La Cuna Camping

Not a morning person? You may quite possibly change your mind on that front when you stay at La Cuna Camping, a peaceful and safe Puntarenas spot on the banks of the Agujas River and just outside the Corcovado National Park.

That setting makes mornings here rather different to anything you might experience at home: you’ll use the call of the howler monkeys as an alarm clock, then splash yourself properly awake under the running water of the rather splendid outdoor shower. Bring along foodie bits (which you can pick up in Puerto Jiménez, 15 minutes’ drive away) to boost your morning even further with breakfast at the picnic area surrounded by tropical trees and plants.

And after that? Well, you might choose to stay put right where you are, as it’s a fine spot for spying on some of the wildlife that calls this place home: sloths, scarlet macaws and monkeys all put in regular appearances. Don’t dawdle for too long though, as this part of the world is packed with things to fill your days: snorkelling, scuba diving, mangrove kayaking, waterfall hikes, sport fishing and surf lessons are all nearby… and that’s before you’ve even planned outings into the national park for more encounters with exotic beasties.

The facilities here include toilets and those splendid outdoor showers, along with space for car parking, tea and coffee facilities, a fridge and a microwave.

A restaurant/bar is a few minutes' walk away, and it's a similar wander to a nearby secluded beach.