La Tigra, San Carlos

An eco-tourists heaven, La Tigra enjoys an idyllic setting, at the eastern edge of the Children's Eternal Rainforest, in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. The accompanying jungle is a dense, abundant world of plants and animals, including 120 mammal species, 440 bird varieties and 700 types of butterflies. Visitors can go hiking, ziplining, or canopy bridge walking among the sky-scraping, thick trees, which reach 21 metres in height. Animal lovers will be delighted in the chance to spot so many, and the forest is mainly known for its big cats - especially female ocelots and pumas with cubs who find a safe haven here. Other highlights include waterfalls, river rafting lessons, and the opportunity to volunteer at the wildlife rescue centre or take a traditional cooking class.