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Colorful keel billed toucan high in the jungle trees of Costa Rica

Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Iconic Attractions & Hidden Gem Travel Experiences

Costa Rica

Few adventure travel destinations are as hot as Costa Rica, one of the most stable countries in Central America and home to mountains, cloud forests, beaches (on two coasts -- the Pacific and Caribbean), wildlife, and some great eco-lodges as well. While small, Costa Rica packs a punch for travelers, and is family friendly with plenty of “soft adventure” opportunities.

Top Costa Rica Experiences

Exploring miles of off-the-beaten-track beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts

Glimpsing rare tropical birds and butterflies on a rainforest hike

Viewing both coasts from atop 11,200-foot Irazu volcano while gazing into massive craters that look like they were scooped out for some gargantuan ice cream cone.

Cooling off in Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of the most beautiful forests in the world, while in search of monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife.

Reveling in the colors of wildflowers and trees on a nature hike: orchids, bougainvillea, jacaranda, and flame and poro trees, which paint the landscape with purples, oranges and scarlets.

Coming upon a forest waterfall and taking a dip in the waters below

Relaxing in a secluded hot springs at Arenal Volcano National Park

Partaking in Costa Rica's famous adventure activities: Riding a zipline high over a forest canopy, rappelling down a waterfall canyon, kayaking on a clear mountain lake -- or all three in one day.

Reeling in a big catch on a sport fishing cruise in a quest for tuna, wahoo and marlin.

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Things to do in Costa Rica - Expert’s guide

Hanging Bridge in Monteverde National Park Costa Rica

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest

By far one of Costa Rica’s top attractions is the expansive Monteverde Cloud Forest, with miles of trails and hanging bridges through the incredible canopy. The weather is often very wet, rainy, and humid - so come prepared!

Generally, Monteverde stays fairly cool throughout the year, compared to the rest of Costa Rica. The forest sits at roughly 5000 feet above sea level and is generally among the less humid of the world’s cloud forests.

Most tours will visit Monteverde as it is a great jumping off point for everything that makes Costa Rica special. Be sure to visit the hummingbird and butterfly gardens, and if you’re not afraid of heights, the Monteverde hanging bridge is a must do Costa Rica attraction.

Arenal Volcano

2. Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of Arenal National Park. Inactive since 2010, the volcano is still alive and could erupt - adding to its allure for travelers. Be warned that while hiking in the park and around the Volcano’s perimeter is allowed, hikes up the Volcano are not permitted due to several accidents involving tourists over the years. The surrounding national offers a multitude of activities that will appeal to adventure travelers. Arenal also has its own hanging bridge to rival Monteverde.

Costa Rica sunset

3. Eco Lodges and Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica is a world leader in eco and sustainable travel practices, and they have been at the forefront of the “Eco Lodge” movement since the 1980s. Part of the appeal for travelers heading to Costa Rica is the “take only photos, leave only footprints” mentality that is less of a t-shirt slogan and more of a cultural approach.

Tourism has always had a sticky relationship with sustainability - the two are often at odds. On the one hand, tourism is great for promoting world peace and a deeper understanding of other cultures. On the other hand, a growing cohort of international travelers means more traffic in threatened areas.

Costa Rica seems to have gotten the balance right, as conservation education, and protection of natural resources and environments take a front seat on tours.

Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

4. Tortuguero National Park

Turtles! Many coastal national parks in Central American countries have this most unique attraction in common. If you are visiting at the right time of year, you can expect to observe turtle nesting or hatching.

While turtles are the main draw of Tortuguero National Park, there are many activities to take part in. According to the official tourist website for the park, while there are a multitude of trails, the best view of the park is actually from the water, via boat, canoe, or kayak.

Zipline in Costa Rica

5. Adventure Travel

Costa Rica is among the world’s top adventure travel destinations, perhaps matched only by New Zealand and Iceland.

Probably best known for lengthy zip lines, where you can soar through the trees in a superman pose, Costa Rica also offers some spectacular snorkeling, surfing, sea kayaking, and whitewater rafting opportunities.

Soft and hard adventures are not in short supply in Costa Rica. Simple nature hikes can feel like adventurous sojourns with the sounds of the jungle all around you. Hanging bridges are famous in Costa Rica, and probably serve as the dividing point between “soft and hard” adventure. If you’re not afraid of heights these will be a delightful walk through the canopy - at eye level with monkeys and hundreds of species of birds.

