How to Holiday in Costa Rica

When planning my holidays, I seldom search for exotic locations, mostly because I'm on a tight budget, and if I'm going to lie on a beach all day, I'd rather do it cheaply, but also because I always have this sneaky feeling that the sun is trying to kill me, so I try to go for something that involves a bit more than just sand and sun. 

So when I was invited to spend a week in Costa Rica, I was a bit doubtful. However, after a bit of research, I'm really excited about all the possibilities! Here's what I plan to visit!

1. Monteverde - Picking up a car hire in San Jose is the first step, since I like nothing better than to travel comfortably. ;) Monteverde is just a few hours drive from the capital and it is totally worth the visit! The Preserve's rain and cloud forests make for a great way to spend a day, in communion with Nature: from beautiful orchids, to curious frogs and the famous Quetzal!

2. Manuel Antonio - I'm not crazy about the sun, but even I enjoy a lazy day on the beach every now and then. And by the looks of it, Manuel Antonio is the perfect place for it! It's the smallest national park in the country and it combines amazing, peaceful-looking beaches with over 100 types of mammals and over 200 species of birds! The moment I saw a picture of a tiny monkey running along a beach, I was sold! ;)

3. Arenal Volcano - I refuse to miss the opportunity to see a real active volcano! Arenal was dormant for hundreds of years till it finally erupted in 1968, and it has been partying ever since! Nowadays it is the most active volcano in Costa Rica and one of the top 10 most active volcanoes in the world! Underground rumbling, massive ash columns and sudden bursts are almost daily events.

This is my list at the moment, but I'm waiting for suggestions! What can't I miss with my Costa Rica car hire? Tell me all about your favourite spots! ;)