What would you say are the best things to do in Costa Rica? Is it surfing or hiking? Or maybe something else entirely?
The country is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and amazing wildlife. In addition to these natural wonders, Costa Rica also offers plenty of things to do. Whether you want to go white water rafting, visit a volcano, or take a hike through the jungle, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.
Costa Rica is home to some of the most incredible places in the world. From the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, from the mountains to the jungles, Costa Rica has it all. If you’re looking for adventure, beautiful nature, or some time for relaxation, Costa Rica is the place to be.
The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
There are many places to visit, explore, and experience in Costa Rica, but some stand out more than others. Here are our top picks for the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!
Visit San José
San José is the capital of the Central American nation of Costa Rica. Located in the center of the country, it is the largest city in both population and area. The city lies in a valley surrounded by mountains, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America. There are many things to do besides just taking pictures of the buildings. You’ll see some great museums, parks, and even some historical landmarks.
The city itself is home to many historical sites and attractions, such as the National Theater, the Cathedral, and Parque Morazán. There are also several museums dedicated to science, technology, art, and natural history. For those who enjoy exploring cultural sights, San José offers plenty of options. Here, you can learn about the local culture and traditions, take part in festivals, and admire works of art.
You can begin your trip to San José by taking the bus from the airport. Buses arrive every 15 minutes during the day and less often at night. A taxi ride costs around $25 USD.
If you’re looking for adventure, head outside the city limits. You won’t find too many nature activities here, but you can go hiking, white water rafting, horseback riding, zip lining, and even surfing outside of the city.
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Views of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Located on the Central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush rainforests, the white sand beaches that make up the Manuel Antonio National Park are covered in tropical greenery. These beaches have some of the best warm turquoise waters in all of Costa Rica, making it the perfect place to relax under the shade of palm trees.
If you’re not much of a beach bum, then Manuel Antonio National Park is a great place to take a hike or see some local wildlife. There are several nearby waterfalls and cultural sites to explore in Manuel Antonio National Park. Manuel Antonio National Park is within driving distance from San José, Costa Rica. If you want to see howler monkeys, this is one of the best places to go. Taking a day trip to the small surrounding town of Quepos gives you a chance to experience another side of Costa Rica. You’ll find yourself immersed in a different culture.
If you want to take advantage of the natural beauty and wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s important to go with a qualified guide. A good place to start is with the Manuel Antonio National Park’s official website where you can find information about the different tours and activities offered. You can also book directly online and pay the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance fee online.
The Manuel Antonio National Park offers many guided walks throughout the day, including walks that focus on nature and bird watching. There are also night hikes, moonlight hikes, and even full moon hikes. Some of these tours are free with the entrance fee while others cost around $20 per person.
Guides provide detailed descriptions of what to look out for during each hike in the Manuel Antonio National Park. They also explain how to identify plants and birds, while pointing out interesting features such as beautiful waterfalls, caves, and trails in the Manuel Antonio National Park. This knowledge helps visitors and tourists understand why certain species live there and how they interact with each other.
There are over 40 plant species found within Manuel Antonio National Park alone. While some of these are common, others are rare and endangered. Guides help visitors understand the importance of conserving these unique ecosystems.
See the Arenal Volcano from above
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
The Central Valley of Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire world. With mountains covered in lush rainforests, volcanoes, and turquoise lakes, there are many reasons why people choose to live and travel to this region. One of those reasons is because of the incredible natural attractions found within the Central Valley, like the Arenal Volcano. This area is located in the province of Alajuela, and it is considered to be one of the hot spots of Costa Rican tourism.
The Arenal Volcano is an active volcano and one of the most famous landmarks in Costa Rica, it is located near the town of La Fortuna. Arenal Volcano is actually four volcanos in one, and each volcano offers different experiences. The Arenal Volcano National Park covers three of those volcanos, and it is where visitors can go hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, rappelling, bird watching, camping, and much more. There is even a small village inside the national park called Los Cedros. Who knows, you may also witness some volcanic activity!
