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FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 17 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!
Last updated on April 6th, 2024 at 02:06 pm GMT-6 (Costa Rica time)
Written by Nikki Solano
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. ❤️️
Get the Costa Rica info you need by browsing our article's TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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.
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.
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy wildlife exhibits, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Wildlife Exhibit Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Club Rio Outdoor Center Wildlife Preserve | Northern Zone | Monterrey (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
La Paz Waterfall Gardens *See our related blog post 5 Things To Do In And Around Alajuela Costa Rica for more information | Central Valley | Poasito / Vara Blanca |
Diamante Eco Adventure Park | Guanacaste | Matapalo / Playas del Coco |
Proyecto Asis | Northern Zone | Javillos (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
Jaguar Rescue Center | Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
Arenal Natura Park | Northern Zone | La Fortuna |
Greentique Wildlife Refuge | Central Pacific | Manuel Antonio / Quepos |
Selvatura Park | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center *See our related blog post Visiting Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (ZooAve)—Photos And Brief (5-Minute Read): Alajuela, Costa Rica for more information | Central Valley | La Garita (outside Alajuela) |
To view photos we’ve taken of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects during our Costa Rica travels, see our related blog post:
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy waterfalls, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Waterfall Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
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 | Northern Zone | Bijagua |
El Encanto Waterfall (Catarata El Encanto) and La Escondida Waterfall (Catarata La Escondida) inside the Arenal Sky Adventures Park *swimming is not permitted *See our related blog post Sky Adventures Arenal: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In La Fortuna for more information | Northern Zone | El Castillo (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
Blue Morpho Waterfall (Catarata Morpho Azul) inside the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park *swimming is not permitted *See our related blog post A Step-By-Step Guide To The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna |
El Rio Waterfall (Catarata El Rio) inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve *swimming is not permitted | Northern Zone | Monteverde |
La Paz Waterfall + 4 additional waterfalls (Catarata La Paz; inside the La Paz Waterfall Gardens) *swimming is not permitted | Central Valley | Poasito / Vara Blanca |
Montezuma Waterfalls (Cataratas Montezuma; 3 in total) *swimming is permitted | Nicoya Peninsula | Montezuma |
Llanos del Cortes Waterfall (Catarata Llanos del Cortes) *swimming is permitted *See our related blog post Why (And Why Not) To Visit The Llanos Del Cortes Waterfall Near Liberia for more information | Guanacaste | Liberia / Bagaces |
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 |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy rainforest and dry forest hikes, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Rainforest or Dry Forest Hike Location Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Arenal Volcano National Park *See our related blog post Why You Should (And Shouldn’t) Visit The Arenal Volcano National Park for more information | Northern Zone | El Castillo (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
Tenorio Volcano National Park | Northern Zone | Bijagua |
Santa Rosa National Park | Guanacaste | Liberia |
Manuel Antonio National Park *See our related blog post How The Manuel Antonio National Park Is Different Than Other Costa Rica National Parks for more information | Central Pacific | Manuel Antonio / Quepos |
Carara National Park *See our related blog post Visiting the Carara National Park—Photos And Brief (5-Minute Read): Tarcoles, Costa Rica | Central Pacific | Jaco / Tarcoles |
Rincon de la Vieja National Park | Guanacaste | Rincon de la Vieja |
Corcovado National Park (San Pedrillo, La Leona, or Sirena sectors) | Osa Peninsula | Drake Bay/Carate |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy cloud forest hikes, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Cloud Forest Hike Location Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Biological Reserve | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Los Quetzales National Park | Southern Inlands | Cerro de la Muerte (outside San Gerardo de Dota) |
Chirripo National Park | Southern Inlands | San Gerardo de Rivas (outside San Isidro de El General) |
Bajo Del Tigre (Children’s Eternal Rainforest) | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy beaches, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Beach Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Manuel Antonio Beach (Playa Manuel Antonio; inside the Manuel Antonio National Park) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Manuel Antonio Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Central Pacific | Manuel Antonio / Quepos |
South Espadilla Beach (Playa Espadilla Sur; inside the Manuel Antonio National Park) | Central Pacific | Manuel Antonio / Quepos |
Tamarindo Beach (Playa Tamarindo) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Tamarindo Costa Rica (Guanacaste / Northern Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Guanacaste | Tamarindo |
Samara Beach (Playa Samara) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Samara Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Nicoya Peninsula | Samara |
Coco Beach (Playa del Coco) | Guanacaste | Playas del Coco |
Puerto Viejo Beach (Playa Puerto Viejo) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Puerto Viejo Costa Rica (Caribbean) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
