Aside from its white sand beaches and incredible culinary scene, Costa Rica boasts a countryside teeming with dense jungles, cloud forests and rare wildlife. Despite its small area, this nation has wildernesses that are best explored on foot, a helicopter or even a four-wheel-drive safari ride.

While you're staying at one of the luxury vacation rentals in Costa Rica, be sure to check out these gorgeous walking paths, where you can capture National Geographic-quality images of wildlife and jungle scenery:

Osa Peninsula

Located on the southwestern tip of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula is home to Corcovado National Park. As you walk along the leisurely paths, keep your ears and eyes keen to listen to the sounds of the forest. You will likely hear tropical birds like the macaw as they cackle with deafening pitches before swooping from tree to tree. Look up to the skies and you may catch a glimpse of squirrel monkeys, sloths or even jaguars and pumas.

This protected wilderness contains Central America's last Pacific rainforest, and in order to safely walk through the area you'll have to book a tour with a well-informed guide. These trained tour leaders will answer any and all of your questions about the vast Costa Rican wilderness.

Monteverde

Similar to the Osa Peninsula, Monteverde welcomes hikers of all skill levels. Nature buffs enjoying their vacation at luxury rentals will feel as though they've walked into a mythical world the moment they begin their trek through the jungle. The scent of evergreen vines and mossy lichens pervade the air, and the path is covered by massive plants that have evolved over the years thanks to minimal interference from modern man.

Where to Stay: Villa Estrella

If you don't want to spend a moment away from Costa Rica's dense forests, you may want to stay at Villa Estrella, which is situated in the middle of the charming community of Ocotal. This villa sits atop its own private hillside, allowing you to enjoy true tranquility and privacy as you take in the breathtaking scenery around you. Surrounded by lush greenery and boasting panoramic ocean views, this stunning accommodation provides the best of both worlds: luxury and the untamed wilderness.

Are you interested in luxury vacation rentals?  Contact Villas of Distinction today at 800.289.0900 where a qualified villa expert will help you explore which luxury villa best suits your lifestyle.