Top 10 things to do in Costa Rica

1. Explore Corcovado National Park and its abundant wildlife, from tapirs and anteaters rustling about on the forest floor to White-nosed coatis and spider monkeys high in the canopy

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2. Go bird-watching in Arenal Volcano National Park where over 850 species of bird can be found in the shadow of the stunning volcano

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3. Head to Tamarindo for great surfing on wide open beaches; the laid back town is a great place to hang your hat for a few days and get stuck into the surf

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4. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park where water sports in the crystalline waters include diving, snorkelling and sea kayaking

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5. Learn about Costa Rica’s coffee industry with a tour of a plantation to see the production process from farm to a steaming cup of coffee

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6. Try your hand at ziplining through the canopy, soaring over 2 miles with loads of viewing platforms to enjoy the rainforest below

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7. Hike through Monte Verde cloud forest, where lush vegetation and exotic plants surround the trails and the rare Resplendent Quetzal lurks amongst the trees

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8. Look for whales off shore from Marino Ballena National Park, named after the mighty humpbacks that migrate here each spring

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9. For white sands, fiery sunsets and rolling surf look no further than Playa Carrillo. Framed by the mountains of Costa Rica the empty beaches of Carrillo are stunning

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10. Dive into Islas Tortuga off the Pacific coast, where scuba diving and snorkelling fill up the day before snoozing on the white beaches all afternoon