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For those travelers seeking a bit of excitement on their vacation while witnessing one of the most beautiful and unique sites in the country, the Arenal Volcano National Park may be the ultimate destination.

Located near the small town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic stratovolcano, meaning it has formed into a large cone shape from years of hardened lava and volcanic ash buildup.

A few volcanoes have as grand a presence as the eponymous volcano of Iraz? Volcano National Park.

Iraz? is an enormous and still active volcano located in the central expanse of the Central American country a short car or bus ride from the cities of Cartago and San Jose.

Vacationers with a carefully budgeted travel schedule may have trouble deciding which place to visit, a day trip to Po?s Volcano National Park may be able to suit all their needs in one.

Established as a national park in 1971 by the National System of Conservation Areas, Po?s Volcano National Park is located just 19 miles from the popular city of San Jos?.

Named for the region in Cartago in which it is found, Turrialba Volcano is a sizable stratovolcano that stands nearly 11,000 feet tall and features three large craters that had long been celebrated by scientists for their fumaroles and steaming sulfur pits.

The park itself is in Cartago Province in Central Valley, and has experienced many closings recently, which isn't helping it increase its visitor numbers.

If you find yourself in the area, and you want to see a sight with a little power behind it, consider an exciting and scenic trip to the national park surrounding Arenal.

The Arenal Volcano is considered one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. It has a perfect cone shape, and clouds commonly roll in at the volcano's peak.

The rural city of La Fortuna de San Carlos in Costa Rica is not only charming, but its natural attractions and proximity to Arenal region makes it a hub for big adventures.

Tourists to Costa Rica that are seeking the ultimate adventure should plan to visit this area to satisfy their craving for fun and exhilaration.

For those travelers seeking a bit of excitement on their vacation while witnessing one of the most beautiful and unique sites in the country, the Arenal Volcano National Park may be the ultimate destination.

Boasting a crater 460-feet across and a height of 1670 meters (5479 feet), the volcano is a significant landmark in Northern Costa Rica, and can be seen for miles around.

Beside the volcano, this town has other great tourist attractions like the La Catarata de la Fortuna or the La Fortuna Waterfall.

This amazing waterfall falls from a dizzying height of 70 meters. A stunning sight to see and a lovely short trek away, this beautiful waterfall makes for a picture perfect moment.

Food in Costa Rica is second only to the country's beauty. Known for its use of fresh ingredients, like fruits and vegetables, the cuisine in Costa Rica is generally on the mild side.

Here are some of the most popular foods in Costa Rica. I have to say, too, that all of these are on my own personal favorite foods list!

For a true taste of Costa Rican culture, sample some local gallo pinto or one of many other traditional dishes.

Gallo pinto, which literally translates to "spotted rooster," is a traditional breakfast dish that is common in Nicaragua as well as Costa Rica.

Even someone without a knowledge of the Spanish language can translate arroz con pollo into English - it means "rice with chicken.".

In Costa Rica, arroz con pollo is one of those personal traditional dishes that every chef, mom and abuelita makes their own way, much like North Americans might make stuffing according to the "old family recipe."

When you want to fully experience the unique flavors of Central American cuisine, order Casado, one of the staples of the Costa Rica food scene.

The name of the dish means "married" in Spanish, so it is a fitting way to describe the dish as it is a marriage of a variety of food heaped all together on a plate.

This delicious beef stew has been enjoyed for centuries in the region and can help you feel more connected to the culture and local area, even after you leave this magical place behind.

Olla de carne is the Costa Rican culture's version of a common standard throughout many other cultures, beef stew.

Visitors who want to experience the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica may be interested visiting a butterfly farm for a day trip.

A few of the popular butterfly gardens are centered around Poas Volcano as well as Monteverde.

With bright colors and unique patterns, the butterflies of Costa Rica add much beauty to the country.

This Costa Rica butterflies photo gallery captures these small, quiet moments that remind us all how magical nature can be.

Whether you want adventure or just some peace and quiet for your getaway, you'll want to make sure to take some time to explore some of the rare and beautiful species of orchids at the Lankester Botanical Gardens.

Many birds and insects are attracted to the plants. It's likely you will see many hummingbirds and butterflies when you visit.

One of Costa Rica's most visited places is Monteverde in Puntarenas. Monteverde is home to one of the rarest habitats on Earth, the cloud forest, and an astounding variety of flora and fauna.

