Costa Rica: National Parks

Barra Honda Deep limestone caverns – some open to the public for spelunking – are the main attraction at Barra Honda, which also offers hiking and camping. Main gate near villages of Barra Honda and Nacaome; 011-506-666-0630; www.costarica-nationalparks.com
hiking | adventure | editor pick

Cahuita This park on southern Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is a day at the beach. Picnicking, hiking, swimming, and camping are permitted near the beach; scuba and snorkeling excursions to protected offshore reefs are also available. Main gate near town of Cahuita; 011-506-666-0630; www.costarica-nationalparks.com
beach | diving | hiking | adventure

Chirripo Visitors can climb from the base camp at San Gerardo de Rivas to the highest point in Costa Rica, 12,532-foot-high Mount Chirripo. No mountain-climbing expertise is required, but the 30-mile trek can take three days!    Ranger station; San Gerardo de Rivas; 011-506-771-5116
hiking | outdoors | adventure

Palo Verde A birdwatchers’ paradise, this dry rainforest, mangrove, and wetland park in Guanacaste hosts both native Costa Rican and migrating North American birds. The Organization for Tropical Studies operates a “biological station” here with lodging, meals, and tours. The Organization for Tropical Studies, Main gate near town of Bagaces; 011-506-666-0630; www.costarica-nationalparks.com
wildlife | outdoors | editor pick

Rincon de la Vieja Attractions here include the active Rincon de la Vieja volcano, dormant sister cones Santa Maria and Cerro Von Seebach, and thermal mud pools, waterfall lagoons, and freshwater lakes.                www.costarica-nationalparks.com
outdoors | swimming | editor pick

Turrialba Although technically dormant since 1868, the three-coned volcano at Turrialba, 40 miles east of San Jose, still belches sulfuric steam from fumarole fissures. A well-marked hiking trail leads from the park café to a scenic overlook. Main gate near village of La Pastora; 011-506-666-0630; www.costarica-nationalparks.com
hiking | outdoors | adventure