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Costa Rica isn’t the kind of place you want to just “check off.” It’s a country that asks you to slow down, look closer, and really feel where you are, whether that’s listening to howler monkeys echo through the jungle, chatting with a local vendor at a roadside fruit stand, or watching the sky turn orange over a quiet beach.
After 13+ years of exploring Costa Rica – from studying abroad, to living and working here, to now visiting regularly with my Costa Rican husband – I’ve seen just how rich and varied this country is. And I’ve also seen how easy it is to miss the heart of this place if you only follow the tourist trail.
This guide pulls together the best things to do in Costa Rica if you want to experience the country fully: its nature, culture, and everyday magic, while traveling in a respectful, sustainable way.
1. Go Ziplining Through the Cloud Forest
Did you know that ziplining was invented in Costa Rica? Racing through the treetops is a must-do on your list. I have ziplined in Costa Rica a few times, and it’s an experience that never gets old.
The last time I ziplined was with my mom and husband in the Monteverde cloud forest. We did the experience with the Tarzan Swing that has you jump from a platform over 150 feet in the air, and the longest zipline in Central America. I’m so glad I captured on video the moment my mom jumped from the platform and howled so loud it echoed through the jungle as if it was a howler monkey!
Don’t worry though – the swing is an optional add-on to the ziplining experience. My husband Diego stayed safely on the ground while my mom and I took the leap.
Flying through the forest, seeing the trees from above, and being up in the clouds is a magical moment you can’t miss. These tours, also referred to as canopy tours, are available across Costa Rica, but my favorite location to zipline is the Monteverde area.
🍃 Zip through Monteverde with this Black woman-owned tour company! 🌿
2. Hike to a Breathtaking Waterfall
The first waterfall I ever visited was La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica, and it was an epic one to see. You can hike down 500 steps to the bottom to take in the magnitude of this 230-foot drop, and even swim downstream (but don’t get too close – it will suck you under and can be very dangerous.)
One of the most beautiful I have been to is the stunning, bright blue Río Celeste in the north. For waterfalls you can swim in, hike to the two-tiered Nauyaca falls at the nature park down by Dominical on the Pacific Coast, or go to Llanos de Cortés just outside of Guanacaste, an insane curtain of water spread across a giant rock wall with a shallow pool below.
If you are really feeling up for adventure, why not climb down a cascading waterfall? Canyoning, or cayoneering, is a popular adventure sport in Costa Rica that would definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience during your trip.
3. Go birdwatching in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Birding is the fastest-growing hobby for millennials, and even if you aren’t into spotting birds, you will still enjoy birdwatching in Costa Rica. Unlike in the US, most of the birds around Costa Rica are bright and colorful, and extremely fun to spot!
Some popular birds you can see are Toucans, Macaws and Parrots, Parakeets, and Hummingbirds, of which there are more than 50 varieties in the country. There are also some unique birds like the Roseate Spoonbill, Mot Mot, Magpie Jay, and several colorful Tanagers. You can even sometimes spot the famous Resplendent Quetzal, a rare bird I have yet to see myself.
Costa Rica has over 1000 known species of birds, and one of the best places to see them is in Monteverde!
While the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest reserve itself can fill up during high season, there are plenty of other cloud forests nearby, such as Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, The Children’s Eternal Rainforest, and Curi Cancha Reserve.
Book a guided tour at any of the cloud forest reserves, or hire a local guide on GetYourGuide or Viator.
I took this tour with a guide at Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve earlier this year, but the one I most enjoyed was the 4-hour birding tour at Curi Cancha Reserve last month. It’s pricey at $125 per person (and no transportation), but we saw so much more – over 30 birds!
🦜 Compare prices for birdwatching tours in Monteverde:
GetYourGuide | Viator
4. Soak in the Hot Springs of La Fortuna
One experience I don’t think you should leave Costa Rica without is soaking in mineral-rich waters at one of La Fortuna’s famous hot springs. A thermal river runs from the nearby volcano through the town, so the road is dotted with hot springs open to the public, ranging from free to luxury.
