20+ Best Things to do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an adventure-seeker’s dream destination – and one that I did NOT spend nearly enough time exploring. I spent a week soaking in the sun, hiking to see wildlife, and tubing down the Blue River in Tamarindo – but that’s just the tip of what this incredible country has to offer. I collaborated with other travel bloggers to bring you over twenty of the best things to do in Costa Rica. From Manuel Antonio National Park, la Vieja National Park, breathtaking hiking trails, stunning white-sand beaches, and seeing turtles nesting.

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Visit Cahuita National Park

Recommended by Veronika of Travel Geekery

Cahuita is a cute little coastal village and a national park in one. It can be found in the Limón province on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica near the border with Panama. It takes about 4 hours to drive there from San José.

The national park stretches along the coast and encompasses a jungle, a beachside, and a coral reef. There are paths leading along the whole coast, often alternating between walking in the jungle or by the beach. You may see a sloth or two, capuchin monkeys, raccoons, pelicans, and countless different birds. There may be crocodiles too, or at least the signage says so.

If the weather permits, you can spend some time on Cahuita park’s lovely beach and go snorkeling. Even on a rainy day, though, you can enjoy the lush greenery and the wilderness.

There’s an entrance fee to the national park, and you shouldn’t have plastic bottles with you. If you can, bring water in a reusable bottle instead (a reusable one can be plastic). Once inside the park, keep an eye on your belongings at all times – raccoons and monkeys are especially cheeky there and like to sift through people’s stuff in search of snacks.

Cahuita boasts another special beach outside of the national park grounds. It’s called Playa Negra and features black sand. It’s wild and there are strong waves and currents, so swimming is not possible. Still, it’s incredibly picturesque, and soaking your feet in such a paradise is pleasant enough.

Cahuita shouldn’t be left out if you’re looking for beautiful places in Costa Rica to visit. 

Explore Downtown San Jose

by Bailey of Destinationless Travel

You can’t come all the way to Costa Rica and not pay a visit to its vibrant capital city – San Jose! San Jose is a busy city located pretty much smack-dab in the middle of Costa Rica. Although simply a large land-locked city, San Jose has a vibrant downtown area that is full of culture and history. If you want to get to know the urban side of Costa Rica, then a couple of days in San Jose is a must! 

One of the best things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica is to join a downtown walking tour. The downtown area of San Jose is easily walkable and boasts tons of interesting attractions. While you can simply explore on your own, a tour is best because your guide will be able to explain the significance of many landmarks as well as some of Costa Rica’s most important history. There is a free walking tour offered daily in San Jose, but if you want a little more of a personal experience, you can always book a paid tour too.  

No matter what you choose, be sure to check out the National Theater (which is stunning), the Central Market, and a museum or two (the National Museum is also located in San Jose and it is a must-visit!) 

Get off the Beaten Path in Puerto Viejo

By Daniel of Layer Culture

When looking for the best things to do in Costa Rica and you want to get a little off the beaten track, then Puerto Viejo may be exactly what you needed. Situated on the southeast coast of Costa Rica this coastal town is home to some of the most chilled out beaches. Popular with backpackers and surfers looking for the best waves in Central America. Perfect for too if you like a healthy balance of relaxing and natural adventures. The vibes here are super chilled but things can get lively in the evening with the small selection of bars, restaurants, and discos to choose from. The best thing is that everything is within walking distance. Whenever you don’t feel liking walking you can rent out a bike.

Puerto Viejo is home to some of the best hostels in Costa Rica such as Rocking J’s, which is ideal for those on a backpacker’s budget. Aside from mingling with the Afro Caribbean community here, you can connect with the BriBri tribe. The BriBri are the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica. You’ll find tours and local adventures advertised throughout the town. There are activities such as White Water Rafting, Beach hopping, Zip lining, and Snorkelling that you get involved with. So with all that in mind, you have no reason to not visit this part of Costa Rica during your travels.

Visit Irazu Volcano

by Pubali and Indranil from Paradise Catchers

Visiting a volcano is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. There are several volcanoes, of different ages and various activity levels, sprinkled all across the country. The highest among all of them is Irazu Volcano, situated at an altitude of 11,260 feet/ 3,432 meters.

