa Rican adventure vacation or adventure honeymoon. Contact us today to see how it can fit within your itinerary.
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If you’ve never been to a tropical climate, the idea of a jungle or rainforest may sound very exotic. It is. Costa Rica has both rainforest and jungle. Some people refer to these forested areas interchangeably. While the two eco systems are very similar, there are a lot of differences that come into play. The biggest contrast is the amount of sunlight that peeks through the treetops. It dramatically changes the environment. If you’re planning a vacation or a honeymoon in Costa Rica, it’s helpful to know how these beautiful landscapes teeming with wildlife compare to each other, especially if you want to go exploring.
The Quick Difference: Jungle vs. Rainforest at a Glance
Before going deeper into what each ecosystem looks and feels like on the ground, here is the clearest way to understand the two terms side by side.
Rainforest refers to a dense tropical forest defined by two characteristics above all else: exceptionally high annual rainfall and a towering, closed canopy formed by the crowns of trees reaching 60 to 100 feet or more.
Because that canopy seals out sunlight, the forest floor remains relatively clear of thick ground vegetation. Most animal life, from monkeys and sloths to birds and insects, lives up in the canopy layers rather than at ground level. Costa Rica’s primary rainforests at Corcovado, Tortuguero, and Braulio Carrillo are textbook examples.
Jungle describes the dense, tangled, nearly impenetrable vegetation that forms wherever light reaches the ground. Jungles grow on the fringes of rainforests, along riverbanks, in naturally disturbed areas caused by storms or floods, and anywhere the canopy has thinned or been cleared.
The result is a wall of vines, shrubs, ground plants, and low-growing trees fighting for the available light. Jungles are harder to navigate on foot but rich with visible wildlife at close range.
The simplest way to remember it: a rainforest creates a jungle when light gets in.
Is Costa Rica a Jungle or a Rainforest?
Costa Rica is both, and neither term fully captures the country’s ecosystem variety. The country spans just 0.03 percent of the Earth’s surface yet contains close to 6 percent of all known species on the planet. That extraordinary concentration of biodiversity exists because Costa Rica is home to six distinct forest types, not just one. Rainforest, jungle, cloud forest, tropical dry forest, mangrove, and riparian forest all exist here, often within a few hours of each other.
More than a quarter of the country’s national territory is protected land. More than half of Costa Rica is forested. Because of that conservation commitment, the rainforests remain intact enough that genuine jungle conditions are relatively less common than in countries where deforestation has been more extensive. Where rivers cut through the forest, where storms have toppled trees, and where national parks border agricultural land, the jungle thrives at the edges.
The Jungle
Amid the wilderness of Costa Rica is the jungle. It’s a dense forest comingled with trees and vegetation. The trees grow close together, and leafy vines seem to connect the dots. Animals have free range, roaming among the trees or through the wealth of plants that create a thick groundcover. The jungle is also filled with the sounds of wild animals singing, chattering and calling to each other amid the rustle of leaves and flowers. Humans find it more challenging to navigate, but it’s quite a sight to see. One of the most exhilarating ways to view the jungles of Costa Rica is to take a zipline ride over these scenic forested areas. Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River is another option.
Had an incredible week with Costa Rica Rios! The adventure had the perfect amount of adventure and rest. We explored the beauty of the country’s rural areas and connected with a bunch of amazing local guides. Highly recommend traveling with this company.
We are a family group of 10 - two 70-yr old grandparents, three adults in their 40s and 5 grandchildren, between the ages of 12 and 17. Costa Rica Rios did a wonderful job helping us organize a great 9-day vacation. We chose lots of activities (teenagers love that!), and Costa Rica Rios did all the leg work, providing transportation from the airport, between the 2 hotels we chose, and to all of the activities - from our hotel. All the drivers were great, and we really appreciated not having to navigate some of the bumpy roads ourselves. The tour guides at all the sites were just wonderful! They were friendly, spoke English well, and kindly answered our many questions! You can tell that they love Costa Rica, and are so eager to preserve all the natural beauty there! We chose two locations: La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio These are the activities we chose and enjoyed! La Fortuna - Nature Safari Float, Hanging Bridges and Canopy Zipline Tour, Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, Coffee and Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio - Manuel Antonio Nat. Park Private Guided Tour, Half-day Sport Fishing, Manuel Antonio Beach, ATV tour The two hotels that they selected for us were just wonderful! Beautiful landscaping, nice rooms, excellent restaurants. La Fortuna - Hotel Los Lagos Manuel Antonio - Hotel Costa Verde I was a little concerned that we might get a LOT of rain, since it was in the rainy season. We had some rain, but it didn't hinder the fun that we had! Lots of beautiful memories of a great family time! Thank you Costa Rica Rios!
I just wrapped up my second adventure with Costa Rica Rios and I can’t say enough good things. Henry (aka Ninja) and Michael, along with the entire crew, are the absolute best at what they do. From the moment you arrive, you feel like family — they handle every detail with so much care, humor, and local wisdom.
Every day was packed with jaw-dropping adventures: river rafting, kayaking, zip lining, waterfall rappelling — you name it. They balance safety and adrenaline so perfectly that even when you’re pushing your limits, you feel completely looked after.
This trip is off-the-grid magic. Great food, stunning scenery, and a team that loves what they do and makes you love every second too. If you’re thinking about booking — do it! I came back for my second year in a row, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
We just got back from Costa Rica -- it was fabulous AND stress free thanks to Costa Rica Rio. We usually arrange our own trips and activities but we were so happy that we traveled with Costa Rica Rio this time. Everything happened as scheduled at top notch venues and on time, every time. Frasier revised our trip four times to get it exactly right and within our budget. Costa Rica Rio deserves 10 stars.