One of the most popular resorts is Baldí, which offers overnight hotel stays as well as day passes. This is a great mid-range budget option with a spa on site, restaurants, swim-up bars, and even water slides. My husband and I really enjoyed grabbing a day pass here on our way out of town. There are tons of pools, waterfalls, and little coves to tuck into – although it can get crowded during the busy season.
Next door is Titokú, which is a much smaller springs but still has several pools, and for a fraction of the price. Titokú is part of the Hotel Arenal Kioro Luxury Resort and free for guests to visit. We visited this one with my mother in law and really enjoyed having the 10+ hot spring pools basically to ourselves during a busy weekday.
It’s a splurge ($115-150 per person) but our favorite to visit has been the famous Tabacon resort, situated right next to the thermal river which runs through the property in cascading pools surrounded by lush green gardens. It feels like you are swimming in a wild river, cleverly disguised with a restaurant, swim-up bar, and spa bordering the pools.
5. Watch Bioluminescence Light Up the Ocean
Have you ever seen a firefly light up on a late summer evening? That’s due to a process call bioluminescence, and there are tiny organisms in the ocean that can do the same thing! While these organisms exist all over the ocean, some places have such high concentrations that you can actually see them light up the waves.
I remember being on the Pacific coast during a study-abroad trip in Costa Rica and seeing the waves light up beneath the dark sky. We ran into the surf and watched as the ocean began to sparkle, like we were swimming in a sea of stars. It was truly a magical experience.
While that was part of a study-abroad experience, some tour operators now offer night excursions to bioluminescent bays in Costa Rica, especially along the Pacific coast.
I recently joined Costa Tours on a camping excursion in the Nicoya Peninsula. They pick you up in San Jose and bring you to an island to camp for an evening next to bioluminescent waters. After a full day of enjoying the private island campsite, complete with karaoke and a barbecue dinner, they turned off all the lights and ushered us into the bay.
While it was impossible to photograph, the experience was one to remember. Once again, the sea lit up with a string of stars to the touch. We spent nearly half an hour splashing in the sparkling water, to the sound of shouts of delightful glee from everyone around us.
The Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica’s southern coast has kayaking in the bioluminescence of the gulf. I was so bummed to miss the opportunity when visiting Puerto Jimenez and Corcovado National Park, but I have kayaked in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico before and it was unforgettable.
6. See Sloths & Other Wildlife in Costa Rica’s National Parks with a Local Guide
Costa Rica’s national parks aren’t really “hiking” parks in the traditional sense; these trails are best for wildlife and nature viewing. Want to hike? Try Chirripó or the Camino de Costa Rica. But if you’re visiting a national park, hire a guide and it will transform your entire experience.
I’ve seen sloths in La Fortuna, Drake Bay, and even outside my husband’s old office in San José. On a packed tour through Manuel Antonio, we saw four sloths in under an hour — including a nocturnal species with a baby! And still, I wouldn’t have noticed any of them without our guide pointing them out. If I struggled, with a background in biology and years of experience, it’s proof you’ll benefit from expert eyes.
Visitors often overlook Carara National Park on their way to Quepos and Manuel Antonio, but it’s one of my favorites and significantly less crowded. Braulio Carrillo is a beautiful rainforest great for hiking and is on the Caribbean side along with Cahuita and Tortuguero on the coast.
Insider Tip: You don’t have to pre-book — guides often wait at park entrances. But for popular parks like Manuel Antonio, I recommend booking ahead during high season. Book guided tours in advance from a tour company.
7. Take a Day Trip to La Iguana Chocolate
Tucked away in the hills of rural Costa Rica, La Iguana Chocolate offers a hands-on cacao tour that takes you from bean to bar.
You’ll need a rental car or private driver to reach it, but once there you can tour the organic farm, make your own chocolate from scratch, and enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family.
Tours are $34 per person and lunch is available as an add-on for $10.
It’s one of my all-time favorite experiences in Costa Rica, and well-worth the drive off the beaten path. We arrived at the farm and started with a homemade lunch made from ingredients sourced from on the property or nearby – talk about farm-to-table!
After lunch we toured the farm and learned how they went from traditional farming to an organic cacao production while walking among the many other fruit trees growing. La Iguana processes the cacao from bean to bar right there, starting with fermenting the beans in the cacao fruit, then drying in the sun.
