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Tico Explorers

follow your curiosityExplore Places & Experiences

New places. More ways to discover.

Explore Costa Rica with Pico and Tati through beaches, forest trails, historic landmarks and local traditions. Every place offers a chance to notice something new and ask a question together.

Find cultural experiences, wildlife habitats and outdoor adventures to share as a family. Use the filters below to follow your interests and discover places that inspire you to explore, learn and protect.

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53 results

Costa Ballena Whale Learning

Responsible marine observation can introduce families to humpback whales and their movements. Sightings depend on season and conditions; use an authorized operator that respects wildlife distances and never promises an encounter.

Damas Mangrove Outing

A separate guided excursion near Quepos introduces tidal channels and mangrove roots around Damas. Departure times and routes depend on the tide. Confirm the meeting point, flotation equipment and suitability for your group, and avoid touching or feeding wildlife.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The refuge protects coastal and forest habitats in the southern Caribbean. Choose an authorized visitor route, follow current local guidance and observe animals from a distance.

Ostional National Wildlife Refuge

Discover a protected nesting coastline. Turtle viewing must follow refuge rules and local guide requirements.

Tortuguero Forest Walk

A permitted forest route can become a listening adventure. Compare sounds, leaf shapes and signs of water, staying on the route and following local wildlife guidance.

La Fortuna Bird Observation

Slow down along an established garden or forest path and listen before looking. Compare bird shapes and calls without feeding wildlife or using playback to attract it.

Mal País Tide Pools

At suitable low tides, rocky sections of Mal País reveal small pools where coastal life may be visible. Observe without handling animals or moving rocks. Stay on secure footing with an adult and keep watching waves and the incoming tide.

Monteverde Butterfly Gardens

A guided garden visit introduces butterflies and other invertebrates through observation and explanation. Ask about the current program and follow handling rules. Use questions about life cycles and habitat to extend what your family notices.

Playa Ostional

Nearby Ostional is a sea-turtle nesting beach in Santa Cruz canton. Olive ridley turtles sometimes arrive in large nesting events called arribadas. These follow nature’s timing, so arrange visits through current refuge guidance rather than expecting a guaranteed sighting.

Tortuguero Wetland Birds

Look for birds from an authorized path or guided water route. Ask how different beaks and legs help birds use wetland habitats, and observe without feeding or attracting them.

Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve

A longer outing from Santa Teresa leads to Cabo Blanco’s authorized visitor sector near Cabuya. The reserve protects forest and coastal habitat. Confirm current access, open trails and visitor requirements with SINAC before planning your day.

Carara National Park Outing

Carara is a separate protected-area outing north of Jacó. Its forest spans Garabito in Puntarenas and Turrubares in San José. Use authorized visitor routes and confirm current entry arrangements before setting out.

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