The most beautiful natural sites to discover Costa Rica

The hot water that comes directly from the bowels of the volcano is a must-see. It is the oldest and most expensive of the thermal pools, because it is directly fed by the river. there are 17 pools and small waterfalls where you can get a back massage while enjoying the heat. If you can afford it, it's worth having lunch or dinner there, as the cuisine is of high quality. For less money, you can drink a cocktail in the hot water after being served at the bar: relaxation guaranteed.

4 700 ha. Since the reserve is located in a transition zone between the dry Pacific and the humid Pacific, several ecosystems are present: wetlands, lagoons, forest-galleries, secondary and primary forests. The diversity of flora leads to an equal eclecticism of fauna, the most notable examples of which are crocodile and, above all, the red ara, the blue, red and yellow plumage, which had almost disappeared from the peaceful zone and which is now regularly reviewed.

Precipitation: from 2 400 to 3 100 mm.

Average temperatures: 24 to 27 ° C.

Practice: Hotels, restaurants and grocery stores in Orotina, Tárcoles and Jáco. For camping, ask the administration (2 km after the bridge over the Grande de Tárcoles River). Marked and unmarked trails.

The Hitoy-Lamartine biological Reserve is little known, accessible and therefore little visited. His situation makes it very interesting. It is certainly one of Costa Rica's most humid places - Hitoy ("wool" in Bribri Indian language, due to mosses covering stones) and Lamartine ("clear waters"). The reserve has the particularity of sheltering a very rich and slightly less timid fauna than in other parks more visited. But arm yourself with patience, the most incredible specimens live in the forest heights and remain difficult to observe.

Access by car. Turn right (from Limón) just after the village of Penshurst and the bridge in curve that crosses the river. The road, in good condition, runs through huge banana plantations and pineapple plantations. A bus also leaves Limón on a street north of the Mercado Central: several departures per day, find out about timetables in the nearby soda. Once in Pandora, all-terrain taxis travel over the remaining 15 km.

5 013 ha land, 4 436 ha marine. The white sandy beaches summarize our tropical dreams with their sloping palms towards the écumeuses fringes of the waves. Behind coconut trees, a primary forest is home to rare specimens, some of which are endangered. The fauna is mainly that of freshwater water and seawater habitats. Important mangroves.

Precipitation: 2 300 mm.

Average temperature: 26 ° C.

Practice: hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in Puerto Viejo and surrounding areas. Trails.