We got to try our hands at crushing the sun-roasted cacao to mix with milk and sugar in a traditional Mayan chocolate drink, then tempered some melted chocolate and added our own toppings. I loved the turmeric with the dark chocolate! This chocolate is hyper-local and can’t be bought in most stores, so it is truly a unique experience.
8. Go on a Night Walk in the Rainforest
The rainforest comes alive at night with sounds and sights you won’t find during the day.
A guided night walk is one of the best ways to see a different side of Costa Rica: spot glowing eyes, tiny frogs, curious insects, and even birds asleep on branches.
One of my favorite night tours in all of Costa Rica has been with The Bug Lady in Drake Bay. Tracie and her husband Gianfranco have been leading this tour for over 20 years and have even consulted for guidebooks and wildlife documentaries.
On the tour we saw so many critters but more than that, they really went into detail on the specializations of each animal or insect and that made it so much more interesting!
We saw tons of frogs and really cool bugs that look like leaves or sticks hidden in plain sight.
Even if you can’t make it to the more remote Osa Peninsula, most destinations in Costa Rica offer a night tour and I recommend taking at least one during your visit!
9. Stand On Top of a Volcano
Costa Rica gets much of its biodiversity from the rich volcanic soil, so it’s a great place for you to see a volcano! Standing over the steaming crater, surrounded by craggy black rocks and giant “umbrella” leaves will transport you to another world.
There are several volcanoes dotted around the small country, the most popular being Irazú and Poás near San José, and Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja, and Tenorio to the North.
If you’re renting a car, you can drive to the parks directly and pay an entrance fee. If you need transportation, there are both guided tours and shuttle services available.
My favorite park to visit in Volcan Poás because you can hike to a viewpoint overlooking the crater. The hikes along the top are covered in vegetation and more interesting than Irazú and there is more to do nearby.
10. Fly to the Osa Peninsula & Explore Corcovado
For the truly adventurous, flying into the remote Osa Peninsula offers access to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s a rugged, off-the-beaten-path destination perfect for nature lovers and wildlife spotting.
This was on my Costa Rica bucketlist for years and I was finally able to make it happen this year – it was everything I had imagined and more! I booked 4 guided tours – 3 around the peninsula and another to the nearby Isla Caño to snorkel.
I saw so much wildlife including two types of monkeys that are more rare in other touristy areas: the Spider Monkey with it’s super long tail that is like a 4th arm, and the Squirrel Monkey, a cute little guy known locally as the Titi.
Honestly, you could spend a week or two just exploring the Osa Peninsula.
11. Float Through the Jungle on a River Tubing Tour
If you’re looking for a mix of excitement and ease, river tubing is a fun way to float through jungle-lined rivers. It’s available in Pacuare which is also popular for rafting, and in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
The best time of year to go on a tubing excursion is during the dry season from December to April.
I haven’t done the tubing, but I did recently take a “river safari” rafting tour near La Fortuna and Arenal, which was a lot of fun and my husband especially loved it.
We got rained on and laughed in the chaos, but saw howler monkeys, lots of birds, and even a Caiman (a kind of tiny crocodile) on the hour-long float.
Tubing through the jungle, or even taking a river raft safari, just sounds like such a fun and unique way to experience the wildlife in Costa Rica.
12. Go Snorkeling to see Tropical Colorful Fish
While it’s not necessarily world class such as in other Caribbean locations like Belize or Honduras, snorkeling can still be a lot of fun in Costa Rica.
This is a popular excursion near Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos, and you can see a lot of colorful, tropical fish. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, make sure to schedule it for the morning, as it most often rains in the afternoon.
However, if you have the time, I highly recommend taking the longer trip out to Isla Caño for incredible snorkeling. Some tour operators offer this from Uvita but it is much closer to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula.
I recently did this tour and saw so many colorful fish, a shark, sting ray, multiple turtles, and other fun marine wildlife! The water was also very calm which is much different than my experience snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef.
13. Explore the Treetops on Hanging Bridges and Cable Cars
If flying through the air isn’t your thing (or honestly even if it is), the hanging bridges are another treetop adventure I would recommend.
