Yosemite has long been revered for its stunning, unique landscape, and no wonder. From the glacier-scarred face of Tutokanula – that's the native Miwok name for the iconic granite formation also known as El Capitan – to giant sequoias bigger than a school bus to North America's tallest waterfall, Yosemite is full of larger-than-life sights.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the Yosemite Valley was home to Indigenous tribes including the Miwok, Paiute, and Ahwahneechee – and indeed, many of their descendants still live in the surrounding Mariposa County. Over the past 130 years since this corner of their lands were turned into a national park, generations of visitors have experienced the surreal splendors of Yosemite, from its famous firefall to the shimmering Tuolumne Meadows. Hikers, climbers, backpackers, grandparents, tots – Yosemite has a little something for everyone, so much it can be hard to know where to begin your visit.

If this is your first time to Yosemite, we can help you narrow it down with a greatest-hits of one of the greatest parks in the United States. From your approach to the park by car to when your head hits the pillow at one of several lodges and campgrounds on site, and all the adventures in between, here's what to do on your first trip to Yosemite.

Editor's note: During COVID-19 , please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

The drive into Yosemite Valley,  Yosemite National Park

On the thrilling, winding drive into Yosemite Valley, you'll be impressed by the panoramic windshield views of a glacier-carved canyon, thickly forested, with grassy meadows beside a bubbling river and granite monoliths scraping the sky. Stop at Tunnel View for a postcard-perfect shot of the valley floor, snaggletoothed Half Dome , stalwart El Capitan and cascading waterfalls rushing down sheer cliffs.

Yosemite National Park: hiking the Valley

In the valley, park your car for the day and ride the free visitor shuttle buses to avoid traffic jams. Be sure to arrive early, as parking lots may fill up as soon as 9am. From convenient shuttle stops, it's an easy stroll right up to the base of double-tiered Yosemite Falls , the continent's highest at over 2400ft, or pulse-pounding Bridalveil Fall. If you've got more time and stamina, ascend the slick granite-rock staircase on the Mist Trail , which runs so narrowly beside Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall that you're likely to get sprayed with water, above which spritely rainbows flash. Still got some energy? Get an advance permit for the all-day hike to Half Dome or sign up for a rock-climbing lesson with Yosemite Mountaineering School . Or chill on a blanket in El Capitan Meadow with a pair of binoculars and watch the pros scaling its daunting granite face, looking like ants.

For the kids

For a leisurely afternoon, grab a picnic spot and have a splash at Happy Isles . If you prefer a dry cool-down, bring the kids to the Valley Visitor Center for a free film about Yosemite's show-stopping wonders, then peruse the natural history displays and check daily schedules of free ranger walks and talks. At the nearby Yosemite Museum , cultural demonstrators bring to life Native American tribal traditions, including intricately patterned woven baskets.

Heading into Yosemite's High Country

After a day or two in Yosemite Valley, escape to higher – and significantly cooler – elevations. It's an hour's drive to Glacier Point, winding through pine forest to a stellar viewpoint that peers down into the valley and over the jagged, rocky rooftop of the Sierra Nevada. On the way up or down, stop off for a walk through wildflower meadows out to dizzying Taft Point or climb Sentinel Dome . Afterward, detour south to Wawona , with its open-air pioneer village, and catch a free shuttle to the majestic Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees, the largest living things on earth.

An even more gobstopping scenic drive follows historic Tioga Rd (Hwy 120) to high-altitude Tuolumne Meadows (8600ft), which bursts with a rainbow's palette of summer wildflowers and is ringed by granite domes that beckon to climbers and hikers. Also off Tioga Rd, don't skip Olmsted Point , with its panoramas of Half Dome and startlingly deep Tenaya Canyon; or pristine Tenaya Lake , a refreshingly cold dip on a hot summer day. Hiking trailheads abound, most served by free shuttle buses. If you'd rather see the Sierra Nevada's peaks and alpine lakes on horseback, book a trail ride with Tuolumne Meadows Stable .

Visiting Yosemite National Park in any season

Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, when all roads are open and a variety of outdoor pursuits are possible. Be prepared for big crowds, elbow jostling on trails, jam-packed campgrounds and 'No Vacancy' signs at park lodgings.

Spring is another busy time, when Yosemite Valley's waterfalls peak during April and May. Early in spring, some park roads will still be closed by snow, but valley campgrounds are open and lower-elevation hiking trails are passable. Plan your trip here .

Fall is Yosemite's shoulder season, with fewer crowds. Many waterfalls are dry and overnight temperatures make camping chilly. But you'll have some hiking trails almost to yourself as the aspen trees begin turning a shimmering gold.

Winter in Yosemite really is a wonderland, with snowshoe trails and tame downhill and cross-country skiing at Badger Pass , California's first alpine ski resort established in 1935. Bonus: park lodging rates drop during winter.

Tip: Check here for road closures before you go.

Where to sleep in Yosemite

What's better than waking up underneath pine trees as the sun breaks across Yosemite Valley? To drink coffee with this view, you'll usually need to book rooms, cabins or campsites many months in advance, as park lodgings are usually in high demand – especially for summer vacations.

Tip: to find last-minute cancellations, check online or call starting a week before your trip.

In Yosemite Valley, the historic 1927 Ahwahnee Hotel is one of the nation's best (not to mention most luxurious) examples of 'parkitecture,' designed to blend with an outstanding natural setting. In summer, imbibe cocktails on the back patio with views of Half Dome, or toast your tootsies by grand fireplaces during winter. For budget travelers, old-fashioned Curry Village , dating from 1899, sets up canvas-tent cabins in the forest and by the river that are big enough for families. Motel-style Yosemite Valley Lodge looks ho-hum, but new eco-friendly 'green' rooms and waterfall-view tables inside the Mountain Room restaurant are noteworthy.

Outside the valley, the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel (closed in winter) is a genteel hostelry with wide porches and grassy lawns near the Mariposa Grove. Open only in summer, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and White Wolf Lodge both rent rustic canvas-tent cabins off Tioga Rd that feel like going to camp when you were a kid.

If you bring your own tent, the park's busiest campgrounds are in Yosemite Valley, and you'll need reservations (except during winter). First-come, first-served campgrounds outside the valley are more immersed in nature, but they fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays – arrive before 10am to hopefully score a site.

Lonely Planet's Yosemite, Sequoia & King's Canyon guide features in-depth research and advice on the best sights, hikes and camping grounds. Perfect for everyone, from the road-tripping family to the serious outdoor enthusiast.  Also check out our articles on Yosemite's top day hikes and Hiking through Yosemite's back-country for more information on how to experience Yosemite to its fullest.

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How to spend your first visit to Yosemite National Park

To mark Dark Sky Week author of  Lonely Planet's Dark Skies guidebook, Valerie Stimac shares her favorite places for seeing the stars in all their glory.

Standing in the starlight under the swath of the Milky Way, the pristine night sky is one of the most incredible wonders many of us have not seen – and which is under threat due to the constant march of human progress and resultant light pollution. Whether you’ve seen the night sky and appreciate its wonder, or have never seen neighboring planets or our galaxy, stargazing is one of the best – and safest – ways to travel right now (since stargazing necessitates a large distancing policy from others).

