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Published: 29-09-2022
With pristine, picture-perfect beaches, lush jungles, abundant wildlife, and magical waterfalls, it’s no surprise that Costa Rica is the most popular vacation spot in Central America. The country is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise with many activities to see and do….and all in the great outdoors. You can hit the many adrenalin-filled activities or calmy and observe exquisite wildlife in Costa Rica. Whether you’re backpacking through Central America or on a 2-week holiday with family, there is something for everyone! Start planning your trip to paradise now!
Santa Teresa Beach
Surfing
Costa Rica is world-renowned for its surf; people flock here to rip the waves. Experienced surfers will be enthralled with the waves of the Pacific Coast, and if you’re not experienced on a board, Costa Rica is a great place to learn how to surf. Santa Teresa. Montezuma, Tamarindo and Dominical are popular surf spots, each with a unique draw.
Pacific Coast
Soak in natural Hot Springs
Near Arenal’s active volcano, hot springs are in abundance. Soaking in a blissfully warm pool is one of those outdoor, relaxed activities after a day of exploring the rainforest or ziplining through the tree canopies. From luxurious resorts with jaw-dropping hot pools to a naturally hot section in the nearby river, there is a hot spring for every traveler.
Tabacón Hot Springs
Walk in the clouds
Monteverde’s hanging bridges are something out of a dream. Located in the heart of a cloud forest, these suspension bridges weave their way through the vine-covered jungle. Don´t be discouraged if it’s raining; it does on most days! And the moisture in the air creates thick and low-hanging clouds that make the experience much more magical.
Monteverde Cloudforest
Whitewater rafting
There are perfect rapids, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a fun family activity. While you can do this all around the country, one of the most popular spots to go white-water rafting is Arenal. If you’re really up for an adventure, consider rafting on the Pacuare River for the experience of a lifetime!
Pacuare River Rafting
Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica has no shortage of pristine wilderness. And during your trip, you’ll want to make it to Manuel Antonio National Park. This national park is the most popular for a good reason. There is a high concentration of wildlife, and with stunning beaches and jungle viewpoints, the park is big enough to escape the crowds if you plan your visit. When you go, hike around the Punta Cathedral to get away from crowds and see stunning viewpoints.
Tree Frog in Manuel Antonio
Corcovado National Park
If you want to get off the tourist path and experience the best natural Costa Rica has the best nature Costa Rica has to offer, Corcovado National Park is your place. But beware, this remote park can be challenging to get to. Your efforts will be rewarded with pristine nature, animal encounters, and biodiversity at its most pure.
Keel-Billed Toucan Corcovado
Watch Sea Turtles Nesting
This country has two coastlines, so this country has two coastlines. It is a perfect spot for turtles from either ocean to come ashore and lay their eggs. Unfortunately, out of the four species found in Costa Rica, only one is not endangered. If you want to observe this beautiful natural phenomenon, please research and only go with a naturalist guide. Never touch the turtles; do not use flash photography if you follow the hatching at night.
Baby Sea Turtle
Zipline above the jungle
A popular activity for all ages, Costa Rica, is one of the world's best places to go zip-lining. Soaring over low-hanging clouds and lush rainforests is exhilarating. Breathe in the crisp air and enjoy the birds-eye view. While the initial jump can be scary if you’re afraid of heights, this activity is highly safe and can be an excellent way to overcome a fear of heights. Arenal and Monteverde offer excellent ziplining!
Ziplining in Monteverde
Tortuguero National Park
This remote national park in the northeast corner of Costa Rica is a rainforest plopped down on a sandy coastline. Tortuguero is home to the world's largest sea turtle nesting sites. There are no roads in this national park; the only transportation is by boat. It is highly recommended to travel here with a guide.
Sea Turtle, Tortuguero
Rio Celeste Waterfall
The Rio Celeste waterfall is not far from the town of La Fortuna, located shortly after two rivers converge. Each river has a different mineral makeup, and the mixture of the two creates a brilliant, milky blue that’s almost hard to believe is real. The water is less brightly colored after heavy rain, where the river bottom is stirred up.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Visit Volcanos
With over 60 volcanos sprinkled across Costa Rica, you would have to go out of your way NOT to see one! There are many even just outside the capital city of San Jose. If you want to be a bit more adventurous, head up to La Fortuna and go hiking on the Arenal Volcano. From the entrance of Arenal, you can walk on old lava flows and get great views of the volcano.
Arenal Volcano
Scuba Diving
Whether you’re a scuba newbie or an advanced diver, the sites on each of Costa Rica’s coasts each of Costa Rica’s beaches will be suitable for your level; At the same time, it’s not nearly as cheap to dive in Costa Rica as in other parts of Central America; there is a beautiful underwater world to explore if you have the budget and the time. Manuel Antonio: a popular place for divers of all levels to explore the underwater world, and Cocos Island is super-remote and known for hammerhead sharks.
Costa Rica Scuba Diving
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
You’ll feel like you’ve left Costa Rica once you taste the Caribbean flavor in this town. It has a personality and is a great place to add to your Costa Rica itinerary. Head down to Manzanillo and follow the coast trails for some epic secluded beaches. With water activities abound, you can take it as relaxed or as adrenalin-filled as you like!
Sloth in Puerto Viejo
Take a Hike
Costa Rica is a haven for nature lovers, and you’ll find a variety of hikes at all skill levels. From easy walking trails that give you views of Arenal Volcano to trekking Costa Rica’s cloud forests, there is a hike for everyone in this country!
Hiking in Monteverde
Go Whale Watching
Costa Rica is the perfect spot when it comes to spotting humpback whales. This is because it is located at the intersection of two whale migrations, so you can spot these gentle creatures nine months out of the year. A group of humpbacks from the north start making their way to warmer waters once the northern hemisphere’s winter chill sets in. They hang out near Costa Rica for a few months – from December to April – to breed and raise their young. The group of whales from the southern hemisphere makes its way to Costa Rica in mid-July and stays until the beginning of November. This is the season that you’ll have the best chance of spotting a whale. Head to the Osa Peninsula in the Corcovado National Park or Playa Uvita for the best whale-watching opportunities.
Whale Watching