Monteverde offers one of the country's numerous butterfly farms, which showcase butterflies in an amazing variety of colors and patterns.

This amazing Park is situated directly north of Palo Verde National Park and lies about 40 minutes south of Liberia, the capital and largest city of Guanacaste province.

It''s no surprise that Lomas Barbudal is called the "Insect Park" by locals and visitors alike. The reserve houses a huge range of insect, wasp and butterfly varieties, including over 60 kinds of moths and at least 60 types of nocturnal butterflies.

Its land area consists of 682 hectares (approximately 7,000 acres); however, it also has an additional 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres) of marine park.

From tide pools alive with crustaceans to endangered monkey species to stunning scenic vistas, Manuel Antonio National Park is a spectacular vacation destination.

Located in La Fortuna, this nearly 30,000-acre national park holds Arenal Volcano as its centerpiece.

While the volcano has not exhibited any activity recently, scientists still believe that it Arenal is not dormant. There is a good chance that it may return to its previous majesty at any time.

Ecologically varied, the Corcovado National Park is among the most biologically intense places on earth.

Located on the wild and untamed Osa Peninsula, this national park is breathtakingly beautiful and is one of the remotest parks in the country.

Frequented by tourists from all over the world, the Tortuguero National Park is another significant turtle nesting site in Costa Rica.

Among the most important nesting areas in the Western Hemisphere of the endangered green turtle, the stunning Tortuguero National Park lies on Costa Rica's beautiful Caribbean coast in the northeastern region of the country.

Ecological diversity abounds at Rinc?n de la Vieja National Park, one of the parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

At over 34,000 acres, Rinc?n de la Vieja has room for two volcanoes, 32 rivers and streams, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

Habitat plays an important in an animal's choice of home, and in Costa Rica, animals like birds are lucky enough to be able to find the perfect home.

Birds are a presence in Costa Rica year round, too. No matter where you go and what time of the year you plan Costa Rica vacations, you''ll see beautiful birds flying up above.

We have more than 600 resident avian species and more than 200 migratory species.

From colorful toucans in the forest to the magnificent frigatebird off the beaches, our bird population is pretty diverse, no matter what time of year you visit.

The scientific name of the bird is Ara macao, while Spanish-speaking locals call the scarlet macaw either the Guacamayo Rojo or the Lapa Rojo.

While it may be easy to spot the scarlet macaw against the lush green backdrop of the Costa Rican rainforest, it is even easier to hear them.

Head south from San Jos? and past Cartago along the Inter American Highway to skirt the northern edge of Los Quetzales National Park.

The park gets its name from its most prodigious inhabitant. A quetzal is a tropical bird with distinctive green and red plumage. Known for their long tails and bright colors, these birds are the main draw for amateur ornithologists.

Costa Rica is never as full of color and life as when you are talking about its variety of world-famous birds.

Take a look at our Costa Rica bird gallery and make your own list of birds that you need to get out and see in person.

Costa Rica''s diverse ethnic heritage is reflected in its music, and an important part of the country''s music scene is the influence of Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

Fittingly, African and Caribbean music is most popular on Costa Rica''s Caribbean coast. Many different African-influenced musical styles are played widely in the region, including calypso and reggae.

Visitors to Costa Rica expect to see stunning natural beauty, but it is also home to a thriving arts community of musicians, actors, dancers, and visual artists.

To experience the heart of Costa Rica culture, a visit to a local theater is in order. Tourists can watch a play, attend a concert, or take in a dance performance, all great ways to immerse oneself in the local arts scene.

Due to Costa Rica''s high standards in education and its long history of peace and prosperity, the country boasts a wide selection of museums that appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers.

In the city of San Jose, the museums of Costa Rica are an ideal place for travelers looking to enrich their knowledge of the local culture.

As the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, San Jos? is brimming with cultural diversity. It is located near a number of top-rated national parks and preserves, and has more than its fair share of exciting activities to offer.

From live music to museums filled with hundreds of years of history to a night out at the theater, San Jos? has got it all.

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One of Costa Rica's most visited places is Monteverde in Puntarenas. Monteverde is home to one of the rarest habitats on Earth, the cloud forest.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is unique from Costa Rica's other rainforests, with a constant mist that looks like clouds and gives the forest its name.

