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With beautiful waterfalls, a wealthy number of natural world, and over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, there are many issues to do in Costa Rica for all. One may simply spend a lifetime right here and by no means become bored with all of the pure wonders on supply in Costa Rica.
It’s robust to decide on the most effective issues to do in Costa Rica, however this listing ought to present an awesome place to begin for planning your journey to the land of Pura Vida!
The Greatest Issues to do in Costa Rica
Go to Arenal Volcano
A enjoyable Costa Rica truth is that it has 14 volcanoes – with 6 of them energetic. None are as well-known as Arenal Volcano. This completely cone-shaped volcano towers over the realm at 1,633 meters excessive.
Mountaineering to the highest is forbidden, however you possibly can hike within the Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park and expertise a number of microclimates and ecosystems the place numerous species make their house. Seeing Arenal is well the most effective issues to do in Costa Rica.
- Location: In northwest Costa Rica close to La Fortuna.
- Tip: Guides might be employed on the customer middle and so they’re educated naturalists who’ll level out many desirable issues that you’d miss whereas mountaineering by yourself.
- Value: $15 to enter Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park.
E-book an Arenal Tour!
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
Positioned on the Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is understood for its numerous wildlife and the various ecosystems that home the numerous creatures that make their house there. It’s a well-liked place for nature lovers trying to discover fascinating pure wonders, have a picnic, calm down by the coast or take a refreshing dip within the waters of one of many unspoiled seashores.
As you discover the park, you’ll additionally see rainforest areas which can be house to sloths and numerous species of monkeys. The primary mountaineering path is simply over a mile lengthy however there are a number of different trails all through the park. Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is famend for having among the greatest sunsets within the area.
- Location: Puntarenas Province, Quepos.
- Tip: If you wish to study in regards to the park, take a guided tour with a naturalist.
- Value: It prices $18 per grownup to enter. Guided excursions are $65 per grownup.
E-book a Tour from San Jose!
Keep in a Yoga Retreat
Having fun with a yoga sesh is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Costa Rica, and we’ve got simply the place for you! Located on the sting of the jungle in some of the lovely seashore cities on earth, Anamaya is the place you go to unwind and rejuvenate.
Spend your days doing yoga, enjoyable in a hammock overlooking the pacific ocean, or eating on contemporary, natural meals. On-site, you’ll discover a gorgeous infinity pool, a spa and chic visitor rooms.
- Location: Anamaya Rd, Montezuma, Puntarenas Province
- Tip: Take a stroll down the street to the little city of Montezuma and take a look at the sandy seashore and nice collection of eating places and outlets.
- Value: Weekly charges begin at $795.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Considered one of my prime Costa Rica journey suggestions is to get pleasure from as many waterfalls as you possibly can. Fortuna Waterfall is likely one of the most well-known waterfalls in Costa Rica. Positioned in Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park this 70-meter-high waterfall is a delight for guests who should cross by means of 530 steps to achieve it.
Nonetheless, the reward is a pleasant refreshing dip within the swimming pools when you attain it!
E-book a Tour!
Sloth Tour within the Wild
The Arenal space is well-known for its two totally different Sloth species: two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths. Seeing them in Costa Rica is a should! This tour can have you trekking and trying to find these fascinating creatures, all guided by a educated naturalist. Throughout the tour you’ll additionally come throughout quite a lot of birdlife, iguanas, and monkeys!
E-book a Tour!
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a good place to begin for those who’re trying to get off the crushed path. Upon arrival, hop on a ship and float by means of canyons to achieve your important vacation spot.
As soon as there, you’ll see many marine and land species. Migratory birds, howler monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars, deer, turtles and perhaps even a shark fin or two are simply among the creatures you might spot in your journey.
- Location: Caño Negro District in Alajuela Province.
- Tip: After your tour, head to Cano Negro village and go to one of many nice eating places resembling Couch la Palmera.
- Value: Free to enter however $25 to journey by guided boat tour.
