11 Amazing Things to do in Costa Rica

There are so many amazing things to do in Costa Rica, whether you are looking to relax or looking for an adventure. So, if you are planning a trip to the land of Pura Vida, here’s some ideas of what to do while you are there.

Amazing Things to Do in Costa Rica

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Adventurous Things to Do in Costa Rica

Zip Lining

As the birthplace of the activity, zip lining in Costa Rica is a must! The most popular destinations to zip line are Monteverde and Arenal; however, you can find lines all over the country. I went zip lining at Selvatura Park in Monteverde and it was hands down one of the best things I did during my one week in Costa Rica. If you’re interested in checking out the hanging bridges as well, book the combo tour.

Waterfall Rappelling

Waterfall rappelling, or canyoning as it’s also known, is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. While in La Fortuna, I did a canyoning tour with PureTrek. I was feeling pretty confident at the start of the tour, but that confidence slowly faded as we inched closer to the edge of our first waterfall. However, once I got the hang of the feeling and motions it wasn’t too bad. If canyoning is something you’re interested in trying, definitely give it a shot, it’s not as bad as you think it’ll be.

Rafting in Costa Rica

I highly recommend going white water rafting in Costa Rica! There’s tours for all experience and skill levels. We were originally meant to do a class 2/3 Saraquipi River rafting tour, but due to the heavy rains we did a class 2/3 Balsa River raft tour instead. We had so much fun on this tour, we’re looking into taking some local rafting tours!

Relaxing Things to Do in Costa Rica

Participate in a Yoga Retreat

Nosara is known for being a yoga retreat hot spot. Various hotels and resorts hold classes, here’s a few to check out: Nalu, Bodhi Tree, Living Hotel.

Stay Somewhere Luxurious

From treehouses to private villas surrounded by nature, there are some incredible places to stay in Costa Rica. Check out the Oxygen Jungle Villas in Uvita, Origin Lodge in Upala, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa in Arenal, Amor Arenal in Fortuna, and Senda Monteverde Hotel in Monteverde.

Be a Beach Bum

There’s tons of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio Beach in the Manuel Antonio National Park, Tamarindo Beach in Guanacaste, and Santa Teresa Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula are some of the most popular and beautiful beaches. Outside of these beaches, there’s plenty of other ones to lay out on and enjoy.

Hang out in some Hot Springs

If you’re headed to the La Fortuna/ Arenal area, make sure to check out the hot springs. While staying at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, I visited the property’s hot springs every day. If you’re staying at the Tabacon, you get free, unlimited access to the springs. Otherwise, you can get a visitor pass starting at $75 USD.

More Things to Do in Costa Rica

Chase Waterfalls

Don’t listen to TLC, and chase some waterfalls during your trip to Costa Rica. I personally visited the La Fortuna Waterfall while in the La Fortuna/Arenal area, and it was absolutely beautiful to see in person! Some other popular waterfalls include Rio Celeste, Bajos del Toro, Nauyaca, and Oropendola.

See a Volcano

There’s nearly 70 volcanoes (6 active, 61 dormant) in Costa Rica; the most popular of which is the Arenal Volcano. Many people travel to the La Fortuna/Arenal area to catch a glimpse of the magnificent volcano. Unfortunately, it was super cloudy when we visited so we weren’t able to see it at all.

If you’ll be in the Guancaste region, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is another popular volcano to visit.

Enjoy Costa Rica’s Natural Beauty

Costa Rica’s natural beauty is what draws nearly 2 million of tourists a year. The lush greenery, white sand beaches, and various bodies of water make up some the world’s most beautiful scenery. Take it all in visiting places like Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tortuguero National Park, and Piedras Blancas National Park.

Indulge in Coffee Culture

Coffee is a big export in Costa Rica, which means there’s a lot of coffee farms. Many of them offer tours where you can learn about the process of harvesting and roasting coffee beans. If you’re a coffee lover, a coffee farm tour is a must! Also, make sure to check out some of the local coffee shops.

Need some more help figuring out what to do in Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

• How to Spend 3 Days in La Fortuna
• Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – A Beautiful Hotel in Arenal
• How to Spend One Day in Monteverde

FAQs

What is Costa Rica known for?

Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty and being a hot spot for adventure activities like zip lining, rafting, and canyoning.

What should I not miss in Costa Rica?

Monteverde Cloud Forest is absolutely amazing. Whether you chose to do a zip lining tour or just walk around the preserve, it’s definitely something to see! Also, the hot springs and La Fortuna waterfall.

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