Costa Rica is a paradise on earth. With lush green jungles, picture-perfect waterfalls, postcard-worthy beaches, and enviable wildlife diversity, Costa Rica’s beauty woos everyone.
Being a gateway to Latin American culture, the country is a tourist hotspot in Central America, and there is no shortage of hotels, tour operators, public transport, and local guides.
If you plan to visit the country anytime soon, and you don’t know where to start, this list of the 10 very best things to do in Costa Rica will guide you.
Keep reading!
Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Costa Rica: TL;DR
- Caribbean Coast
- Cloud Forests
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Corcovado National Park
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Hot Springs
- Puerto Viejo
- San Jose or San José
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Beach Hopping
Top 10 Very Best Things to Do in Costa Rica
1. Visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast or the eastern coast of Costa Rica is teeming with beautiful beaches, national parks, and wildlife.
A little less developed and less touristy than the Pacific coast, the Caribbean coast is where you can experience unspoiled nature, go snorkeling, sunbathe, and watch wild animals.
The Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean coast is a great place to watch manatees, dolphins, sloths, turtles, exotic birds, etc.
Tortuguero National Park is no different. Wild animals wandering through mangroves, beaches, and swamps are a common scene.
In the Limon Province is the Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center where you can watch rescued animals getting a second shot at life.
2. Walk Through the Cloud Forests
Cloud forests dot the Costa Rican highlands. These are humid and moist but lush green areas because of constant cloud cover.
Heavy clouds manage to keep the temperature low and the humidity allows flora and fauna to thrive. Cloud forests are known for their rich biodiversity and of course the hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy.
Monteverde Cloud Forest is the most popular one, but there are others like the Bajas Del Toro cloud forest, Los Angeles cloud forest, and Central Highlands cloud forest (this is where you will find the La Paz Waterfall Gardens).
3. Hike the Arenal Volcano National Park
At the Arenal Volcano National Park is the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano that last erupted from 1968 to 2010, but it is still smoldering.
You can hike through the lava beds to catch beautiful views of Lake Arenal and the volcano. You can enjoy a few water activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing at Lake Arenal
There is a nearby popular town of La Fortuna where you can enjoy some delectable food and visit the central park. The La Fortuna Waterfall is nearby, suitable for a day trip.
Near the Arenal Volcano area are the Venado Caves and Cano Negro National Wildlife Preserve, which are other major tourist attractions.
4. Explore the Corcovado National Park
National Geographic named Corcovado National Park as earth’s most biologically intense place, and for a good reason! This national park is located on the South Pacific Coast and covers 13 major ecosystems across a third of the Osa Peninsula.
Costa Rica’s highest concentration of wildlife can be found at the Corcovado National Park. Poison dart frogs, crocodiles, anteaters, all four monkey species of the country, scarlet macaws, jaguars, peccaries, sloths – there are a lot!
You will need a permit and a registered guide to enter the park. So, book in advance and wear proper clothes.
5. Watch Monkeys at Manuel Antonio National Park
Located on the Central Pacific Coast, the Manuel Antonio National Park is home to howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys, but you will also encounter tropical birds, sloths, insects, and other mammals.
The park has three beautiful beaches, meandering trails, boutique eco-lodges, and bustling restaurants. For budget travelers, the nearby Quepos town is a good base to find budget accommodations.
6. Soak in Hot Springs
Inside Arenal Volcano National Park is a private rainforest reserve where you will find the Tabacon Resort and Spa which has a network of hot springs and waterfalls.
The most popular hot springs you will find here include:
- Baldi Hot Springs – great for groups visiting Costa Rica
- Eco Termales – mimics the natural aesthetics
- Los Perdidos Hot Springs – clean and peaceful with a restaurant
- Titoku Hot Springs – smallest and quietest
- Kalambu Hot Springs – a water park
If you don’t want to pay, follow the river outside Tabacon Resort and you will find natural hot springs where you can sink into the thermal waters without paying a penny.
7. Step Into Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is a small town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. A great place for backpackers & digital nomads, Puerto Viejo offers cheap hostels, fun parties, lazy beach vibes, and more.
You can experience Costa Rica and its local way of life by volunteering for reception work or bartending in hostels at Puerto Viejo.
If you don’t have time for volunteer work, you can just enjoy a Puerto Viejo chocolate tour or eat rice and beans at Soda Lidia’s Place.
The culture of Puerto Viejo is heavily influenced by the nearby Caribbean islands. So, don’t be surprised by what they eat.
8. Learn Costa Rican Culture and History at San Jose
Costa Rican capital San Jose (correct spelling – San José) is located right in the middle of the country and hosts Costa Rica’s biggest airport – the San José Airport.
It is a convenient location to venture out to the cloud forests inland, the Caribbean coast, and the Pacific coast. The city is best for learning Costa Rican history.
The main attractions include the Central Market, the National Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art & Design, the Jade Museum, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Theater.
Central Avenue is a great place to explore the capital of Costa Rica. There are various bars, restaurants, and shops.
9. Enjoy the Waterfalls at Rincón de la Vieja National Park
