The rising sun cues surfers as tide rises yielding massive waves. Rookies guided by instructors from many in-town surfing schools venture out into the ocean proving that everyone can join in the fun.

Other attractions include the Crocodile Farm, a breeding center for American crocodiles that are later released into the wild. Visitors can get a good safe look at these reptiles in enclosed lagoons. Far more friendly hosts, hundreds of butterflies at the Butterfly Farm welcome guests with their fluttering displays of color.

PLAYA HERRADURA
Herradura was a small beach overlooked by the tourism industry until a mega development discovered its potential and put it on the map. Ever since then, it has become the high-end tourism capital of the region.

Set on a 1,100 acre (500 ha) property surrounded by protected rainforest, the Marriot Hotel at Los Sueños resort has taken luxurious getaways to a whole new level. The Spanish colonial style architecture, horizon pool with swim-up bar, a Ted Robinson designed 18-hole golf course, spa, fitness center, more than 200 rooms featuring mountain and ocean views, and first-class service seem like a dream come true.

The resort’s Marina is its pride and joy. More than 200 luxury sport fishing yachts anchor in its waters but guests can also take advantage of charter companies that offer trips out to sea. Several sport fishing events are also held in the Marina, famous for quality and quantity of fish.

Six restaurants and lounges offer culinary art ranging from elegant multi-course meals to casual food with a dash of style. The bartenders will whip up anything you ask them for because they are trained to please.

Some visitors come to Los Sueños and never leave. The resort also has residential areas where deluxe condos can be purchased. The price isn’t small, but according to proud owners, definitely worth it.

If you want to visit this dreamland, be sure to make reservations well in advance because they’re at maximum capacity for years on end.

AT THE TIP OF YOUR NOSE
Many beaches on the mid-Pacific go overlooked by the crowds of tourists that gather at the conventional locations. So close to all the action, they remain hidden in coves and bays like well-kept secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Playa Hermosa is a favorite among surfers looking for elbow-room on the waves. Backed by a wetland area, exotic varieties of birds fly free and happy on the gray-sanded beach.
Palm trees and tropical forests surround Playa Esterillos, located just a few miles from Jacó. Rocks on its northern end captivate curious visitors with fossils imprinted millions of years ago.

Beaches Mantas, Blanca and Limoncito are part of the Punta Leona complex. For many years they were considered private property but a government ruling opened them to the general public. Surrounded by lush vegetation, they comprise a rich habitat where monkeys and birds frolic in the trees.

If you’re searching for a calm place to relax on the sand but are tight on time, visit beaches Palma, Bejuco, Palo Seco and Espadilla. Located just a couple of hours outside of San José they’ll satisfy your need for sun, peace and quiet.

RESERVA DE CARARA
Mesoamerican and Amazonian influences converge at Carara Natural Reserve rendering an amazing display of wildlife-packed transitional forest. The 11,613-acre (4,700 ha) refuge protects a combination of dry and wet climatic zones and their representative species.

Flat terrain and clearly marked trails guide you through Carara as you get to know capuchin, spider and howler monkeys, coatis, ocelots, poison-dart frogs, peccaries, and great anteaters. Bird fanatics would be in heaven with toucans kingfishers, parrots, fiery billed aracari and scarlet macaws flying through the forest. As if that wasn’t enough, the nearby mangrove and wetland systems also provide a home to more than 400 species of birds, considered the largest collection of avian wildlife in Central America.

The endangered scarlet macaw is one of Carara’s most valued residents. More than 50 pairs are bred in the reserve and can be seen migrating