Tortuguero Nationwide Park
Tortuguero Nationwide Park is an space of unimaginable biodiversity the place nature fanatics can discover a protected space with seashores, lagoons and wetlands.
It’s a really particular place for sea turtles who come to nest on the park’s seashores, and guided excursions to witness this occasion can be found. Inside this park, you’ll see many different species, together with monkeys, birds and caimans.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Organic Reserve
A cloud forest is principally what it appears like; a forest that’s shrouded in a layer of cloud. This low-hanging cloud cowl creates a humid setting the place a singular mesh of vegetation and animals thrive.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Organic Reserve options such a uncommon setting and is house to the very best variety of orchids on the planet, greater than 400 chook species, 1,200 amphibian and reptile species and 100 animal species.
There are about eight miles of mountaineering trails for those who want to discover the reserve by yourself.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is the right place to go if you wish to chill within the treetops all day. This can be a fantastic forest surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary. The hanging bridges are some of the distinctive locations to watch totally different species.
You may simply go on a self-guided tour and take as a lot as you want to recognize the beautiful organic hall.
E-book a Tour!
Corcovado Nationwide Park
Corcovado Nationwide Park is a nature reserve on the Osa Peninsula that was created to guard distinctive ecosystems together with lowland rainforest, mangrove swamps and highland cloud forest.
The realm is alleged to be probably the most bio-diverse on the planet and one of many nation’s greatest locations to identify wildlife. Jaguars, macaws and numerous species of monkeys are simply among the creatures you might even see!
- Location: GCRH+8JM, Los Patos Sirena Path, Puntarenas Province.
- Tip: There are a number of mountaineering trails on this park. Drake to San Pedrillo, Los Patos to La Sirena and La Leona to La Sirena are a couple of of the longer trails. San Pedrillo Station and La Sirena Station are shorter trails.
- Value: Entry is $15.
Go Ziplining
There are various locations to zipline in Costa Rica however none are as thrilling because the strains at Diamante Eco Journey Park. If you zip throughout the treeline right here, you’ll get the longest journey instances within the nation and among the greatest views. You’ll additionally get to take part in a 30-foot free-fall soar!
Embark on a Sundown Crusing Cruise
There’s one thing soothing about cruising calm ocean waters in a catamaran and it’s much more so if you mix your enjoyable cruise with a pacific coast sundown.
This journey is exclusive as a result of it combines each enjoyable and thrilling parts. Throughout the 4-hour cruise, you’ll go snorkeling, look ahead to whales and sit back on the deck whereas admiring the views.
- Tip: Snacks, drinks, dinner and use of snorkeling gear are included within the worth.
- Value: $100 per individual.
E-book a Catamaran Tour!
10. Tabacón Sizzling Springs
Nothing beats a soak in some mineral scorching springs for whole rest and rejuvenation – really the most effective issues to do in Costa Rica. That is very true if these scorching springs are surrounded by spectacular surroundings, lush greenery and the sounds of chirping birds.
Such is the case if you go to Tabacon Sizzling Springs and probably the most distinctive factor about these springs is the supply is a thermal river heated by close by Arenal Volcano. There are 5 totally different springs on web site and the temperatures differ from 77 to 122 levels. There’s additionally a chilly river for if you’d relatively cool off.
Go Snorkeling off the Catalina Islands
The Catalina Islands are a gaggle of islands about ten miles off the coast of Tamarindo and the waters round these islands are identified to be the most effective for snorkeling within the area.
Embark on a journey to 2 totally different areas the place you’ll snorkel for 40 minutes at every. Tropical fish, small sharks and manta rays are among the marine species you’ll see.
- Location: TamaDive Dive Heart – Potrero assembly level, Unnamed Street, F67Q+FMH, Guanacaste Province.
- Tip: You may prepare to be picked up and brought to the assembly spot so long as you’re staying in Tamarindo, Langosta, or Potrero.
- Value: $125.13 per individual.
