Flydrive: Het beste van Costa Rica

About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different vibe than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the middle of nature. Located in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most varied forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It is also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its gorgeous beaches, its amazing rivers and its pristine mountains.San José has certain attraction on its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively vibe to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings give away their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.

About the destination: Situated in the heart of Costa Rica's banana growing region, Guápiles serves as the country's gateway between the Caribbean coast and the central highlands. Guápiles is the first major town located along Highway 32 when traveling from the capital city of San Jose to Puerto Limon.

About the destination: Tortuguero is a small fishing village in the far northwest corner of Costa Rica located on a narrow spit of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero Canal. Tortuguero is one of the most remote places in Costa Rica and is only accessible by boat or plane. The main reason why most people travel to Tortuguero is to see turtles lay eggs on the beach and to visit Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica.Tortuguero is the perfect tropical rainforest, mosaic of little canals and deltas, wealth of exotic wildlife, stretch of seemingly endless expanse of sandy beach, peace and quiet. Tortuguero is true nature.

About the destination: Puerto Viejo is the first district of the canton of Sarapiquí, in the province of Heredia, Costa Rica. It has an area of 426.73 km² and has an estimated population of 20,174 inhabitants (2011), with an average population density of 47.28 inhabitants / km². The head is the homonymous city of Puerto Viejo, located 82 km north of the city of Heredia. It has an altitude of 37 meters above sea level. The zone is of flat topography, humid climate and it is furrowed by mighty rivers of divagante course, being the main one the dirty River. Puerto Viejo is on the banks of the Sarapiquí River (near its confluence with the Puerto Viejo River), where a small fluvial port is located for coastal shipping of shallow draft vessels.

About the destination: La Fortuna is the head community of the 7th district of the same name, which is part of the Canton of San Carlos, which in turn belongs to the province of Alajuela, located in the Center-North of Costa Rica. The attractive beauty of the landscape of the district, its forests, the wide variety of tourist activities available, such as canopy, rafting, bird watching, sport fishing, hiking, thermal baths, and in particular its proximity to the Arenal volcano, make it one of the most important tourist destinations in Costa Rica.

About the destination: Tenorio Volcano National Park is a National Park in the northern part of Costa Rica, which forms part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area. The jewel of the National Park is the Tenorio Volcano, from which it receives its name. The volcano was made part of the National Park in 1995 and is located about 26 miles northeast from the town of Fortuna in the Guanacaste Province. The Rio Celeste appears blue due to the emission of sulphur from the volcano and precipitation of calcium carbonate. Thermal springs and small geysers dot the area as do rivers, waterfalls, lagoons and places providing panoramic views. The upper area of the park is dominated by primary cloud forest, while the lower regions are carpeted with rain forest. The tapir and the rarely seen puma reside in the area. There is a ranger station at the base of the volcano that provides visitors with basic information. The volcano's summit can be reached via the Lago Las Dantas Trail, which winds up the volcano and passes through forested terrain before eventually reaching the peak. Tenorio Volcano National Park adjoins Tenorio Valley Nature Reserve, a former cattle ranch that was rewilded in 2004. The 20-acre wetland within the nature reserve is the only known location of the Tapir Valley tree frog.

About the destination: Nestled in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja is a hidden gem that promises a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. This stunning destination is centered around the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which is part of a larger national park. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a landscape rich with geothermal wonders, from bubbling hot springs to steamy fumaroles, all set against the backdrop of lush tropical forests teeming with wildlife. For the adventure-seekers, Rincón de la Vieja offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels lead explorers through diverse ecosystems, past cascading waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints. The trek to the summit of the volcano is a rewarding challenge, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Canopy tours and zip-lining provide an exhilarating way to experience the park from above, while horseback riding and mountain biking offer different perspectives on the ground. After a day of exploration, the natural hot springs provide the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. The therapeutic properties of these mineral-rich waters are well-known, making them a popular stop for visitors looking to unwind. Nearby, the Blue Lagoon (La Cangreja Waterfall) offers another serene spot to cool off and soak in the tranquil surroundings. The park's rivers and waterfalls are not only picturesque but also ideal for swimming and picnicking. Rincón de la Vieja is also a haven for biodiversity. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be thrilled by the variety of species that call this park home, from colorful parrots and toucans to howler monkeys and tapirs. Guided tours are available for those who wish to delve deeper into the park's ecological treasures, providing insight into the unique flora and fauna of the region. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a closer connection with nature, Rincón de la Vieja is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.