Cocles Beach (Playa Cocles) | Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
Jaco Beach (Playa Jaco) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Jaco Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Central Pacific | Jaco |
Montezuma Beach (Playa Montezuma) | Nicoya Peninsula | Montezuma |
Uvita Beach (Playa Uvita; inside the Marino Ballena National Park) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Uvita Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Central Pacific | Uvita / Bahia |
Flamingo Beach (Playa Flamingo) | Guanacaste | Playa Flamingo |
Conchal Beach (Playa Conchal) | Guanacaste | Brasilito |
Guiones Beach (Playa Guiones) | Nicoya Peninsula | Nosara |
Blanca Beach (Playa Blanca; inside the Cahuita National Park) | Caribbean | Cahuita |
Dominical Beach (Playa Dominical) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Dominical Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Central Pacific | Dominical |
Santa Teresa Beach (Playa Santa Teresa) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Santa Teresa Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Nicoya Peninsula | Santa Teresa |
To learn more about Costa Rica beaches, don’t miss our related blog posts:
Central Pacific Beaches In Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula Beaches In Costa Rica
Northern Pacific / Guanacaste Beaches In Costa Rica
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy volcano trails, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Volcano Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Arenal Volcano (Volcan Arenal; inside the Arenal Volcano National Park) *crater not accessible; climbing over lava rocks possible *See our related blog post Why You Should (And Shouldn’t) Visit The Arenal Volcano National Park for more information | Northern Zone | El Castillo (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
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 | Northern Zone | El Castillo (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
Poas Volcano (Volcan Poas; inside the Poas Volcano National Park) *main crater accessible *See our related blog post How To Reserve The Poas Volcano National Park (Screenshots) for more information | Central Valley | Poasito / Vara Blanca |
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 |
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: 12 Ways To Get Around Costa Rica.
River Name | Region | City / Town Where Rafting Tours Depart |
---|---|---|
Pacuare River (Rio Pacuare) *See our related blog post The Pacuare River Rafting Tour for more information | Caribbean | 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:
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy hanging bridges, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Hanging Bridges Property Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park *See our related blog post A Step-By-Step Guide To The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park for more information | Northern Zone | Lago Arenal (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
The Arenal Sky Adventures Park’s Sky Walk Hanging Bridges *See our related blog post Sky Adventures Arenal: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In La Fortuna for more information | Northern Zone | El Castillo (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
The Monteverde Sky Adventures Park’s Sky Walk Hanging Bridges *See our related blog post Sky Adventures Monteverde: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In The Cloud Forest for more information | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
The Selvatura Park’s Treetop Walkways Hanging Bridges *See our related blog post: Selvatura Monteverde: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, Butterfly / Hummingbird Gardens, And A Reptile / Amphibian Exhibit In The Cloud Forest for more information | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Want to compare our Costa Rica hanging bridges recommendations? Don’t miss our related blog post:
Best Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica: Comparing 4 In Arenal And Monteverde
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.
For recommendations for canopy tours run in less popular, less busy areas, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Canopy Tour Operator Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
The Monteverde Sky Adventures Park’s Sky Walk Hanging Bridges *See our related blog post Sky Adventures Monteverde: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In The Cloud Forest for more information | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
The Selvatura Park’s Canopy Tour *See our related blog post: Selvatura Monteverde: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, Butterfly / Hummingbird Gardens, And A Reptile / Amphibian Exhibit In The Cloud Forest for more information | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Arenal Mundo Aventura’s Canopy Tour *See our related blog post Arenal Mundo Aventura: La Fortuna Canopy Ziplining Tour for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
The Arenal Sky Adventures Park’s Sky Walk Hanging Bridges *See our related blog post Sky Adventures Arenal: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In La Fortuna for more information | Northern Zone | El Castillo (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour | Guanacaste | Papagayo |
Montezuma Waterfall Canopy Tour | Nicoya Peninsula | Montezuma |
Monteverde Extremo | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Terraventuras Canopy Tour | Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
100% Aventura | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Congo Trail Canopy Tour | Guanacaste | Matapalo / Potrero |
Want to compare our Costa Rica canopy tour recommendations? Don’t miss our related blog post:
Best Ziplines In Costa Rica: Comparing 6 In Arenal And Monteverde
Have questions about zip-lining in Costa Rica? See our related blog post:
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).