The Monteverde area has several adventure parks with hanging bridges, including Selvatura, 100% Aventura, and Treetopia. I most recently visited Treetopia, which also offers a cable car ride and a zipline, all with separate entrance fees. These bridges really are right along the tops of the trees, and the experience is a bit exhilarating!
Closer to Arenal and La Fortuna are Sky Adventure and Místico Hanging Bridges, though I hear these are more crowded than the Monteverde attractions.
For a more laid-back way to experience the jungle canopy, take a rainforest tram or aerial cable car. It’s a peaceful alternative to ziplining, and gives you time to fully take in the lush surroundings from above.
Several canopy tours also offer a cable car or tram ride as an add-on, or you can book it as part of a private tour.
14. Go Whale-Watching off the Pacific Coast
If you’re visiting from July to November or mid-December to March, don’t miss the chance to see humpback whales off Costa Rica’s coast (and dolphins!)
I joined a whale-watching and snorkeling tour during my first trip to Manuel Antonio back when I studied abroad. I’ll never forget the silence that fell over our boat as a whale surfaced beside our boat with her baby. You could feel the size of them beneath the water! It was humbling and awe-inspiring – a moment of total stillness and scale.
Tours leave from Uvita, Quepos, and Drake Bay depending on the season. Ask your tour company or hotel about current sightings for the best timing.
15. Experience Costa Rica’s Mangroves on a Boat Tour
The Rio Tarcoles bridge along the Pacific Coast is popular for spotting crocodiles from above, mostly because locals (used to) feed them to draw a crowd, though I recently heard it is now illegal and no longer done.
I’ve been to the crocodile bridge many times, and it’s fine, but honestly underwhelming. A guided boat tour through the mangroves was far more exciting.
The guide focused on spotting birds and other wildlife, and the setting felt more immersive. I saw my first kingfisher and even a Roseate Spoonbill – a pink bird with a unique spoon-shaped beak!
Just make sure your tour provider doesn’t feed the crocodiles — encouraging them to associate people with food is dangerous and unethical.
My favorite national park, Carara, is also very close to this area!
Another great place to tour the mangroves is Tortuguero, in the remote peninsula along the Caribbean coast.
Even though we didn’t see a ton of wildlife during our boat tour through Tortuguero’s canals, the experience was still special. This park is surrounded by water, and exploring it by boat offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the jungle.
The couple next to us had loved it so much the day before that they came back again. We did see monkeys, birds, and even a caiman — and the boats are fast, quiet, and not disruptive to the wildlife. This is the exact tour we took.
If you visit Tortuguero during nesting season (July–October), you may also get to witness green sea turtles coming ashore along the coast – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
16. Visit the Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Famous for the mass nesting event known as the arribada, Ostional is one of the few places in the world where you can see thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore at once.
While it wasn’t the right time during my visit, we still had the chance to see a Leatherback turtle lay eggs on shore, and in the morning, my group saw some leatherback turtles hatching and running back into the surf (I’ll always regret not getting up – sometimes early mornings are worth it!)
This was also the very first place I ever saw the ocean light up with bioluminescence – a scene I will never forget.
Ostional is becoming more well-known, though it is still an incredibly rural area to visit in Costa Rica. If you go, respect the turtles and keep your distance while observing this incredible phenomenon.
17. Tour a Local Coffee Farm
Costa Rica, and all of Central America, have a long, storied history with coffee (which I recently wrote about in the latest Central America guide for Lonely Planet!). While Costa Rica is not the main exporter for coffee beans, the country has made a name for itself with quality coffee, and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without touring at least one coffee farm.
I have taken a few coffee tours around Costa Rica. Cafe Monteverde has a coffee shop in Santa Elena where they offer tastings, and a sustainable coffee farm that is interesting to visit and learn more about sustainable coffee farming.
Cafe Britt is the most well-known coffee farm near San Jose with a very commercial-style tour which was fun but felt a bit removed from the actual farming process. El Toledo in Atenas is a small, family-owned, and organic operation that is one of my favorites to support.