Response from the owner 1 year ago
Thanks for the incredible review, Connie and it's so nice to hear that you loved your vacation. Pura vida!
If there were more stars to give, I would give them!! 100% the best adventure vacation we've ever been on!! There were 6 of us on the tour of varying abilities, and we all had an epic time! Henry and Michael were the best guides ever: knowledgeable, skilled, and funny! The rafting was spectacular, the zip lining and Tarzan swing were perfect for the adrenaline junkies among us, the tour at Manuel Antonio NP gave us a chance to see a ton of animals, and the sea kayaking was beautiful. Highly recommend this tour company! We didn't want the vacation to end. Pura Vida!
Response from the owner 1 year ago
Thanks for the fantastic review, Misty! It's so nice to hear that you loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!
My family of 5 (mom, dad, 3 sons who are 21+) had the BEST trip ever. We've been on various adventure tours but this one was the absolute BEST! We were met at the airport by a very friendly guide. We waited a short while for one other group participant to arrive and then were driven a few hours to Villa Florencia. This was a beautiful resort with a restaurant, pool, work out area and many places to relax. We arrived at around lunchtime and needed to arrange a lunch with the restaurant staff as this was not provided. Food was provided from dinner that first night through breakfast on the last day. Each night all week, our fearless leader briefed us on what to expect the next day. We went kayaking, zip-lining, whitewater rafting for 2 days on #1,2,3,4 rapids, hiking, tarzan swing, repelling down a handful of waterfalls, walk in animal sanctuary, morning at the beach and shopping. There's probably more I'm forgetting as the schedule was very packed. My favorite place was the ECO Lodge without electricity where the view and experience was spectacular. We traveled with a group of 13 people (including our family) in a van with our Leader and Driver. We all got along very well and had a great time together. It didn't take long for us to feel like a family. The food was great, accommodations also great (some had more bugs than others but hey, this is Costa Rica - there are bugs!) I recommend a few things: listen to your guide and you will have a much better time - when traveling, when adventuring, when given safety warnings and for all things Costa Rica. Bring a watertight sealed bag for your camera to wear around your neck so you can take pictures in all settings. Bring a pair of binoculars for animal viewing. Bring good water shoes that you can also hike in, and another pair of shoes that can get wet and muddy along with flip flops and something else. I was glad I brought 4 pairs of shoes to wear. One pair gets wet and you will have another to wear. They do not necessarily dry out overnight. Bring lots of t-shirts and shorts for the same reason. You will go through clothing. Bring rain gear. Not much need for dress-up clothes although you might want something clean for restaurants and a possible trip to a bar. There's not much opportunity to wash/dry clothes. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. There is some time for relaxing in the evenings before and after dinner. Bring the stuff on the list you are given. Keep in mind that at the end there is an expectation to tip guides 5-10% of the total per person in cash. An envelope is given out for this purpose. It was our understanding that guides would be given % dependent on how much contact they had with the group all week. There are ATM's in town that you can access the day before you leave. I highly recommend this trip for adventurous people who are tolerant of bugs and who love to see the world and meet other adventurous people. Excellent trip we will have a hard time topping elsewhere!
Response from the owner 2 years ago
Thanks for the amazing review Teresa! It's so nice to hear that you and your family loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!
Wonderful Accommodations and transportation . Great food! Week of Adventures was amazing. Fun River paddles, hiking , zip lining and rappelling waterfalls. Great guides on the water and land. Wonderful country and people 💖
Response from the owner 2 years ago
Thanks for the fantastic review, Susan and it's great to hear you loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!
They were fantastic to work with. I had MANY questions before booking our trip and even during our trip. They always got back to me very quickly and had very thorough answers. I also changed my plans for the trip and they were able to smoothly make a new itinerary. The transfers were safe and efficient and on time. All excursions were fun!! I highly recommend Costa Rica Rios!
Response from the owner 2 years ago
Thank you for the lovely review, Danielle and it's so nice to hear you enjoyed your vacation. Pura vida!
I have no doubt that Costa Rica Rios is one of the best adventure companies in Costa Rica! Everything from start to finish of the adventure tour was executed so smoothly and so perfectly. This company and their guides are extremely professional, experienced and work to ensure your safety and comfort 100% of the time. Experience level is not a concern for them, and they will complete all the activities to fulfill your needs. The guides we had were all local, and had decades worth of experience in kayaking, rafting, hiking, climbing, etc.. They all spoken English fluently and shared beautiful stories and facts about the surrounding areas of Turrialba, CR. The accommodations we stayed in were amazing, especially the Eco Lodge which sits alongside the Pacuare River. The food was fantastic and locally sourced. The airport pickup, drop off and all other transportation in between was so punctual and so smooth. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Costa Rica! It is a beautiful and fun way to see the country off the beaten path and get to know some of the locals and some other travellers. As a young solo female traveller, I felt extremely safe and well taken care of by Costa Rica Rios. I’ll be back!
Response from the owner 2 years ago
Thank you for the amazing review Hillary and it's so nice to hear that you loved your vacation with us. Pura vida!
Usually my wife and I plan our vacations ourselves, so this was our first time using a travel agency. Costa Rica Rios put together a personalized trip for us based on our budget and interests and it all went way better than I expected.
The accommodations were lovely, the activities and guides were all excellent and having the transportation pre-arranged was a huge convenience. Everyone was on time to the minute.
