La Cuna Camping

Wildlife, it should be pointed out, can be rather shy at times – so it’s a fine idea to rope in the help of eagle-eyed experts to help you spot some of the region’s more elusive residents. Day-long guided hikes in the Corcovado National Park can be sorted in Puerto Jiménez (15 minutes’ drive along a good road) with folk who know what to look out for. On foot isn’t the only way to get out and about – the town’s activity centres also arrange horse riding, canopy ziplining adventures and kayak outings either in the mangroves or out to sea in search of dolphins. If you’ve got your eye on other sea-based activities, stick around in Puerto Jiménez for fishing trips, or keep going to Playa Platanares (half an hour’s drive) for surf lessons – or to lounge on the lengthy stretch of sand. All a bit too active? Dial the pace down a bit with an outing to the nearby mineral spa or a tasty tour of a chocolate farm (both 10 minutes’ drive).