Costa Rica Pictures

Recent travelers suggested exploring Tortuguero National Park by boat to marvel at its beautiful landscape and animals.  Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

Whether it be in the rainforest or on the beach, sunsets like this occur nightly in Costa Rica.  Kryssia Campos Getty Images

Costa Rica's "Gold Coast" is one of the nation's most unique destinations and that's not just because of its secluded beaches.  Kryssia Campos Getty Images

Recent travelers highlight Nosara Beach's gorgeous sunsets, colorful fish and turquoise waters as ideal for surfers and beach lovers alike. Matteo Colombo Getty Images

San Jose's Barrio Amón is popular with tourists for its centuries-old mansions and photo-worthy architecture. francisco sosa Getty Images

The 3-square-mile Manuel Antonio National Park is home to beaches, coves, hiking trails and a lush green rainforest.  Marco Simoni Getty Images

Fruit is a major Costa Rican commodity. Be sure to sample a ripe banana, pineapple or mango during your stay. EverJean Flickr

As you stroll through foggy rainforests, keep your eyes peeled for Capuchin monkeys. Patrick Denker Flickr

Costa Rica's rainforests teem with vibrant flora. EverJean Flickr

At more than 5,000 feet high, the Arenal Volcano looms over the Costa Rica landscape. Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

For some R&R, spend the day in the natural Tabacón Hot Springs – just be sure to book your reservation well in advance.  Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

In Costa Rica's thick forests, you'll spot everything from colorful iguanas to howler monkeys and sloths dangling from tree limbs. EverJean Flickr

If you need a break from hiking through Corcovado National Park, head to the 23 miles of beaches, but be warned the sand is hot. Arctic-Images Getty Images

Spend a day louning on the black-sand beaches, dancing to reggae music or strolling the gardens and farms in the village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. F.J. Jiménez Getty Images

Costa Rica's green iguanas can grow up to 6 feet long and transition into a fiery orange shade to attract mates. jurvetson Flickr

The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is home to rare birds, alligators, jaguars, sloths and turtles, just to name a few.  Kryssia Campos Getty Images

Jaco is home to shops, restaurants and hotels galore.  mihtiander Getty Images

Colorful quetzals call the Rich Coast's misty rainforests home. Frank.Vassen Flickr

Gorgeous butterflies flutter through the country's wildlife reserves. Westend61 Getty Images

Arenal Volcano occupies two landscapes, one with verdant vegetation and one with lava flow. Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a hit with nature and wildlife lovers, especially those who are visiting Costa Rica for the first time. Riddhish Chakraborty Getty Images

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest for breathtaking views and to be in two places at once – you can step on the Continental Divide with one foot in the Caribbean and another in the Pacific.  Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

Among the activities available at Arenal Volcano are hot springs, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hiking. Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

While you're at La Paz, check out the aviary to see colorful birds native to the region. Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

More than 25 species of butterflies reside in the butterfly observatory at La Paz. Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

If you're a lover of furry creatures, you'll be pleased to discover that Manuel Antonio National Park contains so many monkeys that the park built a suspension bridge to grant them free reign of the area. Manuel ROMARIS Getty Images

Travelers recommend visiting Manuel Antonio's remote white-sand beaches in the southeastern tip of the park where visitors can relax under palm trees. Javier Fernández Sánchez Getty Images

Among the animals you'll see at the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge are sloths. Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

You'll want to bring your binoculars if you're visiting the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge to spot some of the refuge's rare birds. Kryssia Campos Getty Images

Surfers flock to Jaco's shores for its excellent waves. JodiJacobson Getty Images

A trip to Jaco is all about the beach. zxvisual Getty Images

Situated along the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma is a charming coastal town that boasts affordable hotel accommodations and untamed splendors, like magnificent waterfalls and gentle cerulean waves. Driendl Group Getty Images

Mal País is another charming coastal town along the Nicoya Peninsula that travelers suggest you make a stop in. CampPhoto Getty Images

Gallo pinto, or rice and beans, is a common dish you'll see on Costa Rican food menus. arturogi Getty Images

Thanks to its coastal proximity, fresh ceviche is abundant in Costa Rica. ContemporAd Getty Images

One of the highlights of a trip to Guanacaste is a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. PharmShot Getty Images

Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds, such as these scarlet macaws, while in Guanacaste. OGphoto Getty Images

You'll likely want to stop in San Jose before heading to the country's magnificent rainforests and beaches. Kryssia Campos Getty Images

Trek along the hazy trails of Corcovado National Park and you're likely to spot macaws, tapirs, jaguars, spiders or howler monkeys. Matteo Colombo Getty Images

Tapirs are just some of the animals you'll see in Corcovado National Park. MB Photography Getty Images

Imagine winding through a misty oasis; strikingly tall trees wrap you in a sea of green. Welcome to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Courtesy Visit Costa Rica

Recent visitors recommended taking a Sky Walk (hanging bridges) or Sky Trek (zip lining) tour to avoid the crowds and see the reserve from an aerial view.  Juhku Getty Images

Surfers crowd coconut-fringed Cocles Beach; nature-lovers venture inland to explore rainforests in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. SimonDannhauer Getty Images

At various times during the year, visitors can spot sea turtles – green, leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead – nesting in Tortuguero National Park. Javier Fernández Sánchez Getty Images

Tied to Costa Rica's mainland by weaving rivers and canals, Tortuguero National Park lures nature-seekers looking for a remote piece of jungle paradise.  pilesasmiles Getty Images