At the Craters Sector of Irazu Volcano National Park, you can visit two craters, Diego de la Haya and Principal Crater. Diego de la Haya is an empty crater that looks like a large dark brown depression, devoid of any vegetation. You will see this crater on the way to Principal Crater. Principal Crater is really the main attraction of Irazu Volcano. It has a diameter of 1,050 meters and is 300 meters deep. At the center of the Principal Crater is a shimmering blue lake that will immediately draw your attention.

Located only 59 km/ 37 miles away from the capital city San Jose, it is easy to include Irazu Volcano on any Costa Rica itinerary or even as a day trip. But watch out for the weather report on the day of your visit as rain will restrict the visibility of the main crater. The national park is open from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm and has an entry fee of 15 USD for foreign nationals.

Spot the elusive puma in Corcovado National Park

by Margarita of The Wildlife Diaries

If you want to see wildlife in Costa Rica, there is no better place than Corcovado National Park. This remote wilderness protects 424 square kilometers of pristine rainforest and coastline. There are no settlements, no roads in Corcovado and the park’s wildlife have been protected since 1975. As a result, animals in Corcovado are not as fearful of people as they are elsewhere, and you are almost guaranteed to have some up close and personal encounters with Costa Rica’s wildlife in the park.

So, what wildlife can you see in Corcovado? For starters, Corcovado is the only place in the country where you can see all four species of Costa Rica’s monkeys: Howler monkeys, Central American Squirrel monkeys, Spider monkeys, and White-faced Capuchin monkeys. It is also the best place in Costa Rica to see the Endangered Baird’s tapir, often at a very close range. Other animals you can spot include Tamandua (an anteater), Coatis, Peccaries, Tent-making bats, and if you are very lucky, a puma.

To visit Corcovado, you have to be accompanied by a licensed nature guide who will also take care of bringing enough food and water for the trip. Once in the park, you’ll spend your days exploring the walking trails around Serena Station, watching the sunrise on Corcovado beach (if you are an early riser) and viewing the incredible variety and abundance of wildlife that Corcovado is famous for. 

Go Turtle Spotting in Nosara

By Lori of Travelinmad

Costa Rica has long been known as a nature lover’s paradise, and its reputation as a leading eco-destination still holds true. Nature and wildlife in Costa Rica abound and in many parts of the country, animals still outnumber the tourists. One such area is the southern Nicoya peninsula, around the surfing town of Nosara. This rustic beach town is a haven for eco-minded, surf-loving travelers and yogis in search of the laid-back vibe. The beaches in Nosara are well-known for world-class surf breaks with rustic stretches of sand that seem to go on forever.

Not far from Nosara in the village of Ostional is where nature-lovers should visit in the late summer rainy season. In Ostional Wildlife Reserve, the week before a new moon, hundreds — and sometimes hundreds of thousands — of Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore to dig nests and lay their eggs in the soft, black, volcanic sand.

While Nosara and Optional see regular sea turtle sightings, the mass arribadas of thousands of turtles usually occur in the dead of night once or twice a month and is a biological wonder to witness in Costa Rica, still one of the greenest countries in the world.

Go Morning Bird Watching in Monteverde Cloud Forest

by Kristine of Wanderlust Designers

If you’re visiting Costa Rica, chances are you’re a nature lover. Wherever you go in this beautiful country, it feels like you’re on a bird watching tour. We had our breakfast stolen by a cheeky magpie jay. We watched a tiny hummingbird flap its wings what seemed like a million times each second. We were entertained by a toucan trying to peel a banana. We admired the incredibly vibrant colors of a scarlet macaw. We also got pooped on by a pigeon – and all of that for free.

But we also went for a paid early morning bird watching tour in Monteverde and would gladly go again. Monteverde Cloud Forest is a unique environment of a misty tropical forest situated at an elevation of almost 5000 feet. It is home to about half of Costa Rica’s more than 800 bird species, making it one of the best places in the country for bird watching. Spending the dawn in an awaking cloud forest is a truly special experience, even if you’re not an early bird. The birdies do get loud as the sun rises, and yet it feels so peaceful. Do you know what the love song of a black-and-yellow silky-flycatcher sounds like? We now do! We got to see a family of owls sleeping, parrots flying over our heads, and even a thousand-year-old tree – all thanks to our knowledgeable guide. Even if you’re not a bird-aficionado, a bird tour is enjoyable for everyone and one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Scuba Dive (or snorkel) the Las Catalinas Islands

By Me – The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Costa Rica is home to incredible nature both on and off land. The Catalina Islands are some of the best spots to scuba dive in all of Costa Rica. The islands are located in the Pacific Ocean in the Guanacaste Province. The Catalina Islands are home to the Pacific Giant Mantas so keep your fingers crossed for a spotting. If you’re like me and don’t get to see the giant mantas, don’t fret – you may still be able to see Pacific White-tip Reef sharks, turtles, eels, and plenty of fish.