Particularly nice was that all activities (and even transportation) were private -- just me, my wife and the guide or driver. I wasn't expecting that, especially on a whitewater rafting trip! That made the activities feel more personal and special.
Response from the owner 2 years ago
Thanks for the great review Seth and it's so nice to hear you enjoyed your vacation. Pura vida!
Our family of six (parents plus four adolescents) went on the Week of Adventures! We had the most amazing time on the adventures, as well as enjoying typical Costa Rican food and learning about "Tico" culture. Our guides were knowledgable, attentive and enthusiastic, and they were completely focused on our safety during all of the adventures. We had plenty of time to rest at the wonderful hotels (we especially loved the Eco-lodge) and we enjoyed the kayaking, zip-lining, rafting, snorkeling and canyoning thoroughly! The landscape in Costa Rica is absolutely stunning and we loved every moment of this incredible adventure! Thank you, Henry (AKA "Ninja"), Paolo, Jeffrey, Gustavo, and Manuel for taking such great care of us in your beautiful country!
Response from the owner 2 years ago
What a fantastic review thanks, Christine. It's so nice to hear that you and your family enjoyed your vacation and we hope to see you again at some point in the future. Pura vida!
This trip was our first big trip together and I was super nervous on how to plan it. What if things went wrong, what if I missed our flight, etc. Costa Rica Rios helped with practically everything except packing my bags. Great communication, great recommendations. Everything we had booked for us was an amazing experience. If we could, we'd use this company for every place we'd go to all over the world.
We absolutely LOVED our trip with Costa Rica Rios. Our group was led by Manuel who was INCREDIBLE! We could not have asked for a better set of guides and drivers. Raul, Ronnie, Emanuel, Carolina, Pablo, and Randall we LOVE you! Costa Rica Rios provided an amazing tour and exceeded all of our trip expectations. We were met at the airport with snacks, water, juice, and beer! From that point on we fell in love with Turrialba, especially those tortillas! The views are breathtaking, the beach so fun, and the rivers amazing. The Pacuare Eco Lodge is a refreshing breath of fresh air off the beaten path and supplied with the best cooks (guides) ever. You will never go hungry on this trip. We saw so many sloths, toucans, frogs, snakes, birds, and more! The Week of Adventures is truly designed with everything you want in mind and executed flawlessly. There were plenty of activities but also ample down time to hang out and chill. We loved all of the food, the people, the country, everything. We cannot say enough good things about this local company. Until we see you again family, Pura Vida!
The rainforests of Costa Rica are similar to the jungle, but they have layers. There’s little vegetation on the ground except where the stray ray of sun shines through. You won’t find the dense tangle of plants and vines growing under your feet the way it is in the jungle. Instead, there’s a high canopy of treetops that shields the sun from peeking through. Vines climb up long tree trunks to reach the sunlight. This is where the vast majority of rainforest animals live. In this setting, trees can range from 60 feet tall to well over 100 feet. A lower canopy of treetops blocks out sunlight below 60 feet, creating a humid environment. The cool breezes rarely
The Animalsbreak through this layer, but the sounds of the busy animal kingdom in the treetops filters down below and fills the air. It’s much warmer on the ground. The moist hot air creates a lush environment for ferns and flowers in this tropical setting. Rodents and reptiles roam the ground in this rain-soaked environment, which is dotted with rivers, streams and waterfalls.
Much of the wildlife is the same in canopies of the jungle and rainforest. Monkeys, macaws, anteaters, snakes and sloths are just a few of the wild animals found in the Costa Rican jungle. A trek through the rainforest also reveals various species of birds, monkeys, snakes and sloths. Creatures like the peccary, lizards, tree frogs and an assortment of cats and rodents also roam the jungle and rainforest, foraging for food and water.
The Four Layers of a Costa Rican Rainforest
Understanding the structure of the rainforest makes any visit far more rewarding. Rather than a single undifferentiated wall of green, a tropical rainforest is organized vertically into four distinct layers, each functioning as its own habitat.
The Emergent Layer
This layer sits at the very top, where the tallest trees push above the main canopy and can reach 130 feet or higher. Harpy eagles, large bats, and butterflies are the primary residents of this zone. The wind is stronger here, which helps with seed dispersal.
The Canopy Layer
This layer forms the roof of the forest, typically between 60 and 100 feet above the ground. This is where the vast majority of Costa Rica’s wildlife spends its life: howler monkeys, spider monkeys, three-toed sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans, and hundreds of bird species all live and feed here. Up to 90 percent of all rainforest creatures are found in the canopy or above it.
Costa Rica’s remarkable wildlife diversity across its forest layers is one of the many reasons why visiting its iconic animals in their natural habitat ranks among the most sought-after experiences in the country.
The Understory Layer
This layer exists between the canopy and the forest floor. It receives very little direct sunlight, staying dim and humid. Smaller trees, young trees reaching for light, tree frogs, many snake species, and shade-tolerant plants thrive in this zone. Leopards and ocelots move through the understory hunting for prey.
The Forest Floor
This layer is the lowest layer, receiving less than 2 percent of the available sunlight. Decomposition happens rapidly here due to heat and humidity. Tapirs, jaguars, peccaries, leafcutter ant colonies, and an extraordinary variety of beetles, fungi, and invertebrates call this layer home.
The Animals
Much of the wildlife is the same in the canopies of the jungle and rainforest. Monkeys, macaws, anteaters, snakes, and sloths are just a few of the wild animals found in the Costa Rican jungle. A trek through the rainforest also reveals various species of birds, monkeys, snakes, and sloths. Creatures like the peccary, lizards, tree frogs, and an assortment of cats and rodents also roam the jungle and rainforest, foraging for food and water.
