South Pacific Coast Feature

Bird-watching: Yields such beauties as scarlet macaws and the resplendent quetzal.

Enormous Corcovado National Park: The last refuge of such endangered species as jaguars and tapirs.

Kayaking: Head to the Golfo Dulce or along the jungly channels of the Sierpe or Colorado rivers.

Mountain hikes: Hikes that range from easy daytime treks around luxurious lodges to Costa Rica's toughest: 3,810-meter (12,500-foot) Cerro Chirripó.

Wild places to stay: Relax in the country's top eco-lodges, rustic thatch-roof beach bungalows, and cozy mountain cabins.