Best Things to do in Costa Rica

Wildlife & Nature Encounters

Explore the Cloud Forests

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve: A world-renowned sanctuary, Monteverde offers an unforgettable walk through the canopy on its famous hanging bridges (Sky Walk). This ethereal environment is a prime location for spotting the elusive and magnificent Resplendent Quetzal. The biodiversity here is astounding. We strongly advise booking your tickets online well in advance, particularly if your visit falls within the peak season from December to April.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve: As a community-managed alternative to its more famous neighbor, the Santa Elena Reserve often provides a more tranquil experience. It features excellent, well-maintained trails and spectacular viewpoints, with all proceeds supporting local education and conservation efforts.

Discover Rainforests & National Parks

Manuel Antonio National Park: This park masterfully combines accessible rainforest trails with some of the country’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. It is an excellent place for spotting wildlife, including two- and three-toed sloths and various species of monkeys. Please be aware that tickets must be purchased online prior to your visit, and the park is closed to the public every Tuesday.

Corcovado National Park: Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado offers a deeply immersive jungle experience. Considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, it is a paradise for serious wildlife enthusiasts hoping to see tapirs, scarlet macaws, and even big cats. Entry into the park is strictly regulated, and hiring a certified local guide is mandatory for all visitors.

Tortuguero National Park: Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is a unique network of freshwater canals and dense rainforest. The best way to explore is by boat or kayak, which allows for quiet observation of caimans, monkeys, and a vast array of birdlife. The park is also a globally important nesting site for green sea turtles. The primary nesting season is from July to October, with hatchlings emerging from September to December.

Witness Volcanic Landscapes

Arenal Volcano National Park: The iconic, cone-shaped Arenal Volcano dominates this park’s landscape. You can hike well-marked trails that traverse old lava flows from previous eruptions, offering incredible views of the volcano and the surrounding Lake Arenal.

Poás Volcano National Park: This park provides a rare opportunity to peer directly into one of the world’s largest active volcanic craters, which holds a stunning, acidic crater lake. Due to ongoing volcanic activity, the park can close without notice. We recommend you check the park’s official government website for its current operational status on the day of your planned visit.

Adventure & Adrenaline

Go Ziplining (Canopy Tours)

Arenal and Monteverde: These two regions are the epicenters for ziplining in Costa Rica. The tours here are famous for their impressive scale, featuring some of the longest, highest, and fastest cables in the country, sending you soaring through the forest canopy.

Superman-style Ziplines: For an added dimension of flight, many tour operators offer a special harness that allows you to fly head-first, like Superman. This provides an exhilarating, bird’s-eye view of the rainforest below. You can be confident in the safety of these activities, as reputable tour operators provide all necessary equipment, a thorough safety briefing, and professional training.

Ride the Waves: Surfing

For Beginners: The Pacific coast offers ideal conditions for learning to surf. The towns of Tamarindo, Jacó, and Nosara are particularly well-suited for first-timers, with gentle, rolling waves and a wide selection of excellent surf schools.

For Intermediate/Advanced Surfers: For those with more experience, the powerful and consistent waves at Santa Teresa, Dominical, and Pavones offer a greater challenge. It is worth noting that Pavones is world-famous for a powerful break that is one of the longest left-hand point breaks on the planet.

Whitewater Rafting

Pacuare River: A world-renowned destination for rafting, the Pacuare River carves through breathtaking canyons and pristine rainforest. Its thrilling Class III-IV rapids make for an unforgettable adventure. For a more immersive experience, multi-day trips that include overnight stays at riverside eco-lodges are available.

Sarapiquí River: Offering a fun and scenic journey with Class II-III rapids, the Sarapiquí is a wonderful option for families or travelers seeking a slightly less intense but equally exciting rafting experience. It’s a great introduction to the sport amidst beautiful scenery.

Relaxation & Wellness

Soak in Natural Hot Springs

Arenal Area: The geothermal activity of the Arenal Volcano has blessed the region with numerous natural hot springs. You will find a wide range of options, from luxurious resorts like Tabacón or The Springs with waterfalls and swim-up bars, to more natural and tranquil settings such as EcoTermales. We suggest booking a slot for the evening, as it is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of hiking or adventure activities.

Unwind on Pristine Beaches

Guanacaste’s Gold Coast: This northern Pacific region is known for its sun-drenched, beautiful beaches. Discover the unique Playa Conchal, whose “sand” is composed of millions of tiny, crushed seashells, or relax on the calm, white sands of Playa Flamingo.

Nicoya Peninsula: For a more laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, head to the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. The beach towns of Santa Teresa and Montezuma are magnets for surfers, yoga practitioners, and those seeking a relaxed pace of life.

Caribbean Coast: The southern Caribbean coast offers a distinct Afro-Caribbean culture and a lush, tropical environment. The beaches here, such as the tranquil Punta Uva and the shores bordering Cahuita National Park, are stunning and often fringed by jungle.

Practice Yoga & Mindfulness

Nosara and Santa Teresa: These two towns have evolved into global hotspots for yoga, wellness, and mindful living. Here you will find a high concentration of world-class yoga studios, dedicated retreat centers, and a wide variety of daily drop-in classes suitable for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced.

Culture & Cuisine

Take a Coffee & Chocolate Tour

Central Valley & Monteverde: Costa Rica’s volcanic soil produces some of the world’s best coffee. A tour of a plantation in these regions provides fascinating insight into the entire “bean to cup” process, from cultivation and harvesting to roasting, culminating in a professional tasting session.

La Fortuna & Caribbean Coast: Discover the rich history of cacao on a hands-on chocolate tour. These experiences allow you to participate in the traditional process, from harvesting the cacao pod and fermenting the beans to grinding them and making your own rustic chocolate bar.

Savor Local Flavors

Eat at a “Soda”: For a truly authentic culinary experience, seek out a “soda.” These are small, often family-run restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican dishes at very reasonable prices. It is the best way to immerse yourself in the local food culture.

Try a “Casado”: When in a soda, be sure to order a “casado,” which translates to “married man.” It is the unofficial national dish, a balanced and hearty plate typically consisting of rice, beans, a small salad, fried plantains, and a choice of protein such as fish, chicken, beef, or pork.

Visit a Local Market: Explore a “Mercado Central,” especially the large one in San José, or a weekly farmer’s market, known as a “feria.” These bustling markets are the heart of local life and a wonderful place to try exotic tropical fruits, sample local cheeses, and observe daily commerce.

Learn about Wildlife Conservation

Visit a Rescue Center: A visit to a reputable wildlife sanctuary is a meaningful way to support vital conservation work. These facilities are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and, when possible, release of injured, orphaned, or displaced animals. We recommend well-regarded centers such as The Sloth Institute (near Manuel Antonio), Toucan Rescue Ranch (near San José), or Proyecto Asis (near Arenal).