Go on an ATV Tour
ATVs are a well-liked technique to get across the distant areas of Costa Rica and you’ve got an opportunity to embark on a one-of-kind journey with this 3-hour ATV jungle waterfall tour. Journey by means of tough mountainous landscapes and throughout rivers to achieve an space with spectacular views and two waterfalls.
- Location: Journey Excursions Costa Rica, Av. Pastor Díaz Native 1, Jaco, Puntarenas province.
- Tip: Take a swimsuit so you possibly can take a refreshing dip in a pure pool. In the event you’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can soar right into a pool under one of many waterfalls.
- Value: From $125.
E-book a Tour!
Go Browsing in Jaco
One of the thrilling issues you are able to do in Costa Rica is surf; you don’t have to be a professional to catch some waves! Even for those who’ve by no means surfed earlier than, the professionals at Jaco Seashore can have you using waves very quickly.
Begin with a primary lesson on security and approach earlier than heading into the water the place you’ll attempt to attempt once more till you lastly journey that first wave. There’s nothing fairly prefer it!
- Location: Jaco Seashore
- Tip: A memento photograph is on the market for an additional price.
- Value: $90.88 per individual.
Wine and Dine at one in all San Jose’s Most interesting
The beautiful dishes ready at Botaniko are ready by a famend chef utilizing a wood-fired oven and contemporary, native substances. The delicacies is a scrumptious mixture of conventional Argentine recipes and methods mixed with Costa Rican traditions.
Many of the dishes are gluten-free. Additionally on-site are a sushi bar, a cocktail bar and fairly out of doors seating.
Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
In the event you can solely go to one waterfall, you’ll need to make it one which has a pool on the backside that you could swim in and Llanos de Cortez Waterfall is a well-liked alternative. It’s straightforward to get to, it’s picturesque and the swimming gap is patrolled by lifeguards.
Go Bungee Leaping
The Outdated Colorado River Bridge is simply one of many locations the place you possibly can bungee soar in Costa Rica but it surely’s the most effective! Tropical Bungee runs a leaping service on this bridge that crosses a river gorge that’s round 265 ft deep.
It’s the very best soar within the nation and also you don’t have to fret about vehicles making an attempt to cross the bridge as you muster up the braveness to make the leap as a result of it’s closed to site visitors.
- Location: About an hour exterior of San Jose in Naranjo.
- Tip: At close by Rancho Amalia, you are able to do some mountaineering on some straightforward trails.
- Value: $75 for one soar, $45 for a second soar. Costs embrace a t-shirt and video of your soar.
See Turtles at Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Turtles are common in Costa Rica and Ostional Wildlife Refuge is one more place the place you possibly can observe these fascinating creatures. This protected space features a nine-mile stretch of seashore the place hundreds of turtles come to put their eggs.
- Location: X8Q2+XQ8, Guanacaste Province, Ostional.
- Tip: Guests can solely go to the refuge with a guided tour which might be booked on the Information Affiliation workplace in Ostional.
- Value: The tour, which incorporates transportation, prices $50 to $80 relying in your location.
Go to the Jaguar Rescue Heart in Puerto Viejo
The Jaguar Rescue Heart is an animal rescue middle that serves as a brief house and rehabilitation middle for orphaned and injured animals. The aim is to get these animals wholesome to allow them to be launched into protected areas across the nation.
Whereas jaguars are a well-liked draw, you’ll additionally see monkeys, sloths, birds and lots of different native species.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
It’s not that removed from the capital metropolis however the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the place you’ll discover mountainous rainforest environment that includes mountaineering trails, waterfalls and a wildlife sanctuary with wild cats, sloths, monkeys, snakes and lots of species of birds.
Take a San Jose Metropolis Tour
The capital metropolis of San Jose is a gorgeous metropolis with historic buildings, markets and parks. One of the best ways to see it’s on foot and a guided strolling tour with Intrepid City Adventures is the easiest way to get an introduction to this vibrant metropolis.
This tour lasts three hours and alongside the best way, you’ll study in regards to the metropolis’s historical past, style native delicacies, and sip native espresso.