Sitting along the foothills of the Talamanca Mountain Range, the small town of San Gerardo de Dota may be lacking in size, but it makes up for it in natural beauty.

Nature enthusiasts will love the dense cloud forests, moss-covered oak trees, tropical plants and extensive network of trails through the region.

The rainforest surrounds the Tortuguero area on three sides, offering you an opportunity to explore its beauty.

Get out and enjoy the scenery up close when you go hiking or canoeing, both popular area activities, and the Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge is just across the canal.

The pristine rainforests and the rugged natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula make this region among the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica.

The southern most peninsula in Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula is a secluded nature wonderland, playing home to many of the country's rare and endangered animal and bird species.

The park is known for its impressive variety of ecosystems and for being home to the highest point in the county.

The wet season in Costa Rica is from May to November, with a dry season from December to April. Any time is a good time to visit, but the weekends during the dry season are likely to be busier.

Recognized worldwide for its diverse topography and complex cultural mosaic, Costa Rica has become a model for environment friendly practices and ecotourism sustainability.

Costa Rica values its conservation culture. The government along with the private sector has been working hard to preserve the country's natural resources.

As an eco-wonderland Costa Rica shelters a staggering amount of biodiversity and many unspoiled natural wonders.

Known for its progressive conservation policies, the tiny Latin American country of Costa Rica provides a vital habitat to thousands of plant and animal species.

Costa Rica is ranked as one of the top eco-friendly destinations in the world, with 25 percent of the land protected or conserved.

Costa Rica is one of the safest and most politically and socially stable countries in Central America. Considered a peace-loving country, more citizens have become increasingly enthusiastic about preserving and growing their environment.

As the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, San Jos? is brimming with cultural diversity. It is located near a number of top-rated national parks and preserves, and has more than its fair share of exciting activities to offer.

From live music to museums filled with hundreds of years of history to a night out at the theater, San Jos? has got it all.

With over 615 wildlife species per 10,000 sq km, Costa Rica sits atop of the list as the most bio-diverse region of the world.

With an estimated 5% of the world's biodiversity found here, it is no wonder that Costa Rica is often referred to as 'the living Eden' by many scientists and naturalists from all across the globe.

Ecologically varied, the Corcovado National Park is among the most biologically intense places on earth.

Located on the wild and untamed Osa Peninsula, this national park is breathtakingly beautiful and is one of the remotest parks in the country.

Imagine walking through the clouds thousands of feet above sea level.

At the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, you can embrace the misty atmosphere, which serves as one of the most coveted ecotourism destinations in Costa Rica.

Along the central pacific coast in the North Puntarenas area of Puntarenas Province sits a Costa Rican paradise known as Manuel Antonio National Park.

Its land area consists of 682 hectares (approximately 7,000 acres); however, it also has an additional 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres) of marine park.

One of the best maintained beaches in the country, Playa Hermosa, offers visitors crystal clear blue waters and gorgeous scenery, making it a very popular beach strip on the west coast.

Winner of the 'Bandera Azul' or 'Blue Flag', a prize given to beaches that demonstrate high environmental standards and excellent safety facilities, Playa Hermosa lies seven kilometers north of Playas del Coco.

Considered to be one of the most exotic beaches on the Costa Rican Gold Coast, Playa Conchal is situated in the north of Guanacaste province on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

A fabulous beach that has near perfect weather all year long, Playa Conchal, is bathed in sunshine most of the time, with over 10 hours of daylight from December to April.

When you think about a tropical beach with blue crystal waters and sparkling white sand, Playa Flamingo is what you see in your mind's eye. This stunning beach is one of Costa Rica's Pacific coast jewels and part of the town of Tamarindo's charm.

Book your trip between December and April when the weather is sunny and temperatures are consistently in the 80s to 90s.

This beach is easily accessible to the public, and is one of Costa Rica's most well-known since it draws scores of local and international tourists each year.

This beach isn't for the traveler that is looking for serenity and peace, this beach is for the traveler that is looking to mix and mingle.

Visitors look out onto the gorgeous turquoise waters that stretch over the white sand beaches of the bay area will find Potrero the perfect destination.

As a historic sportfishing community, Playa Potrero has gotten its claim to fame from avid anglers that cast a line in the waters just off shore each year. After all, the region is known as the sailfish capital of the world.

