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Where should I go in Costa Rica?

Travel Info
I am travelling to COsta Rica this summer and I want to find the best general area to visit. I will want a place with awesome beaches, fun activities, animals up close, and to see a real town, with as little tourists as possible. I also want to snorkel, go through the jungle, and find some neat tidepools. DOes anyone know what area this would be?

Travel Tips

Costa Rica is somewhat touristy in general but I think you just need to avoid the worst of it and go from there.
Don't go to Tamarindo or Playa Flamingo! Avoid the cities of Puntarenas, Jaco and Quepos. You will have to drive through or past them though to get to Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful spots with the most in the way of wildlife.
Real towns are all over the place if you divert off of the main highway. Canas is an interesting one from Arenal to Nosara. There is also a big cat sanctuary there that it nice to visit.
The least touristy area that might meet your criteria is Corcovado and Drake's Bay. It is touristy but so off of the beaten path that the tourism is low-key. It is about 12 hours drive from San Jose or a short flight.

Others
Puntaranas,I think that's spelled right !!
I think the last answerer meant Puntarenas the Province not the town. Puntarenas the province includes Monteverde, (rain/cloud forest), Cabo Blanco (tidal pools), Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninusla (rain forest). Not good locations for snorkling (islands off Osa?) but there is some snorkling near Montezuma Isla de Tortuga.
Awesome beaches and snorkel: Guanacaste province, on the Pacific (Tamarindo, Mal Pa铆s, Potrero, etc) also Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo in Lim贸n province, on the Caribbean.
Fun Activities and jungles: Arenal Volcano area, Monteverde, Aerial Tram, La Paz Waterfalls

Real Town: Sarch铆, Barva, Orosi

Have fun! Pura vida!
costarican
You can find all those things on the Carribean side. There are great beaches. Puerto Viejo is a fun little town. Check out BriBri and Cahuita for a typical little Costa Rica town. Cahuita National Park has animals, jungle and the best coral reef in the country. You will also want to see the Arenal Volcano area...
www.insidertourscostarica.com