Central American Epic: From the Volcanoes of Costa Rica to the Colonial Cities of Nicaragua

About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different vibe than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the middle of nature. Located in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most varied forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It is also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its gorgeous beaches, its amazing rivers and its pristine mountains.San José has certain attraction on its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively vibe to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings give away their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.

About the destination: Arenal is situated north of San Jose. An active volcano, waterfalls, hot springs, and a big lake is what makes Arenal an interesting place to visit. The volcano is visible from all parts of the Arenal area and you can actually feel the volcano too, there are tremors and small eruptions constantly. There is a very nice, safe path through the rain forest. The scenery is beautiful along with all the animals and nature. It is relaxing just taking in the sights. The volcano is the area’s main draw, but there are plenty of things to do around the Volcano. Enjoying the beauty of the hot springs, water rafting, visiting the Arenal Butterfly Conservatory and going on one of the many hiking tours, which display all the natural beauty and wildlife. In one of the hiking tours you can go unguided and follow the path which leads to a beautiful waterfall. It is quite lovely to cool off in the waterfall after that long hike.

About the destination: Monteverde is located in the northern central part of Costa Rica and famous for its cloud forests, which are one of Costa Rica’s premier destinations. Beautiful cloud forests and rainforests are surrounded by green mountains.Monteverde reserve encompasses everyone's idea of a rain forest. It contains more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants. The area is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. There are many activities to do. Rafting, zip-lining, canopy tours, coffee tours, and you can visit a frog museum and Insectarium.Monteverde and Santa Elena settlements are separated by a muddy road but neither has a clear downtown. Shops, restaurants, tours and hotels are sown along the road. In Monteverde region you will experience a unique and beautiful nature.

About the destination: Nestled in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja is a hidden gem that promises a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. This stunning destination is centered around the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which is part of a larger national park. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a landscape rich with geothermal wonders, from bubbling hot springs to steamy fumaroles, all set against the backdrop of lush tropical forests teeming with wildlife. For the adventure-seekers, Rincón de la Vieja offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels lead explorers through diverse ecosystems, past cascading waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints. The trek to the summit of the volcano is a rewarding challenge, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Canopy tours and zip-lining provide an exhilarating way to experience the park from above, while horseback riding and mountain biking offer different perspectives on the ground. After a day of exploration, the natural hot springs provide the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. The therapeutic properties of these mineral-rich waters are well-known, making them a popular stop for visitors looking to unwind. Nearby, the Blue Lagoon (La Cangreja Waterfall) offers another serene spot to cool off and soak in the tranquil surroundings. The park's rivers and waterfalls are not only picturesque but also ideal for swimming and picnicking. Rincón de la Vieja is also a haven for biodiversity. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be thrilled by the variety of species that call this park home, from colorful parrots and toucans to howler monkeys and tapirs. Guided tours are available for those who wish to delve deeper into the park's ecological treasures, providing insight into the unique flora and fauna of the region. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a closer connection with nature, Rincón de la Vieja is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.

About the destination: Granada is a city in western Nicaragua and the capital of the Granada Department, it is Nicaragua's sixth most populous city. Granada is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities, economically and politically. It has a rich colonial heritage, seen in its architecture and structure. Granada is also known as La Gran Sultana, in reflection of its Moorish and Andalusian appearance, unlike its sister city of León and historical rival, which displays Castilian trends. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Volcan Mombacho Lots to do on the volcano...great hikes, a real cloud forest at the top, a couple of zip lines operators, tour of the coffee plantation and processing facility is. • There are 6 main churches: the Cathedral, La Merced, Guadalupe, Xalteva, San Francisco and María Auxiliadora, which all have interesting historical backgrounds and are in very different states. • Fuerte La Polvora. A few historical exhibits are available on the main level, you can climb the towers for views of the quiet city streets, or wander through the lovely courtyard. • Lake CocibolcaL. During the day this is a nice place to catch a breeze, and there are many Nicaraguan families that come here to pass the time. Vendors pass selling all kinds of food. • The Centro Turistico, a park like area complete with bars and restaurants. It's a bit cleaner than the beach right down from the city. • The Central Park with the Cathedral and the Colonial houses surrounding it. • The Isletas. • Mi Museo.

About the destination: Tamarindo is a beach town in Costa Rica. Located on the Pacific Coast in the province of Guanacaste, Playa Tamarindo is a popular destination for couples and families looking for a good time. The town itself is a small main street about a mile long, with hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops.Tamarindo with three and half kilometres of white beach flanked by the rolling neon-blue waves of the Pacific Ocean serves as a popular base for surfing. Best surfing spots are the nearby Playas Grande, Langosta, Avellanas, and Negra. With a spectacular beach, a saltwater estuary, many surf spots, lively nightlife and the best selection of restaurants of the country, Tamarindo is the epitome of everything that Costa Rica prides itself on.

About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different vibe than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the middle of nature. Located in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most varied forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It is also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its gorgeous beaches, its amazing rivers and its pristine mountains.San José has certain attraction on its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively vibe to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings give away their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.