Costa Rica off the beaten track: with Boca Tapada

Tucked into the base of the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is a hub for adventure. White water rafting, rapelling, ziplining, hiking through lava fields – its lineup of outdoor activities is endless. What’s more, the town is surrounded by lush green rainforest and is the gateway to some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders – like Arenal Volcano National Park with a double serving of volcanoes. And no trip to La Fortuna would be complete without visiting one of its natural hot springs. With all that dazzling scenery, there’s no wonder the town is named ‘The Fortune’.

A must-visit in Boca Tapada is the Maquenque Eco-Lodge. Nestled in 60 hectares of tropical rainforest, imagine waking up to the songs of exotic birds, taking jungle walks, or just chilling by the lagoon. There are also guided tours to learn about the local flora and fauna. Plus, the Maquenque Refuge conserves some of Costa Rica's most important wetlands, making it a prime spot for bird watching and wildlife observation. Boca Tapada is a wildlife wonderland. With over 350 bird species, birdwatchers are in for a treat – including toucans, macaws, and the endangered great green macaw.

Nestled in the foothills of Cordillera Central Mountain Range, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is the perfect place to experience Costa Rica’s great outdoors. From hiking and birdwatching in the rainforest, to white water rafting down River Sarapiqui, this charming town offers enough activities to keep nature lovers and thrill seekers entertained for weeks. As one of the country’s lesser-known destinations, its surrounding wilderness is completely unspoilt. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is the answer.

Sizzling scents of grilled food and sounds of reggae beats fill the air of this little town. Close your eyes and it might seem like you’re in Jamaica, but you’re really in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Lying on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, the town is famed for tropical beaches and world-class surfing. It’s backdrop – a dense jungle home to exotic wildlife – is a haven for nature lovers. If sipping coconuts on secluded beaches, surfing and spotting exotic wildlife sounds up your street, pop Puerto Viejo on your travel wish list.

When it comes to imposing landscapes, Turrialba is in a class of its own – even for Costa Rican standards. Nestled in the Central Valley of the Cartago province, this agricultural town is surrounded by vibrant hills and its namesake national park with an active volcano. There’s plenty of outdoor activities on offer, too – white water rafting, canyoning and bird watching to name a few. The town also makes an excellent base for visiting the Guayabo National Monument, one of the most significant archaeological sites in all of Costa Rica.

You're literally surrounded by the Costa Rican rainforest, with birds and monkeys echoing in the distance and the ocean as your very own playgroundUvita's surroundings has one of the richest biodiversity settings on the planet. A stone's throw away from eye-catching natural paradises such as Playa Uvita, Playa Hermosa, Catarata y Posas Escondidas and Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, all you need to do is walk or drive in one direction and immerse yourself in nature.

Nestled in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific region, this national park boasts a unique blend of tropical dry forest and humid rainforest, creating a rich, biodiverse environment. The park's canopy is verdant and thick, with sunlight filtering through the trees. The warm air is filled with the sounds of rustling leaves, bird calls, and the earthy scents of the forest, offering a sense of being immersed in untouched wilderness.

With all the ingredients for a perfect city break, Costa Rica’s capital – San Jose – should be on everyone’s travel wish list. World-class museums, theatres, markets and historic buildings – it’s got everything. And by night, the city lights up with a host of hip restaurants, stylish bars and a buzzing party scene. What’s more, its downtown is relatively compact, meaning most sights are within walking distance from each another.