Editor's note: During COVID-19 , please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

If you’ve wondered about the best places to go stargazing around the world, it’s admittedly hard to narrow down the list – and it’s a question I often receive when asked about those destinations that merit an astrotourism trip in their own right. Below you’ll discover five of my favorite dark sky destinations around the world. There are countless others of similar quality and experience, but this list can serve as inspiration to spark your own research and stargazing trip.

Utah & Arizona, Southwestern USA

If there’s one region in the world that comes to mind for the greatest density of incredible dark sky locations, it has to be Southern Utah and Arizona in the American Southwest. In fact, these two states continue to compete for which one has more IDA-certified dark sky locations. (At most recent count, Utah is in the lead, though the race is tight!)

Within this vast area, there are several great places to visit for stargazing. For inspiration, one could plan a trip to visit all five of Utah’s National Parks – Utah’s “Mighty 5” – which are all recognized dark sky parks (or in the case of Zion National Park, in the process of receiving that certification). Or to Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park and neighboring Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, where the gigantic geologic formations rival the stars in their expansiveness.

NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Some of the world’s best places to see the stars are far from the crowds – and their associated light pollution. Life is harsh in the world’s desert environments, and this reduces human development and light pollution. One such place is the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia.

NamibRand Nature Reserve was established in 1984 by J.A. Brückner, a successful businessman who began acquiring farmland on the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Working with other farm owners, he successfully petitioned that the land be turned into a nature reserve. Today, over 215,000 hectares of Namibian desert and savannah are protected in one of the region’s largest private reserves.

In 2012, NamibRand Nature Reserve was recognized and certified as a Dark Sky Reserve; within the reserve, all tourism and business construction is required to comply with low-pollution lighting to help ensure the skies above NamibRand remain dark and species aren’t affected by light pollution.

Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

In the early days of human history, the night sky was a central character in cultural lore and belief systems. Before artificial light and electrical power, the stars were the primary show available to everyone each night, and the stories about stars, constellations, and other astronomical phenomena seem almost as numerous as the stars themselves. This holds especially true for the Māori of New Zealand, who not only had a complex lore about the night sky, but used the stars for navigation around New Zealand’s islands.

Thanks to this origin, New Zealand has long been a haven for astronomers and increasingly for astrotourists. Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, is one of the best places in the country to view the night sky. Comprised of Aoraki-Mt. Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, the Dark Sky Reserve was certified in 2012 to continue protecting the dark skies in the area.

Stargazing enthusiasts should plan a visit to Mt. John Observatory, which offers night sky tours and observation through one of the facilities' many telescopes. Tours must be booked in advance through the exclusive tour operator Earth & Sky and originate from the nearby town of Tekapo.

The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Most visitors traverse Ireland’s western Wild Atlantic Way - a tourism route designated in 2014 to encourage visitors to explore beyond hotspots like Dublin and Cork. But the route is also fast becoming a great region for stargazing, thanks to the efforts of local communities along the Way who’ve worked to achieve dark sky designation.

County Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, located on the Kerry peninsula in southwest Ireland, received their designation in 2014. The area is well protected from light pollution thanks to the Kerry mountains, and visitors can gaze out over the Atlantic Ocean at the vast expanse of sea and stars. Similarly, Ballycroy National Park and Wild Nephin Wilderness offers visitors incredible dark sky quality further up the western Irish coast in County Mayo. I was fortunate to visit Ballycroy National Park and Wild Nephin Wilderness (also sometimes called the Mayo Dark Sky Park) in late 2019 and it was one of the darkest skies I’ve ever witnessed.

If planning a trip, keep in mind that Ireland does have wet months where overcast skies are more likely to interfere with your stargazing prospects.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

I’ll end by sharing one of my personal favorites, based on my experience traveling to Jordan several years ago. During my trip, I saw many of the country’s highlights: the Roman ruins of Jerash, the vast expanse of the Dead Sea, and the Rose City of Petra. I also spent one night at a camp in Wadi Rum, the desert region in southern Jordan.

Wadi Rum is also sometimes called the “Valley of the Moon,” though you’re more likely to compare it to Mars if you visit. Made famous for its otherworldly landscapes in movies like Prometheus, Star Wars: Rogue One, and The Martian, Wadi Rum’s towering red rock formations are fascinating to explore by day – and offer protection from any distant light pollution once the sun sets.

Stargazing in Wadi Rum is a breathtaking experience, and like NamibRand Nature Reserve and Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, reminds us how our ancestors experienced the night sky for millennia before light pollution began to encroach on this wondrous natural resource.

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From the woodsy hills of the Berkshires to the stunning heights of Mt Greylock, Massachusetts offers a handful of challenging and stress-free hikes to explore the state's natural side. Here are seven of our favorites.

Editor's note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Bash Bish Falls

In the very southwest corner of the state, near the New York state line, is Bash Bish Falls, the largest waterfall in Massachusetts. The water feeding the falls runs down a series of gorges before the torrent is sliced in two by a massive boulder perched directly above a pool. There it drops as a picture-perfect double waterfall. These 60ft-high falls are a popular spot for landscape painters to set up their easels.

A short, steep trail leads directly to the falls from the Massachusetts parking lot. For a gentler walk, continue driving 1 mile west across the state border to the New York parking lot, from where a more level path takes you to the water's edge. Hikes from both starting points take about 20 minutes each way.

To get there from Great Barrington, take MA 23 west to South Egremont. Turn onto MA 41 south and then take the immediate right onto Mt Washington Rd (which becomes East St) and continue for 7.5 miles. Turn right onto Cross Rd, then right onto West St and continue 1 mile. Turn left onto Falls Rd and follow that for 1.5 miles. The parking lot and trailhead will be on your left.

Monument Mountain and Peeskawso Peak

Monument Mountain is a storied part of Massachusetts – literally. Many fans of American literature know that Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville hiked Monument Mountain and spent the day discussing the project that would become Moby Dick. Indeed, Pittsfield, Massachusetts still hosts public readings of the famously long novel and leads an annual hike to commemorate the authors' picnic-cum-craft talk.

But long before Melville set up residence in the area, Monument Mountain's sister summit was dubbed Squaw Mountain by colonial settlers – supposedly based on a local legend about a Mohican woman. In 2021, indigenous tribes and local leaders selected a new name, Peeskawso Peak, which swaps the racist and sexist pejorative for the Mohican term for a "virtuous woman." The renaming coincides with a broader plan to emphasize and expand on the region's long Indigenous history in trail signage, museum exhibits, and more.

You can see Monument Mountain and Peeskawso Peak yourself less than 5 miles north of Great Barrington center on US 7. Turning right from the parking lot, the 3-mile circular route ascends steeply via the Hickey trail and runs along the cliff edge to Peeskawso Peak and the Devil's Pulpit lookout. From the top you'll get fabulous views all the way to Mt Greylock to the northwest and to the Catskills in New York.

Cape Cod Rail Trail

The mother of all Cape bicycle trails, the Cape Cod Rail Trail runs 22 glorious paved miles through forest, past cranberry bogs and along sandy ponds ideal for a dip. This rural route, formerly used as a railroad line, is one of the finest bike trails in all of New England.

The path begins in Dennis on MA 134 and continues through Nickerson State Park in Brewster, into Orleans and across the Cape Cod National Seashore, all the way to South Wellfleet.

There's a hefty dose of Ye Olde Cape Cod scenery en route and you'll have opportunities to detour into villages for lunch or sightseeing. If you have only enough time to do part of the trail, begin at Nickerson State Park and head for the National Seashore – the landscape is unbeatable.

