Finest Issues To Do In Costa Rica: The 2023 Final Information

Over 2 million folks go to Costa Rica on a yearly foundation, most travelling right here looking for adventures, wildlife and pure magnificence on this a part of Central America.

There are many issues to see in Costa Rica, like nice seashores, lush rainforests and distinctive wildlife. For a comparatively small nation, there’s a huge number of enjoyable issues to do in Costa Rica, making it extraordinarily troublesome for most individuals to decide on the place to go and which locations and actions so as to add to their itinerary.

Having spent a few years exploring this stunning nation, now we have had the pleasure of seeing many of the corners of Costa Rica. However we all know that the majority of you might be restricted to just a few weeks on your Costa Rica trip.

That can assist you profit from your time, we compiled an inventory of the highest issues to do in Costa Rica!

Finest Time To Go to Costa Rica

Usually talking, most actions and areas in Costa Rica are accessible all 12 months spherical due to its tropical local weather, however the nation does have 2 distinct seasons: wet season and dry season.

The inexperienced season (or the wet season) lasts from Might to November, however it’s actually simply the months of September/October that see essentially the most rain and have the most important influence on actions in Costa Rica. Some motels, eating places and tour operators really shut down for the months of September – November, so be conscious of those dates when planning your journey. In the event you don’t thoughts taking a raffle on the climate, the inexperienced season presents nice costs and sparse crowds.

The dry season is from December to April. The dry season undoubtedly sees essentially the most vacationers as a result of the climate is at its peak, however that additionally means extra crowds and better costs. There isn’t a scarcity of Costa Rica excursions and Costa Rica sights to maintain you busy if you happen to plan your go to throughout this time of the 12 months.

Finest Locations To Go In Costa Rica

What’s there to do in Costa Rica? The choices are countless!

Costa Rica presents a plethora of locations and actions for any traveler. After spending a few years exploring and experiencing lots of its high vacationer sights, we’ve put collectively this listing with our high suggestions that cowl what it’s essential to do in Costa Rica, in addition to the must-see locations in Costa Rica.

The listing covers some common locations in Costa Rica, some hidden gems, and our favorite vacationer actions that will help you resolve on what to do in Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Wildlife. Common with Households and Nature Lovers

Positioned on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is certainly one of Costa Rica’s finest locations to go to. At Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, the white sand seashores, which have among the warmest waters in all of Costa Rica, are surrounded by lush rainforests, making it the last word image of paradise. In the event you’re not a lot of a seashore bum, then this park is a wonderful vacation spot for wildlife excursions and mountain climbing, and there are some close by cultural sights and waterfalls to discover.

Manuel Antonio can be a launch level to among the lesser-known finest locations to go to in Costa Rica. Taking a day journey to Dominical or Quepos is among the finest issues to do in Costa Rica and presents distinctive perception into the tradition.

Prime Issues to Do in Manuel Antonio

Go to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park. Seeing wildlife is a should when visiting Costa Rica, and Manuel Antonio is the place to do it. The park is residence to monkeys, sloths, and plenty of birds.
Benefit from the white sand seashores at Manuel Antonio Seaside or Espadilla Sur.
Go on a singular Jungle Evening Tour to see rainforest creatures come to life after darkish. Carry a jacket and a few bug spray and be part of the skilled information for a tour of the vegetation and wildlife of Rainmaker Conservation Park. The tour takes lower than three hours, and also you’ll be taught a ton concerning the native birds, lizards, snakes, and amphibians.
Spend the night time in an Airplane Resort, or Resort Costa Verde.

Day Journey to Nauyaca Waterfalls

Journey inland from Playa Dominical and also you’ll come throughout two of essentially the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica. Surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest that’s populated by monkeys and macaws, the higher falls cascade into an un-swimmable pool, whereas the decrease falls have a pleasant pool that’s good for a dip.

There are 3 ways to get to the falls. The primary is to hike all the best way down–be certain to maintain your eyes peeled for wildlife recognizing alongside the best way. You’ll probably break a sweat on this route, however leaping into the cool waters will make all of it price it. One other means is arriving on horseback, however make an observation to guide this early as it will probably get very busy. Final however actually not the least, you too can hitch a experience behind a pick-up truck similar to we did! Arrive early to beat the crowds and have the waterfalls all to yourselves, similar to nature supposed.

