| One of the real strengths of Costa Rica as a | | | | to be much, much wider in a more tourist driven area |
| vacation destination is just how good it is at doing | | | | than a quieter, country area. |
| action and adventure-type getaways. Costa Rica | | | | For example, Arenal is awash with adventure tour |
| adventure tours are available virtually everywhere | | | | companies offering just about anything under the sun |
| though in general there are two rules to consider. | | | | while some quiet, seaside areas might offer virtually |
| Firstly, it is generally safest to book Costa Rica | | | | nothing as the few tourists they do get are happy to |
| adventure tours through the hotel you are staying at | | | | just lounge on the beach. |
| if they offer such a service because it helps to | | | | Arenal, Monte Verde, Jaco, Tamarindo and so on, as |
| protect you should anything go wrong. Speak to | | | | the more tourist-driven areas, are the places to head |
| others who have been to Costa Rica and you will | | | | to for adventure! |
| likely hear a number of stories of innocent tourists | | | | So what sorts of activities are available to you in |
| like you signing up for an adventure tour, paying their | | | | Costa Rica? |
| money in advance (which can come to several | | | | Zip Lines - Long cables slung through rain forest along |
| hundred dollars depending on what you want to do) | | | | which you fly. Some of these cables are amazing. |
| and then being left high and try as a dodgy tout | | | | You end one on a platform in a tree, reattach |
| suddenly disappears and leaves you with nothing. | | | | yourself to the next one and off you go through the |
| By booking through your hotel you can be reasonably | | | | treetops again. It's great fun and a fantastic way to |
| sure that the adventure tour operators are legitimate | | | | see the rain forest from a different perspective but |
| because any problems in the past will hopefully have | | | | isn't cheap - and isn't for those scared of heights! |
| been ironed out by previous guests. For a further | | | | Rapelling - Think along the lines of abseiling down |
| level of protection, Costa Rica is full of tourists, | | | | waterfalls. Yes, it is that mad. You will get soaked. |
| particularly in high season (January to April) so don't | | | | It's dangerous. But it's also great fun. Make sure you |
| be afraid to ask for advice from others by going into | | | | have a complete change of clothes for the next day |
| bars or restaurants and asking where people are | | | | - too many people I met had got their only pair of |
| staying, what trips they've done and what they | | | | shoes soaked and either had to wear them wet or |
| would recommend. | | | | try wearing flip flops the next day when trying to |
| I spoke to several American tourists while I was | | | | rock climb or something. |
| there and did my best to point them in the right | | | | Rafting - There are several good-sized rivers in Costa |
| directions. | | | | Rica on which you and a small team of other |
| The other thing to bear in mind about Costa Rica | | | | adventure seekers can raft down in inflatable boats. |
| adventure tours is that the selection available is likely | | | | Again, expect to get very, very wet. |