I have also heard great things about Finca Rosa Blanca near San José, or Coopedota Farm, a cooperative south of the central valley.
Try tasting the coffee black and see if you can interpret the tasting notes of the regional blends. Costa Rica is where I learned to drink my coffee without any sweet creamer, and now I always drink it black because it’s such good quality!
Ready to turn this list into your own unforgettable trip?
I’m putting the finishing touches on a done-for-you Costa Rica travel guide designed to help you make the most of your time off with zero stress. It’ll include curated itineraries, local tips, and everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip without spending hours researching.
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18. Take a cooking class
A cooking class is a great way to connect with Costa Rican culture through food. You’ll learn how to make traditional dishes like gallo pinto or empanadas, and leave with recipes (and memories) to take home, which makes an excellent souvenir.
One of the first things I did when I came home from my first trip to Costa Rica was learn how to make gallopinto for breakfast. It’s a great memento to remind you of the trip that you can enjoy and share with others back home again and again.
During my stay at Arenas Del Mar, a luxury eco-hotel in Manuel Antonio, cooking classes were offered for free weekly to guests. I learned how to make tortillas from scratch, which was surprisingly easy, and brought the recipe home to try making them again.
19. Rent a car and take a road trip!
While you can visit plenty of places via shuttle or bus, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Costa Rica’s hidden gems at your own pace. Drive between volcanoes, coastlines, waterfalls, and cloud forests all in one trip.
One of my favorite things to do on a road trip is stopping by little places that aren’t necessarily a destination but worth a visit. Charming historic towns like Orosí, Cartago, Heredia, and Alajuela offer colonial architecture, historic churches, and vibrant community parks – perfect for a more laid-back cultural experience.
On my most recent drive, we stopped in Sarchí to see the largest painted oxcart in the world, Zarcero to see the famous topiary gardens, and Atenas to get some delicious chifrijo, a popular bar food with rice beans and pork rinds.
A note about driving in Costa Rica
Google Maps will underestimate your travel time. Most roads are narrow, winding, with two lanes, and the only way in or out of many regions. Traffic can back up for hours unexpectedly, and roads can flood. Build in extra time and try not to overpack your schedule.
These towns are easy day trips from San José or to stop by on your way to the next destination, and give you a taste of smaller-town Costa Rican life compared to the city or popular tourist spots.
While you’re driving, stop by a mirador for lunch with a view! A mirador is a viewpoint, and in Costa Rica there are dozens of restaurants situated along the hilltops with beautiful views of the valleys below. We even found one with a butterfly garden, just spotted from signs along the road as we were driving.
🚗 Reserve a rental car with this locally owned rental company 🚗
20. Relax in nature’s best spa
Costa Rica’s natural setting makes it a perfect destination for wellness. You can try a volcanic mud bath near Rincón de la Vieja, book a massage surrounded by jungle sounds at your hotel, or simply wander through the trees in silence (well, silence except for the monkeys overhead and the birds calling through the trees).
Whether you’re into structured self-care or slow nature time, this is the place for it. One of the best lessons Costa Rica has ever taught me is to slow down – the entire essence of their catchphrase pura vida.
During our stay at Dreams Las Mareas (an all-inclusive resort currently closed for renovations, set to open in 2026 as a Marriott) I had a solo spa day, starting with a relaxing massage, followed by a morning enjoying the hydrotherapy stations. While my husband slept in, I was in pure bliss and getting rested in a different way.
I recommend trying at least one wellness experience to connect with nature while you’re visiting Costa Rica.
21. Practice Yoga in the Jungle
There’s something special about moving your body and quieting your mind while surrounded by crashing waves or tropical birdsong.
My bestie and I always laugh about our experience doing yoga at the beach when we were told to do a Lion’s Breathe pose and channel our negative energy into the ocean. Like, isn’t that bad for the ocean?
You’ll find classes all over Costa Rica, especially in yoga hubs like Puerto Viejo, Playa Chiquita, and Nosara. Offers vary from individual classes to full-on yoga retreats. I recommend looking for local, Costa Rican-owned yoga studios and retreats to support the community during your visit.
