Wildlife Adventures in Costa Rica: Hiking, Boating & Beaches

Arenal region:

• Go hiking: For families and seniors, I highly recommend a private guided tour to the Mistico Hanging Bridges. Trails here are kept smooth with well-designed concrete pavers that are cleared of debris frequently to keep snakes off of the paths. Although I would recommend carrying small children in a backpack, there were hiking strollers available to push along the trails. Even in pouring rain — you are in the rainforest, after all — you can easily hike in sneakers or hiking shoes. Water resistant shoes are best but mud boots aren't required. Guides will provide spotting scopes for best viewing of the animals you will likely see — monkeys, sloths, snakes and birds. For more moderately difficult hiking, consider El Silencio Park — roughly three mile, moderate difficulty — or the Arenal 1968 Volcano Forest trail — just under three miles, moderate difficulty.

• Soak in a thermal pool: The perfect activity for after a hike. If you are staying at the Tabacon Thermal Hot Springs Resort, your dips are included — a private area called the Shangrai La is included for hotel guests. Guests of other hotels can purchase a day pass to the thermal pools. These are natural pools so water shoes are helpful. But, there are handrails to assist in entering and exiting the river pools. Or relax in a more traditional pool fed by the same spring waters.

• Get a massage: Spa services are offered in a secluded outdoor bungalow surrounded by nature. Tabacon Resort offers massages by appointment.

• Enjoy a yoga class.

Guanacaste Coast:

1. Go snorkeling: Take a Catamaran tour. Both morning and afternoon tours are available. During the rainy season — Green Season — morning tours are recommended, as the afternoons are more likely to have showers. For other seasons, sunset tours are quite popular.

2. Take a boat tour to Isla Tortuga: Opt for an extension to see Monkey Island. Spot Humpback whales during the migration season, along with spotted dolphins who will display their talents surfing the boat wake. Have lunch on Isla Tortuga and spot some Peccaries. Pass by Monkey Island for a view of Spider Monkeys — although known for being aggressive, we were given quite a show as we viewed from the boat.

3. Hike in the Curu Wildlife Refuge: Nearby hikes include Play Quesera (8.4 miles, 1131 ft. elevation gain), Danish Falls (1.5 mile, easy) and Playa Cabo Blanco (5.5 miles, 1295 ft. elevation gain) where you can see monkeys, coatis, crabs, agoutis and iguanas. You’ll need good boots for this one, especially if it is wet. Take along a bathing suit and towel to refresh in the water.

4. See crocodiles in the Tempisque River: Arrange a boat tour along the river to view aquatic birds, bats and crocodiles. This day trip can include a cultural stop before returning to the coast — such as cooking demonstrations with lunch, coffee or chocolate tastings.

5. Take a yoga class.

6. Go surfing or take a lesson to learn.

The suggested hotels above have great restuarant options.