What are some good non-touristy sites in Costa Rica?

Question

I've been to Monteverde and Arenal, and now I'm looking for some places to hike around, and sites to see that aren't overrun with tourists.

What I'm looking for:

1.) Beautiful views. I love being high up on a mountain, hiking with a gorgeous view

2.) Historical buildings. Old architecture fascinates me, and I'd love to see more of it.

3.) Diverse wildlife. The more the better.

I'll be traveling alone, so I don't want to go anywhere too dangerous, but at the same time I understand the inherent risks with traveling.

Answer 1

If you want to get away from the tourists, head south.  The southern zone is sparsely populated.  Head to Osa Peninsula.  The beauty there is unbelievable.  Oh!  But take your mosquito repellent, sturdy hiking boots and rain gear.  Also, you will probably need a 4 x 4.  It's the rainy season and some of the roads get washed out or really damaged, making the trajectory almost impossible in a regular automobile.  If you need any other information about Costa Rica, try the TicosLand website.

Answer 2

go to www.travelchannel.com then t.v. shows click on samantha brown scroll down on the leftside click on passport to latin america then click on central valley, costa rica. www.interculturacostarica.com

www.costarica-nationalparks.com

Answer 3

i just went to this place 2 days ago, its called "el bajo del Torro"

its pretty twisty but beautiful walls of green and foliage.

you pass a few waterfalls during the trip.

but its VERY secluded. and the climate is very high. you are up in the clouds. but the air is soo fresh & you can see unique plant and moss life.

Answer 4

A place not too full of tourist is one of the volcanoes that's not active its called Volcano Barba in Heredia. Once you get to the park entrance you have to hike up 45 mins to get to the lagoon its a really rocky road to get up to the park entrance but once you get there its really nice hiking up there but you gotta be prepared to get wet because its a rain forrest and its cold.

Answer 5

Check out la cangreja , volcan mira valles, chirripo.

you are going to have a ball enjoy your vacation and welcome to paradise .

Answer 6

1.  Lots of beautiful views wherever you go.  For serious hiking climb Chirripo.    You might go to a place called Rara Avis for example.  I think the Rio Celeste (Volcan Tenorio NP  is a great hike.   Cabo Blanco NP near Montezuma has great sea coast hiking-- incredible tidal pools and isolated beaches.  You can go from the park entrance to Malpais.   Corcovado and the Osa Pennisula are great as well.

2. Historical buildings are in short supply because of periodic severe earthquakes.  but the best concentration of them would be in Cartago and then in Guanacaste (La Casona and Santa Rosa NP, Santa Cruz).

3.  Wildlife-- I would recommend the above hiking spots and Palo Verde NP (wonderful biodiversity but mosquitos are abundant)