Best Things to do in Costa Rica
Uncover Costa Rica's top activities: from Arenal's hot springs to Monteverde's cloud forests.

Explore National Parks
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio may be the poster child for Costa Rican national parks. Compact yet bursting with biodiversity, these idyllic landscapes where rainforest meets ocean are a nature loverâs dream. Donât be surprised if a capuchin monkey photobombs your beach selfie â theyâve got personality and arenât camera shy.
Discover Corcovado National Park
Arguably the crown jewel of Costa Ricaâs park system, Corcovado is an untouched paradise teeming with wildlife. Here, jaguars roam, and scarlet macaws fly overhead. This park isnât for the faint of heart or flimsy of footwear; come prepared for a trek youâll brag about for years.
Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park
Looming in the backdrop of many a travel brochure, Arenal Volcano is a must-see. Its symmetrical cone is a sight to behold, but the surrounding rainforest and waterfalls steal the show. Itâs a regular âwalk on the wild sideâ â minus Lou Reed and with added howler monkeys.
Adventure Sports
Zip-Lining in Monteverde
Monteverde is the granddaddy of zip-lining. Soar above the cloud forest where the birds are eye-level and the views are out of this world. For an extra dose of adrenaline, try the Tarzan Swing â itâs like your childhood swing set got bitten by a radioactive spider.
White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River
The Pacuare River isnât just a river; itâs a rollercoaster without tracks. Tackle Class III and IV rapids as you navigate through canyons and lush forests. Itâs the kind of fun where screaming is part of the experience, and paddles are not just for decoration.
Surfing in Tamarindo
Tamarindo isnât just a pretty face with its stunning sunsets and lively nightlife. Itâs also got some of the best surf breaks for beginners and pros alike. Cowabunga or wipe out, youâll be riding waves like a local in no time â just remember to mind the iguanas sunbathing on the beach.
Wildlife Experiences
Turtle Watching in Tortuguero
Tortuguero is where sea turtles party â and by party, I mean lay eggs. Itâs a little âNight at the Museumâ but with turtles and on a beach. The only thing missing is Ben Stiller, and letâs be honest, nobodyâs here for him.
Bird Watching in Cloud Forests
If your idea of excitement is spotting a Quetzal before anyone else, then the cloud forests of Costa Rica are your playground. With binoculars in hand and a bird list in pocket, you can live out your ornithological dreams in full Technicolor.
Sloth Sanctuary Visit
Slow and steady wins the race, and nobody knows this better than the sloths at the Sloth Sanctuary. Take a tour and learn about the slow-moving charmers. Thereâs a chance youâll relate to their lifestyle more than youâd expect.
Beach Escapes
Relax on Guanacaste Beaches
Guanacasteâs beaches are where the sun is hot, the water is cool, and the sand gets everywhere (but you donât mind). Itâs like your own personal Corona commercial minus the beer and plus actual bliss.
Snorkel in Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park offers underwater adventures where the fish are colorful, and the coral is lively. Itâs a bit like visiting an aquatic art gallery, if the art swam around and occasionally nibbled at you.
Sunset at Dominical Beach
Dominical Beach is where the sun sets with a passion. Itâs a nightly firework display without the noise. Bring a camera, or just store it in the hard drive of your soul â either way, itâs a good deal.
Cultural Experiences
Learn at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum doesnât just dazzle with bling; it educates with artifacts that tell a story. Itâs like a history lesson, but with more gold and less falling asleep at your desk.
Experience the Local Farmerâs Market
Costa Rican farmerâs markets are a sensory smorgasbord. Itâs like your grocery store went on vacation, got a tan, and came back full of stories and exotic fruits.
Visit the Indigenous Boruca Village
The Boruca Village is not your typical tourist trap. Instead, itâs a cultural treasure trove where the Boruca people share their heritage through art and storytelling. Itâs authentic, and your souvenirs will have more stories than an old sailor.
Wellness and Relaxation
Hot Springs Soaking near Arenal
The hot springs near Arenal are natureâs hot tubs, complete with mineral-rich waters and picturesque settings. Itâs the kind of relaxation that might make you forget about your smartphone, at least until itâs time to snap a photo.
Yoga Retreats in the Jungle
Imagine your yoga studio had a baby with a rainforest, and youâve got jungle yoga retreats. Birds chirping is the new Spotify playlist, and the air is as fresh as your downward dog feels.
Culinary Journey
Taste Costa Rican Coffee
Costa Rican coffee is the liquid gold that fuels adventures. Itâs a cup of Joe that might just make you see sounds or at least get you ready for an action-packed day.
Sample Traditional Dishes
Try traditional dishes like gallo pinto or casado, and youâll understand why locals are so chipper. Itâs comfort food that hugs you from the inside and whispers, âYou can climb that volcano.â
Chocolate Tour in Puerto Viejo
The chocolate tours in Puerto Viejo are a chocoholicâs dream. Learn how cacao goes from bean to bar â itâs educational, but with more tasting and less note-taking.
Off the Beaten Path
Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall
Rio Celeste Waterfall is the photogenic spot that Instagram dreams are made of. The hike there is natureâs obstacle course, but the prize is a waterfall thatâs bluer than a Smurf convention.
Explore the Caves at Barra Honda
Barra Honda has caves that would make Batman jealous. Don a helmet, flick on your headlamp, and explore the underground like a true spelunker â or at least pretend to be one until you reach daylight again.