National parks, wildlife refuges, and biological reserves are found throughout the country. These protected reserves range from swamp (good for crocodile viewing) and dry forest environments to lowland rainforests and high-mountain forests smothered in cloud, with enough diversity of terrain and wildlife to keep nature lovers enthralled for weeks. Many reserves are remote, with few services, and require often arduous hiking. Others are visitor friendly; many are mere minutes and thereby easily accessed from major cities. If you’re here for the wildlife, plan to visit three or four diverse reserves to get the full range. The most popular and easily explored destinations are Cahuita National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Poás Volcano National Park, and Tortuguero National Park.

Scores of private facilities make wildlife viewing easy. These range from large reserves (such as La Selva or Selva Verde) that differ only in name from the government-owned national parks they often adjoin; to small breeding centers and zoos such as Flor de Mayo, the World of Snakes, and Zoo Ave.

Good wildlife viewing is ostensibly offered by the many immensely popular canopy tours or treetop adventures, which range from aerial trams and suspension bridges slung between trees to zipline crossings with you slung in harness. Note, however, that the volume of human activity associated with canopy tours has scared away most wildlife from the immediate vicinity. Sure, you’ll have fun. But don’t expect to see a great deal of wildlife.

If actually viewing wildlife in its natural surrounds is the sine qua non of your vacation, sign up for guided natural history excursions and tours. If the group experience isn’t your thing, then hire your own local naturalist guide (most major tour operators can make arrangements). You’ll see many, many times more critters in the company of an eagle-eyed guide.

DAY 1:
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport; transfer to a hotel in or near San José.

DAY 2:
Take an early-morning flight to Tortuguero National Park and spend the day viewing wildlife. This evening, take a guided turtle-viewing walk on the beach.

DAY 3:
Morning wildlife viewing is followed by an afternoon flight to San José. Time permitting, visit Flor de Mayo (by prior arrangement only) and/or Zoo Ave.

DAY 4:
Fly to Corcovado National Park and transfer to a nature lodge.

DAY 5:
You’ll want to spend the day hiking in Corcovado National Park.

DAY 6:
Fly to San José, then transfer to Monteverde for two days and two nights, with visits to the Serpentarium, Jewels of the Rainforest Bio-Art Exhibition, and other attractions.

DAY 7:
This morning, hire a guide for a visit to either Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve or the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Later, you might want to go horseback riding.

DAY 8:
Be sure to explore the forest canopy at Monteverde before departing for the Central Highlands. Consider a short excursion en route to enjoy a crocodile safari on the Río Tárcoles.

DAY 9:
The early bird catches the worm today for a visit to Poás Volcano National Park followed by hiking at La Paz Waterfall and Butterfly Garden or Selva Verde private reserve. Return to your hotel near Alajuela.

DAY 10:
Transfer to San José for your departure flight.