Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, the sparkling gem of Central America, offers a wealth of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. Let’s explore the top things to do in Costa Rica, covering a range of activities and sights that promise unforgettable memories.

Read also:

• Things to Do in the Dominican Republic
• Things To Do In Cancun With Family
• 10 Best Hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Explore San José

San José, Costa Rica’s lively capital, is the perfect starting point for your adventures thanks to its big international airport. It’s a great spot to explore before heading to the country’s stunning rainforests and beaches. The city has cultural attractions, cool museums, and unique neighborhoods. Plus, the dining scene here is pretty awesome. 

Some must-visit spots include the Central Market, where you can dive into the lively atmosphere and sample exotic fruits, local cheeses, and traditional snacks. The National Theater is another highlight; you can marvel at its unique architecture or enjoy performances showcasing Costa Rican arts. For a deep dive into the country’s rich history, visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which features an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.

Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

• Address: 21007, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 7:00 – 17:00 daily
• Contact: +506 2479 9515
• Entrance ticket: 20 USD
• Website: www.cataratalafortuna.com

The Fortuna River Waterfall is in a 210-acre reserve within the Arenal Volcano National Park. The waterfall flows out of a dense jungle and drops into a stunning emerald-green pool below.

To get to this impressive 70-meter-high waterfall, you’ll need to walk a path with about 530 steps. The trail is safe and has places to rest and drink water as you go through the forest. Once you arrive, there’s a great spot to take awesome photos.

If you’re up for it, bring a swimsuit. You can dip in the cool water at the base of the falls. You can also picnic on the rocky shoreline or take more photos. The scenery is so beautiful, it’s hard to take a bad picture!

Visit Playa Manuel Antonio National Park

• Address: Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 7:00 – 16:00 | closed on Tuesdays
• Contact:  +506 2777 5185
• Website: www.sinac.go.cr

Manuel Antonio National Park is a small park on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, but it’s rich in biodiversity and stunning scenery. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, and for good reason. The park is home to lush rainforests, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs. You can hike through the rainforest, relax on the beach, or go snorkeling or diving.

Wildlife watching is also a must-do activity here. Manuel Antonio National Park has various wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and birds. With a little patience, you’re sure to spot some amazing creatures on your visit.

Find Adventure at La Leona Waterfall

• Address: 15m este de Soda Curubanda, Provincia de Guanacaste, Curubandé, 50105, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 7:00 – 15:00 daily
• Contact: +506 8349 7633
• Website: https://leonawaterfall.com

If you’re looking for one of Costa Rica’s best adventure hikes and most spectacular waterfalls, La Leona Waterfall is it. This amazing waterfall flows into a deep orange canyon, forming a beautiful blue swimming hole at the base.

The hike to La Leona is an adventure. You’ll cross stunning blue rivers, climb small ladders, and swim with the help of a rope to fight the current before you reach the waterfall. You’ll need to visit with a guide to be in good hands. If you’re unsure about any part of the hike, your guide will help you. A trip to La Leona Waterfall could be your most unforgettable Costa Rican experience.

Soak in Ecotermales Fortuna

• Address: 3.5 Km Este de la Iglesia Católica, La Fortuna, San Carlos, 21007, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 10:00 – 21:30 daily
• Contact: +506 2479 8787
• Website: https://ecotermalesfortuna.cr

After a day of adventure, nothing is better than unwinding at Ecotermales Fortuna, a family-owned hot springs near Arenal. These natural thermal pools, surrounded by lush rainforests, offer a tranquil setting to relax and rejuvenate. 

Unlike other hot spring resorts, Ecotermales sources its water directly from the heart of the Arenal Volcano, ensuring a truly geothermal experience. Here, you can immerse yourself in many therapeutic pools, each offering a different temperature range, reaching up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. After soaking in the hot springs, indulge in a delicious and authentic Costa Rican meal at the on-site restaurant.

Tour Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm

• Address: Alajuela Province, Dulce Nombre, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 8:00 – 18:00 daily
• Contact: +506 2103 4282
• Website: www.starbuckscoffeefarm.com

Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss a tour of Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks’ first coffee farm near San José. On the tour, you’ll stroll through lush coffee fields, learn about sustainable farming practices, and see the coffee beans go from plant to cup. The guides share fascinating insights into the process, from planting the seeds to roasting the beans.

