Top 10 Places to Go in Costa Rica for an Unforgettable Adventure

If Costa Rica wasn’t already on your bucket list, add it now. With an incredible variety of terrain, biology, and activities, it is a top destination for any traveler seeking wonder, thrill, or unimaginable beauty. This country offers everything from savoring the best coffee in the world to hiking in a cloud forest. Join us through Costa Rica’s 10 must-do experiences for the ultimate adventure and cultural immersion. Ready to hear my top 10 things to do in Costa Rica? These will become unforgettable memories. Places to go in Costa Rica are waiting for you to explore.

Key Takeaways

• Arenal Volcano offers thrilling hikes and stunning views of an active volcano.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a haven for biodiversity and a dream for nature lovers.
• Manuel Antonio National Park combines beautiful beaches with rich wildlife.
• Corcovado National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, perfect for adventurous explorers.
• Tortuguero National Park is famous for its turtle nesting sites and intricate canal systems.

Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of Arenal, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of Costa Rica. Soaring to a whopping 5,436 feet (1,656 meters) above sea level in the heart of the northern cordillera, the Arenal Volcano is a perfectly cone-shaped mountain that once erupted more than 41 times each day! Don’t worry…it’s now dormant, but you still can’t hike to the peak because of all the geothermal activity. Instead, delve into the verdant lands of the Arenal Volcano National Park surrounding the mountain – you won’t be bored!

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Sitting atop Costa Rica’s continental divide, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is about 4,662 feet above sea level and is referred to by ticos as a “cloud canopy.” Banks of fog snag on the branches of the taller trees, and the moisture trickles down, giving the area a misty appearance and supporting its diverse, fertile ecosystem. As you venture through the terrain, you’ll find yourself walking at different elevations, feeling varying temperatures, and watching as the scenery transforms.

Private Tours

Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve the way you want to with your private tour guide! Forget about getting flustered with maps.

Wildlife Watching

With over 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, and 2,500 species of plants, a visit to Monteverde is a must for anyone looking to experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. As you hike there, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the proud, resplendent quetzal and the uber-rare golden toad!

Hiking Trails

It’s all linked up by well-maintained trails that hit a zenith with that 492-foot-long (150-meter) suspension bridge that cuts straight through the canopy. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking through the forest, binoculars, and a camera to capture the incredible flora and fauna you’ll encounter.

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Accommodations in these parts are usually eco-friendly in the extreme. We’re talking places like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge, a series of timber-built cabanas with decks that gaze out over the strangler trees and flowerbeds close to the backpacker hub of Santa Elena. From there, you can also plan adrenaline-filled jaunts through the greater region, from whitewater rafting to canyoneering to horseback outings.

Monteverde- where misty fog clings to the tree tops – offers a refreshingly cool retreat from the warmer, tropical areas of the country.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Nestled between lush rainforests roughly midway down the Costa Rican Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is a gem despite being the smallest reserve in the country at just 4,900 acres (1,983 hectares). But boy, does it pack a punch! Come to see swinging howler monkeys and scurrying sloths. The park boasts stunning beaches, hiking trails, and the chance to spot various wildlife. The village of Manuel Antonio, just north of the park’s main entrance, is a bustling place with sport-fishing outfitters, zip-line courses, and hiking guides. Hotels here aren’t allowed near the coast due to conservation regulations, but that’s a gift in disguise – they stud the cliff tops instead, offering sweeping panoramas of the wave-smashed shoreline.

Corcovado National Park

Overview

If you only have time to visit one national park in Costa Rica, there’s a good argument to make it the Corcovado National Park. Draped over large parts of the Osa Peninsula in the country’s far south, it was established to protect some of the last remaining old-growth wet forests on the Central American Pacific. Just in time, too – the loggers and the miners already had their eyes on the place!

Things to Do

Visitors can enjoy nature hikes through the coastal rainforest, boat rides through jungle canals, and walks along the beach to spot frequent nesting sea turtles. The point where the Corcovado jungles tumble into the Pacific Ocean is jaw-dropping, to put it lightly. You could take to the seas for whale watching (August-November) or channel your inner Robinson Crusoe on the black-tinged sands of forever-deserted Carate Beach.

Wildlife

Corcovado National Park, often hailed as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth,’ is a must-visit for any adventurous traveler. It offers the chance to see rare wildlife like jaguars and tapirs. The wildlife sightings here are impressive, but with few options to access the park, be prepared for extensive hiking and limited facilities.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Corcovado National Park is from December to April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Pro Tip: Be prepared for extensive hiking and limited facilities. The park’s remote location is part of its charm but also its challenge.

Tortuguero National Park

Overview

Set on the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is a labyrinth of mangrove forests and navigable lagoons. This remote and isolated spot is a true highlight of any Costa Rica trip. Book your Tortuguero trip for an unforgettable adventure perfect for families, travel companions, or exploring yourself!

Wildlife

Aside from the turtles, Tortuguero is also a perfect gateway to the wetlands and creeks. You can spot caiman, monkeys, sloths, and rare birds here. Spend the evening walking the beach on a guided tour in sight of nesting sea turtles.

Activities

• Canoeing and kayaking through untouched landscapes
• Wildlife spotting
• Guided beach tours

Best Time to Visit

• February, April, November: To coincide with turtle nesting season
• December to April: Ideal for overall park exploration

Accessibility

Tortuguero National Park is accessible via boat travel through a long canal system. While it is the third most visited park in Costa Rica, traveling there requires some planning.

Tortuguero National Park extends nearly 10 miles into the hills and rainforests, unfolding in a feral patchwork of caiman-filled waterways where you can canoe and kayak through truly untouched landscapes.