A jungle or a rainforest can grow naturally, creating an ecosystem where plants and animals thrive. When part of a rainforest is cleared, however, rays of sunlight encourage growth of vegetation across the ground, creating a jungle instead.
Costa Rica is home to four species of monkeys: the howler, spider, white-faced capuchin, and squirrel monkey. Spotting all four species on a single trip is entirely possible with the right itinerary, and birding enthusiasts will want to note that Costa Rica holds more than 900 recorded bird species across its forest types.
Two species of sloth share the canopy. At the larger end of the wildlife spectrum, Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula support populations of jaguars, pumas, ocelots, Baird’s tapirs, and the endangered harpy eagle.
Reptile life is equally rich, with crocodiles, caimans, more than 150 snake species, and hundreds of lizard species distributed across the country’s ecosystems. Poison dart frogs, red-eyed tree frogs, and glass frogs are among the roughly 170 amphibian species found here. Costa Rica holds more than 900 recorded bird species, which represents approximately 10 percent of all bird species on Earth.
The Six Forest Types of Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s ecological variety goes well beyond the jungle and rainforest distinction. Six distinct forest types exist within the country’s borders, and understanding each one helps travelers choose the right destination for what they want to see.
Lowland Tropical Rainforest
Found at elevations from sea level to about 2,000 feet, these forests are what most visitors imagine when thinking of Costa Rica: towering trees, multi-layered canopies, high humidity, and dense wildlife. Rainfall can exceed 200 inches annually in the wettest areas. Premier examples include Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast and Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula.
Premontane and Montane Rainforest
Located between 2,000 and 5,000 feet on mountain slopes, these forests experience cooler temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round. Braulio Carrillo National Park, northeast of San José, protects a vast stretch of montane rainforest and is home to 515 recorded bird species, including the resplendent quetzal.
Cloud Forest
Developing above roughly 4,500 feet, cloud forests are wrapped in mist and low clouds almost daily. They feel distinct from lowland rainforest—cooler, quieter, and heavily draped in mosses, bromeliads, and orchids.
Trees are shorter and gnarled. The most famous example is Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which hosts over 400 bird species, more than 100 mammal species, and around 3,000 plant species. Other notable cloud forests include Los Quetzales National Park and the upper zones of Chiripo National Park.
Tropical Dry Forest
Concentrated in Guanacaste Province and the Nicoya Peninsula, these forests endure a pronounced dry season from November through April, during which many trees shed their leaves. The Guanacaste tree, Costa Rica’s national tree, is the signature species. Wildlife spotting is easier in the dry season as animals gather near water sources. Santa Rosa National Park protects the largest remaining stand of tropical dry forest in Central America.
Mangrove Forest
Mangroves form where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, creating brackish ecosystems with partially submerged root systems. They serve as nurseries for marine species and nesting grounds for birds, sloths, crocodiles, and tropical cats.
Notable mangrove systems include the Sierpe-Terraba wetlands near the Osa Peninsula, the Damas Island estuary near Manuel Antonio, areas around Tamarindo and Las Baulas National Park, and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean coast. Kayaking offers the most rewarding way to explore them.
Riparian Forest
These forests grow along riverbanks, where water availability supports dense vegetation even in drier regions. They are prime spots for wildlife sightings, as animals come to drink and feed. The Tarcoles River inside Carara National Park on the Central Pacific coast is especially famous for its population of American crocodiles, some reaching lengths of over 20 feet.
Where to Find the Jungle and Rainforest in Costa Rica
Not every forest area offers the same experience, and the difference between jungle and rainforest becomes tangible once you arrive at the right location. Below are the destinations where each ecosystem is most dramatic and accessible.
Widely regarded as the most biologically intense place in Central America, Corcovado covers nearly half of the Osa Peninsula and contains one of the largest intact lowland tropical rainforests in the region.
It is home to all four Costa Rican monkey species, scarlet macaws, tapirs, jaguars, and the endangered harpy eagle. Access is restricted to guided tours, keeping visitor numbers low and wildlife sightings high. Gateway towns include Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez.
Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is a maze of canals, rivers, and jungle channels accessible mainly by boat or small plane.
Dense riverbank vegetation creates prime jungle conditions where howler monkeys, anteaters, caimans, and sloths are commonly seen. It is also the most important nesting site for the Atlantic green sea turtle, with nesting season from July through October.
At over 4,600 feet of elevation, Monteverde offers a dramatically different forest experience. Cool air, moss-draped trees, orchids, and the resplendent quetzal define the environment.
The reserve protects 26,000 acres of cloud forest and connects to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, the largest private nature reserve in Costa Rica at 54,000 acres. Visitors can explore through hanging bridges, guided canopy walks, and night tours.
Manuel Antonio National Park, Central Pacific
Costa Rica’s most visited national park combines rainforest and secondary growth jungle, making wildlife highly visible along its trails. White-faced capuchin monkeys, two-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, and dozens of bird species are reliably spotted. Trails lead directly through forest to pristine Pacific beaches, offering one of the most varied short hikes in the country.
Carara National Park, Central Pacific Coast
Situated at the transition zone between tropical dry forest and rainforest, Carara hosts unusual biodiversity in a compact area. It contains one of the largest remaining populations of scarlet macaws on the Pacific coast. The bordering Tarcoles River is famous for enormous American crocodiles, best viewed on river cruises or guided hikes.