Nauyaca Waterfall Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park

Resort Costa Verde, aka the Airplane Resort in Costa Rica

Osa Peninsula

When to Go to: Throughout Dry Season (Nov-April)
Finest for: Wildlife. Common with wildlife fans and off-the-beaten-path vacationers.

Osa Peninsula is taken into account certainly one of Costa Rica’s most distant locations and the most effective locations to go to in Costa Rica. This wild area is residence to all kinds of unique wildlife, lush rainforests, and the most important stretch of mangroves within the nation.

Corcovado Nationwide Park, situated on the Osa Peninsula, is among the world’s high eco-tourism locations and one of the crucial biodiverse spots on this planet!

Getting there’s an journey in itself. The areas surrounding Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez are wild and much much less touristy than different locations in Costa Rica. Whereas the journey to get there’s lengthy, it’s price including to your Costa Rica to-do listing!

Prime Issues to do on the Osa Peninsula

Go to Corcovado Nationwide Park to see wildlife with the assistance of an area information; it’s the most effective issues to do in Costa Rica. Conserving the most important major forest on the American Pacific shoreline, Corcovado Nationwide Park presents a ton to see and respect. From monkeys and sloths to jaguars and ocelots, you’re positive to see and listen to issues that you’d by no means get an opportunity to expertise in your day-to-day life. You’ll be able to take a day journey or spend the night time within the park. Both possibility is among the finest actions in Costa Rica and properly well worth the journey!
Kayak within the mangroves close to Puerto Jimenez. Costa Rica’s mangrove swamps of Golfo Dulce are extremely numerous and surrounded by unique birds. Relying on once you’re visiting, you might also get the possibility to see dolphins, sea turtles, or whales out within the open ocean, the place the kayaking tour normally ends. Plus, in case you are visiting in the correct season, there’s a probability for a bioluminescence encounter. No matter what’s retaining you firm within the water, it’s one of many highlights of Costa Rica.
Find out about Costa Rica’s gold mining historical past on a singular tour.

The doorway of Corcovado Nationwide Park, Osa Peninsula

Poas Volcano Nationwide Park

When to Go to: Dry Season
Finest for: Distinctive Volcano views near San Jose. Common with San Jose day trippers.

If you’re on the lookout for distinctive issues to do in Costa Rica, then how about visiting an energetic volcano? Peer into its crater and admire the blue/inexperienced colored lagoon of Poas Volcano. It’s undoubtedly certainly one of Costa Rica’s well-known landmarks, however resulting from unpredictable climate and frequent exercise, it’s not at all times accessible.

Plan to go on a transparent day when visiting this Costa Rica must-see vacation spot. Within the wet season, the cloud cowl takes away from the vibrancy of the lagoon.

You’ll additionally not need to miss the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The world is residence to The Largest Animal Sanctuary in Costa Rica and spectacular waterfalls. It’s a good way to finish your day after exploring the volcano.

Prime Issues to do at Poas Volcano Nationwide Park

Go for a hike. You’ll discover plenty of geysers and crater lakes round Poas Volcano Nationwide Park.
Be part of a Poás Volcano Tour to go to the park and La Paz Waterfall. Regardless of the identify, there’s extra to the tour than simply the volcano; it’s a full-day occasion, and it’s the most effective issues to do in Costa Rica. You’ll begin on the Doka Property espresso plantation, the place you’ll find out about what goes into harvesting, roasting, and getting ready Costa Rican espresso. After that, you’ll head into the nationwide park to see the volcano, hike to Botos Lagoon, and head to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Eat a chew of lunch, discover the rainforest, and respect the fantastic thing about the area.

Poas Volcano Nationwide Park, Costa Rica

Arenal

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Journey actions, scorching springs and views. Common with {couples} and thrill seekers.

A visit to the Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park and the encircling pure scorching springs is among the high issues to do in Costa Rica. Though the volcano has been dormant during the last 10 years, we’ve seen it in its energetic glory, spewing up rocks and lava and lighting up the sky at night time. However don’t fear; the sight of this cone-shaped volcano remains to be breathtaking at present!

Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park presents lots, together with lengthy and quick mountain climbing trails by way of forest and lava fields. An ideal technique to finish the day is to soak in one of many many scorching springs on the town. Tabacon Sizzling Springs is the preferred and splendid possibility, however there are many others to swimsuit each price range. The gateway to Arenal is the sleepy city of La Fortuna.