I really liked the free yoga offered twice daily at Rancho Margot near Arenal Volcano, where the studio is an open air platform overlooking a small pond on the property. You couldn’t be more surrounded by nature!
🧘♀️ View top resorts with yoga classes 🧘♀️
22. Try popular Costa Rican food
For visitors coming from the US, you might be surprised to learn that Costa Rican food is much different from Mexican cuisine. While they both include rice, beans, and tortillas, that is about where the similarities end.
It’s worth a visit to a local diner, called a soda, to try at least one Costa Rican meal, although there are many dishes I’d love for you to try!
The most common meals are a casado (rice, beans, protein, salad, and a side) or arroz con pollo (chicken and veggie fried rice, often served with refried beans and chips). Ceviche is fresh fish cooked in a lime juice marinade and served with crackers or chips – perfect for a hot beach day.
Most meals are served up with fresh fruit juice, called refrescos or jugos naturales. You’ll find familiar fruits like sandia (watermelon), pina (pineapple), and mango, but don’t be afraid to try something new. Some of my favorites are less common in the US such as tamarindo – a sour-sweet juice from a local paste-like fruit, or cas which is a type of sour guava.
And if you’re craving a little extra kick – Costa Rican food is anything but spicy – ask for the chilero, a homemade mix of pickled vegetables with hot peppers.
23. Visit a homestay and hang out with a Costa Rican family
When I studied abroad in Costa Rica, one of the things I was most looking forward to was living with a Costa Rican family, and I was lucky enough to experience that in tenfold. Staying with a local family when you visit is such a rewarding way to connect with Costa Rican culture and daily life.
Host families can show you their favorite meals and places around town, and share wisdom you’ll never find on a travel website. Plus, you can practice your Spanish if you’re up for it!
Find homestays using a site like Homestay.com, or by searching ‘homestays in Costa Rica’ to find the dozens of options available such as Tico Linguo, a Spanish school.
Learn more about homestays from my friend Erin, author of Pina Travels and the Curious Tourism podcast.
24. Take a Trip to Costa Rica’s Rare Tropical Dry Forests
Costa Rica’s dry forests are a rare biome that shift dramatically with the seasons, offering visitors a totally different side of the country. During the dry months, they feel almost desert-like, and you can even walk out onto dry lakebeds, yet when the rains return, it morphs back into what looks like a rainforest.
Even during the dry season, when everything is dried up and seems dead, I learned cool things like the mutual relationship between acacia trees and the ants that live in their hollow thorns — a fascinating natural defense system. I also saw anteaters, bats, and tons of birds.
There’s a hike to a viewpoint where you can look out over the whole area — it’s one of my favorite lesser-known views.
If you want to visit a dry forest, they are located in Guanacaste. You can visit Palo Verde National Park and even stay overnight at the ranger station.
25. See Costa Rica’s Ancient Prehistoric Ruins
Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian history comes to life at sites like Guayabo National Monument, the country’s largest archaeological site dating back over 3,000 years, and the mysterious Diquís Spheres, massive stone spheres carved over 1,000 years ago.
These ruins offer a glimpse into ancient cultures that many visitors never hear about.
I can say from experience that at least the Guayabo Monument is not very easy to access using the bus system, as there were not very many coming and going, and we got stuck there in the rain. Instead, I recommend renting a car, booking a tour, or taking a shuttle.
Diquis Spheres can be seen in several places around the country. The easiest one to reach is at the National Museum in San Jose. You can also see them in Finca 6, a remote area on the Osa Peninsula.
Fun fact: There is actually a Diquís Sphere in my current city of Philadelphia, which was once a part of the International Sculpture Garden. It is not currently on display, though.
26. Learn to Make Chocolate with the Bribri People
This has been at the top of my Costa Rica wishlist for years and I’m finally going in just a few weeks. The Bribri people, an Indigenous community in the Talamanca region, open their homes and farms to visitors in a way that feels respectful, intentional, and deeply rooted in cultural pride.
You can tour the farm, learn about the plants they cultivate, and participate in a traditional chocolate-making workshop using cacao grown right on their land. Many tours include the chance to buy handmade crafts or cacao directly from their community store, a powerful way to support the preservation of their culture and language.
