Beyond the tourist trail
Discover hidden waterfalls, authentic experiences, and places most tourists never find in the northern region of Costa Rica.
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Laguna de Hule: Costa Rica's Hidden Volcanic Crater Lake
Three ancient lakes inside a collapsed volcano, surrounded by untouched rainforest, visited by almost no tourists.
Laguna de Río Cuarto: A Perfect Volcanic Crater Lake
Emerald-green water in a perfectly circular volcanic crater, with kayaking, paddleboarding, and almost no tourists, 75 minutes from La Fortuna.
Night Wildlife Tours in Sarapiquí: Poison Dart Frogs, Sleeping Toucans & Red-Eyed Tree Frogs
When the sun goes down in Sarapiquí, a completely different rainforest wakes up.
Recreo Verde Hot Springs: Costa Rica's $10 Alternative to Tabacón
Natural mineral hot springs in the cloud forest, with canopy tours, hiking, and a spa, at a fraction of La Fortuna resort prices.
EcoTermales La Fortuna: Eight Hot Pools, One Booked Slot, $49
Eight pools between 32 and 41 °C, a freshwater waterfall, and a hard cap on how many people are in the water with you. That is what $49 buys at EcoTermales.
Vuelta del Cañón: Bajos del Toro's Most Rewarding Hike
An 11 km jungle trek to a two-tier waterfall with a turquoise pool inside a canyon you'll have entirely to yourself.
Río Agrio, Pozas Celestes & Dino Land: The Complete Guide
A 50-meter volcanic waterfall, naturally blue swimming pools, and life-sized mechanical dinosaurs, all on one property.