20 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

From cloud forest to chocolate tours, these 20 best things to do in Costa Rica.

to explore, Costa Rica is a center for ecotourism, home to cloud forests, rainforests, volcanoes, and hot springs. With coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country has a plethora of places to surf and relax on beautiful beaches. Add cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose, as well as some wonderful eco-lodges and resorts, and it’s easy to see why tourists flock to Costa Rica.

While it’s difficult to narrow down the myriad activities and attractions in this peaceful Central American country where pura Vida is the way of life, we’ve compiled a list of 20 best things to do in Costa Rica with the help of a dream team of local experts and a travel company (USA TRAVEL TICKETS) who help to book affordable flights to costa Rica for a peasant adventure.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

Hanging Bridge in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve in Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is more than 35,000 acres of lush trees nestled along the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range. It is home to animals such as howler monkeys and sloths, as well as incredible endemic flora. One of the best ways to take in all the beauty? A zip-line adventure.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

A person standing over Rincon National Park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park encompasses 34,000 acres of rugged terrain. It is also a hotspot for adrenaline-pumping activities. “Mountain bikers of all levels can enjoy a thrilling ride around the largest volcano in Guanacaste,” Lucas Medeiros, the volcano’s president, says.

Ecotermales Fortuna

Eco Terminals hot springs waterfall

The ideal location to relax and soothe overworked muscles after a long day of adventuring? Fortuna Ecotermales. The warm, magnesium-rich waters heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano are said to help reduce inflammation and pain, and the cool pools are ideal for hot and cold therapy.

Corcovado National Park

Sun breaking through the trees in Corcoaodo National Park Rainforest, Costa Rica,

Corcovado National Park, on the Osa Peninsula, protects one of the world’s most biologically diverse and complex ecosystems. This area’s natural beauty — unspoiled beaches, rainforest trails, mangrove swamps, waterfalls, and wildlife — helps visitors appreciate beautiful country.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Left: Arenal covered in fog; Right: People hiking up Arenal

The 30,000-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions, attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors each year. Most visitors come to see its crown jewel stratovolcano, which rises 5,357 feet into the clouds.

• Popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, and river rafting.

Santa Teresa

Costa Rica, Santa Teresa beach at sunset

Santa Teresa is a must-see for pura vida seekers and surfers. New to paddling? Students can take group or private lessons. Back on land, sunbathers and sunset watchers flock to the palm-fringed beach.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Stairs leading to a waterfall

Travellers are enthralled with Tenorio Volcano National Park’s spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall (and the 3.5-mile trail that leads to it), canopy bridges, and wildlife viewing. The park is located in the untamed northern region of Costa Rica and is a part of the larger Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area.

Playa Chiquita

Playa Chiquita – Wild beach close to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Travellers seeking long stretches of unspoiled, uncrowded beaches and snorkeling the stunning reefs should head to Playa Chiquita, which boasts more than four miles of immaculate waters.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Playa Espadilla Beach Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica

There is a lot of nature packed into a small area at Manuel Antonio National Park. Although its boundaries are only seven square miles, they are home to a variety of wildlife, including orange crabs, black spiny-tailed iguanas, white-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, and untouched white-sand beaches.

Coffee Farm Tour

A person pouring coffee: And hand-picking coffee beans

Some of the best coffee in the world is produced in Costa Rica, and the industry is vital to the nation’s economy. Even though it’s not hard to find a delicious cup of coffee, serious coffee lovers who want to know more about the industry should think about scheduling a tour at one of the many coffee farms located outside of San Jose.

Tabacon Hot Springs

Tabacon Hot Springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica near Arenal Volcano

Few locations in Costa Rica are as famous as Tabacon Hot Springs, despite there being many lovely spots to enjoy the benefits of mineral waters heated by volcanoes. Nestled within a verdant, exclusive rainforest preserve, this organic haven is highly praised for its healing, stress-relieving thermal pools and tumbling waterfalls.

Bijagua Ranas

A large tree in Bijagua Ranas

To enjoy the rainforest and see the sloths, you must love going to Bijagua Ranas.  At the wildlife sanctuary live toucans, frogs, and snakes. A better view of all the wild residents is made possible by hiking trails, bridges, and observation platforms.

Playa Cocles

Aerial view of Playa Cocles

Playa Cocles, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is a well-liked surf spot and afternoon hangout just south of Puerto Viejo.

• At the end of the day, “locals and tourists alike come here to watch fire shows, enjoy a drink with friends, or sneak a few waves while watching the beautiful sunset.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Gold Museum

Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San José, the country’s capital, to discover more about the history and culture of Costa Rica. Tucked away beneath the Plaza de la Cultura in an underground structure, it astonishes guests with an enormous array of golden relics.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park situated on the Northeastern side of Costa Rica.

One of the most unique Tortuguero National Park, remote, and biodiverse locations in Costa Rica. It is tucked away on the country’s northern Caribbean coast and can only be reached by boat or aircraft. Travelling through the canals on a canoe, nature enthusiasts come to this isolated wilderness area to see birds, manatees, sea turtles, and speckled caimans.

Nosara

Panoramic view of Siembra in Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is a great place to learn, practice or become an expert surfer in Costa Rica, with plenty of strong breach breaks and experienced instructors. With lots of yoga studios, retreats, and wellness centers, it’s also a wellness destination.

Tapir Valley Nature Reserve

Monkeys in the trees

Numerous eco-tours are offered by Tapir Valley Nature Reserve in northern Costa Rica, a stunning 220-acre private preserve home to hummingbirds and ghost glass frogs. A local Bijaguan guide can assist visitors in tracking tapir tracks.

• Other activities available to visitors include birdwatching early in the morning and nighttime jungle tours to see nocturnal animals.

Térraba-Sierpe Wetland

People on a boat in the Manglar Mangroove Puerto Jimenez inside the Térraba-Sierpe Wetland

A deeper understanding of the convergence of the land, river, and sea can be gained by exploring the mangroves, which are home to a wealth of biodiversity. Just north of the Osa Peninsula is the Térraba-Sierpe Wetland, home to Costa Rica’s largest mangrove swamps.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Landscape at Cano Negro Wetlands, Costa Rica

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, located near the Nicaraguan border in the remote northern region of the country and part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area, is a birdwatcher’s paradise with good chances of seeing jabirus, roseate spoonbills, and even the elusive agami heron, also known as the “Everglades of Costa Rica.”

Chocolate Farm Tour

Cocoa pods and beans from the Rainforest Chocolate Tour in Costa Rica

Pork, fish, rice, beans, and vegetables are the foods that most people associate with Costa Rica. Chocolate, however, is also a significant staple and export. Visit one of the many chocolate farms to schedule a beans-to-bar tour.

• if you’re curious about how cacao is turn into fine artisan chocolate and want to taste the “food of the gods.”

Costa Rica offers an abundance of natural wonders, from lush rainforests and stunning beaches to adrenaline-pumping activities and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or culture lover, Costa Rica has something for everyone. So, buckle up for your next flights to Costa Rica and Experience the diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this Central American gem.