Sarapiqui and La Selva Biological Station, Northern Lowlands
This region offers some of the most accessible and scientifically documented rainforest in Costa Rica. La Selva Biological Station has been a hub of ecological research since 1954, with trails passing through undisturbed primary rainforest. Wildlife highlights include great green macaws, poison dart frogs, and river otters. The Sarapiqui area connects to Braulio Carrillo National Park, allowing travelers to experience forest transitions across elevations within a single trip.
The Cloud Forest: A Third Ecosystem Worth Understanding
Cloud forests are distinct from both lowland rainforest and jungle. They form at high elevations where moisture-laden trade winds rise against mountain ridges, cooling and condensing into a near-permanent mist that envelops the forest.
Atmosphere and Plant Life
The environment feels ancient and otherworldly. Tree trunks and branches are covered in mosses, liverworts, and bromeliads. Orchids thrive on nearly every surface, with Monteverde alone documented to host over 500 species. Persistent moisture keeps the forest cool and green year-round, even during the dry season at lower elevations.
Wildlife of the Cloud Forest
Animal life here differs from lowland ecosystems. The resplendent quetzal, one of the most striking birds in the Western Hemisphere, lives almost exclusively in cloud forests, feeding on wild avocado fruits. Other unique species include bare-necked umbrellabirds, three-wattled bellbirds, and numerous highland hummingbirds. Mammals such as the mountain tapir and the oncilla, a small highland cat, are also more commonly encountered in these zones.
Best Time to Visit
Monteverde’s cloud forests are most accessible during the dry season from December to April, when trails are in better condition and the forest is less heavily clouded. However, visiting during misty conditions offers a uniquely atmospheric experience, with drifting fog weaving between tree trunks—something not found at lower elevations.
What to Expect When Visiting: Practical Preparation
Both jungle and rainforest environments reward preparation. A few practical points make a significant difference in the quality of the experience.
Clothing and Footwear
Prioritize function over style.
Quick-drying synthetic fabrics are preferable to cotton, which stays wet for hours.
Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers protect against mosquitoes, biting insects, and sun exposure.
Sturdy closed-toe hiking boots or trail shoes with grip are essential.
Flip-flops and casual sneakers are unsafe on wet roots and muddy slopes.
Sandals are best reserved for the beach.
Rain Gear
Necessary in all seasons.
Even during the dry season, brief afternoon showers occur regularly inside forests.
A lightweight, packable rain jacket is essential.
Dry bags or zip-lock bags inside a daypack protect cameras, phones, and documents.
Sun Protection
Ultraviolet intensity is high due to proximity to the equator, even on overcast days.
Reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing are practical choices.
Especially important when transitioning between forest and open coastal areas.
Bug Protection
Use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, especially in lowland rainforest areas near standing water and during evenings.
Mosquitoes in some regions carry dengue fever, though risk is generally low in well-maintained lodges.
Prevention is straightforward and effective.
Value of Guides
Certified naturalist guides elevate a forest walk into an educational experience.
They spot wildlife that visitors often miss, such as sloths, poison dart frogs, and leafcutter ants.
Hiring local guides also supports community economies in conservation zones.
Best Time to Visit
Pacific Side (Manuel Antonio, Carara, Osa Peninsula): Driest from December through April.
Caribbean Side (Tortuguero): Rain year-round, with relatively drier periods in March and September–October.
Cloud Forests (Monteverde, Chiripo): Most accessible between December and April.
Lowland Rainforests: Lush and active year-round, with improved trail conditions during the dry season.
Frequently Asked Questions: Costa Rica Jungle vs. Rainforest
Is Costa Rica a jungle or a rainforest?
Costa Rica contains both ecosystems simultaneously. The country’s protected lowland forests, including Corcovado and Tortuguero, are tropical rainforests defined by multi-layered canopies, minimal ground vegetation, and most animal life concentrated high in the trees.
Jungle conditions develop at forest edges, along rivers, and anywhere sunlight reaches the ground and promotes dense undergrowth. Costa Rica also contains cloud forests, tropical dry forests, and mangroves, making it one of the most ecologically diverse countries on Earth relative to its size.
What is the main difference between a jungle and a rainforest?
The primary distinction is light and the vegetation it produces. A tropical rainforest has a dense, closed canopy of very tall trees that blocks almost all direct sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Because of this, ground-level vegetation is sparse and the forest is relatively easy to walk through.
A jungle forms where that canopy thins or breaks, allowing sunlight to stimulate explosive ground-level plant growth. The result is thick, tangled, and often nearly impenetrable undergrowth. In practical terms, a jungle is harder to navigate on foot than a rainforest.
What animals live in Costa Rica’s jungle and rainforest?
Costa Rica’s forests collectively support over 500,000 species, though only a fraction have been formally documented. Mammals include four monkey species (howler, spider, white-faced capuchin, squirrel), two sloth species, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, anteaters, peccaries, coatis, and deer. Bird diversity exceeds 900 species.
Reptiles include caimans, American crocodiles, more than 150 snake species, and hundreds of lizard types. Amphibians number around 170 species, with red-eyed tree frogs and poison dart frogs among the most recognizable. Insect diversity is so vast that scientists estimate large numbers of species remain undescribed.
What is the best rainforest to visit in Costa Rica?
Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is consistently cited as the most biodiverse and pristine rainforest in Central America. Tortuguero National Park offers a different but equally extraordinary experience via its canal system.