Bicycle rentals are available at the trailheads in Dennis and Wellfleet and opposite the National Seashore's visitor center in Eastham. There's car parking at all four sites (free except for Nickerson).

The Blue Hills Reservation

Move over, Griffith Park – there's more than one exurban trail with stunning views of major city skylines. Just twenty minutes outside Boston, the Blue Hills Reservation boasts over a hundred miles of trails, including one with panoramic vantages of Beantown from the summit of Great Blue Hill. Take the Skyline Loop Trail from the Blue Hills Reservation headquarters. It's just three miles from start to finish, but you can expect some glute-burning climbs along the way, particularly as you tackle Hancock Hill via a series of stone steps. Be sure to climb the Eliot Observation Tower at the top for the best glimpse of Boston's glittering buildings.

Mt Greylock trails

Mt Greylock has hikers of all levels covered. Take your pick from 45 miles of hiking trails, along 13 marked routes, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Frequent trail pull-overs on the road up – including some that lead to waterfalls – make it easy to get at least a little hike in before reaching the top of Mt Greylock. The road to the top is closed from November to late May, but the trails are open year-round.

Mount Norwottuck

Mount Norwottuck has the distinction of being the highest peak in the Holyokes, a geologically unusual mountain range of ancient volcanic basalt that runs east to west, rather than north to south. Norwottuck affords great views of the surrounding valley, and the trailhead by the Visitor's Center is easily reached from Amherst. You can tackle Norwottuck's summit (1,106ft) in a moderate three mile loop by combining the Robert Frost and Metacomet-Monadnock trails. Along the way, you'll also have a chance to see a series of overhanging ledges known as the Horse Caves, which played a small roll in early American history when insurrectionists hid here after Shay's Rebellion in the late 1780s.

Bartholomew's Cobble

South of Great Barrington, it's easy to kill a few hours at the 329-acre Bartholomew's Cobble, a “cobble” being a high, rocky knoll of limestone, marble or quartzite. Five miles of hiking trails provide routes for enjoying the cobble and the woods, including the strenuous route to the top of Hurlburt's Hill, and the Ledges Trail, which weaves along the Housatonic River.

Tyringham Cobble

To get some perspective on this tiny village's pastoral splendor, take a 2-mile hike over the knobs of Tyringham Cobble, which offers wildflower-strewn hillsides and spectacular views. Look for wild berries growing in the meadows and the uniquely shaped Rabbit Rock perched along this Berkshires trail.

Dune Shacks Trail

Pull off MA 6 and after a short walk you'll find yourself surrounded by dunes as far as you can see. There's no one trail (keep walking relatively straight and you'll get to a lovely beach) so you can wander the sand hills as you wish. Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and note the location where you began your walk.

There are just a few spots to park along MA 6. It's accessible by bike (no bike rack, but a few road signs if you want to chance it) or a very long walk from town.

Hoosac Range Trail

Near North Adams, there is an easy 1.6-mile trail to Sunset Rock, where you can pick blueberries in season. If you have more time, take the moderate 6.2-mile trail to Spruce Hill, where you'll be rewarded with open ledges and long views. The trail is known for rocky glacial cliffs and creepy tree formations, caused by wind and ice.

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The 10 best hiking trails in Massachusetts

Utah is made for hikers. Strike out into its big wilderness and you’ll be floored by red-rock mesas thrusting above mighty rivers, vertiginous treks teetering along knife-edge ridges, and tracks leading ever deeper into skinny slot canyons that have been carved out by elemental forces since dinosaurs roamed the earth. These expeditions into Utah's wild and ragged backcountry give the best outdoor experience the state has to offer.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there may be additional travel restrictions. Check the latest guidance in Utah before planning a trip, and always follow local government health advice.

Delicate Arch

Best hike for arch view

3 miles round trip, 2-3 hours, moderate to difficult

Located in Arches National Park, you've seen this arch before: it's the unofficial state symbol, stamping nearly every Utah tourist brochure and prominently depicted on license plates. The best way to experience it is from beneath. Park near Wolfe Ranch, a well-preserved 1908 pioneer cabin. From there, a footbridge crosses Salt Wash (near American Indian rock art) and marks the beginning of the trail to the arch itself. The trail ascends slickrock, culminating in a wall-hugging ledge before reaching the arch.

Keep in mind that the ascent is shadeless, so take your time, wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and drink a lot of water along the way.

Tip for hiking Delicate Arch: Ditch the crowds by passing beneath the arch and continuing down the rock by several yards to where there's a great view, but fewer folks (bring a picnic). If instead you drive past the ranch to the end of the spur road, there's a 50 yard paved path (wheelchair accessible) to the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint.

Landscape Arch

Best hike for families

1.6 miles roundtrip, 30 min-1 hour, easy to moderate

Among the world’s longest natural stone spans in Arches National Park, Landscape Arch is a spectacular ribbon of rock reached via a moderate gravel trail with spurs of interest.

Landscape Arch lies 0.8 miles along the Devils Garden trail at the northern end of the main park road. Along the trail, don’t miss the short spurs (0.5 miles) to Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches. From the trailhead, you’ll thread through sandstone fins that stand on end like giant wedges. A third of a mile in, bear right at the fork and head downhill to Tunnel Arch (on your right) and the 45-foot Pine Tree Arch (on your left). High on a cliff, aptly named Tunnel Arch looks like a subway tube through the Entrada sandstone. In contrast, Pine Tree Arch is meaty, with a bulbous frame around its gaping middle. Look for the gnarled namesake juniper, which juts from the base of the window.

As you approach Landscape Arch along the main trail, the terrain opens up, revealing long views to distant ridges and a vast expanse of sky. In the past, visitors could hike right beneath the elegant 306-foot sweep of desert-varnished sandstone, longer than a football field. But in 1991, a 60-foot slab of rock fell from the arch, nearly killing several hikers. When you notice the cracks on the left side of the arch, it’s easy to understand why the National Parks Service (NPS) closed the trail.

Facilities include restrooms, picnic sites and drinking water.

Chesler Park/Joint Trail Loop

Best overnight hike

11 miles roundtrip, 1-2 days, moderate overnight hike, moderate-difficult day hike

This trail, located in Canyonlands National Park, loops across desert grasslands, past towering red-and-white-striped pinnacles and between deep, narrow slot canyons, some only 2 feet across. It also gives great perspective on the Needles. Elevation changes are mild, but the distance makes it an advanced day hike.

Keep in mind that you won’t find any water. For most hikers, the Trails Illustrated Needles District map should suffice, but if you’re inclined to wander, carry a 7.5-minute USGS map.

Park at the Elephant Hill trailhead, three miles from Squaw Flat Campground. From the parking area, the trail climbs to a bench, then undulates over slickrock toward rock spires. The next section is typically where people make a wrong turn. Cross the wash at the T-junction and follow signs to Chesler Park (not Druid Arch), descending 300 feet along switchbacks into Elephant Canyon. Continue to follow signs along the canyon floor.

The final 0.2 miles to the Chesler Park Viewpoint climbs 100 feet, topping out on the rocky pass amid spires 2.9 miles from the trailhead. This marks the beginning of the 5-mile Chesler Park Loop. Five campsites lie southeast of the junction.