A Pacific white tip shark played hide and seek for a little while with us. The Catalina Islands are located between 2-15 miles off the coast – meaning there is a lot of dive spots available to you. Enjoy a half or full day of diving in this incredible environment!

If you’re not a scuba diver, you can still go snorkeling at the Catalina Islands! There were actually three groups of snorkelers with us. The guides broke us into a few groups so it wasn’t overwhelming or feeling crowded. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience one of the best things to do in Costa Rica!

Sea-Kayaking in Golfo Dulce

By Karen at Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) is a tropical fjord that separates the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific side from the Costa Rica mainland. This ocean paradise is home to humpback whales, four species of dolphins, sea turtles, and a rare shark species. The gulf is located between two national parks. National Geographic calls it one of the most biologically intense places in the world. Visiting Golfo Dulce is honestly one of the best things to do in Costa Rica!

The best way to explore the Golfo Dulce is by sea kayak. Many of the eco-lodges surrounding the gulf have sea kayaks. Alternatively, you can book with a sea kayak outfitter based on the gulf.  

When kayaking the calm waters of Golfo Dulce you are likely to encounter playful pods of dolphins. You can also stop on deserted islands and beaches to snorkel in the clear tropical waters to see colorful fish and coral. Fishing from the kayak will usually yield a catch for dinner. A kayak trip into the river estuaries of the mangrove forests to see monkeys, rare birds, and maybe a safely distant crocodile is fascinating.

After a day in the kayak, relax at your eco-lodge to watch the gorgeous sunsets of the Golfo Dulce. You are in a true paradise in this part of Costa Rica.

Waterfall Canyoning in Arenal

By Nicole of Go Far Go Close

Arenal is 90 km from San Jose and located at the base of the now-dormant Arenal Volcano in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica. With its lush jungles, waterfalls, and rivers, it is an outdoor adventure paradise. One of the best tours that you can take while there is “waterfall canyoning”. This is a wild experience that sees you rappelling down multiple waterfalls. Not only is this an exhilarating activity that requires you to be brave enough to jump off 80-foot cliffs with only a rope or two around your waist, but it is also breathtakingly beautiful. Your tour takes you deep into the jungle along paths and into waterfalls without another person or building in sight. Another option is to hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. There are many hikes at various levels of difficulty offered and all of them give you an opportunity to find spectacular views and spot wildlife.

When not looking for your next big adventure, Arenal offers soothing natural hot springs that you can enjoy. Try staying at the Hotel Arenal Springs where it offers amazing views of Arenal Volcano and multiple pools of hot springs in which guests are welcome to swim.

Explore Nature in La Fortuna

By Daria of The Discovery Nut

La Fortuna is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, and for a good reason: This small town with a laid-back atmosphere is a gateway to adventure thanks to its exotic landscapes and tropical climate.

La Fortuna is located at the foothills of Arenal National Park, home to a volcano, a massive lake, and tons of incredible animals such as Costa Rica’s iconic sloths. For the best experience, you should spend at least a couple of days in Arenal, as there are simply too many activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. For the best view, take a hike around the Arenal Volcano.

Another popular place in town is La Fortuna Waterfall. This spot draws thousands of tourists every day, so for the best experience, arrive as soon as it opens. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as you can take a refreshing dip in the waters of this stunning waterfall. And if you have extra time, check out Mistico Hanging Bridges where you will find a couple of hanging bridges in the middle of the lush jungle where you can spot many animals.

After a day of exploring, soak in La Fortuna’s hot springs. There are several hot springs in the La Fortuna Area such as Ecotermales, Paradise, and Baldi, among others. 