Prime Issues to Do in Arenal

See the highlights of the world on an Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Sizzling Springs Tour. You’ll comply with the mountain climbing trails with a information to see the perfect sights, together with the lava fields from the eruption in 1968. Take pleasure in a conventional lunch and a scorching spring resort. Transportation is included, so this tour is right if you happen to don’t have your individual car.
Go to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park to hike the paths and see the volcano up shut.
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall. Positioned on the base of Cerro Chato Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall is over 70 meters tall. There’s an entry charge, however the potential to leap into the water after an extended hike is properly price the price of admission.
Soak within the geothermal baths at Tabacon Sizzling Springs.

Be part of a Rainforest Chocolate Tour to be taught all about Costa Rican chocolate and get hands-on expertise. The tour takes two hours and is appropriate for the entire household.

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Lake Arenal

Rio Celeste & Tenorio Nationwide Park

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Mountaineering & Instaworthy Images.

Positioned inside Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, Rio Celeste is a stupendous turquoise-blue river with a picturesque waterfall amid the luxurious rainforest. It is among the finest issues to do in Northern Costa Rica and a quite off-the-beaten-track vacation spot that always received’t make it onto most vacationer maps.

Nevertheless, because of the ability of Instagram, Rio Celeste is turning into an increasing number of common, with everybody desirous to snap that Insta-worthy shot of the turquoise waterfall.

It’s a little bit of a trek to get to, however we take pleasure in mountain climbing in Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park. There are a number of different wonderful viewpoints within the park that present an excellent general expertise for these seeking to join with nature. Rio Celeste is unquestionably on the high of the listing of must-sees in Costa Rica.

Prime Issues to do in Rio Celeste

Hike your means by way of Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park and go to Rio Celeste Waterfall
Go to Rio Celeste on a Full-Day Tour from La Fortuna. This 8-hour tour features a 4-hour hike to the Rio Celeste, with decide up and drop off from La Fortuna, a information that will help you respect the wildlife and lunch to gasoline you after your train.

Tenorio Waterfalls at Rio Celeste
Oksana and Max at Tenorio

Monteverde

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Journey Actions and Wildlife

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is constantly ranked amongst the highest locations to see in Costa Rica; it’s one of many nation’s pure wonders. This distinctive ecosystem is solely totally different from different Nationwide Parks in Costa Rica and warrants a go to to totally respect. Admire natural world and expertise the thrills of the zip traces or hanging bridges in Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest. There’s a formidable quantity of wildlife to be noticed in Monteverde. It’s a vacation spot significantly common with birdwatchers. The cloud forest is among the many Costa Rica issues to see that you may’t miss.

Monteverde is loaded with actions to do in Costa Rica, from chicken watching to canyoning to exploring the forest from the hanging bridges, with some espresso farming in between. Plus, the Cloud Forest is among the nation’s seven pure wonders. For us, this space is among the finest issues to see in Costa Rica.

Prime Issues to do in Monteverde

Stroll the hanging bridges in The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to see the bushes from above the forest cover.
Go ziplining—Monteverde’s zip line is among the high adventures in Costa Rica!
Discover the native city of Santa Elena to seek out good meals, outlets and native leisure.

Armadillo in Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica Ziplining
Having fun with being in nature on the not too long ago reopened Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Santa Teresa

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Browsing & Laidback dwelling

For a basic seashore city expertise with some nice surf, Santa Teresa is certainly one of Costa Rica locations to go to! Tucked away on the western fringe of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has gained reputation for being certainly one of Costa Rica’s finest surf spots. It’s significantly common with skilled surfers on the lookout for bigger, sooner waves. For them, driving the number of seashore breaks in Santa Teresa is among the finest issues to do in Costa Rica!

However Santa Teresa isn’t only a vacation spot for surfers. The city has many stunning luxurious lodging choices and different actions to maintain everybody entertained. The world is nestled between gorgeous waterfalls, stunning seashores, and thriving nature reserves. There are some nice eating places on the town and plenty of stunning eco-hotels within the space.

Prime Issues to do in Santa Teresa

Go browsing at Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, or in Mal Pais.
Go to a wildlife reserve to see monkeys, coatis, scarlet macaws, and lots of of different Costa Rican species of tropical and migratory birds.
Benefit from the seashore!