The next morning, leave your backpack at the campsite and explore the claustrophobia-inducing Joint Trail, where the fractured rock narrows to 2 feet across in places; the trail junction lies to the south, about midway around the Chesler Park Loop. Pause just east of the Joint Trail for stellar views of the towering pinnacles that ring Chesler Park. On the southwest section of the loop, you’ll follow a half-mile stretch of a 4WD road. If staying two nights, take the side trip to Druid Arch.

Grand Wash Trail

Best hike for beginners

4.4 miles roundtrip, 45 min-1.5 hours, easy

Capitol Reef National Park’s most dramatic canyon is worth visiting just to walk between the sheer walls of the Narrows. Avoid this hike if rain threatens, as the wash is prone to flash floods.

Start from the parking lot at the end of the Grand Wash spur road. It’s an easy stroll up the packed-sand wash from the parking area. Look for seasonal wildflowers such as reddish Indian paintbrush, shrubby white-flowering Apache’s plume and stalky, yellow-flowering prince’s plume. The canyon’s walls inch closer and closer together until, about 1.25 miles from the trailhead, you reach the Narrows, where the 80-story canyon is just 15 feet wide – a thrilling sight. The canyon walls shrink and spread out again as the flat trail approaches Hwy 24. Return the way you came, or arrange for someone to pick you up on Hwy 24, around 4.5 miles east of the visitor center (look for a trailhead marker on the south side of the highway, where there’s a small gravel pull-off).

Lower Calf Creek Falls

Best hike to see a waterfall

6 miles roundtrip, 4 hours, moderate

The sandy track at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument eventually follows a year-round running creek through a spectacular canyon before arriving at a 126-foot waterfall, a joy on a hot day.

Lower Calf Creek Falls’ beauty is no secret; this is easily the most heavily traveled trail in the entire monument. Its accessibility – right off Hwy 12 between Escalante and Boulder – makes it a perfect stopover. Though it doesn’t climb much, the trail has long sandy stretches that can take a lot out of you. Carry plenty of water (available at the trailhead); the creek is not safe for drinking.

Park at the Calf Creek Recreation Area (day use $5) and campground, between mile markers 75 and 76 on Hwy 12. As you work your way toward the creek, you’ll pass honeycombed rocks and Navajo sandstone domes, an 800-year-old Native American granary, a box canyon where calves were once herded (hence the name Calf Creek), prehistoric pictographs and lush green wetlands.

Past the last bend, the trail ends in an amphitheater of rock with a 126-foot-tall waterfall with a thin stream cascading into a large pool. The sandy shore and extended knee-deep wading area, before the deeper drop-off, make this a favorite with families. Remember, the sandy walk out is as strenuous as the walk in, so pace yourself.

Peekaboo Loop Trail

Best hike for a day trip

5.5 miles roundtrip, 3-5 hours, difficult

An ideal day hike, Peekaboo Loop Trail sees the most variety of terrain and scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park, with 1500 to 1800 feet of cumulative elevation changes.

Access to this circular trail is via either the Navajo Loop or the Queen’s Garden Connecting Trail, which runs off the Queen's Garden Trail. The following description starts from Bryce Point – if starting from Sunrise Point it’s a 6.6-mile hike; from Sunset Point it’s 5 miles.

The Peekaboo Loop Trail is also a horse trail, so expect to see occasional riders. They move slowly, so you’ll have plenty of advance warning. Stock animals have right of way – step off the trail and let them pass undisturbed. If you don’t want to navigate around horse droppings, consider another route. But views here are among the park's best, particularly of the Wall of Windows, the Silent City and the Fairy Castle. You’ll also find shady spots to rest, a picnic area and pit toilets (the latter are on the loop, just west of its intersection with the connecting trail to Bryce Point, and only open during summer).

This trail rises and falls many times; be prepared for a workout. If you’re afraid of heights, be forewarned that in places you’ll pass sheer drops, though the trail is comfortably wide enough for a horse.

The Narrows: From the bottom

Best hike for adventure

Up to 10 miles roundtrip, up to 8 hours, difficult

Hiking through a fast-flowing river in knee- to chest-deep water, the canyon walls seem to grow and press in on you: this is arguably the quintessential Zion National Park experience. Although some hikers will want to do the full overnight trip beginning at the top, if you hike up from the bottom, you don't need a permit and you can still reach the narrowest and most spectacular section. If you trek the entire 5 miles to Big Springs (as far as day hikers are allowed), you'll outpace most of the day trippers – but don’t underestimate the distance: this is a long way to hike upstream.

The "trail" begins at the end of the Riverside Walk, where you enter and start following the river. Around the first bend you'll find Mystery Falls, the exit point for Mystery Canyon. You may catch canyoneers on their last rappel here. As you hike, each alcove, bowl, hollow, crack and arch seems its own secret place. Ravens glide low over the water, and you can sometimes hear waterfalls spilling down from inside the rock.

It’s about 2.5 miles to the junction with Orderville Canyon, which is another popular canyoneering route. If you have time and energy, don't miss the side trip up the smaller and narrower Orderville. It’s possible to follow the canyon half a mile upstream to a waterfall, beyond which you’ll need a permit. (There are several small falls before this; you'll know you've reached the main one when you see a park service sign or by the simple fact that it is impassible to most.) However, there is an admission price of sorts to the canyon: about a quarter-mile upstream is a small pool that you’ll need to swim across to continue.

Past Orderville Canyon is the famous Wall Street, where the sheerness, nearness and height of the cliffs shatter whatever remains of your perspective. After this section, the canyon opens slightly again, the water gets periodically deeper (usually requiring swimming in places), and your fellow hikers thin out.

After the 4-mile point, you’ll negotiate a series of huge boulders, and the canyon, though gorgeous, becomes somewhat less otherworldly. At 5 miles you come to Big Springs, a fern-fringed rush of water much larger than anything so far. Here day hikers are required to turn around.

While it can take up to eight hours to do the full round-trip to Big Springs, set aside a minimum of five hours so you’ll at least have time to reach Wall Street. Don’t forget you also have to hike the Riverside Trail back to the Temple of Sinawava.

Tips for hiking in Utah

Check the websites for Visit Utah and the National Park Service for maps and details on trails, permits, getting around and weather conditions. Park visitor centers can advise on trails and help arrange permits for backcountry hikes. The majority of trails are marked with cairns and signed at intersections. Advance reservation is essential for campgrounds in season (generally March to October). Hiking is possible in summer, when temperatures can reach 100°F (38°C), but try to avoid the midday heat and carry sufficient water and sunscreen.

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The 7 best hikes in Utah

There are few sights as awe-inspiring as the night sky, with the cloudy band of the Milky Way and the planets shining overhead. While most people travel for daytime sightseeing or adventure experiences, there are plenty of reasons to plan extra time into your vacation to enjoy stargazing when the skies are clear.

The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) works with destinations around the world to certify the quality of their dark skies – and provides different levels of designation for the size and quality of darkness you’ll experience. All of these parks are certified dark sky places by the IDA. Based on what else drives you to explore the world, here’s how to choose the best one for you.

Editor's note: During COVID-19 , please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

Best for hiking

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

Hiking along the rim of the Grand Canyon, or down in its depths, is a bucket-list-worthy adventure. It’s home to a variety of trails you can enjoy during the day, and once the sun sets you can spend your evenings attending organized astronomy events. There’s usually a variety of ranger talks, constellation tours, and star parties where local astronomers bring their telescopes to set up at the visitor centers on the north and south rim.