For recommendations for less popular, less busy hot springs, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Hot Springs Property Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Springs Resort Hot Springs *See our related blog post Springs Resort Hot Springs Review for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Baldi Hot Springs *See our related blog post Baldi Hot Springs Review for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Tabacon Hot Springs *See our related blog post Tabacon Hot Springs Review for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
EcoTermales Hot Springs *See our related blog post EcoTermales Hot Springs Review for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Paradise Hot Springs *See our related blog post Paradise Hot Springs Review for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Los Lagos Hot Springs *See our related blog post Los Lagos Hot Springs Review for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Rio Negro Hot Springs *See our related blog post Visiting the Rio Negro Hot Springs—Photos And Brief (5-Minute Read): Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica | Guanacaste | Rincon de la Vieja |
Want to learn about and compare La Fortuna / Arenal’s various hot springs? Don’t miss our related blog post:
Best Hot Springs In Arenal: We Compare All 12 La Fortuna Hot Springs
Have questions about hot springs in Costa Rica? See our related blog post:
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy mud baths, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Mud Bath Property Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Rio Negro Hot Springs *See our related blog post Visiting the Rio Negro Hot Springs—Photos And Brief (5-Minute Read): Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica | Guanacaste | Rincon de la Vieja |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy bird-watching spots, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Bird-Watching Location Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Carara National Park *See our related blog post Visiting the Carara National Park—Photos And Brief (5-Minute Read): Tarcoles, Costa Rica | Central Pacific | Jaco / Tarcoles |
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge *See our related blog post Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge: Know This Before You Visit for more information | Northern Zone | Los Chiles |
Palo Verde National Park | Guanacaste | Bagaces |
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Tortuguero National Park *See our related blog post Is Tortuguero Worth Visiting for more information | Caribbean | Tortuguero |
To view photos we’ve taken of birds in Costa Rica, see our related blog post:
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.
For recommendations for coffee tours run in less popular, less busy areas, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Coffee Tour Operator Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Don Juan Coffee Tour *See our related blog post Don Juan Coffee, Chocolate, And Sugarcane Tour: A Trifecta Of Costa Rican Tradition, Temptation, And Trade for more information | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Britt Coffee Tour | Central Valley | Heredia |
Doka Estate Coffee Tour | Central Valley | Alajuela |
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!
For recommendations for chocolate tours run in less popular, less busy areas, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Chocolate Tour Operator Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Caribeans Chocolate Tour | Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
La Fortuna Chocolate Tour | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Costa Rica Chocolate Tour *See our related blog post A Costa Rica Chocolate Tour For Your First Or Last Day In The Country for more information | Central Valley | Alajuela |
Rancho Raices Chocolate Tour | Osa Peninsula | Puerto Jimenez |
Sugarcane Tour Operator Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
El Trapiche Tour | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy boat tours and canoe tours, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Location or Tour Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Tortuguero Canals (inside the Tortuguero National Park) *slow-moving boating *See our related blog post Is Tortuguero Worth Visiting for more information | Caribbean | Tortuguero |
Damas Island (Isla Damas) *slow-moving boating and kayaking *See our related blog post Manuel Antonio Mangrove Tour Costa Rica for more information | Central Pacific | Manuel Antonio / Quepos |
Penas Blancas River (Rio Penas Blancas) *slow-moving canoeing, rafting, and kayaking | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Planet Dolphin Sailing Tour *See our related blog post Manuel Antonio Sailing Tour With Snorkeling And Dolphin Watching for more information | Central Pacific | Manuel Antonio / Quepos |
Tempisque River (Rio Tempisque; alongside the Palo Verde National Park) | Guanacaste | Bagaces |
Cold River (Rio Frio) | Northern Zone | Los Chiles |
Marlin del Rey Sailing Tour | Guanacaste | Tamarindo and Playas del Coco |
Corobici River (Rio Corobici) *slow-moving rafting | Guanacaste | Canas |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy surf spots, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Surf Beach / Destination Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Tamarindo Beach (Playa Tamarindo) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Tamarindo Costa Rica (Guanacaste / Northern Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Guanacaste | Tamarindo |
Grande Beach (Playa Grande) | Guanacaste | Playa Grande |
Santa Teresa Beach (Playa Santa Teresa) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Santa Teresa Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Nicoya Peninsula | Santa Teresa |
Puerto Viejo Beach (Playa Puerto Viejo) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Puerto Viejo Costa Rica (Caribbean) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
Cocles Beach (Playa Cocles) | Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
Santa Rosa National Park *marine sector | Guanacaste | Liberia |
Guiones Beach (Playa Guiones) | Nicoya Peninsula | Nosara |
Jaco Beach (Playa Jaco) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Jaco Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Central Pacific | Jaco |
Avellanas Beach (Playa Avellanas) | Guanacaste | Avellanas |
Pavones Beach (Playa Pavones) | Southern Pacific | Pavones |
Dominical Beach (Playa Dominical) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Dominical Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Central Pacific | Dominical |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy turtle nesting beaches, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Turtle Beach / Destination Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
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 |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy areas to practice yoga, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Region | City / Town |
---|---|
Nicoya Peninsula | Nosara |
Nicoya Peninsula | Santa Teresa |
Central Pacific | Dominical |
Caribbean | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy areas to try canyoning, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Canyoning Tour Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Desafio Adventure Company’s Canyoning in the Lost Canyon Tour *See our related blog post Costa Rica Canyoning Tour: Adrenaline And Assurance Found At The Lost Canyon for more information | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Hacienda Guachipelin’s Waterfall Canyoning Tour | Guanacaste | Rincon de la Vieja |
Pure Trek’s Canyoning Tour | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
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).
