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Published: 26-11-2021
From the city to the ocean, passing through rainforest, volcanoes, with mountains in between, Costa Rica is the perfect paradise of potential. You can restaurant-hop in San Jose, zip through the rainforest, hike a volcano, go toucan-spotting or watch for sloths, visit a coffee plantation, recharge at a retreat, and dive beneath the waves…. all in one trip. But there is still so much more to do, see, eat and experience you will want to return again and again and again. Allow this list to inspire you for an unforgettable vacation.
Paradise on earth
Take a night hike
While the sunset signals the end of the day for many, it’s just the beginning for some species of Costa Rica such as sloths, armadillos, and the beloved red-eyed tree frog. To spot nocturnal animals in action, head into the jungle on a guided night hike. You can arrange a guided night hike at your lodge in Sarapiqui, in Heredia, or in Arenal. Float down-river under the light of the stars and moon looking for these night-time creatures, for the perfect digital detox experience.
Wide awake Treefrog!
Try “Forest Bathing”
The word “shinrinyoku” which means absorbing the forests atmosphere, or “bathing” in the forest, has Japanese roots but the practice of spending time in nature is a popular activity in Costa Rica. It is no wonder with such a magnificent array of cloud forests, rainforests and general greenery in the country, there are endless opportunities for forest bathing activities. This is the perfect opportunity for a digital detox which will make you slow down, take notice, and connect with the stunning, natural environment that surrounds you.
Reconnecting with mother nature
Go Birdwatching with an Expert
Even if you do not consider yourself an avid birder, it is certainly easier to become one here, when you are witness to so many brightly coloured birds including toucans, scarlet and green macaws, hummingbirds, kingfishers and the mighty Quetzal. The latter is particularly abundant in the Monteverde cloud forest. Spend as long as you like, birdwatching with an expert in the Osa Peninsula, the untouched and impressive habitat of more than 453 species of birds. The perfect vacation for the experienced and not so experienced bird spotter!
Glorious Toucan!
Swim in turquoise waterfalls
The colours found in this country are often so vivid and magnificent, that your eyes take time to adjust to such beauty. The beautiful shades of jade-blue-green is one of these hues and can be found in many of the mineral-rich rivers. You can soak in the popular La Fortuna Waterfalls, as you contemplate the surrounding beauty, or visit the Tenorio National park and its magnificent waterfalls, which are the perfect relaxation after a days´ hiking in the park.
Bajos del Toro
Watch Sea Turtles Hatch
Every year from July to October, turtles’ nest on the beaches of Tortuguero. If you visit the Tortuguero National Park during this time, make sure you take part in a night walk along the beach. The turtles generally lay their eggs in the sand and the babies wiggle their way out of the eggs and head for the ocean. The best time to see this marvellous sight is around sunset and we recommend spending at least one night in the area to make sure you witness this amazing event. Nosara is one of the oldest expatriate communities in Costa Rica and the scenic beach area remains undeveloped and pristine, including a wildlife refuge protecting the native populations of Olive Ridley and leatherback sea turtles.
Recently hatched sea turtle
Soak in Hot Springs
Costa Rica has a number of active volcanoes, meaning that the area is also abundant with many thermal hot springs. The mineral- rich waters are excellent for the skin, the sounds of the jungle and rainforest are excellent for calming the mind and the combination of both is most definitely good for the soul. Take this opportunity to slow down and soak in the warm springs of La Fortuna or Tabacon in the Arenal national park or the ultimate relaxing and detoxifying experience.
Costa Rican Hot springs
Tour a Coffee Plantation
There are a number of regions in Costa Rica that have the ideal conditions for growing coffee. The favourable climate, the elevation, and the mineral-rich soil all combine to provide everything a coffee bean needs. The Central Valley, which is close to San Jose, is the perfect day trip to escape the city and is a prominent coffee-producing region. Many fincas offer tastings and classes to learn more about the production of this divine bean. So, get your caffeine fix as soon as you arrive, the perfect way to set you up for the perfect Costa Rica vacation.