How to visit: There are three campgrounds, an RV campground, and a wide variety of accommodations available near both the north rim and south rim of the Grand Canyon. Reservations are required at least several weeks in advance.

Best for families

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

If young members of your family are interested in the night sky, Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, Pennsylvania is a great option. This state park is small at just 1.7 square miles but represents one of the best pockets of darkness near the east coast. It plays host to multiple programs on weekend nights, when park educators or guest speakers introduce the wonders of the night sky and natural world at night to all ages.

How to visit: Cherry Springs is about 4 hours from Pittsburgh or 4.5 hours from Philadelphia. During the summer months, you can camp overnight at one of 30 sites in the park, but they fill up fast so make your reservation online before you go.

Best for solitude

Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Utah

Near one of the most sparsely populated areas in the contiguous United States, Rainbow Bridge National Monument is a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary. You’ll need to plan ahead to go stargazing: there are no roads where you’re going. The only way to reach the namesake rock formation is with a backcountry hiking permit administered by the neighboring Navajo Nation.

How to visit: Camping at Rainbow Bridge is not permitted – you’ll need to hike in to go stargazing and then hike back out to a designated campsite on Navajo Lands. It’s best to visit the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park office in Page, Arizona, and confirm where you can camp.

Best for amateur paleontologists

Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

Spend the day exploring dinosaur fossils dating back 150 million years; at night, gaze at stars whose light has traveled the same amount of time. Straddling the border between Colorado and Utah, you can ponder the vast history of the universe through the geologic record that is so well-preserved in this park. There are also human petroglyphs for those who want to learn history that’s a little more modern.

How to visit: There are six campgrounds within Dinosaur National Monument; some are located within hiking distance of fossils or petroglyphs. More adventurous travelers can raft down the Green River from the Gates of Lodore campground; backcountry spots along the river are reserved for this, and are the most remote parts of the National Monument to ensure dark skies.

Best for urban stargazing

Homer Glen, Illinois

It might seem like you’ve got to prepare for a multi-night journey to stargaze in the most remote parts of the country. In fact, there are dark sky places closer than you might think. Homer Glen is home to 25,000 people and only an hour from downtown Chicago. It’s certified as a Dark Sky Community and hosts semi-regular stargazing events for residents and visitors alike.

How to visit: If you’re staying in Chicago, book a room at the historic Plaza Hotel. You’ll look out over Millennium Park and it’s an easy walk to the Adler Planetarium to learn more about the wonders of the universe.

Best for going off the grid

Cosmic Campground, New Mexico

If the idea of going off the grid is your ideal escape, there’s a dark sky park for that! Cosmic Campground was the first certified Dark Sky Sanctuary in the northern hemisphere. A sanctuary is usually very remote, with few (if any) nearby threats to its darkness. Because of its remoteness, it needs advocates. And the Sanctuary designation helps to get the word out.

Located under some of the darkest skies in the U.S. in western New Mexico ’s Gila National Forest, Cosmic Campground is primitive: there are only pit toilets and no water or trash services at the campground, and you can only use red lights outside after dark. This commitment to living rough ensures all visitors enjoy the pristine night sky.

How to visit: Cosmic Campground currently has five campsites available for RVs, trailers, or tent camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

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This article was originally published in June 2019 and updated in April 2021.

Which US Dark Sky Park is right for you?

Nirmal Purja is a man of firsts.  Having climbed all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8000m in one season, earlier this year his all-Nepali team reached the summit of K2 in a line, placing no climber ahead of the rest.  The 37-year-old  is leading the way for South Asian climbers, and leaving the notion of Sherpas ‘assisting’ western climbers firmly in the past.

When Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja climbed his first Himalayan peak in 2012, it was almost by accident. On a trek to Everest Base Camp, the former Gurkha soldier caught sight of the rocky spire of Ama Dablam, rising dramatically above the trail from Namche Bazar, and it was a light bulb moment. "I just wanted to go on a trek to see Everest,"says Nims. "But as we reached the point where you first spot Ama Dablam, I asked my guide, can I climb that, and he laughed and said no way.  That was the beginning."

This first ascent was a modest 6119m, but the man who would later claim some of the world’s most coveted mountaineering records was hooked. In 2014, he bagged Dhaulagiri, his first 8000m peak. Two years later, Nims stood at the highest point on earth – the 8848m summit of Mt Everest (Sagarmatha) – for the first time.

By 2018, Nims had been honored by Queen Elizabeth for services to mountaineering after leading an all-Gurkha expedition to the top of Everest to mark two centuries of Gurkha service to the British Army. To the greater world beyond Nepal’s borders, however, he was still something of a climbing outsider.

In 2019, the Nepali climber embarked on his most ambitious expedition yet, Project Possible, an audacious attempt to climb all 14 peaks over 8000m – the ‘eight-thousanders’, scattered across Nepal, Pakistan, India and Tibet – in a single season. But despite an already impressive climbing record, he faced considerable scepticism.

"I was massively disadvantaged when I started because nobody knew about me," he recalls. "I’d already climbed three eight-thousanders by the time I left the special forces, but I had no recognition, no following. People were like, who the hell is this guy? Does he even have a clue how to climb an 8000m peak?" "But I believe that if you want to achieve something important you need a purpose that’s bigger than yourself. When I climbed the eight-thousanders in one season, I wasn’t really doing it for ego. I wanted to let the world see what was possible. If you believe in what you are doing, that’s where a lot of the energy comes from."

Nims reached the summit of Shishapangma (8013m) in Tibet on 29 October 2019, just six months after beginning his ambitious endeavour, beating the previous world record by a staggering seven years.

The valley of the Sherpas

Nirmal Purja was born in Nepal in 1983, but he was not born to climbing. He grew up in Myagdi district in the green foothills of the Himalaya, far from the high-altitude valleys of the Sherpas, the Nepali community most strongly associated with climbing (to such a degree that the word ‘sherpa’ is often used, incorrectly, as a job title for the hundreds of guides, porters and route-setters who lead expeditions through the Himalaya every season).

Like many young men from the Magar ethnic group, Nims signed up as a Gurkha soldier at the age of 18, following in the footsteps of his soldier father and brothers. After six years in the British army, he became the first Gurkha to be recruited to the Special Boat Service, the elite navy equivalent to the SAS, with special expertise in cold-weather warfare. "I only started climbing when I was 30 years old while I was still in the British forces, and I never thought I would climb a mountain," he says, still sounding a little incredulous at his own successes. "After serving in the special forces for ten years, traveling the world, I started to feel invincible, but the mountains put things in perspective and make you realize how small you are."

Traditionally, the top levels of Himalayan climbing have been seen as the preserve of top flight international climbers. In television reports, expeditions are ‘supported’ by teams of local porters, guides and ice doctors, but ‘led’ by mountaineering legends such as Reinhold Messner and Dave Hahn. On newspaper front pages, Everest was conquered by Hillary and Tenzing, not Tenzing and Hillary.

If you place climbers in order of the most Himalayan ascents, a very different picture emerges. The top Everest summiteer of all time is not Hahn or Hillary but veteran guide Kami Rita Sherpa, who has reached the highest point on the roof of the world a staggering 24 times. Indeed, the first non-Nepali to appear in the list – Dave Hahn – comes in at number 11, with a modest 15 ascents.