If you are wary of heights, this will feel like a terrifying but ultimately exhilarating experience!

Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica

6. Manuel Antonio National Park

This is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, though no less spectacular than the larger. In fact, the compact size makes the biodiversity here that much more impressive. Featuring 4 distinct beaches, bordered by beautiful rainforests, this park is perfect for those who enjoy ocean sports such as surfing and snorkeling.   

Coffee berries in Costa Rica

7. Coffee Tours

Visiting a coffee farm is one of the top tourist attractions for travelers to Costa Rica. Taste samples and learn about the coffee-making process, as well as the history behind the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Aside from the educational aspects, the taste is superb!

Waterfall in Costa Rica

8. Rainforest Tours and Amazing Wildlife

The biodiversity of Costa Rica is truly incredible. While the opportunities for solo hikes and independent excursions, these attractions come alive with the help of a local guide. Imagine walking along by yourself and missing the sight of a sloth 20 yards away, or a brightly colored yet expertly camouflaged insect.

Guides will also be able to impart wisdom on ecology, biodiversity, conservation, and park history. Nothing heightens a wildlife experience, and encourages being conscientious about travel practices, like learning about a species particular habits and how they contribute to the wider balance of the rainforest.

Costa Rica is home to over 800 species of bird, so birders, you’ll be sure to check off a few on your life list!

Surfer in Costa Rica

9. Puerto Viejo

Surfers will enjoy a getaway to this small Costa Rica town, known for great surf and waves, as well as a classic laid back surf vibe. All of what makes Costa Rica special is found in this little pocket - a chill atmosphere, music, laughter, good and simple food. If you’re not into the party mood, venture a little ways away to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, where conservation efforts have been underway since 2008.

Pura Vida in Costa Rica

10. “Pura Vida”

Locals to Costa Rica live by this philosophy in every aspect. It’s an embodiment of joy, fulfillment, and appreciation for all you have. Costa Rica has consistently ranked number 1 in the world happiness index, and the “Pura Vida” approach is largely why.

If you’re looking for a destination to really help you reset, fill your mind with joy and ease, take advantage of every moment, even do a little digital detox, Costa Rica is the place.


Read more about the best time to visit Costa Rica >>

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Costa Rica Tours Reviews & Ratings

Write a review
Excellent
1,354
Great
161
Average
32
Disappointing
16
Terrible
35
Cynthia Rafe
·
2024-03-23
Written on
Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes
This was a great combination of locations and sights.
Amy Longacre
·
2024-03-23
Written on
Costa Rica Eco Adventure end San Jose
Great selection of accommodations and interesting presentations at each of these. Our driver, Jose, was excellent, and so skilled navigating tricky roads.
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Trusted Customer
·
2024-03-23
Written on
Costa Rica Eco Adventure end San Jose
We travelled to Costa Rica to observe the vegetation and animals in the rain forest and cloud forest. This Eco adventure concentrated on that, and I was pleased with what I observed.
My only disappointment was the cancellation of the Arenal Volcano hike, because there was not a minimum of 8 participants.
The coach was excellent and the hotels and meals were great; for me, an overall great time.
Show more
Edwin Liu
·
2024-03-23
Written on
Costa Rica Eco Adventure end San Jose
Saw all types of wildlife, birds, flora and fauna.
Meenu Baxendale
·
2024-03-21
Written on
Costa Rica Eco Adventure end Liberia
Everything was perfect. Very happy.
Jennifer
·
2024-03-19
Written on
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
Tortuguero National Park, particularly the boat trips.

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Visa Information

  Visa Needed? Link
US  N (< 90 days, need return ticket) Visas to Costa Rica for United States Citizens
UK  N (< 90 days, need return ticket) Visas to Costa Rica for United Kingdom Citizens
CA  N (< 90 days, need return ticket) Visas to Costa Rica for Canadian Citizens
AU  N (< 90 days, need return ticket) Visas to Costa Rica for Australian Citizens
NZ  N (< 90 days, need return ticket) Visas to Costa Rica for New Zealand Citizens
IN  Y Visas to Costa Rica for Indian Citizens

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