Top Activities to Experience in Costa Rica with iBestTravel
Come to Costa Rica to discover magnificent landscapes, endless outdoor activities, and creatures great and small. This smallish Central American country offers a world of adventure, from water sports and mountain hikes to watching wildlife in the rainforest and spotting birds in the cloud forest.
When you’re ready to take a break from outdoor activities, there are unique accommodations, delicious meals, and vibrant cities to explore. Here’s a guide to the very best experiences you shouldn’t miss in Costa Rica.
1. Fly Through the Clouds in Santa Elena
There are zip line courses all around the country—some higher, faster, or longer than others—but the canopy tours in Santa Elena are special. The Costa Rica canopy craze started here, and there’s something fantastic about soaring over the treetops with clouds swirling around you. Enjoy the misty magic of the cloud forest, supercharged with an adrenaline rush.
Planning tip: While zip-lining is on many travel lists for Costa Rica, ensure you check your operator’s safety procedures before committing. It’s also perfectly fine to change your mind when you’re there—ziplining isn’t for everyone.
2. Raft into the Pacuare Lodge
The Pacuare Lodge is a luxurious facility surrounded by dense rainforest. The journey to the lodge rivals the destination, as you travel by white-water rafting over Class III–IV rapids on the world-famous Rìo Pacuare. The roar of the rapids, spectacular scenery, and thrill of the ride make for an unforgettable adventure. Once at the lodge, enjoy sumptuous accommodations, satisfying meals, and a roster of active pursuits before rafting back out again.
Planning tip: Pacuare Lodge packages include transportation to and from San José, but they can also deliver you anywhere on the Caribbean Coast for convenience.
3. Ride the Waves
Surfers often plan their vacations around the wild and wonderful waves on Costa Rica’s coastlines. This is a perfect place to dive into the surf scene thanks to inviting warm waters, long waves, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Popular surf destinations include Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula as well as Jaco, Dominical, and Pavones on the central and southern Pacific. Each location has different surf spots, varying from beginner-friendly to challenging waves. Nosara and Santa Teresa offer a more laid-back vibe.
Planning tip: The biggest waves on the Pacific coast are typically from May to October, while the Caribbean side has bigger waves from November to May, catering to all surfer levels.
4. Hike, Swim, and Climb to La Leona Waterfall
This adventure is more than just a simple hike; it’s a canyoneering experience. Navigate the Rìo Blanco in Curubandé de Liberia, which involves swimming, scrambling, spelunking, climbing, and cliff jumping. Discover three breathtaking waterfalls on your journey, including a stunning celestial-blue beauty hidden within a cave.
Detour: This adventure is located near Parque Nacional Volcán Rincón de la Vieja, a fantastic spot to see volcanic activity and soak in natural hot springs.
5. Spy on Nesting Sea Turtles
Every few years, female sea turtles return to their natal beaches to lay eggs beneath the moonlight, before heading back to the sea. Concurrently, little turtle hatchlings dig out of their nests and scurry for the water—an incredible spectacle to witness.
Planning tip: The timing varies by location and turtle species, but sites like Tortuguero in the northern Caribbean and Playa Grande on the Nicoya Peninsula are ideal places to observe this beautiful natural event.
6. Splurge on a Multicourse Meal in the Sky
San Lucas offers not just a meal but a dining experience. Enjoy a surprise nine-course menu while learning about Costa Rican history and culture. The innovative food presentations are excellent, but the setting—private glass cubes high in the mountains overlooking the cloud forest—is the highlight.
Planning tip: Reservations are recommended; opt for the 5 PM slot for a meal accompanied by a spectacular sunset.
7. Watch Wildlife in Corcovado National Park
Wildlife enthusiasts will find no better place than the trails around Sirena station in Parque Nacional Corcovado, the last original tract of tropical rainforest in Pacific Central America. This area boasts a high chance of spotting rare animals, including peccaries, tapirs, crocodiles, and squirrel monkeys.
Planning tips: For rich wildlife observation, consider eco-lodges and private reserves like Río Celeste and Sarapiquí. The best wildlife watching occurs at dawn and dusk, so overnight stays are recommended.
8. Explore an Active Volcano
Costa Rica boasts a chain of hissing, steaming volcanoes, many of which are open for exploration. Stroll among boiling mud pots at Volcán Rincón de la Vieja; hike the lava flows and soak in volcanic-heated pools at Volcán Arenal; or peer into the steaming crater at Poás Volcano. Each offers a unique experience, showcasing the earth’s unbridled power.
9. Kayak Through Sea Caves
On the southern Pacific coast, Playa Ventanas features intriguing caves tucked into cliffs. At low tide, it’s possible to explore these caves on foot or paddle a kayak along the stunning coastline.
Planning tip: Sea caves are accessible in specific weather conditions, often becoming impassable during the rainy season. It’s advisable to book a tour in Uvita.
10. See Some Magnificent Birds
Even if you’re not an avid birdwatcher, the avian life in Costa Rica is simply captivating. The scarlet macaw has made a significant comeback along the Pacific coast, with common sightings in Parque Nacional Carara and the Osa Peninsula. The resplendent quetzal graces the cloud forests of Monteverde and the Dota region, while the critically endangered great green macaw is occasionally spotted in Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada.
11. Sleep in a Tree House
For a unique experience, spend a night among the treetops in northern Costa Rica. The Maquenque Eco-Lodge features tree houses nestled in the leafy canopy, providing a rainforest immersion with a touch of luxury.
Detour: On your way to the hub town of Boca Tapada, stop at Centro Familiar Cuyito for a chance to spot great green macaws roosting in a wild avocado tree.
12. Cool Off Under a Waterfall
There’s no thrill like plunging under a roaring waterfall, and Costa Rica is home to numerous swimmable cascades. A favorite is Montezuma Waterfalls, which entices adventurers with a rugged hike leading to a stunning triple-tiered waterfall.
Detour: If you have energy to spare, El Chorro Waterfall is another highlight in Montezuma, cascading directly into the ocean.
13. Discover What Happens After Dark
Approximately 70% of animals are most active at night. Join a guided night hike to uncover who they are and what they’re doing when the sun sets.
Night tours are popular in key rainforest areas, including La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. Expect to see various nocturnal creatures, from bugs and bats to elusive mammals like kinkajous.
14. Cruise a Jungle Lagoon
To see wildlife in Costa Rica, embark on a cruise through the canals of Tortuguero or the wetlands of Caño Negro. From your boat, it’s possible to spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans, and a variety of birds amidst lush greenery.
15. Witness a Bay Bathed in Bioluminescence
Some aquatic organisms create a sparkling display through bioluminescence, lighting up the coves of Ballena Bay. Tours from Santa Teresa or Tambor allow you to kayak over these magical waters.
Planning tip: Save money by driving to Playa Pochote and booking a tour at Don Trino campground, where prices are typically lower than in larger towns.
16. Take a City Break in San José
While you might come to Costa Rica for wildlife and adventure, San José is worth exploring. This vibrant capital is packed with historic architecture, unique museums, and spirited cafes and clubs.
Don’t miss the Museo del Jade for its insightful exhibits about pre-Columbian cultures and the Teatro Nacional for its cultural displays. Barrio Escalante features some of the best dining options in the city, making it the perfect stop before you delve back into the lush lands of Costa Rica.
This article was first published on February 7, 2023, and updated on June 27, 2024.