If you want to connect more meaningfully with Costa Rica’s cultural roots while traveling sustainably, this is one of the most impactful experiences you can have. I’ll be updating this with details from my visit soon – I’ve been counting down the days.
This tour includes a chocolate workshop at the BriBri center + waterfall!
27. Explore San Jose
San José often gets overlooked, but it’s worth spending at least a day exploring Costa Rica’s capital. I spent 3 months studying abroad in San Jose, and when I wasn’t off galvanting around the country on weekends, I was exploring the city. There are tons of museums, markets, and fun funky neighborhoods that give a real sense of Costa Rica beyond the tourism trails.
Catch a show at the opulent National Theater, browse museums like the Museo del Oro Precolombino, Museo de Jade, or the National Museum built in a fortress with a butterfly garden inside (and see a Diquís Sphere).
Wander the Central Market for street eats and artisan finds (just be sure to leave valuables at the hotel, and keep your belongings in front within eyesight.). Read our full guide to safety in Costa Rica here.
Maybe even cheer on a soccer game (fútbol) at the national stadium! While I’m not a big sports person, I have to admit attending a Costa Rican soccer game during my study abroad was such a fun way to get a taste of the local flavor here. The energy at a game really is unmatched.
If you aren’t sure where to start, book a walking tour to get an idea of the city with a historic backdrop.
Tip: if you are researching on your own, be sure to add “Costa Rica” to your search, as there is another famous San Jose that could show up in your search results (San Jose, California)
28. Explore warm beaches with soft white and unique black sands
Costa Rica’s beaches stretch across both coasts, from luxury resort beaches in Guanacaste (like Papagayo and Playa Conchal) to surf-friendly towns like Tamarindo and Nosara. On the Central Pacific side, you’ll find wild coastlines near Manuel Antonio and Uvita, while the Caribbean offers laid-back spots like Playa Cocles and Playa Negra near Puerto Viejo.
Manuel Antonio in Quepos and Tamarindo in Guanacaste are the most popular and easiest to get to, though my personal favorites are along Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean.Also, I wouldn’t personally swim at Jacó but many people do. I’ll just say all of the rivers from San José empty into the ocean by Jacó. So you do you.
Activities to try on Costa Rica’s beaches
Surfing
Surfing is extremely popular in Costa Rica, with waves fit for beginners as well as experts. In fact, I got to watch a world surfing competition here at Playa Hermosa years ago. If you’ve never tried surfing before, you can sign up for beginner lessons.
Popular spots for surfing on the west coast are Tamarindo and Nosara, while Playa Cocles is the most popular surf spot on the Caribbean coast.
Diving
Costa Rica also offers great scuba diving on both coasts, with the Pacific side especially known for spotting rays, sharks, and sea turtles. Popular dive spots include Catalina Islands, Bat Islands, and Cahuita on the Caribbean side.
Horseback Riding
Riding a horse on the beach at sunset – that just sounds romantic, doesn’t it? Several popular tourist spots in Costa Rica offer tours by horseback, including riding to waterfalls and exploring the beaches.
This was my best friend’s favorite activity that she did in Montezuma when she visited me during my year abroad in Costa Rica, so much so that I was surprised to learn recently that she is actually afraid of horses!
I wish I had joined her, but I was working for a year as a scantily paid intern in Costa Rica and didn’t have the extra funds, though it is surprisingly affordable.
29. Get your blood pumping exploring Costa Rica’s vast mountain landscapes
Costa Rica is becoming more and more accessible even in the remotest areas, and while I haven not done these I couldn’t make a list and not include them because they are some of the coolest ways I can think of to explore if you are a big mountain person.
Backpack to Chirripó, Costa Rica’s Tallest Peak
While I haven’t personally done this, I was working in Costa Rica with a fellow intern who did this hike for his birthday and had an amazing time. Chirripo is the tallest summit in Costa Rica and a national park to the south of San Jose.
An overnight stay at the refugio (hut) on the mountain is required due to the difficulty of the hike, and there are several trails from there in addition to the summit. You’ll want to bring your own bedding and food, or reserve a hot meal in advance.