Explore the land by ATV’ing

by Me, the Directionally Challenged Traveler

Wherever you are in Costa Rica, you’ll most likely have the opportunity to rent ATV’s for a few hours (or even a full day!) All-terrain vehicles will definitely have your heart racing as you whiz through the jungle to secluded beaches. Depending on where you are and your level of comfort, you can customize the tour to fit your desires. Just want to drive in the jungle? That’s fine! Have a need for speed? They’ve got you covered. Get your adrenaline racing the way you want to – it’s your vacation after all!

ATV’ing around the land is one of the best day trips! You’ll see nature, get your heart racing, and potentially find some hidden hiking trails!

Enjoy the Salsa Brava waves in Limon

By Džangir Kolar of Dr. Jam Travels

This town is located in Limon province on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, close to the Panama border. It developed from a fishing village. Nowadays it is a popular tourist spot among backpackers and surfers. The main reason this place is getting more popular among surfers is the famed Salsa Brava waves. But this place is much more than this. Like all of Costa Rica, here you can find places with great biodiversity (Cahuita National Park, Talamanca Indian Reserve, and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge). Not to forget, this is a beach lover’s paradise with gorgeous beaches- Playa Manzanillo, Punta Uva, Grande, Chiquita, Cocles, Negra), crystal clear blue waters.

If you are not into relaxing at the beach or surfing there are many activities possible, such as horseback tours of the area, as well as snorkeling, diving, mountain biking, kayaking, or boogie boarding. This place has a unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean, and Bribri indigenous cultures. Here one can feel the real meaning of Pura Vida.

Accommodations here cover a wide variety of options. Also, there are many bars, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. You can arrive here from the capital, San Jose by bus in 5 hours or from Almirante in Panama in 2 hours. 

Sail on a Catamaran Boat

By Me, The Directionally Challenged Traveler

The oceans of Costa Rica are world-renowned for their views (and wildlife). Catamarans are peaceful, large sailing boats – and a great way to get out on the water without being in it. Many of the catamarans offer snorkeling or paddleboarding during their cruises. There are plenty of tours in Costa Rica to get you out on the water! Sunset catamaran sails are more popular on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica since you can see the sunset over the water.

We were lucky enough to not only spot wildlife while snorkeling but also had a small pod of dolphins come swim by boat on our way home!

Take a Safari through the Palo Verde Wetland Reserves

by Melanie of Partners in Fire

Do you want to see crocodiles and capuchins in their native habitat? Then cruise through the jungle with a Palo Verde Wetland Tour. This jungle safari tour takes you on a boat through the largest wetland reserve in the country, where you learn about the ecosystem of the wetlands and come face to face with the iconic wildlife that calls these waters home.

The Palo Verde Wetland Reserve is located about two hours to the east of Tamarindo, but you can purchase your wetland tour right in Tamarindo. The tour provides transportation to and from the wetland, and also includes an authentic Costa Rican lunch, coffee ceremony, and more! It’s definitely a must-do if you are looking for adventure near Tamarindo!

Spot wildlife in Tortuguero National Park

by Claudia of My Adventures Across the World

Visiting Tortuguero National Park is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, especially if you are interested in wildlife. As the name hints, this is a place where turtles lay their eggs – usually between July and October; and hatch – between November and January.

But Tortuguero National Park is also home to jaguars, sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, and an incredible variety of birds, frogs and also snakes. As animals are difficult to spot in the thick vegetation, you will be better off joining guided tours with guides that have a trained eye for wildlife.

Other things to do in the area are kayaking through the canals; ziplining, and hiking Cerro Tortuguero. The beach is a nice place to hang out too, but keep in mind that the sea is too rough to swim and that shark attacks have been registered in the area.

Tortuguero can be reached by boat from Cariari, which is well connected to San José by bus. Alternatively, you can fly there from San José. You can also take a day tour and not have to worry about breakfast or lunch!

Release Baby Sea Turtles at Playa Junquillal

by Sinead of Map Made Memories

One of our favourite things to do in Costa Rica – and one of the highlights of our family gap year – was releasing baby turtles into the sea at Playa Junquillal in Guanacaste province. The locally run turtle sanctuary works to protect the endangered turtle species (including Leatherback turtles) that visit this area by patrolling the 4-kilometre-long beach at night looking for turtles laying their eggs. Once laid, the eggs are carefully dug up and removed to a beachfront nursery and when the eggs hatch the baby turtles are collected for release at sunset.