Costa rican coffee
Hike an Active Volcano
With a perfectly conical shape, The Arenal Volcano is one of the world’s most picture-perfect volcanoes. Trek across its lava fields at the base of Arenal on a guided tour to learn more about the history of this area. Tours generally start early, to avoid the heat of the mid-day sun parts and during the wet season, rains often arrive in the afternoon. The spectacular volcanos of Rincon de la Vieja are also a great opportunity to explore the stunning national parks and go volcano climbing, with a relaxing mud bath afterwards!
Arenal Volcano
Sample Chocolate from Bean to Bar
Tour a chocolate farm to see how cacao is transformed into a delicious chocolate bar. You can learn all about the history of this delectable delight as well as taste the samples along the way. If you’re traveling in the Osa Peninsula, you can book a chocolate tour that finishes with a variety of tropical fruits and chocolate fondue, through one of the various local community-based ecotourism companies in the area.
Costa Rican Cacao!
Take a Surf Lesson
Costa Rica is famous for having coasts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean coast. Logically, surfers from around the world visit Costa Rica as well as those are eager to learn this maritime activity. Gentle waves, fewer crowds, and patient instructors are found on the Playa Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula, with a number of surf schools to help you learn the basics as well as for the more experienced. The Caribbean coast has Puerto Viejo, with its variety of surf breaks, for surfers of all different levels and is often the favourite of many with its laid-back approach to this fascinating water sport and culture.
Surf boards on the beach
Fly Through the Forest
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly through the rainforest with a toucan-eye view over the tree canopies, then Costa Rica is the perfect place to do so! Zipline canopy tours are one of the most popular activities to fly through the jungle like Tarzan! You can glide along the longest zipline cable over La Fortuna Waterfall on your tour of The Arenal Volcano Park, or zip through the cloud forest of the Rincon de la Vieja national park ,to have the next best experience to actually flying!
Ziplining through the cloud forest
Go White Water Rafting
Racing down rapids and floating on the river will be one of your most memorable experiences. Costa Rica caters for all your rafting needs, with Class 1 to Class V rapids, so whether you are a beginner or advanced, you can find a rafting experience for your skill level. If you’re in the Arenal area, there are a variety of rafting tours that can also be combined with other adventure activities like ziplines and canopy walks. Or the Savegre River plummets down through some of the most remote parts of Costa Rica for a more remote experience. Whatever your preference, adventure, adrenalin and a unique experience are guaranteed!
White water rafting
Digital detox
Costa Rica, is home to an abundance of rainforests and cloud forests, with the Pacific ocean and Caribbean ocean always a stone’s throw away. With an array of natural products and the “pura vida” philosophy on life, Costa Rica is an ideal place to digitally detox yourself! Relax and retreat near Arenal Lake; take part in yoga classes or private healing sessions; nourish your body with organic food, fresh from the land; or feed your soul with a number of holistic and authentic relaxation therapies. Costa rica is the quintessential chill-out destination!
getting away from it all!
Learn About Indigenous Culture
There are many indigenous tribes living to this day in Costa Rica. Brörán community where guests can learn how to process cacao and make traditional masks before sitting down to share a meal together. If you’re in the Arenal area, the Maleku tribe are willing to teach you about their culture and traditions in Talamanca. An insiders perspective is always the best way to learn about these indigenous tribes, offering insight to their fascinating way of life.
Traditional hot chocolate
Spend Time Under the Sea
While there’s a lot of adventures to be had on land, don´t forget to adventure beneath the waves of the ocean. Travel across the tropical fjords of the Gulfo Dulce and snorkel near the Piedras Blancas National Park. If you’re here sometime between July and November, you may also spot dolphins, whales and the numerous sea turtles en route. Join a bioluminescence tour and experience the underwater light show from your kayak. Dive deep near Caño Island is the perfect opportunity to see stingrays, whale sharks, turtles, white tip sharks, and more. Make the most of this unparalleled destination for exploration under the sea.
