FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 18 years' worth of firsthand Costa Rica trip planning and travel advice compiled into hundreds of articles, plus exclusive discounts. Created by a Costa Rican and a four-time published Costa Rica guidebook author. Welcome, amigos, and as we say in Costa Rica, pura vida!
Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! eh? Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica Destination Tool, oversees the brand-new (summer 2023) Costa Rica Travel Shop, and designed the Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. Also, Nikki wrote the Costa Rica cover feature for Wanderlust Magazine's sustainability-focused Travel Green List issue, showcased Costa Rica destinations and experiences on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel show and podcast/radio show, and served as the Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist, a luxury travel brand. Want to show your appreciation for her free article below? Thank Nikki here. ❤️️
Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? Awesome! We bet you’re not just wondering what there is to do here, but which activities are the most deserving of your time and money, and where you should experience each. To answer these questions, we’ve created the below list of 30 popular things to do in Costa Rica so you can quickly and easily browse through our activity recommendations. Though this particular blog post focuses on quintessential, touristy Costa Rica experiences (i.e., activities that most travelers experience when they explore the land of pura vida), our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do provides additional recommendations for things to do in Costa Rica that are offbeat, unfrequented, or less known to the average visitor.
Reserving things to do in Costa Rica
Looking to save money on Costa Rica excursions? Look no further than our sister site, Pura Vida! eh Inc.. It offers hundreds of discounts for Costa Rica day tours, including several of the experience types discussed below.
Visit a wildlife exhibit
Ricky; Club Rio Outdoor CenterRicky; photographing sloths at the Selvatura Park
It’s impossible to come to Costa Rica and not see wildlife because animals, birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles are everywhere here. If there’s a particular species you want to see, however, consider visiting a wildlife exhibit. It’s one of few things you can do in Costa Rica that guarantees wildlife sightings. Stick to visiting exhibits that operate as wildlife rescue/rehabilitation centers to avoid possibly funding an operation that keeps animals in captivity for profit.
Nikki; at the La Escondida WaterfallNikki and Ricky; at the La Paz Waterfall GardensRicky and Nikki; at the Llanos del Cortes WaterfallRicky; at the Nauyaca WaterfallsNikki; at the La Piedra del Indio WaterfallsRicky; at the El Rio WaterfallRicky; at the El Encanto WaterfallNikki and Ricky; at the La Fortuna WaterfallRicky; at the Rio Celeste WaterfallRicky; at one of the Pacuare River waterfallsNikki; at the Blue Morpho WaterfallRicky; at the Montezuma WaterfallsNikki; at the Nauyaca Waterfalls
Picture a paradisiacal scene in your mind. Does it include a waterfall? If so, Costa Rica may just be the paradise of your dreams. There are many waterfalls worth visiting here, and since they’re spread out around the country, there’s a good chance you’ll be in close proximity to at least one during your visit. Note that some waterfalls have pools that are safe to swim in and others do not so plan your visit accordingly.
Fortuna River Waterfall / La Fortuna Waterfall (Catarata Rio Fortuna / Catarata La Fortuna) *though the pool at the waterfall’s base is rough, swimming is permitted *See our related blog post Visiting The All-New La Fortuna Waterfall And Orchid Garden for more information
Northern Zone
La Fortuna
Celeste River Waterfall (Catarata Rio Celeste) inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park) *swimming is not permitted
Nauyaca Waterfalls (Cataratas Nauyaca; 2 in total) *swimming is permitted
Central Pacific
Dominical
Pacuare River Waterfalls *swimming is not permitted *See our related blog post The Pacuare River Rafting Tour for more information
Caribbean
Siquirres
Explore the rainforest or the dry forest
Ricky; Playa Sirena inside the Corcovado National ParkRicky and Nikki; Santa Rosa National ParkNikki and Ricky; Arenal Volcano National ParkRicky; Rincon de la Vieja National ParkRicky; Manuel Antonio National ParkNikki; Carara National ParkRicky; Tenorio Volcano National Park
Costa Rica’s most visited ecosystems are the rainforest and the dry forest. Lush and similar-looking during the wet, green, “winter” season (but starkly different during the “summer” season, when the dry forest appears brown and brittle), the two forest types provide excellent settings for nature walks. Each of the rainforest and dry forest hike locations recommended below welcome guided tours but also permit self-guided exploration.