Rio Celeste

Nestled within the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste is a vibrant blue river flowing through the dense jungle’s heart. The stunning color of the water is an otherworldly turquoise hue, making this a popular destination for visitors to Costa Rica. This is considered one of the best hikes in Costa Rica for a reason! You will see abundant wildlife as you navigate the trail, and the waterfall is a sight to behold.

Poás Volcano

Overview

Poás Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, with a busy eruption schedule over the last decade. It had eruptions in 2017 and then again in 2019. At the time of writing, the Poás Volcano National Park surrounding the peak is once again open to visitors, though access to some trails and viewing decks might be limited.

Location & Accessibility

The Poás Volcano looms large over the Central Valley of Costa Rica. You can almost see it from the streets of San José, shouldering 8,848 feet (2,697 meters) over the heights of the sierras in the distance. It’s close enough to San Jose to make a day trip!

Things to Do

• Hiking: There are several trails to explore, though some might be closed due to volcanic activity.
• Sightseeing: Enjoy the breathtaking views from the various viewing decks.
• Educational Tours: Learn about the volcano’s history and geology.

Visiting Poás Volcano is like stepping into another world. The landscape is otherworldly, and the experience is unforgettable.

Tips for Visitors

• Check the park’s status before you go, as it can close unexpectedly due to volcanic activity.
• Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Special Offers

You can take a Poás Volcano and coffee tour from San Jose with tasting. Full-day tours and private sightseeing tours are also available.

Conclusion

Poás Volcano is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Costa Rica. Its unique landscape and active status make it a thrilling destination for adventurers and nature lovers.

Jaco Beach

Surfing Paradise

Jaco Beach is a surfer’s dream come true. With its forgiving and consistent shoulder-height waves, it’s perfect for beginners looking to catch their first wave. For the more advanced riders, head to Playa Hermosa, just south of town, where you’ll find glassy left-handers and A-frames. But beware of the rips!

Beach Resorts Galore

Jaco is as close as it gets to a full-on beach resort in Costa Rica. The town is bursting with big hotels, beer-sloshing backpacker bars, and fast-food outlets. It’s not like the rest of the country, but there’s a certain charm in its gritty streets, between the ramshackle hostels and salt-washed beach bars by the Pacific.

Fantastic Beaches

Close to Jaco, you’ll find some fantastic beaches. Playa Blanca offers a rare stretch of white sand on this side of Costa Rica, backed by clusters of sea grapes and stooping coconut palms. Just over a 10-minute drive north of Jaco, Playa Herradura opens into a vast horseshoe bay with a shallow bottom and azure waters that lap against the cinnamon-tinged powder.

Ecotourism and Adrenaline

If you want to experience the true meaning of Pura Vida, Jaco Beach is the place to be. Ecotourism and adrenaline add up to one unforgettable vacation. Wild rivers, dense jungles, and the most incredible animals await you.

Ready to hear my top 10 things to do in Costa Rica? I know they’ll become memories that stay with you forever.

Pacuare River

Thrilling Rapids

The Pacuare River is one of the most beautiful and thrilling places to visit in Costa Rica. Rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV offer an exciting adventure for rafters of all skill levels. However, the river’s value lies in its important role in sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.

World-Class Rafting

Flowing into the Caribbean, the Pacuare River is one of the best destinations in the world for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Some rapids may leave you white-knuckling, but the pristine water flowing through rock canyons, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls makes it all worth it.

Best Time to Visit

• June through October: Fast and furious rapids
• November through May: Milder experience

Family-Friendly Fun

Yes, the Pacuare River is family-friendly, with age limits depending on the intensity of the rapids. Manageable rapids (Class II-III) are suitable for ages 8+, while more intense rapids (Class III-IV) are for ages 12+.

Pro Tip: Witness the tropical birds and sloths while whitewater rafting to the jungle lodge. Be privy to the rainforest’s awe-inspiring natural beauty as you zipline.

Sustainable Tourism

The Pacuare River is one of the few places in the world where tourists can experience a pristine environment entirely untouched by human activity. This makes it a key player in sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.

Guanacaste

Welcome to Guanacaste, the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast! This province is like a choose-your-own-adventure book with more monkeys and fewer paper cuts. From the sparkling sands of Tamarindo to the secluded beaches of Samara, there’s no shortage of Costa Rica vacation spots here.

Santa Rosa National Park

Santa Rosa National Park is your jam if you’re into golden sands, mangrove forests, and capuchin monkeys. It’s one of the best places for nature lovers to visit in Costa Rica.

Ziplining Adventures

Guanacaste is a ziplining mecca. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, the Monkey Jungle Zip Line near Tamarindo is a must-try. And if you’re more hardcore, there are plenty of other zip lines to get your adrenaline pumping.

Beach Bliss

The beaches here are top-notch, from hammock-swinging days to snorkeling and sunset sailing. Playa Hermosa offers chilled vibes, while Playa Grande is the place to be during turtle hatching season. Surfing enthusiasts should head to Nosara, Tamarindo, and Playa Guiones for some of the best waves.

Guanacaste is not just a place; it’s an experience. Whether you’re ziplining through the jungle or relaxing on a secluded beach, this province has something for everyone.

More Than Just Beaches

While the beaches are a significant draw, don’t forget to explore inland. Guanacaste is home to lush forests and even some volcanoes. It’s one of the places to go in Costa Rica that offers a bit of everything.

So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in Guanacaste, one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica!

Conclusion

Here it is, everyone! Costa Rica is not just a destination; it’s a buffet of adventures waiting to be devoured. From ziplining through the treetops to savoring the world’s best coffee and places to go in Costa Rica, this country has something for every thrill-seeker and nature lover. Whether hiking through cloud forests or dancing your heart out in a local class, Costa Rica promises memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to live the ‘Pura Vida’ life to the fullest!

Frequently Asked Questions