Ulysses Costa Rica

Book excerpt: With over one quarter of its magnificent scenery protected by parks and reserves, Costa Rica has a well-deserved, international reputation for its ecotourism opportunities. This guide takes you from the dense rainforest of Monteverde with its cascading waterfalls and fascinating fauna, through the marshy jungle of Corcovado and Tortuguero, to the tropical dry forest of Santa Rosa and on further to the beaches of Manuel Antonio. Discover Costa Rica's natural and cultural splendors with Ulysses through a host of exciting outdoor activities and a variety of informative strolls through the country's charming villages and cities. In this guide you will find detailed descriptions of all the attractions, including numerous national parks and reserves, star-rated so you can spot the must-sees at a glance. There are suggestions for a wealth of outdoor activities, from hiking and canopy tours to rafting on the Pacuare and Reventazon rivers and scaling impressive Mount Chirripo. You will find comprehensive reviews of hotels and restaurants, from family-style "cabinas" and humble "sodas" to luxury hotels and gourmet dining establishments as well as nearly 40 maps and city plans to steer you on the right course.