Surroundings

Costa Rica has 12 major life zones, over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly species, and 209 mammal species. Active volcanoes, rain forests, cloud forests, lowland jungles, dramatic Pacific coastline and tranquil beaches spread across the country's seven provinces. Thirty percent of the land is protected by national and private reserves and more than five percent of the world's biodiversity can be found in Costa Rica.

Recreo is located in the Tropical Dry Forest of Costa Rica. The vegetation and the animal life are not as dense as those of the Rain Forest areas; however, they have a unique beauty of their own. Flowering trees populate the area. The natural tree of Costa Rica, the magnificent Guanacaste, gives the province its name and can be seen in all its glory.

Commonly observed animals include monkeys, iguanas, sea turtles, armadillos, coatis, squirrels, raccoons, deer, anteaters, peccaries and opossums. Countless species of birds and butterflies populate the trees and skies.

The Guanacaste area offers an abundance of beaches, activities, and adventures. The first six Costa Rican National Parks were created in this province and six wildlife refuges and biological preserves have also been established here. Recreo is in walking distance to two magnificent beaches, Playa Rajada and Playa Jobo.

Volcanoes, waterfalls and secluded sandy beaches each offer distinct possibilities for activities that range from hiking and nature tours to sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. Guanacaste towns and cattle ranches also provide opportunities to enjoy local culture, art and the "TICO" lifestyle.