Cahuita

Located on the southeastern coast of the country, Cahuita National Park is best known not for its parkland but for its marine area. The park, 1,006 hectares (2,635 acres) in size, was established in 1970 in order to protect a large coral reef off the Caribbean coast, though the reef continues to struggle for survival, due to deforestation and contamination from fertilizer used at nearby banana plantations. The marine area of the park constitutes about one-tenth of the total area.

For now, however, visitors can still enjoy the coral reef and the myriad sea life visible to snorkelers. In the dry season (mid-February through April, September and October), you can snorkel from the beach and be treated to views of sea fans, elkhorn, blue staghorn corals, and light yellow brain, just to name a few. In all, there are about 500 species of fish endemic to the reef. Equipment for snorkeling can be rented in the village of Cahuita and those who wish to explore the outlying reefs can hire a local with a boat to take them further out.

For those who wish to hike, there's an excellent – though often wet – trail that runs between the beach and the forest. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete, longer if you want to stop for a swim. Hikers will also need to wade through the Perozoso River en route. This trail is a favorite with bird watchers, who are sure to spot a number of fascinating winged creatures, including green ibis, yellow-crowned night herons, Northern boat-billed herons, Swainson toucans, keel-billed toucans, rufous kingfishers, and the Central American curassow. Have your camera ready!

Behind the beach, the diverse habitats are full of interesting animals, many peculiar to Costa Rica. You'll find tamanduas, pacas, coatis, raccoons, tree-dwelling sloths, agoutis, armadillos, iguanas, and lots of howler and capuchin monkeys.