Go Coastal

• Try to see at least one coast. Costa Rica is a narrow country boarded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. Each coast has something special to offer. The Pacific Ocean coastline is home to several Costa Rican national parks. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park along the southern part of the coastline. Manuel Antonio is just past the small town of Quepos directly on the Pacific Ocean. The park is a reached by a small boat that ferries you across a border river. Once you've reached the park entrance you'll find a beach filled with palm trees and powdery white sand. In the interior of the park are several trails. At each turn of the trail you may see wild monkeys in the park trees, iguanas, agoutis, peccaries and wild parrots with bright yellow or red feathers. Shimmering Morpho butterflies may show you their bright aqua wings.
  
  The Caribbean coast is home to Tortuguero National Park. Visitors can explore this huge coastal park and see all sorts of astonishing wildlife close up. Hire a guide and you may witness wild crocodiles, caimans, sloths, toucans and river otters in a single boat trip into the interior of the park.
  
  

Take a Plane

• Take planes. Getting around Costa Rica can be difficult. The moist climate makes it difficult to maintain roads. Consider taking a short plane ride from one area to the next instead. Interior plane rides are safe and inexpensive. The capital city of San Jose serves as a hub. From there you can get anywhere in Costa Rica.
  
  

Study Spanish

• Learn some Spanish. Many Ticos (as Native Costa Ricans are known) learn at least some English. Learn a few phrases of Spanish before you go to make the process of communication easier.
  
  

Reference Books

• Bring a good book on wildlife and plants. This can help you identify a sudden flash of yellow wings in the air or thick red vine on the ground. A Costa Rican tour guide may not always know the name of a plant or animal. Bring a book so that you can find out the answers to your questions.
  
  

Dry Season

• Go during the dry season if possible. The Costa Rican climate is divided into the wet season and the dry season. During the wet season heavy afternoon rains are very common. During the dry season rainfall is still present but less common. The dry season generally extends from November to April.