Jungle Crocodile Safari: You’re sure to see crocs close up on a riverboat cruise up the Río Tárcoles, with fabulous bird-watching to boot. Your guide may even get out onto the muddy bank to feed a croc.

Carara National Park: This reserve at the meeting point of moist and dry tropical ecosystems is easily accessed. Monkey, sloth, and macaw sightings are virtually guaranteed.

Santa Juana Mountain Tour and Canopy Safari: Head into the Fila Costeña mountains to visit a remot community whose various ecotourism projects will keep you active, entertained, and educated, while contributing to local welfare.

Manuel Antonio National Park: Popular and heavily visited, this small rainforest preserve offers diverse wildlife, good nature trails, beautiful beaches, and a small coral reef ideal for snorkeling.

Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge: Wildlife abounds in this small reserve, which spans numerous ecosystems from mangroves to montane rainforest.

Parque Reptilandia: Dozens of snake species from around the world are displayed at this well-run reptile zoo, which even has a komodo dragon.