You can book a guided hike or set it up yourself, but the process is a little complicated compared to what backpackers might be used to in other countries like the US, so plan well in advance.
Go Rock Climbing in Cachi or Cerro de la Muerte
Rock climbing in Costa Rica offers everything from volcanic rock faces to jungle-covered cliffs, with options for both beginners and experienced climbers. A few well-known climbing areas include Cachi and Cerro de la Muerte.
I haven’t rock climbed in the wild, but I actually had a blast traveling with friends to a popular rock climbing destination in Colombia just to watch them climb. Usually the route already has the fasters so all the climbers have to do is hook in and attach the rope as they go.
Go Mountain Biking through Volcanic Landscapes
The Rincon de la Vieja area in Guanacaste offers scenic mountain biking trails that pass through volcanic landscapes, forests, and rivers.
Other biking hotspots include Arenal and the Orosi Valley for a more lush, tropical ride.
I can’t imagine a more exhilarating way to see Costa Rica’s more rural mountainous regions.
30. Go White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River
Widely ranked as one of the best rafting rivers in the world, the Pacuare winds through lush jungle canyons, past waterfalls, and alongside remote Indigenous communities.
While I haven’t rafted here yet, it’s absolutely on my list, especially after trying white water rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina and falling in love with the adrenaline rush and teamwork it demands.
Honestly, I will try any experience at least one!
Costa Rica offers several rafting spots across the country, but the Pacuare is the most iconic. Many tours include an overnight stay at a jungle lodge accessible only by river – talk about an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rafter, this is one of those “I can’t believe I did that” kind of experiences people come back raving about.
Sample Itinerary
There’s too much to do in one trip, so how should you prioritize all these ideas for just 5-10 days? Here’s how I’d structure a trip for first-time visitors who want to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.
- Day 1 – Start in Monteverde, book a forest tour and ziplining
- Day 2 – Tour a coffee farm, and take a night walk
- Day 3 – Next, go to La Fortuna, soak in the hot springs
- Day 4 – Guided hike in Arenal, or hanging bridges
- Day 5 – Finally, head to the Pacific coast, either Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Nosara, Mal Pais, Santa Teresa) or Puntarenas (Jaco, Playa Hermosa, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita)
- Day 6 Enjoy the beach. Do some yoga, go for a hike, ride horseback on the beach, and enjoy a water sport such as snorkeling or surf lessons
- Day 7 – Head back to San Jose. Optionally, spend some time exploring the city before you fly out, or go to a nearby site like Irazu or Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls, or Cafe Britt Coffee Farm.
>> Get the full itinerary here <<
Short on time? I would choose 1-2 locations out of the 3 in this itinerary, depending on what you are most interested in doing on your first trip to Costa Rica.
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Map of the top things to do in Costa Rica
Want to see where everything is located? I’ve pulled together a map of the top things to do in Costa Rica to help you plan your route.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? I’ve got more to help you get ready.
Whether you’re dreaming about volcano hikes, beach yoga, or the perfect plate of gallo pinto, I’m working on a set of practical guides to help you feel completely confident planning your first trip to Costa Rica without spending hours piecing it all together.
Coming soon:
- The Best Things to Do in Costa Rica
- When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
- Is Costa Rica Safe?
- 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- What to Know Before Your First Trip: Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Packing List
- How Much Does a Trip to Costa Rica Cost?
- What is Costa Rican Money (and how to use it)
- Driving in Costa Rica
- Renting a Car in Costa Rica + My Review of Vamos
- The Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Guide Ebook
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Read More About Costa Rica
- The Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Guide
- 30+ Best Things to Do in Costa Rica That are Worth the Trip
- The Best One-Week Itinerary For First Time Visitors!
- Is Costa Rica Safe? 17 Tips for Safe Travel
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- Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park – Everything You Need to Know to Visit One of Costa Rica’s Best Waterfalls
- Costa Rican Slang You Need to Know Before Your Trip
- Costa Rican New Year’s Traditions: How to Celebrate the New Year Like A Local
- Wildlife of Costa Rica: A Photo Journal
- Studying Hummingbirds in Cerro de la Muerte
- How Nearly Failing College Chemistry Led to a Lifetime of Travel and Adventure
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