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Nosara

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Yoga, Browsing and Laid Again Seaside Residing

Playa Nosara is among the hottest seashore cities within the Guanacaste area, stretching from Playa Ostional to the Boca Nosara (often known as the Nosara river mouth). If you’re questioning the place to go to in Costa Rica for some quiet time, Nosara is a good selection. There’s additionally some nice fishing, browsing, or native wildlife sanctuaries to go to within the space.

Nosara is a wellness hotspot, stuffed with yoga retreats, wholesome eating places, and sustainable buying choices. The life-style right here is laid-back, with loads of go-to enjoyable actions in Costa Rica.

Prime Issues to do in Nosara, Costa Rica

Benefit from the pristine seashores. We’d advocate Punta Pelada over Playa Guiones, particularly for swimming.
Take a surf lesson to take pleasure in Nosara’s waves—they’re certainly one of Costa Rica’s highlights.

Peaceable fishing on Playa Pelada. Nosara. Costa Rica
Max at Nosara seashore, Costa Rica

Playa Avellanas

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Surf and Seaside Lovers. Common with off-the-beaten-path vacationers.

For a extra genuine ambiance, we advocate getting off the crushed path and paying a go to to the smaller seashore city of Playa Avellanas. It’s certainly one of our favorite seashore spots, identified for ‘Little Hawaii”, the most effective browsing spots within the nation. It’s received an excellent seashore, unimaginable surf, a lot of close by actions with all the fantastic thing about the Guanacaste area and fewer of the crowds.

For us, Playa Avellanas is the finest trip spot in Costa Rica because it’s simply as stunning however means quieter than Tamarindo. It’s received a handful of nice eating places and plenty of alternatives to remain energetic and benefit from the outdoor.

Prime Issues to do in Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica

Calm down on the seashore or hit the water on a paddleboard
Discover the estuaries by kayak
Take a surf lesson – Avellanas is certainly one of Costa Rica’s finest newbie surf spots

Probably the greatest seashores in Guanacaste is Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica
Prepared for SUP!

Tamarindo

When to Go to: Inexperienced Season (Dry Season could be very busy)
Finest for: Evening life, actions. Common with younger vacationers, backpackers and first-time guests.

With its nice waves, Playa Tamarindo (or Tamarindo Seaside) is the right spot for browsing, whether or not you’re simply studying or a professional on the board. The city additionally boasts wonderful nightlife with a full of life social gathering ambiance and a plethora of eating places, actions, and day journeys. It’s an excellent vacation spot to base your self in to discover the area of Guanacaste.

As soon as a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo is now a city bursting at its seams. There are tons of cafes, outlets, and motels on the town and within the dry season – tons of individuals. That stated, there are nonetheless pockets of nature on the town, a stupendous seashore, and loads of alternatives for browsing, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Tamarindo is unquestionably one of many high locations to go to in Costa Rica, particularly for first-timers!

Prime Issues to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Go to the seashores for sunbathing, browsing, fishing, and paddleboarding.
Go on a Sundown Sail and Snorkeling Tour. The boat has an open bar and presents a lightweight meal, when you sail alongside the shores of Tamarindo. You’ll be able to go snorkeling, go for a swim, or just respect the fantastic thing about the world. In the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly even have an up-close encounter with the native dolphins or turtles.
Go zip-lining by way of a forest cover. This half-day tour presents a chance to hike and zip-line within the forest by way of totally different ranges of the cover. In the event you get fortunate, you would possibly even see (or extra probably hear) some howler monkeys when you make your means throughout the strolling bridge.
Go on a Boat Safari at Las Baulas Nationwide Park. This half day tour sails by way of the mangrove swamps and bays of Las Baulas Nationwide Park, providing a chance to see crocodiles, sea birds, monkeys, dolphins, and different wildlife.

Langosta Seaside, Tamarindo
Sundown in Tamarindo
What to do in Playa Avellanas: Price range your actions accordingly
Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tortuguero Nationwide Park

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical (Turtle nesting season from July to October)
Finest for: Wildlife

Positioned on the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero Nationwide Park is a distant vacationer vacation spot that’s really straightforward to go to. It takes 5 hours to get to Tortuguero from San Jose, however the journey is well worth the trek! Guests flock right here to see the inexperienced and leatherback sea turtles nesting on the seashore, in addition to a plethora of different wildlife that may be noticed throughout boat cruises and kayaking experiences.

