Go Sun Yourself: Photos of the World's Best Beaches

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There are many other opportunities for day hikes in Costa Rica. Many are at private reserves that have their own trails. An example is Laguna del Lagarto, which is on the Caribbean slope and near the Nicaraguan border. From the simple cabins, it is a short walk to magnificent stands of old growth trees where you feel that you are in a rainforest cathedral. Fungi and red-and-blue and green-and-black poison dart frogs decorate the floor of the trails. Elsewhere on the property, a set of lagoons provides marvelous birdwatching.

There are many other examples, too many to list here. A short list might include private reserves such as Tiskita, Marenco, Costa Rica Expeditions Tent Camp, Genesis II, but there are a number of less expensive community-operated endeavors as well. All of these offer great day hiking within a few minutes of the lodging.

Have a great time wherever you go, but remember that the rainforest is wilderness so be careful.