La Fortuna is another important city in the Arenal Volcano area, and it is just outside of the Arenal National Park. La Fortuna is often referred to as «the gateway to the Arenal Volcano«, and it is the perfect place to start exploring the rest of the area. Visitors will love how easy it is to travel throughout the rest of the region. They can easily take advantage of the transportation system offered by the local government, which includes buses, vans, taxis, and boats.
Lake Arenal is the third major attraction in the Arenal Volcano region. Located about 30 minutes away from La Fortuna, the lake is one of the best places to enjoy boating, parasailing, jet skiing, and swimming. For those looking to explore the turquoise waters, there is even a marina where visitors can rent out boats.
Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Hanging Bridges in Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Monteverde is a small town nestled deep within the rainforests of Costa Rica. If you want to explore the area, there are a few things you’ll definitely want to do while here. One of those things is to walk the hanging bridges. These bridges are located throughout the Monteverde region, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see the beautiful nature surrounding them.
The bridges are suspended high above the ground, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the dense jungle foliage. There are 49 bridges in total, ranging in height from 10 meters up to 15 meters. Guests can choose to either hike across a bridge or simply sit and relax on it. Some of the bridges are even accessible via zip lines.
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Monteverde, consider also checking out the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves are located in the Central Valley region of Costa Rica. They cover over 2 million acres of tropical forest and include three reserves: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and Rara Avis Cloud Forest Reserve. These reserves protect about 10% of the remaining cloud forests in Costa Rica.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve consists of four major ecosystems: lowland rainforest, dry deciduous forest, wetlands, and submontane cloud forest. There are several lakes within the reserve, including Laguna de Arenal, Lake Chacras, and Lacanjá.
There are approximately 500 species of birds found here, including hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, woodpeckers, toucans, trogons, parrots, and raptors. There are also mammals such as white-tailed deer, agoutis, squirrels, opossums, bats, coatimundi, and raccoons. You can see howler monkeys, spider monkeys, ocelots, sloths, anteaters, pumas, tapirs, peccaries, and even jaguar cats.
In addition to being a great spot for nature lovers, visitors can enjoy waterfall views, horseback riding tours, zip lining, canopy tours, bird watching, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking.
There is also a small local town named Santa Elena. In Santa Elena, you can find good food, shops, and local entertainment. In addition, you can also possibly come across the rare Resplendent Quetzal bird in Santa Elena. So, if you’re an avid bird watcher, it might be a good bet to visit Santa Elena to come across rare birds like the Resplendent Quetzal.
Go Surfing in Tamarindo
One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations is Tamarindo. Located north of San Jose, the area is home to some of the best beaches with white sands in Central America. With a population of about 50,000 people, it offers visitors everything from surfing beaches to rainforest adventures. And while there are many activities to choose from, you might find yourself spending most of your time relaxing on the beach under a palm tree. But even though Tamarindo is primarily known as a surf destination, there is much more to see here than just the ocean.
There are several excellent places to eat, explore the local markets, go hiking, take a boat tour, and enjoy some water sports – including kayaking, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, parasailing, kiteboarding, and scuba diving. Here are some reasons why we think you should add a visit to Tamarindo to your travel list.
Surfing
Surfers love Tamarindo because of its consistent surf throughout the year. Whether you want to catch waves during the winter months or enjoy the summer heat, Tamarindo has got you covered. Surf lessons are inexpensive and easy to book online. And, there are other great beaches along this coast, like Playa Grande and Playa Flamingo!
Food & Drink
If you’ve never tried Costa Rican food, you’re missing out. Tamarindo offers a wide variety of tasty dishes including tacos, burritos, and ceviche. For drinks, try a freshly squeezed juice or a cold beer on the white sands.
Culture
Costa Rica’s lifestyle is very different from what you might be used to back home. People are relaxed, friendly, and open-minded. Many locals speak English, making communication much easier. They have a different take, which can be a breath of fresh air.
Take a Hike in Corcovado National Park & Visit The Osa Peninsula
Howler Monkeys in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing surfing spots. However, there are many hidden gems located throughout the country. One of those is the Corcovado National Park. Located in the Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado national park offers some of the best hiking trails in Central America. With over 600 species of flora and fauna, this place is truly magical. There are three main ranger stations within the park; La Leona, San Pedro, and Sirena. All of them offer incredible views and hikes that you won’t want to miss out on.