Braulio Carrillo National Park is the most accessible primary rainforest near San Jose. Manuel Antonio is the best choice for first-time visitors who want a short, wildlife-rich forest walk combined with a beach day. Each park provides a different balance between remoteness, biodiversity, and accessibility.
Is there a real jungle in Costa Rica?
Yes. True jungle conditions, meaning dense ground-level vegetation that is difficult to navigate without a machete, exist in Costa Rica particularly along rivers, around the edges of primary forest, and in secondary growth areas where the original forest canopy was cleared and is regenerating.
The Tortuguero canal system, the riverbanks of the Pacuare, and the fringes of Corcovado all show genuine jungle characteristics. However, because Costa Rica’s forest conservation has been so effective, much of the country retains its full rainforest canopy, keeping jungle growth to the margins rather than the interior.
What plants grow in Costa Rica’s rainforest?
Costa Rica’s rainforests contain an estimated 12,000 plant species. Each square mile of lowland rainforest holds approximately 400 species of flowering plants and around 200 different tree species. Commercially recognizable trees include mahogany, Spanish cedar, and tropical balsa. The forest also supports over 1,400 orchid species, more than 800 fern species, and hundreds of bromeliad species.
Epiphytes, plants that grow on other plants without rooting in the soil, are extraordinarily diverse here, covering tree trunks and branches with mosses, lichens, and air plants. The strangler fig is one of the most ecologically important trees in the rainforest, germinating in the canopy and gradually encasing its host tree as it grows downward.
What is a cloud forest and how is it different from a rainforest?
A cloud forest is a high-elevation tropical forest that receives moisture primarily through cloud immersion rather than rainfall alone. At elevations above roughly 4,500 feet, prevailing winds push moist air against mountain slopes, where it cools and condenses into persistent mist.
This keeps the forest saturated year-round and creates growing conditions that support extraordinary moss, orchid, and bromeliad diversity. Temperatures are cooler than in lowland rainforest, tree canopies are lower and more open, and the overall atmosphere is dramatically different.
The wildlife also changes: the resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, and the mountain tapir are cloud forest species not reliably found in lowland rainforest.
What should visitors wear in a Costa Rica rainforest or jungle?
Quick-drying synthetic clothing, a lightweight rain jacket, closed-toe hiking footwear with good grip, DEET-based insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, and a small dry bag for electronics are the core preparation items.
Long sleeves and trousers provide meaningful insect protection during dawn and dusk hours when biting insects are most active. A hat with a brim protects against both sun at forest edges and light rain while on the trail.
A jungle or a rainforest can grow naturally, creating an ecosystem where plants and animals thrive. When part of a rainforest is cleared, however, rays of sunlight encourage growth of vegetation across the ground, creating a jungle instead.
If the idea of trekking through the jungle or wandering through the rainforest intrigues you, it might be time for a visit to Costa Rica. At Costa Rica Rios, we help people plan vacations andhoneymoons with as much or as little adventure as you like. Check out ourphoto gallery from The Jungle Lodge on the Pacuare River to see some of the unique tropical scenery you can encounter on your trip.
If you dream of surfing in Costa Rica, you’ve probably heard that there are at least 1,000 surf-able breaks and beautiful beaches here. The culture is very accepting of surfers, and you’ll find a number of shops near our busiest beaches. The best surfing spots in Costa Rica are legendary, but there’s a great mix of lesser known beach breaks that can give you an unforgettably great ride. While it was hard to pick out just a handful of favorite surfing destinations, we’ve highlighted a few hot spots located around Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo and Pavones that are well worth mentioning.
Tamarindo
One of the most appreciated surfing spots in Costa Rica is Tamarindo. Located on the northern end of the Pacific Coast, there are several breaks to surf in the area. If you want to experience as many surfing spots as you can find close together, Tamarindo could be the place to start your quest. Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point are among the favorites, and both are accessible only by boat. If you saw the movie “The Endless Summer II,” you already know about Ollie’s Point.
Witch’s Rock is a two-mile stretch that’s best at high tide. Be prepared for some steep waves. It’s considered one of Costa Rica’s best places to surf, so it gets crowded on occasion.
Ollie’s Point is a year-round surfing destination that is loaded with hollow waves. If you’re looking for a place to surf when the tide is going out and the swells are southwest, try this one.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is located on the southern Caribbean Coast. It’s not as busy as Tamarindo. There are a few surfing spots close to each other that give you a great experience, but it can be inconsistent, depending on the time of year you visit.
The waves at Puerto Viejo, sometimes called Salsa Brava for its powerful big tubes, build from deep water and break on a shallow reef. Bring your A-game. An easterly swell produces the best surfing conditions.
Black Beach is a year-round surfing destination with best results from a southern or easterly swell. If you’re looking for something less crowded, put this one on your list – especially if you’re an early riser who likes good waves before breakfast.
Pavones
Pavones is among the legendary surfing destinations in Costa Rica. Located on the South Pacific Coast, this small town enjoys a big reputation. Pavones is a popular destination for the avid surfer. If it’s too crowded or not a great day for swells, consider nearby Punta Banco.
Pavones offers about three-quarters of a mile of left, and it’s considered one of the longest in the world. It has fast waves with good shape. It can be inconsistent and small at times, but when it’s on, it’s on.
Located about two-and-a-half miles south of Pavones, Punta Banco has a reef break and generally a smaller crowd. It’s a good choice at middle to high tide when there’s a western or southern swell. It can be a little hard to paddle into at times, which is why it’s less crowded than Pavones.