Costa Rica is one of the world''s premiere destinations for surfing, drawing scores of adventurous surfers to the Central American paradise every year.

Found at the tip of the Osa Peninsula, just across the gulf from the more popular Pavones, the beaches of Matapalo in South Puntarenas are an excellent destination for surfing in Costa Rica.

The aspect that makes Playa Grande such a famous beach is the leatherback sea turtles which arrive every year to nest, lay their eggs, and continue the reproductive cycle.

If you are an avid surfer, visiting Playa Grande is an experience you cannot afford to miss on your trip to Costa Rica.

Surfers looking to test themselves at one of the best surf spots in the country need look no further than Ollie''s Point in the northwestern portion of Costa Rica.

Located near the country''s shared border with Nicaragua, Ollie''s Point is a world class right point break that gets its name from a political scandal involving retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North.

Tamarindo is a popular destination for surfing because of its beautiful beaches, long waves, and favorable weather conditions.

Regardless of your experience level, Tamarindo offers a surfing experience you''ll be sure to remember.

If you''re planning to surf in Costa Rica, you can''t skip Puerto Viejo.

Whether you''re new to surfing or you were practically born on a wave, Puerto Viejo has plenty of spots to explore.

At the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, you can embrace the misty atmosphere, which serves as one of the most coveted ecotourism destinations in Costa Rica.

The reserve encompasses a 26,000 acre biozone, brimming with a marvelous diversity of wildlife and plant life. There''s no question that Monteverde Cloud Forest is truly a nature lover''s paradise.

There are some pockets of Costa Rica that don''t have a pinch of modern living and that''s the best reason to visit!

You probably want to visit Monteverde because of the stunning cloud forest, but there are several other attractions that you can pack into a 24-hour visit at this mountaintop paradise.

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is one of those destinations that make you feel like you just uncovered a secret spot, overlooked by others.

While Monteverde's cloud forest gets more attention (it is bigger after all), it is Santa Elena's cloud forest that offers you a more personal view of this unique environment.

The conservation of the Monteverde area is credited to some very dedicated members of the Quaker community.

Quakers began to leave the United States for Costa Rica in the 50's because they had no interest in participating in the war physically or through their taxes.

Cahuita National Park in the Lim?n Province has to be one of the most amazing parks in the country. It was created in 1970 as a National Monument to preserve the coral reefs off the Caribbean coast.

The name of the national park comes from "Kawe" which means Sangrillo, and "Ta" which means punta, or point.

Frequented by tourists from all over the world, the Tortuguero National Park is another significant turtle nesting site in Costa Rica.

Among the most important nesting areas in the Western Hemisphere of the endangered green turtle, the stunning Tortuguero National Park lies on Costa Rica's beautiful Caribbean coast in the northeastern region of the country.

Located in Limon province on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beach lover's paradise.

Here amidst the exotic flora and fauna, lies a vibrant seaside town with gorgeous beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and some of the most amazing surfing opportunities.

The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is situated in one of the most stunningly beautiful regions of Costa Rica.

Located just a few kilometers north of the Panama border in Talamanca County, this wildlife refuge protects some the region's most endangered flora and fauna.

Because of the ideal climate of several regions here and the volcanic soil, Costa Rica is able to produce rich, smooth coffee that is sure to get your morning started off on the right foot.

During the beginning of the 18th century, coffee began to be sowed in Costa Rica, and the beans grown here actually played a major role in the development of coffee production throughout the country.

If you love coffee, you can''t skip a day tour of one of the country''s many coffee plantations.

Many of the plantations are located in Central Valley. You can find them in Po?s Volcano, Tres Rios, Naranjo, Alajuela and Tarraz?, to name a few.

If you are someone that travels a lot, then you have probably seen many gorgeous places, and had many amazing cups of coffee.

The coffee that is produced here is rich and smooth, and probably part of the reason that Ticos are so energetic and friendly!

Boasting the best coffee in the country, some of the most intense hiking and eclectic array of bird species, Santa Maria de Dota is ideal for independent travelers or families.

One of the community''s biggest claims to fame is the shade-grown Tarrazu coffee that thrives in the volcanic soil of the area. Coopedota, a local cooperative, is the perfect day trip for any caffeine fanatic.