Out of the shadow of 'western clients' "What makes the international news is what happens on the big mountains," says Billi Bierling at the Himalayan Database, the archive founded by American journalist Elizabeth Hawley to record Himalayan ascents. "But within the Himalayan climbing community, young Sherpa climbers have been recognized for some time. There are now over 50 International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations-qualified Nepali mountain guides and more and more Nepali operators are running expeditions."

Mountaineering is no longer just a way for Sherpas to earn their bread and butter. The younger generation of Nepali climbers are proud of their achievements and passionate about their mountains and they are keen on opening new routes and climbing unclimbed peaks to show the world what they are capable of, without being in the shadow of ‘western clients.’

It’s a recognition that has been a long time coming. "Coming from a Nepali background, it’s been tough to achieve a similar level of recognition to international climbers," admits Nims. "We have always been there, even on the first Himalayan expeditions, but the media never gave us a voice. We were in the shadows, and nobody talked about us." "But now, the younger generation of Nepali climbers is achieving so much. The internet is making a big difference. We can reach people directly to tell our stories. The media is starting to take notice of climbers from Nepal, and Pakistan, and India, and China. We’re not in the shadows anymore."

It was a point Nims proved in style during the first winter ascent of K2 – the world’s second-highest mountain and the last eight-thousander to be conquered in winter. On January 16, 2021, his all-Nepali team advanced to the summit in a line, placing no climber ahead of the rest, while singing the Nepali national anthem.

Climbing without the aid of bottled oxygen

Nims was the only member of the group to reach the summit without supplemental oxygen, which he credits to determination as well as ability. "I seem to have a genetic advantage at dealing with altitude," he admits. "But my training also helped. The British special forces has the hardest training regime in the world, and I was trained by the best. When you combine that with physical ability and hard work, it’s possible to achieve anything."

The idea of the mighty Western climber is very much a media myth; you’ll find little resentment of the growing recognition for climbers from South Asia from within the mountaineering community. "It’s sad that most of the mountaineering firsts in Nepal are seen to ‘belong’ to climbers from other nations," says Jake Meyer, who in 2005 became the youngest Briton to summit Everest, at the age of 21. "In fact, most of these feats were built on the sweat (and often the lives) of Nepali guides and porters."

"Sherpas have often been seen as a homogenous human machine dragging rich tourists to the tops of mountains. The closer people get to mountaineering communities, the more they understand and recognize the impact that these mighty yet humble titans of the Himalayas have had on so much of climbing history. January’s winter summit of K2 proved once and for all that Nepal is now creating a generation of climbers who climb for the challenge and joy, not just for the pay-check."

The hope is that the next generation of South Asian climbers will be inspired by what climbers such as Nims and fellow expedition member Mingma Sherpa – who became the youngest person to climb all 14 eight-thousanders in 2019 – have achieved. "People from the communities around the Himalaya can look at us and say: he was also born in Nepal, if he can do that, we can do that. I hope someone will break my records. That’s a positive thing. The future is limitless."

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The Nepali mountaineer reclaiming the Himalaya

If you were told that in 2021 you could still have the adventure experience of a lifetime without even needing to board a flight, you probably wouldn’t believe us – and we wouldn’t blame you.

But, as we all gear up to put our passports away for another year, and resign ourselves to seeing the same local faces, it doesn’t mean you need to be constrained to staying within the four walls you’ve become so accustomed to. There is still an incredible travel opportunity ahead of you. You have the chance to seek out and witness the awe and wonder that the UK has to offer and harness the inner explorer found within you.

While a passport is no longer on the checklist of a UK explorer, one thing they do need is a suitably rugged wearable partner that will be there alongside them the whole way, through thick and thin, hot and cold, high and low. If that aspiring local explorer this year is you, then fortunately the perfect pathfinding partner is here, in the form of the Amazfit T-Rex Pro.

It is time to scratch that travel itch and start planning your escape from the city and suburbia by swapping those slippers for some boots, that makeshift desk for a backpack and that dress watch for a military-grade tough smartwatch. A watch that can withstand the most extreme conditions and challenges. Interested? I thought so.

Here is our guide that will put you, and it, to the test right here in the UK, once travel restrictions are eased around the British Isles.

First up is Cairngorm National Park in the eastern Highlands of Scotland. Situated on the highest, coldest and snowiest plateau in the British Isles, the range consists of steep cliffs, making it perfect for winter with skiing, ice climbing, and also – wait for it – summer season activities alike!

When the range is not covered head-to-toe in fresh snow, adventurers are spoilt with a host of hiking, rock climbing and paddleboarding opportunities. All of which can be analysed and enjoyed with their Amazfit T-Rex Pro strapped to their wrists. With its 10ATM water-resistance, tempered glass screen and precise heart rate monitoring, you’re free to push yourself to your limit and then take a dip to cool off in any one of the five Trossachs and Cairngorms Lochs nestled within the mountain ranges.

From the Cairngorms, head west over to the remote Knoydart Peninsula of Scotland, and be prepared to explore the unknown with the Amazfit T-Rex Pro. With its four global navigation systems (Quad GNSS), no matter where you go, you’ll always know where you are and where you’ve been.

Finding that west is best in Scotland? Why not keep heading out and take a trip to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, where you won’t even have the luxury of roads to get in, or out.

Make the most of this lack of infrastructure and trust in your watch. With T-Rex Pro’s 18-day battery life, embrace some of the extreme hiking on your doorstep. But, be warned, as we all know, the weather is unpredictable at the best of times. For safety, do ensure that you connect with your T-Rex Pro’s weather tracker. Along with telling you when the next rainstorm is, it can tell you vital information about when the sun sets and when you need to settle down for the darkest of nights. The night will not be boring though, as in the winter months you could even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Of course, in the summer, the device’s sunset monitor and moon phase display allows you to live those long Scottish summer days to the fullest and capture those epic sunrises, sunsets and bluebird days.

Completed Scotland? Impossible! But let’s move back to mainland UK now and into Wales.

This wouldn’t be a staycation guide without the recommendation of Snowdonia. It’s time to tune into the T-Rex Pro’s barometric altimeter, which will ensure the watch prompts you to test your blood-oxygen saturation level on your device, as the views from atop of these mountainous and glacial landforms are truly breathtaking – in all senses of the word!

Snowdonia has it all on offer with via ferratas, ziplining and notorious mountain biking trails such as the 24-mile ‘Beast of Brennin’. Or, why not take it slower and explore all the land has to offer, when you pack your bag and go bikepacking through the whole national park. Whatever you chose, feel confident that any activity will be tracked thanks to more than 100 activity modes available on the T-Rex Pro.

Not all the steps that need to be taken, or sites that need to be seen, need to be in Snowdonia. If you head to the lesser-known Dinorwic Slate Quarry you sure won’t be disappointed. The abandoned, fenced off quarry is a place for all you adventure-philes and climbers out there, as the beaten paths, roaming tunnels and sheer rock faces can keep you entertained for hours.

So, you’ve got lost in Scotland, been to the top of Wales in Snowdonia and now you need some sand and sun this summer. We don’t blame you.

Continue heading south to the UK’s southernmost point and soak up the stunning Isles of Scilly. Strap on your Amazfit T-Rex Pro which can easily endure the sweltering sun and damage attacks from the salt for up to 96 hours and go kick back in your kayak while circling the isle and looking out for seals and a range of other magnificent sea life. The only thing you need to worry about is that watch tan line that’ll be inevitable after all of this adventure.

