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Costa Rica is a land of sun-kissed countryside, sparkling coastline, and tropical birds that glide through the sky. Here, in this Central American country known for its pura vida (pure life), you can hike to the tops of mist-covered volcanoes or through lush jungles teeming with life. On the other hand, you’ve got some of the world’s best beaches for surfing and the cultural hub that is its capital, San José. Whether your travel style involves dancing bachata until dawn or escaping the crowds to be alone with the sloths and howler monkeys, there’s something here for you. So, without further ado, here’s a rundown of 20 of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
With its tropical climate, great beaches, and sun-kissed coastal views, Guanacaste is one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica. This paradise on the country’s northern Pacific coast is where you go to surf by day, and party by night. Here, some recommended things to do in Guanacaste:
1. Surf in Tamarindo
Tamarindo draws visitors looking for world-class surfing but also a place to connect with like-minded travellers during lively parties after sunset. This area of Costa Rica used to be a sleepy fishing village, but today it’s a major destination for beach bums and active travellers. Head to Tamarindo to surf and you won’t be let down. Surfers of all abilities can enjoy catching waves at the main beach. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, try Playa Grande nearby.
2. Catch sunrise at the beach
Guanacaste is where some of Costa Rica’s best beaches are at. The early start will be worth it when catching pastel pink sunrises at beaches like Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa, or Playa Nosara. Afterwards, you’ve got all day to sunbathe or see local wildlife.
3. See Rincón de la Vieja National Park
When you and your travel buddies need a break from beaching it, Rincón de la Vieja is the place to hike! This national park is home to nine volcanic craters, hot springs, mud pots, and the La Cangreja waterfall to cool off after all that sweating. Things to do in Costa Rica’s Northern Highlands Costa Rica’s north is where you’ll find a few of the county’s most enchanting spots. In mountainous regions here, you can discover the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and La Fortuna—a hub for all sorts of adrenaline-pumping activities (think ziplining, hiking, and kayaking). Here’s what to add to the itinerary:
Things to do in Costa Rica’s Northern Highlands
Costa Rica’s north is where you’ll find a few of the county’s most enchanting spots. In mountainous regions here, you can discover the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and La Fortuna—a hub for all sorts of adrenaline-pumping activities (think ziplining, hiking, and kayaking). Here’s what to add to the itinerary:
4. Swim in natural hot springs
If you’re an adventurer, one of the best things to do in La Fortuna is take advantage of the natural hot springs—sore muscles will thank you after a day of zip-lining or kayaking in the nearby lake. One thing that travellers will appreciate is that these hot springs can be found at various locations near La Fortuna. Whether you’re looking for a high-end spa or natural, rugged baths where locals hang out, you’ll find the full range here.
5. Chase waterfalls
If you didn’t chase waterfalls in Costa Rica, did you even go? One of the top things to do in Costa Rica is definitely to hike to its incredible cascading waterfalls and then swim in the pools at their base. La Fortuna waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most prized cascades. With water tumbling from a height of 70 metres, a day here in the Arenal Volcano National Park might be one of the most mesmerising experiences of your trip.
6. Go bird watching
Costa Rica has more than 900 species of birds that fly through misty cloud forests, jungles, and mountainscapes. One of the best things to do in La Fortuna and Monteverde is bird watch, given that it won't take much to be able to see flocks of green parrots soaring through the sky, giant hawks, hummingbirds darting between flowers, toucans playing in pairs, or vibrant macaws. Monteverde alone is home to more than 400 species of birds so keep your eyes peeled!
7. Explore Monteverde’s cloud forests
Costa Rica is blessed to have mountains, coastlines, charming countryside, and lush cloud forests. For the traveller who seeks to recharge by being in nature, Monteverde’s cloud forests are absolutely heavenly. Imagine fresh, misty air, vine-covered trees, enchanting tours of the tree canopy, and a soundtrack of the birds, insects and animals who call these jungle spaces home. Monteverde provides the perfect wellness getaway or adventure-packed escape, where hanging bridges, hiking trails through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, sloths, frogs, and monkeys are just part of your days.
Things to do in San, José
The capital of Costa Rica, San José, is a cultural hub great for the city slicker traveller looking for the best art, night life, and food. A lot of travellers bookend their trips with shorter stays in the big city. If that’s the case for you, here’s what you ought to get up to: Things to do in San, José The capital of Costa Rica, San José, is a cultural hub great for the city slicker traveller looking for the best art, night life, and food. A lot of travellers bookend their trips with shorter stays in the big city. If that’s the case for you, here’s what you ought to get up to:
8. Go on a food crawl
Eating is the thing to do in San José. Plan a food crawl trying the best traditional tico foods. One neighbourhood that has a great reputation for its quality bars and restaurants is Barrio Escalante. Here, you’ll find menus that offer classic staples like chifrijo (a pork belly rice bowl), chicharrón (pork belly), sopa negra (black bean soup), or casado (a plate consisting of rice, beans, and meat). When you’re visiting San José, two iconic restaurants to put on your list are Sikwa, which studies traditional Costa Rican food reviving old, nearly-forgotten recipes, and Apotecario, a cocktail bar with artisanal drinks.
9. Scope out San José’s arts
The capital city is certainly one of the best places to take in art, museums, music, and theatre. During a stay in San José, you may feel inclined to take in a show or tour at the iconic Teatro Nacional (national theatre). Or, simply venture around the downtown at a leisurely pace spotting murals painted by local artists.