Museum Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Jade Museum *See our related blog post 15 Things To Do In San Jose Costa Rica (And 3 Things To Skip Doing) for more information | Central Valley | San Jose |
La Casona (inside the Santa Rosa National Park) | Guanacaste | Liberia |
Gold Museum *See our related blog post 15 Things To Do In San Jose Costa Rica (And 3 Things To Skip Doing) for more information | Central Valley | San Jose |
National Museum *See our related blog post 15 Things To Do In San Jose Costa Rica (And 3 Things To Skip Doing) for more information | Central Valley | San Jose |
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!
Church / Ruins Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Cartago Basilica | Central Valley | Cartago |
Metropolitan Church *See our related blog post 15 Things To Do In San Jose Costa Rica (And 3 Things To Skip Doing) for more information | Central Valley | San Jose |
Cartago Ruins | Central Valley | Cartago |
Ujarras Ruins | Central Valley | Ujarras |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy archaeological sites, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Archaeological Site Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Guayabo National Monument | Central Valley | Turrialba |
Finca 6 | Osa Peninsula | Sierpe |
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.
For recommendations for less popular, less busy gardens, see our related blog post Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
Garden Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Monteverde Orchid Garden *See our related blog post Visiting The Monteverde Orchid Garden—Photos And Brief (5-Minute Read): Monteverde, Costa Rica for more information | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Lankester Gardens | Central Valley | Cartago |
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.
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 |
Marino Ballena National Park *marine sector | Central Pacific | Uvita, Manuel Antonio / Quepos, and Dominical |
Isla Tortuga (Tortuga Island) *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Tropical Costa Rica (Isla Tortuga, Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Personal Collection | Nicoya Peninsula | Puntarenas, Tambor, Montezuma, and Santa Teresa / Mal Pais |
Cahuita National Park *marine sector | Caribbean | Cahuita |
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.
Swimming Hole / Tide Pool Beach Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
El Salto *See our related blog post El Salto Costa Rica: Local Free Tarzan Swing And Swimming Holes La Fortuna / Arenal for more information *swimming hole | Northern Zone | La Fortuna / Arenal |
Los Suecos Beach (Playa Los Suecos) *tide pools | Nicoya Peninsula | Mal Pais |
Pelada Beach (Playa Pelada) *tide pools | Nicoya Peninsula | Nosara |
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.
Cave / Beach Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Terciopelo Cave (inside the Barra Honda National Park) *underground cave | Nicoya Peninsula | Barra Honda |
Ventanas Beach (Playa Ventanas) *beach cave *See our related blog post Photos Of Playa Ventanas Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection for more information | Central Pacific | Ojochal |
Venado Caves *underground cave | Northern Zone | Venado |
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.
Aerial Tram Name | Region | City / Town |
---|---|---|
Rainforest Aerial Tram (Atlantic) | Central Valley / Caribbean | Santa Clara (outside Guapiles) |
The Sky Adventures Arenal Park’s Sky Tram *See our related blog post Sky Adventures Arenal: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In La Fortuna for more information | Northern Zone | El Castillo (outside La Fortuna / Arenal) |
The Sky Adventures Monteverde Park’s Sky Tram *See our related blog post Sky Adventures Monteverde: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, And Tram Rides In The Cloud Forest for more information | Northern Zone | Monteverde / Santa Elena |
Rainforest Aerial Tram (Pacific) | Central Pacific | Jaco |
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.
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 |
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.
For recommendations for other places you can get authentic Costa Rican food and drink, see our related blog post: Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do.
QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: What are your favorite things to do in Costa Rica?
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