Top ten things to do in Costa Rica
Author: Amy Rosoman
Live the Pura Vida way in Costa Rica, a destination bursting with everything to set your senses alight. Trek across colossal volcanoes, visit a sloth sanctuary, zipline through rainforests and surf waves in beach paradise. It’s time to explore the happiest country on the planet.
Explore euphoria in Manuel Antonio National Park
Look out for wild howler monkeys swinging in the treetops and see sloths lazing about in the velvet forest canopies of their natural habitat. Watch iguanas sunbathing on rocks in the wild, listen out for kingfishers and spot tiny frogs, with their splashes of colour dotted throughout the rainforests. Wander through luscious jungle trails or discover the paradise of the Pacific Coast, with its mesmerising beaches. Kick back on white sand, grab a board and hit the surf or snorkel above tropical fish through crystal-clear waters.
Top tip: Stay for a sunset that will have you falling head over heels and just be in the know that this park is closed on Mondays.
Visit the alluring Arenal Volcano
The contrasting terrain of Costa Rica will captivate every part of you. Soak up the beauty of this resting stratovolcano, standing tall in the north-west. Although you cannot hike the crater itself, go trekking through the emerald green groves, then relax in one of the steamy hot springs nearby.
Top tip: Reach for the peak and hop on a sky tram to take in unforgettable views for picture-perfect moments.
Discover the cloud forest of Monteverde
Walk along hanging bridges across turquoise lagoons, through thick jade tropical foliage. Embrace the biodiversity of this misty landscape and find your way to the sensational viewpoint on the continental divide – where on a clear day, you can see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Enjoy wildlife encounters, where toucans brighten up the trees and hummingbirds flit around the flowers. Keep an eye out for jaguar inhabitants and open your eyes to the vibrant orchids, bromeliads and lichens.
Top tip: Soar through the Costa Rica skyline on a zip-line through the forest canopies, for a bird’s eye view of Monteverde.
Turtles in Tortuguero National Park
Only accessible by light aircraft or boat, the magic of Tortuguero begins on your journey there. Enjoy the beauty of this ecotourist destination, bursting with an array of natural wonders. Venture to the shores for turtle spotting, where green sea turtles, leatherbacks and hawksbills arrive for prime nesting and hatching season between July and October. Be sure to explore the freshwater rivers and creeks. Watch out for endangered manatees in the lagoons and spider monkeys above, as you kayak through the tropical canals.
Top tip: Your best chance to see baby turtles hatch is at night time, where you must be accompanied by a guide after 6pm.
Whales in the wild
See memerising humpback whales in Costa Rica, as they splash and play about in the waters.
Enchanting possibilites
Take a leap of faith and walk across the magical bridges of the Cloudforest.
Did you know?
The Hoffman's two-toed sloth is one of the world's slowest mammals and they are completely nocturnal.
Hiking through Corcovado National Park
Explore the environmental riches of Corcovado Park on the Pacific coast of the Osa Peninsula, which oozes in exotic beauty. Immerse yourself in a world of different ecosystems, from the lowland rainforests, mangrove swamps, to deserted beaches and coastal habitats. Explore the wilderness of Costa Rica, hike through tropical towering trees and swinging vines. Wander through the ever-changing scenery, filled with a thriving variety of creatures, from flittering butterflies to curious anteaters. Just keep an eye out for hammerhead sharks in the sea, as well as the crocodiles and bull sharks in Corcovado Lagoon.
Top tip: There are camping areas available if you want to spend a night or two in the wild, just remember to carry a detailed map with you.
Costa Rica beaches in Cahuita National Park
Make tracks to the Caribbean coastline, to discover wonders and snorkel along the vibrant reefs in azure waters. Explore the 12-mile strip of waters between Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. Look out for parrotfish, angelfish, eagle rays and nurse sharks in these tropical seas, in this colourful coral ecosystem. Or wander along the ivory white sands and recline under the cooling shadows of a palm tree. Once you have explored the thriving corals, swim to shipwrecks in the shallows and see even more of what this wondrous ocean has to offer.
Top tip: Watch the weather to avoid rainy days, so you can see the best of the underwater world when it’s most clear.
Book a stay
El Mangroove
An opulent five star sanctuary, oozing with sleek bohemian style, relax in the elegant pool or relish a spa pamper.
Go whale and dolphin watching in Guanacaste
Take time out along the most north-westerly part of the Pacific shoreline of Costa Rica. Enjoy an experience of a lifetime, with an offshore excursion to see enchanting humpback wales – the most frequent visiting whales to the Costa Rica coast. Be sure to look out for pilot whales, blue whales and pseudo-orca whales too, who are sometimes seen along the Pacific. Watch out for playful bottlenose and spotted dolphins, which you can usually see from the beaches or whilst snorkelling, sailing and on other ocean trips.
Top tip: The best time to whale-watch is between July until April – you can spot dolphins all-year-round.
Birdwatching in Golfo Dulce
Discover the ultimate beauty spot for relaxation, bursting with flora and fauna. With its plentiful rainfall, the wildlife is thriving and the rainforests are always flourishing. Savour a kayaking experience and listen to the songs of flycatchers, the calls of red-lored parrots and whistles of colourful toucans. Paddle along the Gulf and watch pelicans swoop into waters and see falcons stalk the skies. Or make your way through the dense mangroves, for bird encounters you won’t believe.
Top tip: With over 900 species of birds in Costa Rica, a visit to Golfo Dulce is a must for bird lovers. Explore this land of colourful feathers and bird calls.
Visit the Jaguar Rescue Centre in Manzanillo
See the south east of Costa Rica and make a trip to this animal rescue centre. Meet a variety of animals which are being rehabilitated, before being reintroduced into protected areas in their natural environment. See raccoons, sloths, monkeys, wild cats and other animals saved from peril. Meet trainers who will educate you about this sanctuary and what they do to help these creatures. Learn from a guide about everything outdoors and about how to help protect our world.
Top tip: for a truly heart-warming experience, take part in an animal release.
Carnival time in Limón
Join in the party on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, as early October brings a colourful celebration. Tuck into dishes of Caribbean spiced rice and beans, fiery plantain, creole bowls and coconut-flavoured treats. Soak up the electrifying atmosphere, in an artistic array of dancing and parades. See the colours of the rainbow in an impressive array of masks, outfits and headdresses, as you dance to the beat of the bands and drummers.
Top tip: When it’s time to unwind, park yourself on a blissful beach and sip on fresh coconut milk.