La Leona station is the easiest to reach and offers shorter hikes. La Leona is about 4 hours away from San José and takes you through rainforests, cloud forests, and savannahs. If you’re looking to hike longer distances, Sirena is the closest station to San José and offers great opportunities to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, and sloths. San Pedrillo’s hike is recommended for experienced hikers only. From San Pedrillo, you can witness the largest variety of bird species in the park including macaws, toucans, and hummingbirds. The most popular hike is from La Leona to Sirena. This trail covers almost 30km and takes time to complete. During this hike, you’ll encounter plenty of beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. Not only does it give you spectacular views, but it also provides you with an opportunity to relax and enjoy nature. This is a must-see and experience for hikers and nature lovers.
Outside of Corcovado National Park, the Osa Peninsula is on the Pacific coast and offers some of Costa Rica’s most stunning views and outdoor activities. Exploring Drake Bay on a hot sunny morning or visiting Playa Blanca would be a perfect morning spent. Drake Bay is a remote beach perfect for exploring and taking photographs. Playa Blanca is a nearby beach also on the Pacific Coast that’s filled with Costa Rican culture and locals. Playa Blanca is sandwiched between two other beaches named Punta Sierpe and Ganado Beach.
Visit the Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is home to some of the most popular national parks in the entire country. In addition, it offers visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and take part in activities like hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, birdwatching, and many others.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is also where you’ll find the popular tourist destination of Tortuguero National Park. Located just off the northern tip of the country, Tortuguero National Park is known for being one of the best spots in Central America to see marine life such as dolphins, whales, rays, sharks, and turtles. You won’t want to miss the chance to swim alongside these creatures either and the Tortuguero National Park is the perfect place to do so.
Costa Rica’s Eastern/Caribbean coast has long been known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, lush tropical forests, and clear blue waters. Tourism development has taken off recently in the Caribbean Coast, especially along the southern coastline. As such, there are now several luxury hotels and resorts, including five-star properties on the Caribbean Coast if you ever want to experience all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica. There are also numerous boutique hotels throughout the Caribbean Coast, offering guests a taste of Costa Rican culture and authentic Costa Rican experiences.
Discover Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
There are plenty of places you won’t find on most travel itineraries. One such spot is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a quiet beach town nestled along the southern coast of Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located south of Limón. This small fishing village is on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, and it offers a true Costa Rican experience. There are no high rises here; there are no luxury hotels. Instead, you’ll find quaint little restaurants and bars where locals hang out. You’ll hear reggae music playing in the background.
You’ll find a laid-back vibe, warm people, and some of the best surf spots in Central America. The laid-back vibe in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is what makes this destination special. There aren’t many tourists here, making it easy to enjoy the beauty of the place without having to worry about crowds.
If you’re looking for a little adventure, head down to the shoreline where you can go snorkeling or scuba diving at Playa Negra, Playa Puerto Viejo, or Playa Cocles. There are even hotels that are right in front of Playa Negra, making Playa Negra a desirable place to visit. If you want to try something different, check out the Chocolate Tour in Puerto Viejo. They offer tours to local cacao farms and chocolate factories, where you learn about the process of making chocolate and how it’s made into treats.
Visit Santa Teresa Beach On The Pacific Coast
For a classic beach town experience with some great surf, Santa Teresa is one of the Costa Rica places to visit! Tucked away on the western edge of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has gained popularity for being one of the best surf spots. Especially if you are looking for larger, faster waves, then this is the beach for you. Experienced surfers love the variety of beach breaks in Santa Teresa, particularly during a good swell.
But Santa Teresa isn’t just a destination for backpackers and surfers. The town has lots of beautiful luxury accommodation options and lots of other nearby activities to keep everyone entertained. The area is nestled between stunning waterfalls, glorious beaches, and thriving nature reserves. You’ll also want to spend time exploring the great restaurants and stay at some of the beautiful eco-hotels in the area. And don’t forget the magical sunset on the Pacific Coast.
Visit Rincón de la Vieja Volcano & National Park
Rincón de la Vieja translates into «the old lady of the mountain.» This name refers to the volcano itself, which is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It’s one of the region’s most visited attractions, thanks to its stunning beauty and breathtaking views. The volcano rises up to 3,962 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in Costa Rica. It’s known for having volcanic activity and geothermal activity and has erupted several times throughout history.
Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to see and do. For example, you can go horseback riding, play golf, go kayaking, or just relax around the pool. There are many hotels near Rincón de la Vieja, such as the Hacienda Guachipelín Volcano Ranch Hotel & Hot Spring. These properties provide guests with access to everything they want to enjoy while they’re there.
If you’d like to spend your vacation closer to nature, consider staying at the Hotel Casa Conde, which offers beautiful views of the volcano and surrounding area. There are many restaurants nearby, too, so you won’t starve during your trip.
Top Attractions & Things To Do in Costa Rica
If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation destination, look no further than Costa Rica. You’ll find it nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, along the Pacific Ocean. And while most people think about Costa Rica for its gorgeous beaches, it’s actually home to many amazing natural wonders. From rainforests to volcanoes, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. Here are our favorite Costa Rica tourist attractions.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park
La Paz Waterfall Garden Nature Park is a privately run nature sanctuary located near the city of San José. The park homes five waterfalls, cloud forest, and rainforest areas, a snake, frog, butterfly, and orchid exhibit as well as a hummingbird garden and animal sanctuary with over 100 species, including jaguar, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, ocelot, and puma, this is an exciting attraction for everyone.
Tabacón Hot Springs
One of Costa Rica’s most popular attractions is the Tabacón Hot Springs. These hot springs are the largest accessible network of natural hot springs in Costa Rica as the pools are located within a private rainforest reserve that’s a part of the Tabacón Thermal Resort. Located in the La Fortuna area, the thermal baths offer visitors a chance to soak in some of nature’s best-kept secrets. The hot springs area is home to over 300 species of plants and animals, including rare bird species like the Resplendent Quetzal and the Golden-fronted Parrotlet. If you’re lucky, you may even see a Resplendent Quetzal feasting on a ripe fruit if you go during the right time of day and season. If you’re not interested in hot springs, the area still offers hiking trails, horseback riding, zip lines, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, rappelling, snorkeling, swimming, and much more.
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall, Costa Rica
The La Fortuna Waterfalls are located near Monteverde, Costa Rica, and are home to some of the most beautiful cascades you’ll ever witness. They’re popular among tourists because they’re easy to access and there are plenty of trails to hike along the way. In fact, there are three different paths leading up to the falls, each with its own unique experience. One path leads through the lush rainforest while others lead through cloud forests and savannahs. If you want to take advantage of the waterfalls, you’ll need to bring your own supplies like food, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Poás Volcano National Park
Poás Volcano Park, Costa Rica
The Poás Volcano National Park lies within the Central Valley of Costa Rica. It covers 727 acres, and it is one of the most visited national parks in the country. This is due to the fact that it is considered to be the most beautiful volcano in Costa Rica, and it offers visitors a unique experience. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to catch some volcanic activity in this region.
Poás is located around 30 miles (48 km) north of San José, and it is part of the larger Central Volcanic Zone. It is the second highest mountain in the country, rising 8,885 feet (2,708 m). Its main crater is filled with Laguna Botas, a stunning blue-green-colored lake. Surrounding the volcanic region, there are several different ecosystems, including cloud forest and rainforest areas, which are home to numerous bird species and small mammals. There are well-maintained and clearly marked hiking trails that lead throughout the park.
Butterfly Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory is located at the east end of lake Arenal and has the largest collection of butterflies in the National Park. Visitors are able to see over 300 species of butterflies and moths during their visit. They include the beautiful blue morpho butterfly, the spectacular peacock moth, and the very rare red admiral butterfly. The conservatory offers a fantastic opportunity to observe the life cycle of butterflies and moths up close. The Butterfly Conservatory is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
The National Theater
The National Theatre is a magnificent architectural and cultural attraction in downtown San José. Built-in 1929, it boasts some stunning art deco architecture and interiors. In addition to hosting many types of entertainment events, the theater is home to the San José Symphony Orchestra. Get local show tickets and enjoy a night at the San José National Theater!