For a small donation, volunteers can help release the baby turtles. After short, essential training, volunteers release the turtles along the beach who then make a painstakingly slow and arduous journey to the sea. The turtles must do this so that they can imprint the beach and return to this spot in the future to lay their own eggs. Volunteers help chase off predators and rejuvenate struggling turtles with water spray. The experience was unforgettable and no-one in our family will forget these tiny, determined animals edging their way to the setting sun and their new life in the sea. 

Go Fishing for Mahi Mahi

by me – The Directionally Challenged Traveler

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica has some of the most popular sportfishing in this area. Mahi Mahi are the specialty and can be up to 5 feet long (that’s almost as tall as me!) Even if you don’t want to eat these animals, you can just experience the rush of pulling of these impressive fish into the boat.

However, if you DO want to eat it, many restaurants in town will take your catch and cook it for you! We opted for the Mahi Mahi sampler – grilled, baked, and fried. All of which were absolutely delicious. I’m not even a huge fish fan – but it’s hard to beat a fish caught at 7am and on your dinner plate that evening. We ended up having more fish than we could eat at the end of our trip, so we gave a few to the boat staff and our accommodation hosts. Being out on the water catching fish was one of my favorite things to do – and one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Explore Turtle Island

By James of Wanderus Living

When traveling to Costa Rica, one of the best things about the country is the ocean and marine life. If you find yourself on the western peninsula of Costa Rica take a day trip to Tortuga (turtle) Island. It gets its name, not because of actual turtles but rather because the Island is in the shape of a turtle from the sky.

A bunch of different companies offer tours of the island, which include snorkeling, lunch on the island, amazing beaches, a beautiful boat ride and more! On our tour we got the opportunity to see a mama and baby humpback whale off the coast of Montezuma! We also were lucky enough to see two jumping Manta Rays, which took everyone by surprise.

This experience itself was amazing, and our boat stopped and followed the whales for about 15 minutes for everyone to enjoy. The lunch on the island was either chicken or fish of the day with potatoes and veggies. Our entire group said it was the best meal they had their entire time in Costa Rica.

The other main part of the day is snorkeling off the boat near coral reefs and a bunch of fish population. There were so many different types of fish, starfish and sea urchins. The only negative is that the water is murky compared to places like the Philippines and Cancun that have crystal clear water.  

Tortuga Island was an incredible experience and only cost $65 per person for an entire day of fun which included lunch and unlimited drinks and beer!

Go White Water Rafting in Sarapiqui

by Greta of Greta’s Travels

Costa Rica is an adventure lover’s dream destination. From rainforests to volcanoes, there is a huge variety of exciting things to do. If you’re looking for all the best things to do in Costa Rica, then you have to add rafting in Sarapiqui to your bucket list.
There are lots of places where you can go rafting in Costa Rica, but Sarapiqui is one of the best places to do so. Sarapiqui River has some thrilling level 3 and level 4 rapids, but also some more calm sections where you can simply cruise and admire the surrounding scenery. 

Sarapiqui flows between two national parks (Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco and Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo), meaning you will see many breathtaking views during your rafting experience. During the calmer sections of the river your guide will point out interesting animals and plants that line the river banks, we even spotted multiple monkeys! Rafting is always a thrilling activity, when you pair it with gorgeous tropical views it becomes one of the best things to do in Costa Rica!

Live the “Pura Vida” Lifestyle

Anyone who visits Costa Rica knows that you’ll come back a little more… relaxed. The Pura Vida motto is more than just a motto, it truly is a lifestyle. A relaxed, slower-paced way of living that let’s life just, happen. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, spotting wildlife in the jungle, or rappelling down a waterfall – the pura vida lifestyle will engulf you. Learning to live the pura vida lifestyle is not only one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, but bringing it home with you (for free!) is pretty awesome as well.

Don’t forget to book accommodation with Booking.com! They have great cancellation policies (super important right now), amazing customer service, and their prices are very competitive!

Read More About Costa Rica:

Best Things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

10+ Beautiful Beaches in Costa Rica

Top 10 Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica

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