The Children’s Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de los Niños) is Costa Rica’s largest private reserve, purchased by children from 44-plus countries in a collaboration to preserve the rainforest. Visitors come to hike and see native wildlife in the park, which stretches across mountains and valleys between Arenal National Park and Monteverde.
Las Pumas Rescue Center (Centro de Rescate Las Pumas) rescues and rehabilitates wildlife and advocates rainforest conservation efforts in the Guanacaste Province near Cañas, Costa Rica. The sanctuary sits on an old farm in the heart of the Santa Rosa Sector Guanacaste Conservation Area (Area de Conservación Guanacaste), both a network of protected areas and a World Heritage Site. The center rescues large cats primarily, but it also works to provide a safe home to monkeys, deer, parrots, and other animals.
Jaco is a lively beach famous for water sports, partying, and its welcoming atmosphere. Located on some of Costa Rica’s most developed coastline—and an easy, under 2-hour drive from the capital—it’s a popular escape for San Jose residents, as well as backpackers, snowbirds, and North American retirees. While you should watch out for riptides, Jaco Beach has some of the best surfing in the country.
