1. Costa Rica is known for its rich biodiversity. In fact, it makes up about 5% of all biodiversity on earth. After a period of rapid deforestation, Costa Rica made a conscious choice to preserve its forest cover. Today, more than 20% of its land is marked for conservation. Starting early 1990s, eco-tourism started to gain traction with the help of biologists who visited the country primarily for research. Aided by its conservation choices as well as smart marketing from its tourism board, Costa Rica established itself as one of the top destinations for nature and ecotourism. Visitors across the world particularly from North America flock to regions like Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel San Antonio to experience the rainforests along with its unique flora and fauna.  

2. Arenal Volcano gave the region its name. It is best known for its textbook volcano shape and stands tall at 5358 feet. It is usually shrouded in clouds which makes the occasional glimpses of its perfect conical shape special. It continuously erupted from 1968 until 2010 and has been dormant since then. There are lava trails that are accessible as part of the Arenal Volcanic National Park. 

3. Arenal Observatory and Lodge was built as a research facility for scientists of the Smithsonian Institute. It is located deep in the jungles of the Arenal National Park and is a birding hotspot as it is home to more than 500 species of birds. The observatory has tons of trails and viewpoints which are well suited to see all kinds of wildlife. It is not uncommon to see bands of coatis roaming around the Arenal Observatory itself. The lodge itself offers rustic accommodations but the location is unparalleled. 

4. As a result of all the volcanic activity in the region, there are many naturally occurring hot springs. Today, most have been commercialized with resorts built around them. Tabacon is the biggest and the most popular among them. Many resorts including Tabacon sell day passes for those who don’t stay at their properties. Ironically, the only free hot springs in the area is right past Tabacon on Route 142 where hustlers will point those interested in the right direction in exchange for a small car watcher fee. 

5. The Rio Fortuna falls is one of the best accessible waterfalls in the Arenal area. While it is not possible to get directly underneath the falls due to its intensity, swimming in the waterfall pool is itself exhilarating and fun. The currents are pretty strong so it is best to stay closer to of the edges of the pool. 

6. Mistico Arenal hanging bridges park is a curated rainforest experience. The guided walking tour is the best way to experience what this natural park has to offer. There are plenty of hanging bridges built across the rainforest at varying altitudes and this certainly adds to the thrill. We saw plenty of unique flora and fauna, most notably tarantula, cutter ants and chameleons. The cutter ants were unique, the colony of ants literally cut pieces of leaves, haul them back to their burrows, ferment it with their saliva in order to consume them. Their coordination and industriousness is certainly a sight to see. 

7. Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) with eggs is the breakfast stand by in Costa Rica. It was better than I thought but was on the blander side, some kind of salsa would have helped. Tropical fruits especially pineapple and papaya are in abundance and find their way into fruit juices, milkshakes and ice creams. As for lunch and dinner, casado plates are the answer. These are set meals built for large appetites. They are composed of rice, beans, vegetables with meat as the main dish. These are typically served at sodas which are low key family run eateries.