If you’re seeking a tropical escape with a bit of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, look no further. Whether you want to relax on the beach or zipline in the rainforest, this country has it all. Nestled in Central America between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica boasts an incredible range of experiences for every type of traveller.
Here are the Best Things to Do in Costa Rica
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
Although this national park on the Pacific coast is only about 7 square miles, it has plenty of untamed beaches, diverse wildlife, and lush rainforests. Stroll one of the many walking paths to spot monkeys, sloths, rare birds, and purple crabs. While it’s possible to explore this park on your own, several guided tours can do the planning for you; choose from kayaking tours and boat rides to ziplining experiences and guided hikes.
If you want to spend a day on the beach, Playa Manuel Antonio is one of the best options, frequently hosting events and beach parties, in addition to providing excellent waves for surfing.
| Location | Puntarenas Province |
| Highlights of Manuel Antonio National Park | Diverse animals Guided tours of the rainforests Playa Manuel Antonio |
Experience Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park
Standing over 5,000 feet high, the Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica’s most famous stratovolcano. You can explore the surrounding area in the 30,000-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, part of the larger Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area, spanning 500,000 acres.
The Arenal Volcano and its surrounding area offer a range of activities, from hot springs and spa resorts to hiking, ziplining, and white-water rafting. Feel free to hike through this park on your own using a trail map, but many visitors recommend hiring a guide to learn more about this iconic volcano’s flora, fauna, and history.
| Location | Alajuela Province |
| Highlights of Arenal Volcano National Park | Hot springs Spa resorts Hiking Zip-lining White-water rafting |
Zipline around Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, spanning 35,000 acres, is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Encompassing 2% of the world’s biodiversity, this reserve is home to over 100 mammal species, 400 types of birds, and 1,200 amphibian species.
Walk across hanging bridges, explore lush cloud forests, and discover unique plant and animal species. One of the most popular ways to get around the preserve is from the top of the canopy on a zipline.
| Location | Puntarenas Province |
| Highlights of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | Diverse wildlife Hiking Ziplining |
Explore San Jose
San Jose is renowned for its rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing Costa Rica’s history and art. The National Museum of Costa Rica is a must-visit, offering insights into the country’s past through archaeological and historical exhibits. The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design boasts a range of modern artworks, while the Gold Museum houses an expansive collection of pre-Columbian gold artefacts.
For a taste of local life, head to the Central Market, also known as Mercado Central. This bustling market has colourful stalls selling fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and local food. You can savour authentic Costa Rican dishes, such as gallo pinto (rice and beans), casados (a typical lunch plate), and tropical fruits.
| Location | Central Costa Rica |
| Highlights of San Jose | National Museum of Costa Rica Museum of Contemporary Art and Design Mercado Central |
Costa Rica beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula
With its 80-mile shoreline, the Nicoya Peninsula has no shortage of natural beauty and local culture. Its beaches, like Santa Teresa and Playa Tambor, are popular among surfers and sun-seekers alike.
The region’s lush landscapes encompass stunning shorelines, dry tropical forests, and rugged hills, providing several outdoor activities, from hiking and swimming to wildlife spotting. The peninsula also retains a strong connection to its indigenous heritage, visible in its traditions, cuisine, and arts.
Head to Tamarindo, this peninsula’s most developed beach town, for a day of soaking up the sun. While you’re here, you’ll find incredible restaurants, bustling nightlife, sea turtle beaches, and all-inclusive resorts. Playa Negra, with its black sand beach, is a must-visit while you’re here.
| Location | West Coast of Costa Rica |
| Highlights of Nicoya Peninsula | Santa Teresa Playa Tambor Tamarindo |
Relax in Puerto Viejo
This laid-back beach town on the Caribbean coast has a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, reggae music scene, quirky bamboo bars, and opportunities for surfing and snorkelling. Head to downtown Puerto Viejo for excellent local cuisine, or enjoy Cocles Beach for fantastic surfing waves.
| Location | Limón Province |
| Highlights of Puerto Viejo | Bamboo bars Surfing and snorkelling Cocles Beach |
Costa Rica’s ‘Gold Coast’ – Guanacaste Province
Known for its dry tropical forests, secluded beaches, national parks, and adventure activities, the Guanacaste Province has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Along the coast, extending all the way to Nicaragua, you’ll find plenty of white sand, all-inclusive resorts, and quaint fishing villages. Going inland, you can enjoy the vibrant cowboy culture that dates back to Spanish colonial rule in the 19th century.
| Location | West Coast of Costa Rica |
| Highlights of Guanacaste Province | Beaches Quiet villages Dry tropical forests |
Veer off the beaten path in Orosi Valley
For a taste of Costa Rica’s cultural and historical heritage, visit the Orosi Valley. This off-the-beaten-path destination boasts charming towns, coffee plantations, and the oldest church still in use in Costa Rica, the Iglesia de San José de Orosi. Located only 40 kilometres from San Jose, this valley is also home to the Ruins of Ujarras, a church built in 1663 that is now a historical site.
Tapanti National Park is another must-visit while exploring Orosi Valley. This park has unique vegetation and animals, including the white-faced capuchin monkey. Walk the park’s steep track past a variety of hiking trails and enjoy the incredible waterfall viewpoint at the top!
| Location | Southeast of San Jose |
| Highlights of Orosi Valley | Iglesia de San José de Orosi Ruins of Ujarras Tapanti National Park |
Conclusion
With the best things to do in Costa Rica laid out for you, why not book your next holiday today? The travel advisors at Affordable Luxury Travel craft our itineraries with a lot of care, so you know you will be in good hands.
Read Also: Things to do in Mauritius | Things to do in Japan | Best beaches in Costa Rica
FAQs
When in Costa Rica, you need to visit San Jose, Puerto Viejo, and the Nicoya Peninsula for some beautiful beaches.
With major attractions, including national parks, forest reserves, and beaches, Costa Rica is best suited for lovers of the outdoors. Choose from kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, zip lining, and more.
