Villa Caletas – Described as jungle “Victorian” this small resort offers lovely gardens and an intimate cocktail patio with stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Go by 5:30 and view the magnificent sunsets. Dinners in the fancy resort restaurant are fixed price $33. It is about fifteen minutes north of Los Suenos on the main highway – turnoff on the left before the entrance to Punta Leona. Tel. 257-3653.

Carara Park – About twenty minutes north of Los Suenos – small easily hiked reserve. The 90-minute trail through the jungle is great. There is a small parking lot several kilometers north of the main entrance that has hiking trails with better bird watching. Don’t leave anything in your car. Daily 8-4.

Rio Tarcoles – Thirty minutes north of Los Suenos stop at the bridge and watch the crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. This area is on the flight path for parrots and macaws. Bring binoculars. For fresh fish, the Rio Tarcoles fish cooperative is just south on the right – a great place to buy seafood and lobsters. Drive down a dirt road several blocks – toward the Gulf.

Steve ‘N Lisa’s Restaurant – Delightful oceanfront TICO restaurant north of Punta Leona. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. . . also delicious margaritas. They offer a large menu. Stop here after you hike Carara Park.

Manuel Antonio Park – An easy 1½ hour drive south of Los Suenos Marina. The park is closed Monday and opened Tues.-Sun. 7-4 park fee $6.00. Guides wearing badges will meet you in the parking lot and offer to guide you for about $15 per person on an easy two-hour hike. It is worth it. They will help you spot sloths, bats, monkeys, birds, insects, and snakes. Bring a bathing suit if you want to swim in the inviting aqua blue lagoons. . . pack a picnic lunch. Also, in the town of Quepos, you can arrange river rafting, horseback riding, etc. Try Iguana tours.

Rainmaker – a private reserve in the rainforest about twenty minutes north of Manuel Antonio Park in Pocares. The two-hour hike consists of a series of suspension bridges in the rainforest canopy. Bring a bathing suit for a dip in the natural pool along the river. You have to have an appointment and go with a guide. Costs about $45 per person and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Tel. 777-1250 ext. 207.

Doug and Judy Decker, s/v Limerence, www.deckersailing.com [BROKEN LINK]