If you love to surf, Costa Rica holds an adventure for you. There are many surfing hot spots with different types of breaks, from big waves to short and strong ones. When you’re ready to book a scenic surfing vacation in Costa Rica, contact Costa Rica Rios. We’ll help you build your own vacation, finding the best breaks for your skill level and plan some great accommodations for your stay.
You’ve purchased your package and are counting down the days until the big trip to include hiking, zip lines, swimming, sea turtles and other exotic animals, surfing, and kayaking. But, are you really ready for your Costa Rica adventure tour? Here are a five quick tips for what to pack for your Costa Rica vacation.
Head Lamp – This little gadget is a favorite among hikers, cyclists and kayakers for its hands-free function. A headlamp with LED lighting, adjustable elastic band and adjustable light direction is ideal. Many are quite lightweight and comfortable.
Quick Dry Attire – Athletic apparel companies manufacture quick-drying attire for sports activities. These types of clothes are great for kayaking and rafting, but also for boat trips and stand-up paddle boarding. Made to wick away moisture, these shirts, shorts and other garments help prevent skin rash and cold body temperatures that can be caused by wet clothing.
Small Package of Laundry Detergent – When you’re having lots of fun, it’s hard to stop for the boring shopping activities like buying laundry detergent. It’s easier to plan ahead and take along a travel-size package. With the warm and humid temperatures found in Costa Rica, it’s easy to quickly soil your clothes with sweat and dust. A simple wash in the hotel bath or sink can fix that.
Waterproof Bags for Electronics – With all the water sports activities you likely have planned for your trip, it’s best to bring a few waterproof pouches to protect your electronic items. Digital cameras, film recorders, cell phones and computer devices can easily be damaged without proper care.
Quick Dry Towel – Usually made of super-absorbent and finely woven micro-fiber or micro-terry, these towels are very handy in many kinds of adventure activities. Quickly towel off after a dip in the ocean, a splash from the raft or an unexpected jungle rain shower.
Contact us for more tips and travel advice when you book your Costa Rica adventure through Costa Rica Rios.
One of the more unusual ways to take in Costa Rica is by bike. Because some of the outlying areas have rough roads, a mountain bike is the best option. Seeing the gorgeous countryside at the slower pace of a bike will allow you to get an inexpensive and unique perspective of life in Costa Rica.
There are more than 80 different bike routes to choose from, including gentle hills and rugged mountains. Here are a few areas you don’t want to miss.
Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano: This is one of the best areas in Costa Rica for biking. Trails take you through primary forests and waterfalls. There’s also a hot springs nearby where you can relax after a day’s ride. Some uphill routes take bikers on roads normally travelled only by local farmers and horses.
Ruta de los Conquistadores: One of the world’s most challenging bike races takes place in Costa Rica from Thursday, Nov. 6 to Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. Bikers cross Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast, about 400 kilometers or 250 miles, over three days.
Turrialba: Bike routes in this area pass by archaeological sites and refreshing freshwater pools. There are more difficult single rider trails as well as remote backroads. The Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers of the region are some of the most famous in the world for whitewater rafting. There are also several volcanos to investigate.
Irazu: One bike route takes you from the top of Irazú volcano passing coffee plantations and cattle farms. This is one of the best downhill rides in Costa Rica. The Irazu Volcano National Park has an unusual landscape that almost feels like the moon, with craters lined by scorched trees. There are also sparkling mineral pools fed by rain.
Nicoya Peninsula: This is an area of Costa Rica that most visitors miss. Biking routes in this area include beaches and fishing villages, as well as coffee plantations. Stop en route to take in some water sports like surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving. The Nicoya Peninsula is rich with natural assets including turtle beaches, subterranean caves and excellent birding locations.
For your next Costa Rica adventure, consider a bike tour. What better way to take in the majestic nature of Costa Rica than by traveling in a green, sustainable way? For more information about adventures awaiting you in Costa Rica, contact us today.
Now mostly enjoyed as an adventure thrill, zip lining was actually an invention of necessity. Using gravity as a power source, workers in remote geographic regions, like China, the Costa Rican rainforest and the Australian Outback, once strung cables between two points to primarily move people and supplies. Oftentimes, zip lines were installed over canyons or rivers where other means of travel were difficult or impossible. The principle is still the same today, although the materials and technology are stronger, safer and just plain better.
Currently, zip lining is also known in various parts of the world as the flying fox, foefie slide, zip wire, aerial runway or aerial rope slide. History shows zip lining referred to by other names, including the flying fox and Tyrolean Crossing. The term “an inclined strong” was used to describe it in the 1897 H.G. Wells novel “The Invisible Man.” Zip lining is a booming area of adventure tourism activity, especially in Costa Rica, where zip lines have been used since the 1970s. Other destinations for great zip lining include Nicaragua, Jamaica, Alaska, British Columbia, South Africa, Thailand, Israel, Spain and the Czech Republic. More than 700 zip line courses are available around the world.
In terms of specifications and safety, zip lines are designed to bear great loads and are safe when used properly. Platforms on a zip line course can hold at least 40,000 pounds. The half-inch wide, galvanized cables used in zip lines have a break strength greater than 22,000 pounds. The pulleys used to connect riders to the line have a break strength that’s more than 14,000 pounds.
Zip line tours in Costa Rica include views of waterfalls, the Pacuare River and rain forest canopy, Arenal Volcano, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and native wildlife. There are dozens of miles of zip line for adventurers to enjoy.
Contact us to learn more about the zip line options available in Costa Rica.