Popular Costa Rica rainforest hikes and dry forest hikes
Corcovado National Park (San Pedrillo, La Leona, or Sirena sectors)
Osa Peninsula
Drake Bay/Carate
Hike through cloud forest
Ricky and Nikki; Monteverde Cloud Forest ReserveNikki; Santa Elena Cloud Forest ReserveNikki; Los Quetzales National ParkNikki and Ricky; Bajo del Tigre/Children’s Eternal Rainforest Reserve
High up in Costa Rica’s mountain ranges are the country’s mystical cloud forests. This chilly ecosystem type invites you to discover high-altitude birds, wildlife, and flora while hiking through puffs of clouds. Each of the cloud forest hike locations recommended below welcomes guided tours but also permits self-guided exploration.
San Gerardo de Rivas (outside San Isidro de El General)
Bajo Del Tigre (Children’s Eternal Rainforest)
Northern Zone
Monteverde / Santa Elena
Relax at a beach
Nikki and Ricky; Playa Blanca inside the Cahuita National ParkNikki and Ricky; Playa BiesanzRicky; Playa SamaraNikki and Ricky; Playas del CocoRicky; Playa DominicalNikki and Ricky; Playa CoclesNikki and Ricky; Playa GuionesRicky and Nikki; Playa Santa TeresaNikki and Ricky; Playa ConchalNikki; Playa JacoRicky and Nikki; Playa Manuel AntonioRicky; Playa UvitaNikki; Playa Espadilla SurRicky; Playa Puerto Viejo
Tired from hiking Costa Rica’s rainforest, dry forest, and cloud forest? Choose one of more than 150 Pacific and Caribbean beaches to relax at. There’s a perfect Costa Rica beach for you no matter what you’re looking for: silky sand, shallow water or tide pools you can wade in, consistent waves that deliver spectacular surf, rows of palm trees that provide cooling shade, and so much more. The beaches recommended below are a good starting point; they’re some of the most visited stretches of sand in the country.
Ricky; Arenal 1968Ricky; Coladas Lava 1992 volcano viewpoint, Arenal Volcano National ParkNikki; Rincon de la Vieja National ParkNikki; Irazu Volcano National ParkNikki and Ricky; Poas Volcano National Park
If volcanoes interest you, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are several volcano-related experiences you can have in Costa Rica. Some active volcanoes here allow you to gaze into bubbling, steamy, or pit-like craters. Others give you an opportunity to hike around volcanic rocks that once tumbled down mountainsides along with hot lava. Guided tours add an element of education to the activity, as tour guides supplement hikes through Costa Rica’s volcano national parks with interesting facts and stories about volcanoes.
Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal; can also be experienced via the Arenal 1968 Trail, which sits outside the Arenal Volcano National Park) *crater not accessible; climbing over lava rocks possible
Irazu Volcano (Volcan irazu; inside the Irazu Volcano National Park) *main crater accessible
Central Valley
Cartago
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (Volcan Rincon de la Vieja; inside the Rincon de la Vieja National Park) *main craters not accessible; mini crater accessible
Guanacaste
Rincon de la Vieja
To learn more about Costa Rica’s volcanoes, don’t miss our related blog post:
Ricky and Nikki; rafting the Pacuare RiverRicky and Nikki; white-water rafting with our Costa Rican familyRicky; guiding a family down the Pacuare RiverPacuare River canyon
One of our top things to do in Costa Rica is white-water rafting, which also serves as a highlight of many travelers’ vacations. Even if you’re not an avid adventurist, you’ll love the closeness to nature that many rafting tours provide (especially trips down the Pacuare River, which run through remote Costa Rican jungle). Several white-water rafting tours in Costa Rica serve as city-to-city transportation-inclusive tours. To learn more about these types of tours, which allow you to travel between two destinations while rafting along the way, see our related blog posts Costa Rica Tour Transportation: How To Use Tours To Travel Between Destinations and Costa Rica Transportation: 15 Ways To Get Around Costa Rica.