Lankester Botanical Gardens
The Lankester Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever find yourself. Located in the Central Valley, it is home to 15,000 orchids and 3,000 other types of plants, making it the largest collection of orchids in Costa Rica.
Since the 1940s, these amazing gardens have been thriving and drawing visitors from all over the United States and the world. They even attract many different species of butterflies and birds that live in the area.
Venado Caves
The discovery of the Venado Caves happened by chance. A farmer named Juan Ramon Rios stumbled upon the caves while plowing his land in 1945. He had no idea he’d find anything special. But there it was – eight majestic chambers full of stalagmites and stalactites were carved over the course of millions of years from underground rivers and shifting plates. The Venado Caves are close to the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Volcano national park. If you don’t mind small spaces or dipping below sea level to check out ancient caverns, then checking these caves out is a must-do.
Zipline through the forest
Zip lines are one of the best ways to be adventurous, explore nature and see some beautiful views. You can zip-line through forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, jungles, cities, and even deserts. They are safe, fun, and easy to do.
The thrill of flying through the air while attached to a cable is exhilarating and addictive. You don’t need to be particularly fit to enjoy zip-lining; it’s suitable for everyone. However, if you’re planning to go zip lining, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into!
Costa Rica is one of the best places in Central America to experience zip lines. The country offers some of the longest zip lines in the world, including the Monteverde Skyline Trek, where you’ll soar above the cloud forests of Monteverde, and the Arenal Reserve, where you’re suspended in the trees and treetops of the rainforest canopy. There are also aerial trams in both reserves.
Learn how to make and produce coffee
Costa Rica is known for producing some of the world’s finest coffee. The country has rich soil, consistent rainfalls, and favorable climate conditions, which produce high-quality coffee beans. This is why many people enjoy drinking coffee from Costa Rica.
If you love coffee, it’s fun to know how it’s grown. Coffee plants grow best in tropical regions, and coffee production takes place mostly in the Central Valley region of Costa Rica. Most coffee plantations are located in the area surrounding the city of San José. There, you’ll find a variety of farms that offer tours and tastings. Some of the best places include Hacienda La Esmeralda, Hacienda Mundaca, and Hacienda Santa Rosa. You don’t necessarily have to travel far to taste great coffee. In fact, just outside of San José you can visit the small village of Naranjo. Here, you can stop by the farm of Hacienda Espírito Santo and learn how to make real Costa Rican coffee.
Things to Know Before You Go
Pura Vida! If you are planning to travel to Costa Rica, then there are some things that you should know before visiting this beautiful country. Here are some tips that can help you plan a successful trip to Costa Rica.
Where Is Costa Rica On A Map
Costa Rica is a Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, Colombia to the west, and Ecuador to the east. Although the bordering countries of Colombia and Ecuador or separated by a body of water, these countries, along with the Dominican Republic are just a flight away. Costa Rica shares maritime boundaries with Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, and the Atlantic Ocean. For more information about the geographical location of Costa Rica and where Costa Rica is on a map, read our in-depth article!
Weather in Costa Rica (Year-Round)
You may be wondering… What weather can you expect in Costa Rica? When are the rainy season, green season, and dry season? If you live in a tropical country like Costa Rica, then you probably don’t pay too much attention to the weather forecast because of how fluid the weather is. If you’re planning to visit Costa Rica, you may be curious to know more about the weather in Costa Rica or the best months to visit Costa Rica during dry season, and when to avoid the rainy season. We have a great article written about the weather in Costa Rica and what to expect weather-wise year-round.
Airports in Costa Rica
There are so many airports in Costa Rica. You may be wondering… which airport is best suited for me and my needs. Costa Rica has a couple of international airports along with a bunch of domestic airports spread throughout the country, so if you’re not a native or local, it may be hard to pinpoint which airport to utilize. Another resource you can utilize to figure out which airport to travel to is to check out our informative piece on Airports in Costa Rica!
Renting Cars in Costa Rica To Get Around
Renting cars in Costa Rica is the best way to get around. You can go off the beaten track and have the freedom to explore new things. Driving in Costa Rica is easy. And the rental vehicle prices are low. Click here and we’ll share everything you need to know to about renting a car in Costa Rica, including where to go, how to get there, and how to get around once you have a car.
