Top Things to Do in Costa Rica
We are giving you an inside look at beautiful Costa Rica and what you need to do on a getaway to paradise! When you visit Costa Rica, there are endless attractions and activities that you need to take part in! Costa Rica is what many people would consider paradise. From rich green jungles, to powerful waterfalls, to pristine beaches, Costa Rica’s landscape is very diverse and simply beautiful.
Get your pen and paper ready and read on to check out our top things to do on a getaway to Costa Rica!
Hit the Beach
While on your stay in paradise, you have to rest and relax on the beach! Be sure to walk along the water and stick your toes in the sand. Not only are Guanacaste beaches some of the best in Costa Rica but they offer plenty of activities, ranging from snorkelling, diving safaris, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, surfing and sailing.
When visiting a country with so much coastline, it would be a shame not to have at least a few beach days. One of the best things to do in Costa Rica is just hanging out on the beach. One the Caribbean coast, there are two beaches that stand out: Punta Uva Beach and Manzanillo Beach. Both of these are located on the southern Caribbean coast, and they both have calm water and are great for snorkeling or kayaking.
The majority of Costa Rica’s noteworthy beaches are on the Pacific coast. In the Guanacaste Region of the north, definitely visit Conchal Beach, which has lots of beautiful little shells, and Flamingo Beach, which has sand that appears almost pink.
Also in the Guanacaste Region is the Nicoya Peninsula, where you can visit San Juanillo Beach and Santa Teresa Beach for stunning coastal scenery.
Try White Water Rafting
With so much jungle and humidity, there are plenty of rivers around Costa Rica for white water rafting. This is an adventurous way to experience the jungle. The Pacuare River near the Caribbean coast is one of the best river rafting destinations in Costa Rica, and Río Naranjo near the central Pacific coast is also a highly recommended spot.
In the Guanacaste region, you can go rafting in the Tenorio River. If you’re spending more time inland, there are amazing white water rafting places near the Arenal Volcano. The Toro River, the Balsa River, and the Sarapiquí River are perfect locations for rafting in the rapids.
Go Snorkeling
Another way to spend quality time with the water in Costa Rica is snorkeling. Whenever you are near the ocean, seek out the best snorkeling spots so you can catch a glimpse of the aquatic wildlife of the Caribbean or Pacific Sea.
Some of the best snorkeling in Costa Rica is in the southern Caribbean Sea, and the best time to go is September or October. Even though this is the rainiest time of the year for most of the country, the Caribbean coast remains calm and the waters are very clear.
On the Pacific side, the Osa Peninsula in the southern area has the best snorkeling. Playa San Josecito in Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park are amazing snorkeling destinations, and there are plenty of small islands in the area with lots of wildlife to see. Caño Island has earned a reputation as one of the best because it has crystal clear water.
In the Guanacaste region of the northern Pacific, visit the calm waters of the Gulf of Papagayo to go snorkeling.
Soak in Some Hot Springs
Because of the active volcanoes in central Costa Rica, there are lots of natural hot springs that have turned into some of the best Costa Rica tourist attractions.
Most of the hot springs are located in central Costa Rica, as that is where most of the volcanic activity is. So if you’re staying near the Arenal Volcano or in the La Fortuna Area, there are plenty of natural hot spring options for you.
One of the most popular destinations is the Tabacon Hot Springs, near the Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna Waterfall. In this same area, there are plenty of other, less-crowded hot springs, such as Eco Termales, Titoku Hot Springs, and Rio Agua Caliente.
There is one other hot spring location outside central Costa Rica. In northern Guanacaste, visit Vandara Hot Springs in Rincon de La Vieja National Park. These natural hot springs also have nutrient-rich clay and mud that people like to rub on themselves for a natural skin treatment.
Take a Day Trip to a Waterfall
Costa Rica’s tropical landscape is packed to the brim with waterfalls. They are scattered all over the country, so you are bound to find some amazing ones no matter where you are staying.
Marveling at the La Fortuna, Bajos del Toro and La Paz Waterfalls in the Cloud Forests are some of the best things to do in Costa Rica, but there are other lesser known waterfalls near the coasts as well.
Visit the Rio Celeste Waterfall and the Llanes De Cortes Waterfalls, both located in the Guanacaste region. Venture down to the central Pacific to see the Bijagual Waterfall and the Tocori Waterfalls. In the south Pacific area, you can find the double-layered Nauyaca Waterfalls which are amazing for swimming.
Any of these waterfalls make an amazing day trip, especially on a hot day so you can swim and cool down in the refreshing fresh water. Buy some snacks at the local market before you go and visit a waterfall, as they are usually quite remote and do not have lots of shops available.
Zip Line Through the Forest
With so much greenery and different elevations, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for zip lining. Imagine zooming high over the jungle, strapped in safely of course, and feeling like you can fly.
There are plenty of amazing locations for zip lining in Costa Rica, most of them being inland near the Cloud Forests.