San Jose, La Fortuna / Arenal, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, Sarapiqui, Tortuguero, and Siquirres
Savegre River (Rio Savegre)
Central Pacific
Manuel Antonio / Quepos
Naranjo River (Rio Naranjo)
Central Pacific
Manuel Antonio / Quepos
Tenorio River (Rio Tenorio)
Guanacaste
La Fortuna / Arenal, Monteverde, Canas, Liberia, Samara, Nosara, and northern Pacific beach destinations including (but not limited to) Papagayo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, Brasilito, and Tamarindo
Sarapiqui River (Rio Sarapiqui)
Northern Zone / Caribbean
Sarapiqui, La Fortuna / Arenal, and San Jose
Balsa River (Rio Balsa)
Northern Zone
La Fortuna / Arenal and San Jose
Have questions about white-water rafting in Costa Rica? See our related blog post:
Ricky; Hanging bridge inside the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges ParkNikki; Sky Walk hanging bridge inside the Treetopia ParkRicky; Treetop Walkways hanging bridge inside the Selvatura ParkNikki and Ricky; Sky Walk hanging bridge inside the Arenal Sky Adventures Park
Want to immerse yourself in nature? If so, and assuming you don’t have a fear of heights, plan to tour a series of hanging bridges while you’re in Costa Rica. A few properties in the country (mostly in the Northern Zone) offer this activity type, which permits both guided and self-guided exploration of the rainforest canopy (a.k.a., treetops) where several bird and wildlife species reside.
Ricky; 100% Aventura Adventure ParkNikki; zip-lining in Monteverdezip-lining safety demonstration by Arenal Mundo AventuraRicky; Sky Trek canopy zip-lining tourzip-lining!zip-lining at the Treetopia Park in MonteverdeNikki; Terraventuras canopy tour, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Considered one of the top must-have Costa Rica experiences, zipline tours (also called “canopy tours”) are wildly fun. Much like the experience of touring a set of hanging bridges, zip-lining allows you to explore Costa Rica from above, gliding past treetops high above the forest floor toward a backdrop of rainforest, cloud forest, gulf, ocean, or volcano views. Though zip-lining is an intense thing to do in Costa Rica, some canopy tours offer milder experiences and are suitable for children.
Nikki and Ricky; Tabacon Hot SpringsNikki and Ricky; Springs Resort Hot SpringsNikki and Ricky; EcoTermales Hot SpringsNikki and Ricky; Paradise Hot SpringsRicky; Los Lagos Hot SpringsNikki; Baldi Hot SpringsRicky; Rio Negro Hot Springs
Looking to spoil yourself while on vacation? The best way to do so is with a soak in Costa Rica’s many hot springs. Though the majority are found in the Northern Zone, a few less popular sites dot the country. Each property ranges in price, size, quality, and amenities. Give yourself some time to research the various Costa Rica hot springs options; doing so will help ensure you end up at either the resort of your dreams (if you want to be pampered) or at a more modest property that won’t break the bank (if you’re looking to minimize the cost of the experience).
mud bath at the Rio Negro Hot Springsmud bath at the Rio Negro Hot SpringsRicky; mud bath at the Rio Negro Hot Springs
Of the many things there are to do in Costa Rica, a quick visit to a mud bath is perhaps the most rejuvenating. During this experience, you can paint yourself from head to toe (over your bathing suit) with volcanic clay. After you let it dry and wash it off (approximately 15-20 minutes), you’ll love how soft your skin feels. The mineral-rich clay treatment is said to produce several health benefits too.
Ricky and Nikki; bird-watching at the Palo Verde National ParkRicky; bird-watching at the Cano Negro Wildlife RefugeRicky; bird-watching at the hanging bridgeshawktoucanheronRicky; bird-watching at Islas Damastrogonaracaricormorantstanager
Though avid birdwatchers have been coming to Costa Rica for decades, bird-watching here has gained so much attention as of late that it’s one of the fastest-growing things to do in Costa Rica. The good news is, you can see birds just about everywhere in Costa Rica: during nature tours and adventure excursions, from your hotel balcony, while dining at restaurants, and so on. If there’s a particular species you wish to see, or if you want to spy on birds at key migratory sites, there are several great bird-watching spots that keen-eyed tour guides are waiting to show you.