In the event you’re on the lookout for cool issues to do in Costa Rica, seeing the nesting sea turtles is up there. Turtle nesting season spans from July to October, however August is taken into account the perfect time to go to for turtle excursions. Tortuguero presents a glimpse into the wild Amazon-like setting of Caribbean Costa Rica and is a vacation spot price visiting even when your timing doesn’t align with turtle nesting season.

Prime Issues to do at Tortuguero Nationwide Park

Observe the sea turtle nesting from July to October
Stroll as much as Tortuguero Hill for panoramic views of the park
Go on a ship cruise or kayak by way of the river estuaries to search for monkeys, caymans, and a plethora of birds

Oksana and Max at Tortuguero Nationwide Park.
Wildlife at Tortuguero Nationwide Park.
Wildlife at Tortuguero Nationwide Park.
Tortuguero Nationwide Park Seaside

Puerto Viejo & The Caribbean Coast

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical (Sunny through the Inexperienced Season)
Finest for: Vibrant Tradition and Unspoiled Nature

Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is the least explored space within the nation. It tends to be a bit cheaper and fewer crowded than another Costa Rica vacationer sights. Take a look at the relaxed seashore city of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca with its laid-back perspective, the place you possibly can take your fill of coconut rice and Reggaeton beats. Absorbing the tradition is among the finest free issues to do in Costa Rica!

Puerto Viejo reveals a unique aspect of Costa Rican tradition that’s distinctive to different locations in Central America, whether or not you’re extra thinking about buying or visiting a jaguar rescue middle. Spending a day exploring the city is a enjoyable technique to see artisan outlets and take a look at yoga studios.

Prime Issues to do in Puerto Viejo

Go to the secluded seashores like Playa Negra and Punta Uva.
Go to the Jaguar Rescue Middle to see majestic animals you probably received’t see wherever else.
Spend a number of days on the town having fun with good meals, and Pura Vida vibes

San José

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Historical past Buffs and Tradition Lovers

Not like different Costa Rica locations, San Jose isn’t an space stuffed with beautiful seashores and cloud forests. The truth is, most of the nicest locations to go to in San Jose, Costa Rica, are literally indoors. Stroll by way of town to see church buildings, theatres, and museums just like the Jade Museum.

We recommend visiting on a Saturday to attend La Feria Verde. It’s a market stuffed with sustainable crafts, produce, and snacks. There are additionally a lot of nice eating places on the town, particularly within the Escazu neighbourhood. You too can decide to go for a metropolis tour, a beer tour, or a meals tour.

Finest Issues to do in San Jose, Costa Rica

Stroll by way of the Mercado Centrale (Central Market) for native artwork and meals.
Go to The Nationwide Theater on a guided tour.
Expertise the nighttime vibe of Costa Rica’s capital on a small group Meals and Tradition Evening Tour. Be part of an area information on a food-themed strolling tour, beginning at Morazán Park. You’ll make your means by way of San Jose, expertise its nightlife and find out about Costa Rica’s historical past and structure. The night time will finish with a meal and a drink at an area restaurant.

San Jose, Costa Rica

North Guanacaste & Papagayo Peninsula

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Households and Divers. Common for its all-inclusive resorts.

Often known as the most effective locations to trip in Costa Rica, Northern Guanacaste is spoiled with stunning seashores. From Playa Flamingo to Playa Del Coco, the world boasts peaceable shores and mellow waters.

Catalina Islands on the Papagayo Peninsula are additionally the most effective locations to go scuba diving in Costa Rica. You’ll see vibrant fish, and distinctive rock formations, and have an opportunity to identify sharks, manta rays and stingrays. Northern Guanacaste is all about having fun with among the finest issues in Costa Rica: sand and surf.

Prime Issues to do in Guanacaste

Discover stunning seashores like Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, and Playa Del Coco.
Go scuba diving within the Catalinas Islands. Native operators, like Deep Blue Diving, supply morning and afternoon 2-dive packages. After we visited, visibility wasn’t nice, however we nonetheless managed to see and {photograph} some superb sights.

Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Jaco

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Solo Vacationers

In the event you’re on the lookout for Costa Rica enjoyable, Jaco is bursting with it. Vacationers in Costa Rica flock to Jaco for vibrant nightlife, bustling eating places, and the social gathering ambiance. That stated, it’s received a seedy vibe to it that isn’t precisely our cup of tea.

It’s nonetheless one of the crucial common Costa Rica vacationer locations for solo vacationers, backpackers and, surprisingly, retirees. Past the nightlife, Jaco presents nice browsing, entry to waterfalls, and delightful Carara Nationwide Park.

Prime Issues to Do in Jaco, Costa Rica

Join surf classes to be taught the ropes of one of many high Costa Rica actions to do.
Be part of a zip line and journey ATV tour by way of the rainforest. It takes simply a few hours to zip line by way of a course made up of 10 cables and 14 platforms and to go to a waterfall.

Jaco Seaside, Guanacaste

Uvita

When to Go to: 12 months Spherical
Finest for: Seashores and Marine Life

Uvita is a hidden gem south of Dominical on the Costa Ballena shoreline. Costa Ballena means “Whale Coast”, referring to the whale tail-shaped seashore that solely seems at low tide. It’s additionally the place humpback whales migrate, which is a particular sight to see through the dry season.

Uvita itself is a quiet city surrounded by postcard-worthy seashores and pristine rainforests. Marina Ballena Nationwide Park is a spotlight of the world with mangrove forests, coral reefs, and a wild shoreline. It’s nice for stress-free and, in fact, wildlife viewing.

Prime Issues to do in Uvita, Costa Rica

Go to Playa Uvita’s whale’s tail for one of many lesser-known Costa Rica tourism sights
Be part of a whale-watching tour
Take a look at Uvita Waterfall

Uvita Waterfall, Costa Ballena
Whale’s Tail at Playa Uvita, Costa Rica
Having fun with the views of Uvita at Oxygen Jungle Villas, Puntarenas

Costa Rica Should-Do Adventures

Now that we’ve coated Costa Rica’s hottest vacation spot, let’s discuss a bit about actions. There are numerous actions you are able to do whereas touring across the nation and whereas lots of them do overlap from city to city, some are actually distinctive and well worth the funding. In the event you’re seeking to make some reminiscences, these items to do in Costa Rica are positive to impress.

This listing of journey actions in Costa Rica will get your coronary heart pumping in a stupendous pure setting!

Ziplining In Monteverde Nationwide Park

Get a chicken’s eye view of the Costa Rican rainforest at one of many journey parks!

There are lots of cover excursions all through the nation, however the perfect place to zip line in Costa Rica might be in Monteverde. Monteverde Sky Adventures has the longest zip line in Latin America, which helps you to expertise the cloud forest cover and Monteverde’s wealthy biodiversity in an adrenaline-pumping means! Attempt the Tarzan swing, a free-fall expertise that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Different Locations to go Ziplining in Costa Rica: Arenal’s Go Excursions Costa Rica

Monteverde, Costa Rica Ziplining

White Water Rafting In Arenal

For us, the most effective issues to do in Costa Rica is white water rafting, it’s a kind of Costa Rica outside actions that are good for journey junkies. You’ll be able to mix thrilling rapids, lush greenery and unique birds and animals as you descend down the river.

There are lots of operators providing several types of whitewater rafting experiences in La Fortuna, close to Arenal Nationwide Park. From three-hour tubing to eight-hour-long rafting journeys, you’ll find one thing that fits your braveness and your price range!

Different Locations to go White Water Rafting in Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio’s Naranjo River.

Arenal white water rafting

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding)

SUPing can generally be troublesome on the open ocean so we’d recommend you benefit from stand-up paddleboarding on the calmer river estuaries and lakes. Arenal Lake is the perfect place to check your steadiness and soak up the fantastic thing about the Arenal Volcano area aboard your SUP board. It’s one of many must-do issues in Costa Rica and a preferred exercise close to Arenal Volcano.

Finest Place to SUP in Costa Rica: Lake Arenal or the protected Gulf of Papagayo

Prepared for SUP!

Yoga

Yoga and different wellness actions are widespread throughout Costa Rica. Most cities now have yoga studios or a chance to follow yoga at your resort. Yoga is a very common past-time in Nosara, Tamarindo, Avellanas/Playa Negra, Santa Teresa, and Puerto Viejo.