- Location: Downtown San Jose.
- Tip: The assembly place is on the Nationwide Theater of Costa Rica at 1, Catedral.
- Value: $50.00 per individual.
E-book a Tour!
Take a Trip on a Tram
If ziplining over the rainforest cover will not be your type, you possibly can get pleasure from a much less adrenaline-pumping rainforest expertise with a tram journey with Rainforest Adventures Jaco. Throughout your tour, you’ll study in regards to the surrounding landscapes and the significance of the assorted rainforest ecosystems.
Tour of a Espresso Plantation
A number of the greatest espresso on the planet comes from Costa Rica so naturally, you’ll need to take a tour of an area espresso plantation with North Fields Espresso and Chocolate. You don’t should be a espresso drinker to understand the method of getting this much-loved drink to breakfast tables all over the world!
The farm that you just’ll go to additionally focuses on making conventional chocolate. As you tour the ability, you’ll see the gear and plantations and have the chance to style among the contemporary espresso and chocolate that’s made proper on-site.
Cease on the Crocodile Bridge
It’s not an marketed attraction however an awesome one if you wish to see crocodiles up shut and of their pure ingredient. This bridge is alongside a busy freeway however you’ll know you discovered it if you see the automobiles pulled over with individuals trying over. Normally, a few dozen crocodiles are lounging within the solar under the bridge.
Spend a Day at Tamarindo Seashore
It’s laborious to pinpoint only one seashore to be the most effective in all of Costa Rica as a result of there are such a lot of everywhere in the nation. Nonetheless, Tamarindo Seashore stands out from the remaining for its comfortable white sand, lovely surroundings, and spectacular sunsets.
When the surf is up, waves can attain heights of 12 ft, making it a prime browsing spot. In calmer waters, paddle boarding and sea kayaking are common.
Attempt some Stand-up Paddleboarding
Lake Arenal is the right place to discover on a paddleboard. The views of Arenal Volcano are wonderful and as you discover the lake, you’ll be immersed in a rainforest setting the place you’ll hear and see quite a lot of animals and birds. If paddleboarding isn’t your factor, you can too discover in a kayak.
- Location: CR Paddleboard Leases and Excursions, El Fósforo-El Castillo, El Fosforo, Alajuela province.
- Tip: Earlier than beginning your journey, request the photoshoot service, which prices an extra $6.
- Value: From $72 per individual.
Calm down in Santa Teresa
Guanacaste is the most well-liked vacation spot for vacationers to Costa Rica, but it surely’s additionally the aridest area within the nation. The first motive for that is the big quantity of sunshine with good surf and seashores. Santa Teresa is positioned in Guanacaste, however within the far southwest of the peninsula, the place rain is plentiful.
Right here you’ll discover a buffer of rainforest alongside the coast the place the ocean dumps giant quantities of rain. It’s hip, eclectic and stuffed with yoga studios and eco-lodges. Every thing right here nonetheless operates off one filth street and isn’t fully straightforward to get to. Which means that if you would like one thing extra off the crushed path then Santa Teresa is the place to go!
Keep in a Treehouse
Finca Bellavista is likely one of the most unusual and coolest locations to remain in Costa Rica. This eco-community is about in the course of the Costa Rican jungle alongside the Pacific Coast within the nation’s south.
It’s a surprising observe of secondary and first forest with a community of mountaineering trails to discover by yourself. Rooms right here come within the type of treehouses unfold all through the forest, some an hour-plus hike from the principle lodge, be sure you guide accordingly.
With a down-to-earth vibe, it attracts a clientele looking for digital detox and good dialog. Treehouses begin at $100 an evening, meals not included, however you’ll have entry to their wonderful grounds and mountaineering.
Be Dazzled at Rio Celeste
Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park is a surprising park and a first-rate instance of Costa Rican jungle. On this park is likely one of the most lovely waterfalls in the complete nation.