Nikki; touring Hacienda Dokacoffee plantCosta Rican coffee at El Toledo CoffeeRicky; picking coffee at El Toledo Coffeecoffee roasting machineRicky; tasting coffee at Hacienda DokaNikki; with Don Juan from the Don Juan Coffee Tour
Do you love your morning brew? If so, you may also love learning about the process of coffee production. Most coffee tours in Costa Rica explain the process of growing and roasting coffee, plus offer a cup or two to taste. From coffee berries (sometimes called “cherries”) to perfectly prepared beans, Costa Rica’s got it all, and on full display at plantations and roasteries visited during guided coffee tours.
cacao pod with seeds exposedNikki; taste testing a cacao seedcacao nibs
If you crave chocolate, book a Costa Rica chocolate tour immediately. The experience is fascinating; not only will you discover how chocolate is made, but you’ll also learn how store-bought chocolate differs from pure cacao. Most chocolate tours in Costa Rica allow you to sample chocolate at various stages of processing and take home your own homemade chocolate treat!
Nikki; boating around the Cano Negro Wildlife RefugeNikki; sailing the Pacific OceanNikki; canoeing the Penas Blancas RiverRicky; boating around Tortuguero’s canals
Winding through Costa Rica’s lowlands are several rivers, swamps, canals, marshes, and mangroves that are best explored by watercraft. Boat tours and safari float tours, which can be experienced in a canoe, kayak, or raft, provide an immersive nature experience and an opportunity to spot birds and other wildlife that reside among wetland ecosystems. On the northeast and southwest sides of the country, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea invite open-water exploration. Several boat tours, including sailing tours and catamaran tours, provide a chance to spot active marine life, see a beautiful sunset, and take in views of scenic stretches along the coast.
Tortuguero Canals (inside the Tortuguero National Park) *slow-moving boating *See our related blog post Is Tortuguero Worth Visiting for more information
Corobici River (Rio Corobici) *slow-moving rafting
Guanacaste
Canas
Surf or paddle the coast
surfers at Playa Dominicalsurfers at Playa Tamarindosurfer at Playa Avellanassurfers at Playa Grandesurfers at Playa Santa Teresa
Surf culture in Costa Rica is vibrant and widespread. No matter which section of the Pacific or Caribbean coast you center yourself at, you won’t be far from a social surf town where surf shops line the main drag, you can rent a board of any size or shape, and surfers line up in the water to ride waves from dawn to dusk. If you’d prefer to surf in solitude, remote and less-visited surf communities are spread out along both coasts.
Nikki; at the Sea Turtle Conservancy in TortugueroRicky and Nikki; Playa Grande inside the Marino Las Baulas National ParkRicky; at the Sea Turtle Conservancy in TortugueroNikki; Ostional Wildlife Refuge
One of the most miraculous scenes you can witness in Costa Rica is a mass arribada (arrival) of sea turtles on a turtle-nesting beach. These experiences can be difficult to catch, and they often require a ton of patience, but if you’re lucky enough to spot the event, we guarantee it will amaze you. Most turtle nesting tours take place on beaches inside protected land spaces and require a government-approved tour guide.
Tortuguero Beach (Playa Tortuguero; inside the Tortuguero National Park) *See our related blog post Is Tortuguero Worth Visiting for more information
Caribbean
Tortuguero
Ostional Beach (Playa Ostional; inside the Ostional Wildlife Refuge)
Nicoya Peninsula
Ostional
Grande Beach (Playa Grande; inside the Marino Las Baulas National Park)
Guanacaste
Playa Grande
Practice yoga
Nikki; yoga on Playa DominicalNikki; yoga in La Fortuna
Costa Rica is a burgeoning yoga destination, thanks to the country’s numerous yoga-centered hotels and resorts. There are many ways you can practice yoga in Costa Rica depending on your level of interest; you can attend a one-time yoga class at an in-town studio, stay at a yoga resort, or sign-up for a brief or long-term yoga retreat. If you’re a seasoned yogi looking to become a yoga teacher, several properties in Costa Rica run yoga instructor workshops and certificate programs.
