Start our journey with the national parks located on Costa Rica's scenic Pacific coast. These protected areas offer not only beautiful beaches, but also a wealth of flora and fauna typical of tropical rainforests.

The first stop is Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, one of the country's smallest yet most popular national parks. Located just 157 kilometers from the capital San José, this park is easily accessible to tourists. Despite its small size, Manuel Antonio impresses with its diversity of ecosystems - from white sandy beaches to mangrove forests to lush tropical forest. It's an ideal place to observe wildlife such as sloths, capuchin monkeys and iguanas. The park is also famous for its beautiful beaches, where you can combine relaxation with wildlife observation. Admission to the park costs about $18 (as of December 2023), and it's best to visit early in the morning, when there are fewer tourists and more active animals.

Another jewel of the Pacific is Corcovado National Park, considered one of the biologically richest areas in the world. This vast park covers much of the Osa Peninsula and protects the last original rainforest on the Pacific coast of Central America. Corcovado is home to an impressive number of species, including tapirs, jaguars, ar and toucans. The park is difficult to access - it can be reached by boat or on foot, and visitors are limited to 100 people per day. This makes it a place for true wildlife lovers. It is worth remembering that no food is allowed into the park, and water only in reusable bottles.

To the north of the Pacific coast is Parque Nacional Santa Rosa, a park of exceptional historical and natural significance. This place is known not only for its rich flora and fauna, but also for the important battles that took place here in the 19th century. The park offers a variety of ecosystems, from dry tropical forests to mangrove swamps and beautiful isolated beaches. It's an ideal place for bird watching, as well as sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs. Santa Rosa is also a popular spot for surfers because of the excellent conditions for the sport. Admission to the park is relatively inexpensive - about $15 for foreign tourists.

Comparing the three parks, each offers something unique. Manuel Antonio is the most accessible and offers excellent conditions for beachcombing combined with wildlife watching. Corcovado is a true wild adventure, ideal for those who want to experience nature untouched by man. Santa Rosa, on the other hand, combines natural and historical values, offering the most diverse experiences. Admission prices are similar in all parks, but accessibility and tourist infrastructure vary widely - from well-developed in Manuel Antonio to very basic in Corcovado.

Costa Rica is famous not only for its beautiful beaches and rainforests, but also for its impressive volcanoes and mountains. In this section, we will focus on the national parks that protect these fascinating geological formations and their surrounding ecosystems.

Let's start with Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, one of Costa Rica's most recognizable symbols. This active volcano with its distinctive conical shape is surrounded by lush tropical forest. The park offers a range of activities, from hot springs to scenic hiking trails. Admission costs about $15 (as of December 2023). Arenal is a great place for families - the trails are well-marked and relatively easy, and the views of the volcano are breathtaking. It's worth remembering that volcanic activity can sometimes limit access to some areas of the park.

Another fascinating site is Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja, located in Guanacaste province. This park protects an active volcanic complex and the surrounding tropical forest. Rincón de la Vieja offers unusual experiences such as viewing hot springs, mud volcanoes and waterfalls. The hiking trails vary in difficulty, making the park attractive to both novice and experienced hikers. Admission costs about $15 for adults. This park is less crowded than Arenal, allowing for a more peaceful experience with nature.

For lovers of high altitude hiking, Chirripó National Park would be an ideal destination. It is here that Costa Rica's highest peak, Cerro Chirripó (3820 meters above sea level), is located. The climb to the summit is demanding and usually takes two days, but the views from the top are unforgettable. On sunny days, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Admission to the park requires advance reservations, and prices depend on the length of stay and type of accommodation. This is a great place for experienced tourists looking for a challenge and unique landscapes.

We can't forget Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio, famous for the incredible blue Rio Celeste River. This park offers incredible views, including a spectacular waterfall of intense turquoise. The trails in the park are moderately difficult, but accessible to most hikers. Admission costs about $12 for adults. Due to its popularity, the park can be crowded, especially during the tourist season.

Comparing these parks, each offers a unique experience. Arenal is the most developed for tourists and offers the most amenities, making it ideal for families with children. Rincón de la Vieja is an excellent choice for those who want to see a variety of volcanic phenomena in a less crowded environment. Chirripó is a challenge for experienced hikers, offering unforgettable views and a sense of achievement. Tenorio, on the other hand, attracts primarily with its unique water formations. Admission prices are similar in all parks, except for Chirripó, where costs are higher due to the need for overnight shelter. Accessibility also varies, from easily accessible Arenal to Chirripó, which requires advance reservations.

At the end of our tour of Costa Rica's national parks, we will visit protected areas on the Caribbean coast and in the central part of the country, which offer a very different experience from parks on the Pacific coast or in volcanic regions.

Let's start with Cahuita National Park, located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This park is unique for its combination of tropical forests with beautiful white beaches and coral reefs. Cahuita offers excellent conditions for snorkeling and observing marine life. Interestingly, admission to the park is free, although voluntary donations are accepted (the recommended minimum is $5). The park is easily accessible and offers gentle trails, ideal for families with children. It is worth remembering that it is not allowed to enter the rivers in the park due to the presence of crocodiles. The best way to explore is to hire a local guide to help spot hidden animals such as sloths and monkeys.

In the central part of the country is the fascinating Monteverde Misty Forest Reserve. Although not technically a national park, the reserve is one of the most important protected areas in Costa Rica. It is famous for its unique cloud forest ecosystem, where fog and clouds create a magical atmosphere. Monteverde is a bird lover's paradise - you can see, among other things, the rare quesal. Admission costs about $25 for adults (as of December 2023). The reserve offers many attractions, including the famous bridges suspended high in the treetops, which allow observation of life in the upper reaches of the forest.

Another interesting site is Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio, which, although mentioned earlier in the context of volcano parks, is worth discussing in more detail because of its unique ecosystem. In addition to volcanic formations, this park also protects the sources of the Rio Celeste River, famous for its intensely blue water. This phenomenon, caused by a specific mineral composition, creates unforgettable views. The park offers several trails of varying difficulty, and the main attraction - the Rio Celeste waterfall - is relatively easy to access. Admission costs about $12 for adults.

Comparing the three places, each offers a completely different experience. Cahuita National Park is ideal for sea and beach lovers, offering a combination of relaxation and wildlife viewing. It is also the most affordable, making it attractive to travelers on a budget. Monteverde Reserve is the place to go for those who want to experience a unique cloud forest ecosystem and are willing to pay a little more for the experience. It also offers the most developed tourist infrastructure. Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio combines elements of a volcanic park with beautiful water formations, making it attractive to a wide range of visitors.

The accessibility of these sites also varies. Cahuita is easily accessible and offers gentle trails, ideal for families with children and people of all fitness levels. Monteverde requires a bit more planning, especially during the tourist season when the reserve can be crowded. Volcán Tenorio, while popular, offers more varied trails, allowing you to tailor your visit to your own ability.

All in all, Costa Rica's national parks and reserves offer a remarkable variety of experiences, from pristine beaches to misty cloud forest and blue rivers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful beach getaway, exciting jungle adventures or unique natural phenomena, Costa Rica has something to offer for every nature lover. Remember to always follow the rules of conservation and respect the local ecosystems during your visits to these unique destinations.