Costa Rica is an amazing destination to enjoy breath-taking scenery, beaches, rainforests, diverse wildlife and adventures.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller, or novice thrill seeker, Costa Rica really is the ultimate country with great infrastructure for tourists. You can find accommodation for all budgets and there are trips and activities for everyone.
This country offers everything from relaxing on beautiful beaches, to getting close to active volcanoes, seeing exotic wildlife in their natural habitat to doing the adventure of your life. There are literally hundreds of activities and this is one of the most incredible outdoor destinations in the world.
Even if adventure isn’t for you, there are lots of ways to experience a laid back trip and you can opt for some of the ‘tamer’ versions of the adventure sports and wildlife spotting, so you can still experience the rush and make the most of the spectacular views, but not find yourself dreading each day’s activities either.
Whether you are planning a short or long trip to Costa Rica, check out our list of 20+ ultimate ways to maximise your experience and enjoy the highlights of the country (for the newbie explorer and adrenalin junkie).
Costa Rica’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations
Our article focuses on the main popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica which include:
• San José
• The Arenal Volcano Area
• The Pacific Coast
• The Caribbean Coast
• The Cloud Forests
Whether you have a few weeks or longer free to explore Costa Rica, you really need to try to visit as many of these places as possible.
Now let’s continue to some of the top things to do in this incredible country.
1. Experience City Life in San José
The chances are if you are arriving from overseas you will likely fly into San José, the capital of Costa Rica which is located in the middle of the country.
San José isn’t the prettiest or greenest city in Central America but it does offer a good introduction to the country and there are lots of shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment available.
Top tourist locations to check out include the National Theater, the Museum of Contemporary Art & Design, the San José Central Market and the National Museum. It is also very easy to explore the rest of the county from San José.
If you are visiting and want to explore independently head to Central Avenue which is one of the most lively streets. There are also lots of city sightseeing tours available where a local guide will be able to provide more information on the history of the city and take you to the best locations.
2. Zip Lining in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
The Monteverde cloud forest is an amazing place to add to your Costa Rica travel itinerary.
This location is beautiful with lush nature and lots of activities for tourists. You can go whizzing through canopies with the jungle beneath – this is such a magical experience.
Climb across a waterfall and hold onto a Tarzan swing to go back and forth across the falls, also choose to be lowered all the way down to the bottom, although this does require climbing back to the top so consider carefully.
The more adventurous will be encouraged to hang upside down from the wire to swing like a monkey through the trees but that is not compulsory.
3. Arenal Volcano Area
The Arenal Volcano area has long been a popular tourism destination.
This volcano is still active and is huge – 1,633 meters tall! It hasn’t erupted since 2010 and is now one of the most visited locations in the country. Most tourists stay in La Fortuna which is a popular backpacker town with pretty streets and a relaxed atmosphere.
One trip you should check out is to trek around the Arenal Volcano where you will see fields of hardened black lava – a unique experience! There are also lots of great day trips to places like the La Fortuna Waterfall, Lake Arenal, the Venado Caves and the Cano Negro National Wildlife Preserve.
This is one of most amazing world adventures you can do!
4. Quad biking in Jaco
Fancy a different type of adventure? Book a quad bike tour through the Costa Rican jungle in Jaco! Ride up through the hills, stopping for various photo opportunities. Spot howler monkeys and crocodiles, then ride down rivers, before enjoying some of the beautiful beaches. The longer trips will include a stop at one for the chance to relax on the sand, take a dip in the ocean and tuck into a barbeque lunch.
5. Hiking
Costa Rica has spectacular nature and one of the best ways to go off the beaten track is to go hiking. There are walks available all over the country, through tropical rainforests, beaches or climbing active volcanoes! With the various hiking trails available, you can meet the various types of wildlife and learn a lot more about the country and locations.
6. White Water Rafing
Costa Rica is full of thrilling adventures and if you are brave enough then white water rafting is one of the best activities.
There are lots of places you can go river rafting include The Pacuare River near the Caribbean coast, the Río Naranjo near the central Pacific coast and the Tenorio River in Guanacaste.
If you planning to stay near the Arenal Volcano you can go rafting on the Toro River, the Balsa River, and the Sarapiquí River which have great rapids.
7. Water Tubing
A less daunting alternative to white water rafting, but with the same thrill factor. The tubes have handles and a durable protective lining that absorbs impact and prevents tearing when bouncing off rocks.
Speed over hills and splash through the rapids like a bumper car at the fair but with the added entertainment of a water slide. With contrasting stretches of calm river currents too, there are plenty of places to appreciate the tropical scenery and listen to the sounds of wildlife as well.
8. Witness Turtles Nesting
Visit Tortuguera Island and see turtles laying their eggs. It is possible to see several adults in different stages of the nesting process.
Moving awkwardly, but determinedly across the sand to find the perfect place, the turtle skilfully uses its front flippers to sweep away sand and starts digging a hole that takes several hours to complete.
A typical female will lay about thirty eggs in a night, without even noticing the people watching her – the whole experience is truly hypnotising.
9. Surfing
Costa Rica is an amazing surfing destination for beginners and more advanced levels.
Samara beach is ideal for first time surfers because all of the waves are closeouts, so they come in one long line and then collapse into white water in one big parallel whoosh. They do not peel or break over any sandbars or other features so this makes them perfect for people just learning to stand up on their boards.
For people who already know how to surf there are lots of other beaches in Guanacaste such as Nosara, Ostional and Barrigona. Costa Rica offers legendary surfing all year round but the biggest swells come from May to November.
10. Canoeing & Kayaking
Take a guided canoe ride at dawn to see caymans, raccoons, tree frogs, spider monkeys, various birds and even the elusive sloth.