So, whether choosing north, south, east or west, hot or cold, or sea or skies for your UK staycation this summer, be sure to take your ultimate adventure partner in the shape of the Amazfit T-Rex Pro with you wherever you end up.

Start planning your ultimate UK staycation adventure with the Amazfit T-Rex Pro

Miles of shoreline, endless warm water and an array of national parks and reserves – not to mention a commitment to the environment – have made Costa Rica a perennial favorite for travelers, and one of Lonely Planet's Best In Travel winners for 2020. And San Jose is a natural jumping off point for many of Costa Rica's real gems, from volcanoes and beaches to charming small towns and ecotourism sites.

Whether it’s the solitude of absolute wilderness, family-oriented hiking and rafting adventures, or surfing and jungle trekking you seek, these are 15 of our favorite day trips from San Jose.

Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.

1. Parque Nacional Volcán Poás

Just 37km north of Alajuela by a winding and scenic road is Parque Nacional Volcán Poás, the home of a 2704m active volcano. Violent eruptions hadn't taken place for more than 60 years when rumblings began in 2014; there were further significant eruptions in April and June 2017, and the park did not open again until August 2018.

Getting there: Parque Nacional Volcán Poás is an hour and a half from San Jose via Autopista Gral. Cañas/Carr Interamericana/Route 1 as far as Alajuela before you turn onto Route 712. You can also take the Coopetransasi bus line, but should schedule your visit between 10:40am and 11:00am to coordinate with the bus timetable. Whether your drive or take the bus, be sure to leave plenty of time to sign waivers and other paperwork before your ticketed time, too.

2. Sarapiquí Valley

This flat, steaming stretch of finca -dotted lowlands was once part of the United Fruit Company’s vast banana holdings. Harvests were carried from the plantations down to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, where they were shipped downriver on boats destined for North America. In 1880 a railway connected rural Costa Rica with the port of Puerto Limón, and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí became a backwater.

Although it’s never managed to recover its former glory as a transport route, the river has again shot to prominence as one of the premier destinations in the country for kayakers and rafters. With the Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo as its backyard, this is also one of the best regions for wildlife-watching, especially considering how easy it is to get here.

Getting there: The Sarapiqui Valley is an hour and a half from San Jose via Carr Braulio Carrillo and Corredor Noratlántico/Route 4, which runs parallel to the river and connects the towns and villages in this region. You can also catch a bus from Terminal del Caribe in San Jose.

3. Sarchí

Welcome to Costa Rica’s most famous crafts center, where artisans produce the ornately painted oxcarts and leather-and-wood furnishings for which the Central Valley is known. You’ll know you’ve arrived because just about everything is covered in the colorful signature geometric designs – even city hall. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but it’s a pretty one. The town is stretched out along a road that weaves through hilly countryside.

Getting there: If you’re driving from San José, from the Interamericana take the signed exit to Grecia and from there follow the road north to Sarchí. Or you can take the bus from San José for around US$2.50. The trip takes about one and a half to two and a half hours and buses depart every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm, with a change in Alajuela.

4. Barva

Surrounded by picturesque mountains only 2.5km north of Heredia, the historic town of Barva is a settlement dating back to 1561. Declared a national monument, the town center is dotted with low-lying 19th-century buildings and is centered on the towering Iglesia San Bartolomé, constructed in 1893. The surrounding area was once popular with the Costa Rican elite: Cleto González Víquez (1858–1937), twice president of Costa Rica (he built the original National Library), was born and raised here. It’s a perfect spot for a lazy afternoon stroll.

Getting there: Barva is just thirty minutes from San Jose and can be reached by car via Route 3 to Heredia. Buses travel about every 15 minutes between Heredia and Barva (about US$1, 15 minutes), picking up and dropping off in front of Barva's church. Routes from Barva to Heredia start at 4:45am and run until 11pm. The route (422) is operated by Transportes Barveños. Buses to Barva, as well as buses to San José de la Montaña/Paso Llano, can be found due north of the San José Rápidas Heredianas buses near the main drag, Avenue 4.

5. Irazu Volcano National Park

Looming on the horizon 19km northeast of Cartago, 3432m Irazú – which derives its name from the indigenous word ara-tzu (thunder point) – is the largest and highest active volcano in Costa Rica and one of the few you can currently walk around. Since the 18th century, 15 major eruptions have been recorded. At the time of research the volcano was slumbering peacefully.

From the parking lot, a 200m trail leads to a viewpoint over the main crater. Wooden railings prevent visitors from getting too close to the edge, but you're welcome to leave the paved trail and wander the volcanic sands of the adjacent Playa Hermosa Crater. About 300m above the main parking lot, a rutted 1km side road allows walkers and intrepid drivers to climb to Irazú's summit. While hiking, be on the lookout for high-altitude bird species such as the volcano junco.

Getting there : A daily bus to Irazú (roughly US$10) departs from San José at 8am near Hotel Costa Rica on Avenue 2 and arrives at the summit around 10am. A return bus leaves from the volcano at 12:30pm, transferring in Cartago at 1:45pm and arriving in San José at 2:35pm. A round-trip taxi from Cartago to the summit will cost about US$50; negotiate with drivers to allow you an hour to explore up top (this may cost you more).

If you’re in a group, renting a car is the best deal, as you can get to the park early, before the skies cloud over and the crowds arrive (weekends are particularly busy, when hour-long queues into the park are common). From Cartago, take Hwy 8, which begins at the northeastern corner of the plaza and continues 31km to the summit. The road is well signposted.

6. Parque Nacional Tortuguero

Humid Tortuguero is a 311-sq km coastal park that serves as the most important breeding ground of the green sea turtle. With annual rainfall of up to 6000mm in the northern part of the park, it is one of the wettest areas in the country. In addition, the protected area extends into the Caribbean Sea, covering about 5200 hectares of marine habitat. In other words, plan on spending quality time in a boat.

Getting there: If you're coming from San José, the two most convenient ways to get to Tortuguero are by air or all-inclusive bus-boat shuttles. The small airstrip is 4km north of Tortuguero village. Sansa has regular high-season flights, and charter flights land here regularly.

Budget travelers can save money by taking public transportation. From San José's Gran Terminal del Caribe, buy a ticket at the window for one of the early buses (6:10am or 9am) to Cariari (around US$4, two to three hours). In Cariari, buy another ticket from the bus-station window to catch a local Coopetraca bus (US$2.20, 11:30am and 3pm) to La Pavona (one to two hours), where you'll transfer onto the boat (US$3.50, 1pm and 4:30pm) to Tortuguero (around one hour).

The park entrance is a short walk south of the village of Tortuguero (the most common entry point) and is also accessible by boat from Parismina.

7. Heredia

During the 19th century, La Ciudad de las Flores (the City of the Flowers) was home to a cafetalero (coffee grower) aristocracy that made its fortune exporting Costa Rica’s premium blend. Today the historic center retains some of this well-bred air, with a leafy main square and low-lying buildings, reflecting Spanish-colonial architectural style.

Getting there: There is no central bus terminal; buses leave from stops scattered between the university and the Mercado Central. The San José–bound Rápidas Heredianas bus stops on Av 8 between Calle Central and Calle 1 and is the best option if you're transferring to a Caribbean-bound bus, as it drops you near San José's Terminal Caribeña. The other bus to San José can be found two blocks west.