The Rio Celeste is exclusive in its colour as it’s a deep turquoise blue. It appears to be like completely unreal and is brought on by the convergence of two rivers. One river is acidic, and the opposite carries a volcanic mineral in order that after they meet the mineral enlarges, reflecting the sunshine in an impact known as Mie Scattering.
- Location: Rio Celeste
- Tip: Earlier than beginning your journey, request the photoshoot service which prices an extra $6.
- Value: $15 per individual.
E-book a Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour (With Sloth Sanctuary!)
Catarata del Toro
Catarata del Toro is likely one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the complete nation. This can be a privately owned ecological waterfall challenge and is close to a small city known as Bajos del Toro.
It’s shut sufficient for a day journey from San José or Alajuela. To achieve the falls you’ll should descend a scenic staircase earlier than laying your eyes on a 90-meter fall that flows into an extinct volcanic crater.
There are 375 steps to the waterfall’s base, so put together for the hike again up! Mountaineering footwear are really useful!
See Macaws on the Osa Peninsula
Anybody looking for nature and seclusion ought to head to the Osa Peninsula. It’s thought-about probably the most biodiverse area within the planet, with practically 2.5% of the planet’s species packed right into a tiny space.
As massive conservationists and wildlife fanatics, we knew we needed to make it to the Osa Peninsula. We had been certainly not upset, as inside our first hour, we discovered a tree stuffed with 13 scarlet macaws. It’s on the Osa Peninsula that we might go on to search out anteaters, armadillos, fer-de-lance snakes, and tapirs! That is additionally the place Corcovado Nationwide Park is, a real gem of Costa Rica.
Search Out the Resplendent Quetzal
The beautiful Resplendent Quetzal is just like the elusive leopard in Africa. In the event you spot one, contemplate your self very, very fortunate.
This lovely chook is a part of the trogon household and might be seen within the Costa Rica cloud forest. Seize some binoculars and a birding app, and look out for this lovely chook.
Greatest Issues to do in Costa Rica Map
Costa Rica Fast Suggestions
- Forex: Costa Rica Colón
- Visa: Many nationalities can enter Costa Rica for 90 days visa-free
- Climate: There may be a number of climate happening on this tiny nation. The wet season usually runs from Might to December. Within the cloud forest, you possibly can count on colder temperatures, whereas Guanacaste is often dry and scorching. The coastal areas are just about miserably scorching and humid all yr round.
- What to Pack: Good mountaineering footwear, a showering swimsuit, rain jacket, and rain boots.
- Keep Related: We suggest Sim Playing cards from both Kolbi, Movistar, or Claro. Sim playing cards might be bought on the town facilities
When Is The Greatest Season To Journey Costa Rica?
Dry Season (Late November to Late April): Contradictory of excessive season in North America, Costa Rica celebrates its greatest climate in the course of the North American winter. The excessive season in Costa Rica is the dry season. From late November to April you’ll get little rainfall to spoil your vacation. That is good and dangerous. Clearly, nobody likes rain on their vacation, but it surely additionally implies that the whole lot gained’t be practically as lush as within the moist season. It’s throughout this time you’ll discover greater costs, and lodging choices reserving up quick. Superior bookings are really useful.
Wet Season (Might to November): Also known as the inexperienced season, that is when the rain falls in Costa Rica. Might is the start of the wet season, with peak rainfall occurring in September and dying again down come mid-November. The wet season means decrease costs and fewer vacationers. Nonetheless, it’s best to journey with a rain jacket as likelihood is excessive you’ll get rained on. The plus facet is the whole lot is inexperienced and lovely. We traveled to Costa Rica in the course of the center of Might and did get rained on not less than as soon as a day, however nonetheless noticed loads of sunshine and had a unbelievable time nonetheless! Rain within the jungles of Costa Rica is so picturesque! See the month by month breakdown right here!
Lodging in Costa Rica
Hostel ($5-$15)
Massive multi-bed dorms with ten or extra beds can begin at round $5, relying on the season. Nonetheless, if you would like fewer beds within the room or a non-public room, count on to pay extra.