About the destination: Sámara is district 5 of the canton of Nicoya, in the province of Guanacaste, in Costa Rica. The district has an area of 109.51 km2 and an estimated population of 3,510 inhabitants (2011). The head of the same name is a small tourist town on the north coast of Costa Rica. It is, perhaps, the most important tourist center of the Nicoya Peninsula and a point of reference par excellence in the Costa Rican Pacific.

About the destination: Monteverde is located in the northern central part of Costa Rica and famous for its cloud forests, which are one of Costa Rica’s premier destinations. Beautiful cloud forests and rainforests are surrounded by green mountains.Monteverde reserve encompasses everyone's idea of a rain forest. It contains more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants. The area is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. There are many activities to do. Rafting, zip-lining, canopy tours, coffee tours, and you can visit a frog museum and Insectarium.Monteverde and Santa Elena settlements are separated by a muddy road but neither has a clear downtown. Shops, restaurants, tours and hotels are sown along the road. In Monteverde region you will experience a unique and beautiful nature.

About the destination: Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Located in the Central Pacific region, is known for its beautiful beaches and rich wildlife. Manuel Antonio Village is the perfect base to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, the main reason why people visit this town. Manuel Antonio Village is a tiny and pleasant place that has some decent shopping, dining and lodging options. Although it is Costa Rica's smallest national park, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the country. Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of rain forest, beaches and coral reefs. The beaches are one of the most beautiful in the country. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, white-face monkeys and the rare squirrel monkeys.One of the special features of the park is Cathedral Point. With its forest topped cliffs this peninsula was once an island, but is now connected to the coast by a thin strip of island. This land bridge now forms the spine separating the parks two most popular beaches, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio.Welcome to Costa Rica’s untouched tropical paradise.

About the destination: Corcovado National Park is a reserve located southeast of the Osa Peninsula (Costa Rica) that houses various protected tropical ecosystems. It is considered one of the regions with the greatest biodiversity on the planet and among its wildlife are macao macaws, tapirs, jaguars and squirrel monkeys. Hiking trails along the coastline and inland traverse habitats as diverse as Pacific beaches, mangroves, shallows and rainforests on the mountain.

About the destination: San Gerardo de Dota, nestled in the verdant Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica, is a hidden gem that offers an unparalleled escape for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. This tranquil village, located approximately 85 kilometers southeast of San José, is renowned for its pristine cloud forests, crystal-clear rivers, and an abundance of wildlife. The drive to San Gerardo de Dota takes you through scenic mountain roads, offering breathtaking vistas that set the tone for the serene experience that awaits. One of the primary attractions of San Gerardo de Dota is its exceptional birdwatching opportunities. The region is home to over 200 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal, a strikingly beautiful bird that draws enthusiasts from around the world. Guided birdwatching tours are readily available, providing visitors with expert knowledge and the best chances to spot these elusive creatures. The Savegre River, which flows through the valley, is also ideal for trout fishing, and many lodges offer guided fishing trips and equipment rentals. In addition to birdwatching, San Gerardo de Dota offers a variety of outdoor activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Hiking trails wind through lush forests, leading to stunning waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints. The Los Quetzales National Park, adjacent to the village, provides more extensive trails for those looking to explore deeper into the wilderness. For a more leisurely experience, many lodges offer private gardens and nature walks, where you can enjoy the flora and fauna at a relaxed pace.

About the destination: San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, has a very different vibe than most of Latin America with a lot more American influenced architecture and a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is a town in the middle of nature. Located in the Central Valley, the city is surrounded by the most varied forms of wildlife as well as the volcanos, Poás and Irazú. It is also the central point from where you can reach the country’s rich National Parks, its gorgeous beaches, its amazing rivers and its pristine mountains.San José has certain attraction on its own like the National Theatre, the Central Market, the National Museum or the Metropolitan Cathedral. Moreover, its friendly people give a lively vibe to the city, something you can appreciate in the city’s many restaurants and bars. Some museums and buildings give away their colonial past and European artistic influences. San Jose also has much to offer and it is a city of great historical and cultural significance.