Costa Rica pretty much created the term ‘eco-travel’. This was born out of a combination of a few things but mainly its revolutionary national parks system created back in the 1970’s and then winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for brokering an agreement among troubled Central American countries to promote democracy and end civil strife.

Costa Rica national parts or the National Conservation Areas systems (SINAC) is vast and covers approximately 30% of Costa Rica’s landmass including 32 national parks, eight biological reserves, 13 forest reserves and 51 wildlife refuges.

There are too many parks to write about here but I thought I would pick my favourite three. Manuel Antonio, Arenal and Cabo Blanco.

The most famous of Costa rica national parks is Manuel Antonio. This very small national park (686 hectares) has everything a tourist wants from Costa Rica: lush and green rainforests meeting the expansive and untouched beaches with idyllic islands in the distance. Wildlife everywhere and even up close, including sloths, macaws and the infamous howler monkeys.

Unfortunately the park’s popularity has become its problem in recent years. With over 15,000 visitors a few years back, the park had to take action and quota the number of eager holiday goers to the area. I almost didn’t want to write about it and give it further promotion but my only plea is that if you do want to enjoy it and everyone should, please try and visit in the quieter months between May and November to minimise our impact.

To reas this article in full please click here where there is more about Arenal and Cabo Blanco