Nikki; making a waterfall descentNikki; canyoning in the Lost Canyoncanyoning in the Lost Canyon
Want more of the adrenaline that popular adventure tours like zip-lining and white-water rafting provide? Try canyoning (sometimes called “canyoneering” or “waterfall rappelling”), if you dare. This activity will have you suit up in a harness, strap on a helmet, and rappel down rock faces, usually beside rushing waterfalls. Like zip-lining and white-water rafting, some canyoning experiences are tamer are welcome children to participate.
Ricky; Jade MuseumNikki; National MuseumGold MuseumRicky and Nikki; Jade MuseumGold MuseumRicky; National Museum
To appease your cultural side, step foot in one of Costa Rica’s museums. Most cluster around San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, but all promise to deliver a helping of humble pie. Learn about Costa Rican customs and traditions; legends and Indigenous groups; precious metals, stones, and ceramics; historical battles; the local economy; and so much more on a walk through one of Costa Rica’s beloved (and surprisingly modern) museos (museums).
Ricky; Ujarras RuinsMetropolitan ChurchRicky; Basilica in CartagoNikki; Cartago Ruins
If you like roaming around outdoors, check out one or more of Costa Rica’s architectural works of art. Churches and ancient ruins will impress you with their unique construction, ornate finishes, and interesting stories. Some are even said to be haunted! This is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica if you’re traveling on a shoestring… the activity type is free!
Nikki; Finca 6 Archeological SiteRicky; Finca 6 Archeological SiteNikki; Guayabo National MonumentBurial Tomb at the Guayabo National Monument
If you’re a history buff, you simply cannot miss the incredibly rare finds housed inside Costa Rica’s most prized archaeological sites. There are relics, unearthed communities, petroglyphs, spheres, and more evidence of pre-Columbian Indigenous groups to discover. Also provided to supplement your learning are informative placards that detail the archaeological findings and paint a picture of what Costa Rica was like many years ago.
Costa Rican gardenRicky; spying on tiny orchids at the Monteverde Orchid GardenCosta Rican gardenCosta Rican garden
Low-key exploration of Costa Rican flora is best conducted at one of Costa Rica’s well-kept gardens. You can admire everything from tiny, native Costa Rican orchids to tall, exotic shoots of bamboo and just about everything in between. Most gardens are easy to walk around, if not wheelchair accessible, making this activity one of the best things to do in Costa Rica for senior or mobility-impaired travelers, in addition to botanists and nature lovers.
snorkel and dive boats headed for Isla del CanoNikki and Ricky; Getting ready to snorkelNikki; Snorkeling in the Pacific OceanNikki; scuba diving the Caribbean Sea
If you enjoy exploring open water, you’ll love the scenes and marine life that beautify Costa Rica’s protected marine spaces. Dive trips and snorkel tours to popular islands and offshore sites run on the regular, though opportunities to spot marine life (especially whales and sea turtles) vary by season. To scuba dive in Costa Rica, you’ll need a PADI certification, otherwise, you’ll need to take a Discover Scuba Diving course through an accredited dive shop. If you’re not qualified to dive, give snorkeling a go. The experience type doesn’t require previous experience or certification.