Our favorite yoga expertise was on the Concord Resort in Nosara, the place we joined certainly one of their drop-in lessons.

Finest Place to do Yoga in Costa Rica: Nosara, Playa Negra, and Santa Teresa host among the finest actions in Costa Rica for yogis

Costa Rica is residence to a wide range of yoga retreats.

Horseback Using

Horseback driving on the seashore or within the rainforest is a very cool technique to discover the character of Costa Rica another way. There are lots of locations that supply half-day, full-day, or multi-day experiences, so it simply is determined by your location and the time it’s important to spare. You’ll be able to trek the seashores of Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Avellanas, and Nosara) or take a trot by way of the mountains close to Arenal Volcano, however for essentially the most spectacular experience, select to go horseback driving at sundown!

Finest Place to go Horseback Using in Costa Rica: A horseback driving tour to Arenal is among the high sights in Costa Rica

Horseback experience on the seashore in Nosara, Costa Rica

Soak In The Arenal Pure Sizzling Springs

In the event you’re taking a visit to Costa Rica, then visiting the new springs is a should. If there’s one place to expertise pure scorching springs, it’s in Arenal. Because of the geothermal exercise surrounding Arenal Volcano, the world is residence to tons of scorching springs resorts and motels. Our favorite is the Tabacón Sizzling Springs. In the event you can splurge on spending a number of nights at this stunning resort, do it, in any other case, you possibly can guide a half-day or full day on the springs that features breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Different finest locations to journey in Costa Rica for warm springs: If Arenal will not be in your itinerary, you possibly can nonetheless soak in pure scorching springs at Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park or at scorching springs surrounding Miravalles Volcano.

Tabacon Sizzling Springs, Costa Rica

Browsing

Ask your self, what’s Costa Rica identified for? Now we have a solution: the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is taken into account the most effective year-round surf locations on this planet. Nevertheless, there are peak seasons that present extra constant swells, so make sure to time your journey to Costa Rica correctly. The South Pacific Coast swell season is from June to September and supplies the west coast with nice surf. The North Pacific Coast swell season is from November to April, and supplies even higher waves than the South Pacific season! Everybody from newcomers to superior surfers will discover a seashore break proper for them in Costa Rica.

Finest Place to go Browsing in Costa Rica: Jaco or Playa Avellana for newcomers, Playa Tamarindo for everybody, Dominical or Playa Grande or Playa Negra for consultants

Surf lesson on the seashore in Santa Teresa

Mountaineering

While you’re deciding on issues to do in Costa Rica, mountain climbing and Costa Rica must be synonymous. The plethora of Nationwide Parks and nature trails are among the high locations of curiosity Costa Rica has to supply. The nationwide parks typically have wonderful mountain climbing alternatives and are usually the easiest way to identify wildlife of their pure habitat.

Finest Place to Hike in Costa Rica: For an epic hike, attempt Mount Chirripò, the tallest mountain and most difficult hike in Costa Rica. For different nice hikes to discover Costa Rica, attempt El Manglar Path in Manuel Antonio or Las Pailas Loop Path in Rincon de la Vieja.

Max at Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja

Canyoning

This comparatively new journey sport consists of rappelling down waterfalls and cliffsides. It’s a heart-pumping Costa Rica sightseeing exercise that doesn’t disappoint. The highest spots for canyoning within the nation are Monteverde, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Finest Place to go Canyoning in Costa Rica: Attempt Arenal Volcano’s Misplaced Canyon or La Fortuna Waterfall for family-friendly canyoning. Or if you happen to’re craving one thing extra excessive in Central America, attempt an Excessive Canyoning Tour in Jaco at Vista Los Suenos Journey Park.

Caving

Probably the greatest issues to do in Costa Rica with youngsters is to go caving. You’ll don a helmet and headlamp and descend into the underground world to take a look at stalactites and stalagmites. Venado Caves in Arenal and Barra Honda Nationwide Park Caves on the Nicoya Peninsula are the perfect locations to see these particular locations of Costa Rica.

Finest Place to go Caving in Costa Rica: Go on a Spelunking Tour at Venado Caves for one of many coolest Costa Rica adventures.