And, of course, no visit would be complete without tasting some of the freshest coffee you’ve ever had right at the source. It’s a must-visit for coffee lovers and a unique way to experience Costa Rica’s rich coffee culture.

Explore Tortuguero National Park

• Address: CFXV+H64, Limón Province, Roxana, Costa Rica
• Contact: +506 2522 6500
• Website: www.acto.go.cr

Tortuguero National Park, known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” is a network of canals, rivers, and lagoons. Within the park, you can take a boat tour through the canals, where you’ll see various wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, caimans, and birds. In addition to these activities, there are many other things to see and do in Tortuguero National Park, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. 

However, the main attraction here is sea turtles. Green sea, leatherback sea turtles, and hawksbill sea turtles all come to Tortuguero to lay their eggs. If you’re lucky, you may be able to see turtles nesting or hatchlings making their way to the sea.

Relax at Tabacon Hot Springs

• Address:  21007, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 10:00 – 22:00 daily
• Contact: +506 2519 1999
• Website: www.tabacon.com/thermal-experience

Another fantastic hot springs destination near Arenal is Tabacon. The resort offers luxurious thermal pools heated by the volcano, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s an ideal spot to soak in the warm waters and enjoy a bit of pampering.

The resort boasts a network of cascading hot springs, waterfalls, thermal rivers, and pools, all heated by the volcano’s geothermal activity. The spring temperatures range from a soothing 72°F to a toasty 105°F, offering various relaxation options.

Walk the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

• Address: Puntarenas Province, Monteverde, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 7:00 – 16:00 daily
• Contact: +506 2645 5122
• Website: https://cloudforestmonteverde.com

Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Established in 1972, the Reserve consists of over 2,500 plant species, 100 mammals, and 400 birds. 

Here, you can walk along the hanging bridges for a bird’s-eye view of the dense canopy or take a guided night tour to see nocturnal creatures. You’ll discover new wonders with every step – a fascinating insect, a rare plant, or a glimpse of a shy animal. The fresh air, the tranquility of the forest, and the abundance of life will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.

Encounter sloths at the Bogarin Trail

• Address: C. 480, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 7:00 – 17:00 daily
• Contact:  +506 8420 3661
• Website: https://bogarintrail.com

If you wanna see sloth in Costa Rica, this is the best place to do so. The Bogarin Trail is a nature trail located just outside of La Fortuna. It’s a great place to experience the area’s lush rainforest and abundant wildlife, with a particular draw being the opportunity to see sloths in their natural habitat.

In addition to sloths, the Bogarin Trail is home to various other wildlife. You might see monkeys, toucans, coatis, butterflies, and many more species. This is also a great place for a leisurely nature walk and to gain more insights into the local flora and fauna. The Bogarin Trail offers self-guided and guided tours, which you can book on their website.

Discover Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

• Address: Caño Negro Los Chiles Alajuela, Provincia de Alajuela, Caño Negro, 21402, Costa Rica
• Open hours: 8:00 – 16:00 daily
• Contact: +506 8705 2364

The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a protected wetland area situated in the northern part of Costa Rica. It’s known for its intricate network of canals, lush rainforests, vast freshwater lake, and various plants and animals. 

The best way to explore the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is by boat tour. Guided tours are available and are your best bet for spotting wildlife, as the experienced local guides know the best spots to find animals. You can also kayak through the canals, which offers a more intimate way to experience the natural beauty of the refuge. This is a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone interested in experiencing the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica.

Tour a Chocolate Farm

Chocolate lovers should not miss a chocolate farm tour. Many farms offer tours that take you through chocolate-making, from tree to bean to bar. You’ll get to sample different types of chocolate made from different cacao beans and with different ingredients. You might even get to try your hand at making your chocolate!

Visit farms like Tirimbina or the Chocolate Forest Experience to learn about cacao cultivation and the chocolate-making process. You can also book a tour on Viator or Get Your Guide.

Finally, Costa Rica’s various landscapes and abundant wildlife provide countless chances for adventure, leisure, and cultural discovery, making it a worthwhile destination. We hope this list of the finest things to do in Costa Rica helps you plan your next vacation here.