Popular Costa Rica dive sites and snorkel spots
Dive Site / Snorkel Spot Name
Region
City / Town Where Scuba / Snorkel Tours Depart
Coco Island (Isla del Coco)
Central Pacific
Puntarenas
Bat Islands (Islas Murcielago; inside the Santa Rosa National Park)
Guanacaste
Northern Pacific beach destinations including (but not limited to) Papagayo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, Brasilito, and Tamarindo
Cano Island (Isla del Cano)
Osa Peninsula
Drake Bay, Sierpe, Uvita, Dominical, and Manuel Antonio / Quepos
Catalina Islands (Islas Catalinas)
Guanacaste
Northern Pacific beach destinations including (but not limited to) Papagayo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, Brasilito, and Tamarindo
Puntarenas, Tambor, Montezuma, and Santa Teresa / Mal Pais
Cahuita National Park *marine sector
Caribbean
Cahuita
Cool off at a swimming hole or in tide pools
Ricky and Nikki; Playa Los SuecosRicky; El Salto swimming holeRicky; Playa PeladaPlaya Los Suecos tide poolRicky; El Salto swimming hole
Costa Rica is hot! Sometimes you need a place to cool off, and swimming holes and beaches with tide pools are the ideal places for that. At the former, you can jump in a refreshingly cool river or pool and kick back among nature. At the latter (usually around low tide), you can find your own private shallow pool that’s perfect for wading in. Both spots are pure heaven.
Popular Costa Rica swimming holes and beaches with tide pools
Ricky; Barra Honda National ParkRicky and Nikki; exploring the cave at Playa Ventanascave at the Barra Honda National Parkcave at Playa Ventanascave at Playa Ventanas
Think caves are cool? If so, sign-up for a guided tour through one of the country’s few underground caves (skip this activity if you’re claustrophobic). If you’d rather stay above ground, don’t miss Costa Rica’s beach caves, which are free to explore on your own.
Popular Costa Rica caves
Cave / Beach Name
Region
City / Town
Terciopelo Cave (inside the Barra Honda National Park) *underground cave
Monteverde Tree Tram aerial tram rideNikki; ready to ride the aerial tramRicky; riding the Sky TramArenal Sky Tram aerial tram ride
Several of the best things to do in Costa Rica involve being active. Aerial tram rides, however, do not. Great for kids, senior travelers, and individuals with limited mobility, aerial tram rides provide an opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s rainforest and cloud forest ecosystems from the comfort of your seat.
As the old adage goes, it’s not the destination that’s important, it’s the journey. Consider turning an ordinary city-to-city transfer service into an enjoyable and photo-worthy experience. If you plan to travel between the Nicoya Peninsula and Costa Rica’s mainland, consider using one of a few ferries that connect the two destinations. Not only will you save yourself some hours spent driving in a vehicle, but you’ll get to experience a one-hour cruise across the beautiful Nicoya Gulf. Look for dolphins and whales in the water, snap photos of islands you pass along the way, and let rays of sunshine and the breeze of salty air warm and cool your skin.
Popular Costa Rica ferries
Ferry Name
Region
Ferry Departure / Arrival City / Town
Naviera Tambor
Central Pacific / Nicoya Peninsula
Puntarenas -> Paquera and Paquera -> Puntarenas
Coonatramar
Central Pacific / Nicoya Peninsula
Puntarenas -> Playa Naranjo and Playa Naranjo -> Puntarenas
Eat at a soda restaurant
Soda Lidia’s PlaceSoda ViquezSoda La AmistadRicky; dining at a soda restaurant
Sodas are informal, inexpensive, Costa Rican family-style restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine. They’re a big hit with many travelers, and dining at the establishment type should be a part of your Costa Rica experience as much as exploring nature, seeking adventure, and seeing wildlife. This activity is one of the most convenient things to do in Costa Rica because sodas are everywhere here: in large cities, in small towns, and even along roads and highways. To dine like a Tico (Costa Rican), simply pull up a chair, a bar stool, a picnic table, or a bench at one and enjoy a delicious, authentic meal.
Do you have questions about tours and activities in Costa Rica, want to know which tour operators we recommend, or need to know how to best incorporate specific tours and activities into your vacation? No problem! When you’re ready, make an appointment here to communicate with me (Nikki) privately and we can discuss these and other topics to get your questions answered fast and your Costa Rica trip poised for success. Pura vida, amigos! 🙂
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30 Popular Things To Do In Costa Rica And Where To Do Them
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We detail the 30 most popular things to do in Costa Rica (with photos) and describe the attractions, beaches, cities, and towns that offer them!
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