10. Hang out in Escazú
If you have some spare time in the big city, check out the upscale neighbourhood called Escazú. This is where you can escape the hustle and bustle but indulge in city comforts like ritzy cafes or hot restaurants with a view.
11. See Poás Volcano
The Poás Volcano is a day trip from San José and is one of Costa Rica’s geological gems. This is one of Costa Rica’s many mesmerising volcanoes and a site for sore eyes with its craggy red rocks, teal-blue crater lake, and rising steam. Poás is an active volcano with gas and steam emissions and the occasional eruption. Things to do in Costa Rica’s countryside For a slower pace, time to unwind, and a chance to interact with the locals, head to countryside areas like Atenas, Puriscal, Ciudad Colon, or San Ramon. Don’t bother with a packed schedule here, just make sure to take in these things:
Things to do in Costa Rica’s countryside
For a slower pace, time to unwind, and a chance to interact with the locals, head to countryside areas like Atenas, Puriscal, Ciudad Colon, or San Ramon. Don’t bother with a packed schedule here, just make sure to take in these things:
12. Drink sugar cane juice under the sun
The pura vida is about indulging in life’s small joys. A visit to Costa Rica isn’t just about the hotspots, bucket list activities, and grande sites, it’s also about slowing down and appreciating small, everyday pleasures. Like drinking a cold sugar cane juice under the blazing-hot sun. Things like sugar cane juice (not to mention the vast array of fruit juices Costa Rica offers), are cheap and frequently sold by roadside vendors in the country.
13. Visit a ranch
If you can get to a ranch or do a little horseback riding in the countryside of Costa Rica, you’ve experienced the true tico way of life. Bonus points if a real cowboy can show you the art of lassoing bulls!
14. Learn the coffee making process
Thanks to its microclimates, elevation, and other geographic features, Costa Rica grows some of the best coffee in the world. For coffee lovers spending time in the country, a tour of a coffee farm has to be part of the itinerary. Some of the main coffee growing regions in the country are located in the central valley near San José, Cartago, Tarrazú, and Alajuela—to name a few of the key ones. A typical coffee tour involves scouting out the farm where the trees grow, a look at how the beans are dried, ground and roasted, and, of course, a taste of the finished product.
Things to do along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast
This stretch of the Pacific is home to sloths, sparkling beaches, crocodiles, and palm tree paradises. If you’re visiting this region of Costa Rica, Jaco and Manuel Antonio deserve at least a day or two. Here’s what to do in Costa Rica’s Pacific towns and beaches:
15. Spot crocodiles In Jaco
Jaco is a little beach town and one of the closest beachy hubs to San José. It’s known for its surfing and nightlife… and one other major thing: crocodiles. If enormous crocodiles don't make you queasy, just outside of Jaco, there’s a bridge that crosses the Tarcoles River. Here is where you’re likely to spot large and toothy crocodiles bathing in the sun. This is one of the top things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica but it may not be for the faint of heart.
16. Drink coconut water on the beach
The town of Manuel Antonio along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is home to pristine beaches with sparkling water. Catch waves, surf, horseback ride along the beach, or, if you’re looking to keep it simple, just order a fresh coconut water from one of the beach vendors and take in your surroundings.
17. Hike to Nauyaca Falls
Chasing waterfalls really is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica and one of the best activities along the Pacific coast is the hike to Nauyaca Falls, located 20 minutes or so outside of the beach town of Dominical. These falls are jaw-droppingly beautiful with two tiers of billowing water pooling at a turquoise pool below. The hike to them takes under an hour and isn’t challenging, just bring a hat and water for the sun.
Things to do in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
Few places beat Costa Rica’s Caribbean. Known for its sugary beaches, surfing, wildlife, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, Puerto Viejo in particular is a magnet for travellers from all over the world. Here are our recommended activities:
18. Meet sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the top places in Costa Rica to see sloths. These small creatures are as adorable as they are lazy. As for the park itself, this is a tropical paradise exploding with palm trees and leafy trees where monkeys also swing from branches. Things to do in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast Few places beat Costa Rica’s Caribbean. Known for its sugary beaches, surfing, wildlife, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, Puerto Viejo in particular is a magnet for travellers from all over the world. Here are our recommended activities:
19. Visit Tortuguero National Park
Along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline is the much-adored Tortuguero National Park. As you may deduce from its name, this national park is home to many sea turtles and is a protected zone which happens to be one of their most important nesting sites. Nesting season is from July to October so if you’re in the country during that time, don’t miss out. These grounds are also home to other wildlife including many species of monkeys, pumas, birds, and iguanas.
20. Eat rice and beans
The rice and beans dish from this region of the country is one of Costa Rica’s best and most well-known dishes. Work up an appetite by surfing the waves in Puerto Viejo, swimming, or running along the beach. Afterwards, tuck in for this delicious local cuisine which blends rice and beans (duh!) with chicken, vegetables, fresh salad, and a delicious coconut sauce.
21. Spot howler monkeys in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is a blissful slice of Costa Rica with Caribbean beaches, cotton candy sunsets, and palm tree-lined shores. Before your trip, don’t forget to pack a set of binoculars. One underrated (but essential!) thing to do in Costa Rica is spot howler monkeys swinging from the treetops in Puerto Viejo. They make their presence known so there’s no doubt you’ll hear them bellowing from the jungle shortly after your arrival.
22. Raft in the Pacuare River
The Pacuare River is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterways. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the river runs into the Caribbean with rapids that can range from gentle to turbulent. A day rafting along this river will bring views of beautiful birds flying overhead and waterfalls. For the outdoorsy traveller, this is easily one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