8. Turrialba

In the vicinity of Turrialba, at an elevation of 650m above sea level, the Río Reventazón gouges a mountain pass through the Cordillera Central. In the 1880s this geological quirk allowed the ‘Jungle Train’ between San José and Puerto Limón to roll through, and the mountain village of Turrialba grew prosperous from the coffee trade. Later, the first highway linking the capital to the coast exploited this same quirk. Turrialba thrived.

However, things changed by the early 1990s, when the straighter, smoother Hwy 32 through Guápiles was completed and an earthquake shut down the railway for good. Suddenly, Turrialba found itself off the beaten path. Even so, the area remains a key agricultural center, renowned for its strong coffee, ubiquitous cheese and Central America’s best white-water rafting. To the north, the area is home to two worthy sites: the majestic Volcán Turrialba and the archaeological site of Guayabo.

Getting there: A modern bus terminal is located on the western edge of town off Highway 10. Service from San José via Paraíso and Cartago runs about US$3 and takes roughly two and a half hours. Buses leave every 15 to 30 minutes from 4:30am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 5am-9pm Sunday.

9. La Paz Waterfall Gardens

This polished storybook garden complex just east of Volcán Poás offers the most easily digestible cultural experience in the Central Valley. Guests walk 3.5km of well-maintained trails to five jaw-droppingly scenic waterfalls, and can also wander around zoo-like displays including a butterfly conservatory, get up close to hummingbirds and hand-feed toucans. Tour a serpentarium and ranarium (frog garden), witness wild cats eating meals, and devour a plate of your own at one of the park's restaurants.

It’s an ideal spot for families, and you can stay onsite at the Peace Lodge if you want to extend  your day trip.

Getting there: La Paz Waterfall is an hour and a half from San Jose via Route 126.

10. Playa Hermosa

Several places on the Pacific coast are named ‘Beautiful Beach’ in Spanish, and this 10km-long strip of gray sand is hardly the loveliest of the lot. Billed as an upscale alternative to Jacó, minus the hookers and the traffic, Hermosa hasn't quite avoided development, with condos popping up along the beach like mushrooms. Still, for now, it is very much a slow-paced beach village.

Regarded as one of the most consistent and powerful breaks in the whole country, Hermosa serves up serious surf that commands the utmost respect. You really need to know what you’re doing in these parts – huge waves and strong riptides are unforgiving, and countless surfboards here have wound up broken and strewn about on the shoreline. Unless you're a hardcore surfer, it's best to stick to gentler breaks near Jacó, but there's nothing to stop you from coming up here and watching the action.

Getting there: Playa Hermosa can be accessed by any bus heading south from Jacó, 5km away. Frequent buses running up and down the Costanera Sur can easily pick you up, though determined surfers sometimes hail a taxi (with surf racks) or hitchhike.

11. Jacó

Jacó was the first town on the central Pacific coast to explode with tourist development and it remains a major draw for backpackers, surfers, snowbirds and city-weary josefinos (inhabitants of San José). While Jacó's lackadaisical charm is not for everyone, the surfing is excellent, and the restaurants and bars are great, particularly those lining classy Jacó Walk.

This pleasant outdoor shopping square is where many of the town's good restaurants are located. It's adorned with multicolored bricks, potted plants and pretty lights. The restaurants all offer outdoor seating and the whole thing is very family friendly, with fountains, bike racks and a children’s playground. There's a decent craft brewery here too.

Getting there: Gray Line, Easy Ride and Monkey Ride run shared shuttles from Jacó to popular destinations such as San José (from around US$42). Meanwhile, buses for San José stop at the Plaza Jacó mall, north of the center. Around US$5.50, 2½ hours, several daily between 5am and 7pm

12. Playa Herradura

Until the mid-1990s, Playa Herradura was a rural, palm-sheltered beach of grayish-black sand that was popular mainly with campers and local fishers. In the late 1990s, however, Herradura was thrown into the spotlight having been used as the stage for the Ridley Scott movie 1492: Conquest of Paradise. Rapid development ensued, resulting in the construction of one of the most high-profile marinas in the country, the Los Sueños marina.

Playa Herradura represents one possible future for the central Pacific coast. Sprawling complexes of condos, fancy hotels and high-rise apartments are slowly encircling the bay and snaking up the mountainside, while the marina features rows of luxury yachts and sportfishing vessels. The southern half of the beach, at the end of the Playa Herradura road, however, is a world apart from the landscaped grounds traversed by golf buggies: it remains stubbornly local, with picnicking Ticos and bars with pounding music.

Getting there: There are frequent local buses (less than US$1, 20 minutes) connecting Playa Herradura to Jacó. If you're driving, the Herradura turnoff is on the Costanera Sur, about 6km after the Costanera Sur leaves the edge of the ocean and heads inland. From here, a paved road leads 3km west to Playa Herradura.

13. Punta Leona

Punta Leona is a closely held secret, with 'close' being the key word. Behind a couple of easy-to-miss entrances and long, winding driveways, its serene beaches – Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca – are the first a traveler can visit when headed from San José down the central Pacific coast, just an hour’s drive from the capital.

Getting there: The turnoff for Playa Mantas, where the public has access, is a right just after the small restaurant called Soda Nimar onto an unmarked dirt road, a 12-minute drive south of the Crocodile Bridge. At the end of the entry road, you can park for US$4, grab a swim in the tranquil, azure Playa Mantas, and then set off on foot to the south, over some rocks, to your true destination – majestic Playa Blanca. The best plan is to time the trip so that you can get to and from Playa Blancas when the tide is as low as possible.

14. Proyecto Asis

It’s an animal rescue center. It’s a volunteer project. It’s Spanish classes. This community-based organization is doing a lot of good, and you can help. The introductory experience is a two-hour tour of the wildlife rescue center, but it’s worth springing for the half- or full-day ‘volunteering’ experience, which includes hands-on interaction with the animals. You'll see monkeys and birds, as well as pizotes, peccaries and more. Close-toed shoes are obligatory; bug repellent is recommended.

Getting there: It’s located in Jabillo, about halfway between Ciudad Quesada and La Fortuna. Any Fortuna–Quesada bus which passes through Chachagua (US$2.80, 40 min) can drop you here; just ask the driver. Asis can also arrange a taxi for you. Reserve at least a day in advance.

15. Centro Turístico Las Tilapias

Enthusiastic owner Chito is a passionate naturalist who spent 20 years building and introducing wildlife into a 5km canal system just outside Siquirres. It's now teeming with exotic nature, from birds, turtles and sloths to monkeys, frogs and more; Chito runs tours around his thriving canal network. There's also a tasty restaurant-bar here and some charming rustic cabinas perched above a lagoon and the canals. Take a taxi (US$3) or ask locals for careful directions, as it's tricky to find.

Chito is locally famous for befriending, training and performing with a 12ft crocodile named Pocho who lived on the premises. Pocho died in 2011, and the government has since outlawed crocodile training.

Getting there: You can drive to Las Tilapias in two and a half hours via Carr Braulio Carrillo. You can also take a bus to Siquirres, which has two main terminals. The one on the southeastern corner of the park serves Limón and San José. Buses run every 30 minutes from 2AM to 6:50PM and cost $3. From there, take a taxi (US$3) or ask locals for careful directions, as it's tricky to find.

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