When you mention Costa Rica, most people may not think of coffee. They envision the warm turquoise waters, pristine beaches or lush tropical rain forests. But Costa Rica also has a thriving coffee industry. And its coffee plantations are a perfect way to immerse yourself into the country’s sights, smells and tastes during your vacation in Costa Rica.
Once coffee was introduced to the nation, its Central Valley quickly became Costa Rica’s coffee-producing center during the late 18th century. The ideal climate and slightly acidic soil provided perfect conditions for the coffee plants to thrive. In only a few decades’ time the number of coffee plantations grew, and exporting to neighboring countries and other continents began.
As word of Costa Rica’s aromatic Arabica blends spread to the rest of the world, so did the country’s export business, which provided a financial boom for the people of this nation. Costa Rica’s growing infrastructure was largely financed by the coffee trade’s success. The “Ferrocarril al Atlantico,” the first railroads to the Atlantic Coast, and the National Theater are often listed as developments made possible by the efforts of the coffee growers.
Today, many coffee plantations in Costa Rica offer tours to educate you on the cultural impact the industry has had on the many facets of life. Whether you live here or your on vacation in Costa Rica, you can learn the entire process of how the beloved, rich cup of coffee is made. Begin with a trip to the growing fields, continue on through a tour of the roasters and conclude by indulging your taste buds with a fresh cup of joe.
Take the opportunity to learn the rich culture and history of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Contact Costa Rica Rios and let us help you plan your customized adventure vacation.
If there’s one thing that vacationers, honeymooners and adventure enthusiasts agree upon about Costa Rica, it’s that the unspoiled natural environment and the country’s commitment to preserving it make for a memorable experience. The many running and biking trails and events for endurance runners also provide ample opportunities to take in all that there is to see about Costa Rica while getting plenty of exercise, and a race or other trail adventure will leave you feeling like a participant in something truly special. If you’ve never made a vacation out of running – or if you have, but Costa Rica’s still on your bucket list – one of the following trail running events would be a great reason to make it happen in 2014.
The Irazu Volcano 5k, 10k, 21k half-marathon and 42k marathon will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014. Registration is 185 USD for international participants and 50 USD for locals. The marathon start time is 7 a.m., and all other races begin at 6 p.m. The marathon begins in the town of Tres Rios, just a few miles from the volcano, and the night races take off from San Juan de Chicua, a small town along the Irazu Volcano Trail where all of the races will finish. This is not for the faint of heart. It’s a run uphill toward a volcano, and the race features a gain in altitude of up to 2,360 meters, or 7,800 feet. Most of these races will be relatively easy for someone with a decent mileage base to train for, but a training plan should include lots of hill repeats.
The La Transtica Coast-to-Coast Ultra Trail event will take place from Wednesday, Nov. 19 through Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. Participants arrive in the capital city of San Jose on Nov. 19 for a couple of days of medical and administrative checks, as well as a chance to look at the crocodiles. Runners head out on Nov. 21 to complete the race. It’s approximately 117k for the adventure race and 198k for the extreme race, in stages of 25k and 40k respectively. It’s a good idea even for experienced trail runners and ultra-marathoners to begin training several months out. Each leg of the race will have between two and four aid stations, and a catered dinner in the town where that stage ends. Runners will go through several towns before finishing in La Transtica for the award ceremony and a well-deserved celebration dinner and overnight hotel stay before being transported back to San Jose.
Costa Rica is the perfect place for runners of all ability levels to explore new surroundings while experiencing a natural environment that’s unlike any other in the world. For the running destination vacation of a lifetime, contact us to book your Costa Rica adventure tour today.
Our good friend Casey with the Tarahumara ultra-marathon runners, at the 2013 La Ruta race, before she won the ladies 52km category.
A team of international scientists recently compiled a list of the world’s most “irreplaceable” natural environments. These 2,300 places were recognized for their “unique habitats” that support rare plant and animal life.
Not surprisingly, some beautiful places in Costa Rica featured prominently in this survey. All told, 28 locations — many of them national parks or other preserves — made the list. Among them are Los Quetzales and Guanacaste national parks, Cocos Island World Heritage Site and Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve. These areas are home to exquisite plants and animals, including , multitudes of frogs, parrots, orchids, tapirs, monkeys and other exotic creatures. Perhaps one of the most striking is the quetzal, a bird with beyond-belief plumage.
As Costa Rica residents and tour operators, this news doesn’t surprise us. We have long known that Costa Rica is recognized worldwide as an important country for biodiversity. The unique rainforest environment here attracts birds, plants and animals that are rare global treasures.
Costa Rica is unique because so much of our country is untouched by civilization and technology. Many visitors come to Costa Rica each year to explore these beautiful natural areas and witness sights they simply can’t find anywhere else. This makes Costa Rica one of the top-visited countries worldwide.
If you are interested in gathering more information about the Costa Rica trips we offer, feel free to explore our website or contact us. We can put together some private guided tours for your group that feature some of the 28 most irreplaceable places on earth. Don’t forget to bring your camera and pack your binoculars.
Puerto Viejo and Cahuita lie within the province of Limon and are the two main tourist towns of the southern Caribbean coast in Costa Rica. They are like a country within a country (think Texas) and you will feel like you crossed a border somewhere and ended up on a Caribbean island. The culture is very different than the rest of the country, with a more Rasta and Caribbean flair, unique cuisine emphasizing the use of coconut milk, curry and fresh seafood, and a laid back friendly pace of life. They celebrate Carnival, just like in the Caribbean Islands, and the whole province celebrates with a long weekend of partying, extravagant costumes, lots of music and delicious street BBQs.
