Puntarenas Live Cam

Costa Rica has blossomed as a center for active pursuits from hiking in the rainforest to sportfishing to white water rafting to surfing. A trip to Costa Rica might read like a wish list of tropical treats, beginning perhaps with an aquatic jungle journey in Parque Nacional Tortuguero,a dip in steaming hot springs at Volcán Arenal, hiking in the mystifying Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a visit to Playa Grande to see marine turtles nesting, Arenal Volcano Eruptinga nature walk at Manuel Antonio, whale watching south of Uvita, and ending with scuba diving off the Península de Osa. And yet you would have only scratched at the surface.

For years travelers had neglected this beautiful yet peaceful country, primarily because of its war torn neighbors. However Costa Rica has been blessed with a remarkable normalcy, no standing army, few extremes of wealth and poverty, and a proud history as Central America’s most stable democracy. Of the 53 presidents who have reigned since the nation won independence from Spain, in 1821, only three have been military men and only six could be considered dictators.

Ticos - as the friendly, warmhearted Costa Ricans are known – pride themselves on having more teachers than policemen, a higher male life expectancy that does the United States, a commitment to peace and prosperity, and an education and social-welfare system that should be the envy of many developed nations. Even the smallest of towns are electrified and potable water is most everywhere.

Costa Rica is about the same size as West Virginia or Nova Scotia and only slightly larger than Switzerland. Costa Rica has the advantage of being small enough to cross end to end in a matter of days. However, a more slothful pace lets you discover the full kaleidoscope of the wilderness wonders. The diversity of terrain is remarkable, and the landscape changes as if on a revolving hinge.

The Central Highlands are ringed by mountains flanked by row upon row of glossy green coffee bushes. Guanacaste is cowboy country and provides a strong sense of the past, while the Nicoya Peninsula beaches of Guanacaste and Northern Puntarenas beckons turtles to come ashore to lay eggs. No less compelling is the rugged Central Pacific coast of Puntarenas which is popular with surfers. The lagoons of the Northern Lowlands in Alajuela boil with tarpon, and the remote Talamanca massif, which dominate the southern half of the country, is an unexplored world where jaguars still roam free. Costa Rica offers appeals to every outdoor enthusiasts and travelers taste.

Both fast and slow-paced visitors enjoy Costa Rica’s central pacific region. Those visiting Puntarenas can go on easy nature walks or ride white water rapids on mountain rivers. The region’s most popular attraction is Parque National Manuel Antonio, which is walking distance from dozens of fine hotels and restaurants. Manuel Antonio has white beaches and green mountains, and attracts both loungers and action seekers. After daytime wildlife viewing, many visitors retreat from Manuel Antonio to Playa Jacó, a party-oriented resort town.

A number of beaches stretch down the coast. Most of them are un-crowded, and are hidden by patches of forestland. The coastline has strong waves, great for surfing, but produces strong rip tides, making it treacherous for swimmers.

The southern section of Puntarenas is abundant with wildlife, and the constant rain has produced deep forests. Parque National Corcovado, a beautiful but lonesome national park, is one of the largest rain forests along the Pacific coast of Central America. Solitary visitors also choose the Península de Osa, which has wilderness, sportfishing and diving lodges, all of them catering to nature-oriented travelers.