It’s normal for hostels to offer free (though perhaps gradual) WiFi, linens, and infrequently breakfast – many even have giant frequent rooms, eating places, and bars, making it straightforward to satisfy individuals.
Airbnb ($50-$100)
We stayed a couple of Airbnbs round Costa Rica. Airbnb allowed us to have our personal house with a kitchen and do some cooking.
Airbnb additionally allowed us to get away from resorts and reside extra like an area in a neighboring. There are actually lots of (if not hundreds) or Airbnbs in Costa Rica.
Eco Lodge ($200+)
The Costa Rican authorities has taken energetic measures to guard the nation’s biodiversity. This implies many lodges across the nation are thought-about environmentally pleasant with a promise to provide again to the setting. You’ll discover them everywhere in the nation and the vary in worth level and luxuriousness. Eco-lodges usually embrace guides, excursions, and meals of their packages.
Non-public room or “casita” ($40-$50)
In Spanish, “casita” means “little home.” You’ll discover this phrase and the little homes everywhere in the nation. We stayed in a couple of of those and beloved our time in them as they had been usually very intimate and in secluded places since they had been small.
Treehouse ($100-$200)
You understand these cool treehouses you see on Instagram all over the world? Effectively, I really feel like Costa Rica is the birthplace of them. For sustainable, off-grid residing, contemplate reserving out a treehouse for a couple of days.
Transportation in Costa Rica
Bus
Costa Rica doesn’t have an enormous public transport system. However there are native buses that you could get between most main locations, cities, and cities. It will possibly save loads as automotive leases might be costly, although it should take some critical endurance. Take into account that bus routes don’t hyperlink locations leading to a number of transfers and a number of wasted time in uncomfortable areas.
Automobile Rental
We rented a automotive for our three weeks in Costa Rica for beneath $500. Take into accout the locations you intend to journey to Costa Rica as many roads are notoriously dangerous. As a result of poor roads, we rented a small 4×4 and would advise the identical.
Whereas most of the important roads could also be nice with a small automotive, it’s when you flip off that the necessity for a 4×4 is critical. One other necessary factor to notice is that in Costa Rica you’re required to have third social gathering legal responsibility insurance coverage.
This isn’t coated along with your bank card or house insurance coverage supplier however examine simply in case you are feeling it could be coated. As a result of insurance coverage, the value you see on-line is much more costly than you might assume, we advise including the insurance coverage on to your reserving to make sure you aren’t met with a shock price addition if you land in Costa Rica.
Meals Prices in Costa Rica
Low-cost Eats: We truly discovered the meals to be the worst worth in Costa Rica. With loads of sunshine and wealthy soil, the nation produces many merchandise; nevertheless, a lot of it’s invaluable tropical fruits for export. This resulted in Costa Rica importing a lot of its produce to curtail this the federal government applied tariffs on imported produce. The most cost effective meals you’ll find out will likely be at soda outlets. Take a look at to see the place the locals are heading for the most effective ones. You may typically eat a full meal at a soda store for $7-$10.
The native staple is gallo pinta, a mix of rice, beans, and spices. It’s an honest staple and might usually be discovered within the nationwide dish of casado. Casado is the everyday lunch with a meat, salad, cheese, gallo pinta, tomato, salsa, and plantains. You undoubtedly have to attempt it with a “batido,” which is fruit smoothie made with ice “aqua” or milk “leche.”
Grocery Shops: Trendy chain grocery shops might be present in main cities like San Jose and Jaco. It is possible for you to to search out many of the issues you have to to prepare dinner a full and full meal at these shops. Nonetheless, exterior of main cities, you’ll probably solely discover small comfort shops with restricted gadgets at a excessive worth.
What to Put on in Costa Rica?
I can’t stress the significance of excellent footwear for Costa Rica. Footwear that may deal with mud and tough terrain! Mountaineering garments are additionally of utmost significance for all of the waterfall trekking! We break down our complete Costa Rica packing listing right here!
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