Diving

On condition that Costa Rica means “wealthy coast” it’s no marvel that one of many high Costa Rica actions is scuba diving. There are alternatives for diving on each the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Coast. Nevertheless, the Caribbean tends to have extra vibrant reefs, which have hotter waters and simpler dives than the Pacific Coast, and it’s higher suited to newcomers. The Pacific Coast nonetheless has an abundance of marine life, however it typically comes hand in hand with sturdy currents that are extra suited to superior divers.

Finest Place to Dive in Costa Rica: The Gulf of Papagayo or Caño Island in Drake Bay

Costa Rica scuba diving, Pacific aspect

Should Do Excursions In Costa Rica

For simplicity in planning the highest issues to do in Costa Rica, distinctive, native experiences, and for the possibility to satisfy new different vacationers don’t miss these Costa Rica excursions. They’re among the finest issues to do in Costa Rica.

Go to A Espresso Plantation Close to San José

Get your caffeine kick with a Costa Rican espresso tour. They’re one of many high issues to do in Costa Rica, San José, for the reason that espresso farms are usually discovered within the mountains that encompass the capital. You’ll be able to take within the beautiful surroundings, be taught concerning the harvesting and roasting processes and perhaps even take part in choosing espresso beans. Listed below are a number of excursions price trying out:

Aquiares Property Espresso Tour with tasting takes place on the largest Rainforest Alliance Licensed espresso farm in Costa Rica.

Cooking Class

Probably the greatest methods to get to know a tradition is thru your abdomen. So, take a Costa Rican cooking class with an area chef for the last word cultural expertise and perception into the native Tico food regimen.

You will discover cooking lessons everywhere in the nation, and delicacies could generally differ from area to area.

Cooking Class and Salsa Dance tour from La Fortuna could have you checking off two bucket listing gadgets in a single go.
Alternatively, in case you are thinking about making bread with an area household, take a look at this nice cooking tour in Monteverde.

Go to A Chocolate Plantation In The Highlands

In the event you’re trying ahead to Costa Rican delicacies, one of many sweetest Costa Rica excursions is to the nation’s many chocolate plantations. They’re usually discovered within the nation’s highlands. On a typical chocolate tour, you’ll be taught concerning the origins and historic significance of cocoa, see how it’s made first hand and get an opportunity to style freshly made chocolate.

This chocolate plantation tour from La Fortuna is inexpensive, eco-certified and comes extremely advisable.
In the event you’re within the Central Pacific, be part of this Chocolate Expertise and Plantation Tour that’s 10 minutes outdoors of Jaco.

Go On A Chook-Watching Tour

Do you know Costa Rica’s forests are residence to over 890 chicken species? That’s greater than the variety of birds within the US and Canada mixed! So it’s no marvel chicken watching is among the high issues to do in Costa Rica.

There’s nice birdwatching throughout the nation! You’ll be able to wander the paths by yourself with binoculars in hand, however you should have a significantly better probability of recognizing with a information.

Be part of this guided tour in Monteverde to discover and respect the wonders of Monteverde Cloud Forest. Take pleasure in its pure, hazy mist, stroll throughout its trailing foliage, and take heed to the decision of uncommon birds.

Scarlet Macaw Chook

Sea Turtle Nesting And Hatching Tour

Definitely one of many high Costa Rica issues to do is to see turtles nesting and hatching on the seashores round Costa Rica. Head to Playa Grande or Playa Ostional, the place you possibly can watch leatherback sea turtles lay eggs or hatch in entrance of your eyes.

You too can catch turtle nesting/hatching in Tortuguero Nationwide Park on this 3-Day Tortuguero Nationwide Park Tour from San Jose.

Child turtles are completely cute!

White Water Rafting Tour

For a heart-pumping tour, guide this Arenal Rafting Higher Balsa Class 3 and 4 Rapids tour. You’ll journey over 10 kilometres and over 30 steady rapids and really feel the actual thrill of the Balsa River. For a softer journey tour in Arenal, select this Household-Pleasant Balsa River Rafting tour, the place you’ll cross over Class 2 rapids.

From the attractive seashores to the colorful and unique wildlife to the scrumptious Costa Rican meals and the distinctive native tradition–there’s a lot to expertise in Costa Rica, and we are able to’t advocate it sufficient! There are such a lot of issues to do in Costa Rica, making it an excellent vacation spot for all types of vacationers who respect the pure world.