As the sun is rising and the forest is waking up, ease yourself into the new day by closing your eyes and tuning into the different sounds of nature surrounding you. The Blue Morpho butterfly could also suddenly appear out of nowhere, flapping its electric blue wings like a flash of lightning in front of your face.
Braving the waves to paddle over to an island is lots of fun and once there also extremely relaxing. Feed pineapple to the hungry mapaches, without getting too close because once the food runs out they can become quite bad-tempered and will follow you until they are given something else.
Take a dip in the aquamarine water as there is also great snorkelling to enjoy there; spot tropical fish, octopus, blow-fish and even a turtle.
11. Beach Hopping
Guanacaste hosts many beautiful beaches with different appeals – Playa la Izquerdia can be reached by a steep hike but is worth the effort as the views of the sapphire sea and white sand at the top provide their own ‘Leonardo di Caprio’ moment.
Samara is perfect for a party- enjoy live music and dance lessons, join a game of volley ball or sing karaoke.
For a quieter life drive out to Carillo for relaxation and some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica. Also Manuel Antonio is also somewhere to add to your Costa Rica travel itinerary. This park and area is spectacular with beaches, a spectacular coast, lush nature and lots of hiking routes.
12. Wildlife Tour
Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species of animals.
You might get to see birds, with nearly 900 different species, around 175 amphibians with the majority being frogs, more than 6,000 reptile species including lizards and snakes, 212 mammal species, four of which are monkeys, and various insects, most notably butterflies.
Night tours are really unique, the transition from day to night in the rainforest is a powerful one when many animals become most active. The guide’s flashlight provides just a hint of danger and suspense, so the senses are heightened listening to the various sounds of the forest.
It is possible to see many species in one evening trip. There are kinkajou in the trees, sleeping lizards, red eyed tree frogs, scorpions, even fer de lances, whilst the forest floor is just crawling with critters.
13. Snorkeling and Diving
Costa Rica is one of the best dive destinations in the world and has some of the top rated snorkeling and dive spots in Central America. Top rated destinations include the Catalina Islands, Tortuguero and the Gulf of Papagayo.
There are lots of places you can snorkel along the Pacific coast in places like Bahia Ballena and Playa Panama. Dive operators can be found throughout the country and offer packages for complete beginners and more advanced levels.
14. Horse Riding
An activity for everyone as all the tours are escorted by an experienced cowboy. Trotting through the forest is an excellent way to see some wildlife and enjoy the incredible variety of flora and fauna.
Some horses may have their own agenda and completely wander away from the group for a while, exploring the forest at their own pace. However, all this adds to the fun of the experience and the cowboy is always nearby to ensure everyone is ok and returns safely.
15. Study Spanish
Spanish is the national language of Costa Rica and whether you are completely new to the language, or already know some, choosing to study here can be a fantastic experience. There are language schools located throughout the country offering a range of courses to international students.
Popular places to study in Costa Rica include San José, Heredia, Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Samara Beach and Turrialba. Courses are usually a lot of fun, the chance to meet other people and improve your language skills. Most schools also organise social events and sightseeing activities.
16. Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
Costa Rica is home to so many different species of animals including sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, red eyed tree frogs, scarlet macaws, hummingbirds, crocodiles and caiman.
There are wildlife sanctuaries located throughout Costa Rica and by visiting one you will be able to learn more about the conservation efforts and amazing work being done to protect animals.
17. Chase Waterfalls
Costa Rica is blessed with beautiful nature and there are so many beautiful waterfalls located throughout the country. These are some of the best ones to try and see:
• Rio Celeste Waterfall
• Nauyaca Waterfall
• Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
• Montezuma Waterfall
• La Fortuna Waterfall
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens
18. Volunteer
If you would like to do more than your average traveller you might want to consider giving back and volunteering. There are lots of inspiring volunteer programs in Costa Rica including helping wildlife, nature and the environment.
Local charities and also international organisations are working on the ground and recruit international participants to help. This really can be a life changing experience where you get to meet like-minded people and contribute to good causes.
19. Canyoneering
Feeling adventurous? Not claustrophobic? Canyoning might be for you. This involves travelling in canyons and can include walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming.
Canyoning can be a thrilling/dangerous activity to do but there are local tour companies which offer safe and organised excursions in places like Dominical Beach.
Top rated companies include the Arenal Volcano Canyoneering, Monteverde Canyoning, Family Brenes Finca Modelo Waterfall Rappelling Company and Costa Canyoning in Uvita.
20. Hot Springs
For something different plan a break to relax at some local hot springs which are located in central Costa Rica due to the active volcanoes in the area.
Tabacon Hot Springs which is located near the Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna Waterfall is highly recommended whilst Eco Termales, Titoku Hot Springs, and Rio Agua Caliente generally get fewer tourists.
Outside of central Costa Rica you can visit places like the Vandara Hot Springs in Rincon de La Vieja National Park and cover yourself in clay.
21. Coffee Plantation Tour
Due to Costa Rica’s climate this country is now one of finest producers of coffee in the world. If you have a taste for coffee you can find plantations offering tours where you can learn more about the growing process and also sample some of the finest coffees in the country.
Some of the top plantations to visit include: Hacienda Espíritu Santo, Finca Rosa Blanca, Doka Estate, Hacienda Alsacia, Don Juan Coffee Tour, Santa María de Dota Coffee Plantation and Café Cedral.
Plan a Trip to Costa Rica
Whether you are looking for the ultimate holiday, or keen to go backpacking, Costa Rica is incredible. What are you waiting for, go explore this beautiful country for yourself!
