This publish might include affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, if you happen to make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Costa Rica is likely one of the most enchanting nations on the planet. Well-known for its lively volcanoes, adventurous actions, distinctive wildlife and jaw dropping nature, you’ll be able to make sure to discover loads of issues to do in Costa Rica to make any trip a memorable one.
Whether or not you want canyoning, climbing, stress-free on a seaside or assembly cuddly sloths, Costa Rica is a vacation spot that gives all this and extra.
If you happen to’re planning a visit and wish concepts for what to do in Costa Rica so as to add to your itinerary, you then’ve come to the proper place.
On this information, we share the highest sights, locations to go to, and actions, that shouldn’t be skipped off any vacationers to-do record.
Is Costa Rica Value Visiting?
You may be on the fence about visiting Costa Rica, so permit me to sway your opinion.
Costa Rica is likely one of the most lovely and peaceable nations on the planet, with a vibe that beckons you to go sluggish and loosen up.
It’s additionally one of the eco-friendly nations you’ll be able to go to, as not simply companies however locals take delight of their environmentally pleasant methods.
Only a few nations provide the identical degree of biodiversity that you will see in Costa Rica, it’s wealthy in nature from all corners. It has two coastlines (The Pacific Coast and Atlantic Ocean), rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
Costa Rica can also be a rustic of a few of the warmest and most welcoming folks I’ve ever encountered.
They adore youngsters and welcome them into each state of affairs. This makes Costa Rica a terrific vacation spot for households in addition to singles and {couples}.
So, to summarize, Costa Rica is unquestionably value visiting, as a result of it has an abundance of nature to discover, pleasant locals, a calming ambiance, distinctive wildlife, and eco-friendly initiatives spanning throughout the nation.
Greatest Issues to Do in Costa Rica
There are such a lot of wonderful issues to do in Costa Rica, that it may be a battle narrowing down the choices. That will help you out, listed below are a few of the most unmissable sights in Costa Rica.
1. Calm down on The Seashores
There are not any scarcity o seashores in Costa Rica, and every of them presents one thing vastly totally different from the opposite.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Seaside, on the Caribbean coast, significantly Punta Uva seaside, are a particular must-see on any Costa Rica itinerary.
The crystal-clear waters and white sand beachess of Playa Conchal and Playa Hermosa are excellent for snorkeling and wildlife recognizing.
For a extra laid-back vibe, Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park and the charming city of Santa Teresa beckon with their pure magnificence and vibrant ambiance.
From the tranquil shores of Malpais and Santa Teresa to the surfers’ paradise of Playa Santa Teresa the place you will discover mild waves for browsing classes, there’s one thing for everybody.
Within the city of Tamarindo, within the Guanacaste province, you’ll discover seashores with a stronger surf for extra skilled surfers.
2. Go to Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is maybe probably the most well-known volcano in Costa Rica.
Fashioned round 7,000 years in the past, it stood because the nation’s most lively volcano for over 4 many years, with eruptions that left an enduring impression on the area.
The 1968 eruption, particularly, reshaped the panorama and spurred widespread devastation, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
At present, Arenal’s dramatic conical form and surrounding lush rainforest and close by lake Arenal showcase simply how various and vibrant Costa Rica’s biodiversity is.
Arenal Volcano is at the moment in its “resting part,” so it’s secure to go to.
3. Discover the Rainforest of Monteverde
The rainforests of Monteverde are a few of my favourite spots on earth, however most individuals skip them to benefit from the lovely seashores.
Whereas the seashores in Monteverde are lovely, don’t skip the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
This distinctive ecosystem is a haven for nature fanatics, housing over 400 chicken species, together with resplendent quetzals and vibrant toucans.
The jungle is filled with wildlife, from colourful butterflies to vocal howler monkeys to elusive tapirs, and is essential for preserving uncommon and biologically wealthy habitats, making it an important cease for ecotourism in Central America.
If you happen to choose to get lively, you may as well discover thrilling ziplining adventures and hanging bridges within the rainforest, which lets you see the plush rainforest from excessive up within the canopies.
4. Bathe in Eco Temales Sizzling Springs
The place ever there’s a vacationer lure, just like the Baldi sizzling springs in Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park, for instance, there’s usually a extra native place like Las Lagos or Eco Termales that can cost you FAR much less with out shedding the wonderful expertise.
If you wish to dip right into a thermal pure sizzling springs, then don’t go tot he vacationer lure.
Nestled within the lush wilderness close to La Fortuna, Eco Termales Sizzling Springs has been a preferred bathing web site for locals since 2002.
This tranquil haven harmoniously blends sustainable practices and wellness, creating an intimate retreat the place you’ll be able to unwind amidst the fascinating rainforest.
5. Strive Gallo Pinto
Costa Rica just isn’t actually identified for its meals, however the nationwide dish of Gallo Pinto is value a attempt. This dish is made up of rice and beans with seasonings, is served with most breakfasts.
Gallo Pinto actually interprets to “noticed rooster”, as a result of the looks of the dish is speckally like a rooster.
Another dishes you’ll be able to attempt are Arroz con pollo (rice and hen), Ceviche (chilly fish in lime juice and cilantro) which is fashionable in nations in South and Central America, and casados (alternative of grilled meat with rice, beans, and salad).
As is true with most eateries, the place ever you discover tables full of locals, you’ll be able to wager it’s a good spot.
There are lots of American chains all through the Central Valley, however all of them include a big value issue.
The true fantastic thing about the Costa Rican meals is the freshness!
You will discover a great deal of cheap greens and fruits rising in virtually each yard or at one in every of many fruit stands alongside the street.
6. Strive Costa Rican Espresso
The espresso… Oh, how I miss the beautiful Costa Rican espresso. Most individuals are accustomed to Costa Rican espresso, since it may be discovered everywhere in the world.
The nation has wealthy, volcanic soil and a heat local weather with heavy rainfall, which is ideal for rising espresso beans. This creates a really distinctive style and aroma that may solely be discovered with Costa Rican beans.
When touring again to go to the US, we’d carry twenty ½ kilo luggage of Atenas espresso with us as presents and to drink throughout our brief keep within the States.
You may carry dwelling half-a-kilo (1.1 lbs) of beans for lower than $5 in Costa Rica, so it’s effectively value grabbing a couple of luggage to take dwelling with you while you depart.
However if you wish to attempt espresso in Costa Rica, my recommendation is to search out the extra city native favorites reminiscent of La Villa in Atenas. Café Brit, whereas probably the most commercialized model, just isn’t as pleasing or contemporary as an area city manufacturers.
7. Get pleasure from The Costa Rican Nightlife
Costa Ricans get pleasure from to get together and each city, large and small, will provide a couple of choices for a drink proper within the city middle.
Imperial is the native beer and mostly in comparison with a Budweiser. They’re beginning some small native breweries and a few imports can be found as effectively, however at a value.
Most weekends there’s some sort of celebration happening full with fireworks, drinks, and loud music. If in any respect attainable, attempt to get to at least one, it’s a sight to see, whether or not it’s a “tope” (horse parade), or the celebration of a saint, you’ll get pleasure from it!
8. Go to The Farmer’s Markets
Every city in Costa Rica can have their very own native farmers markets. These are most positively value a go to as they provide the most effective worth and a pleasant introduction to the native tradition, to not point out extremely contemporary and scrumptious fruits greens, cheeses, yogurts, herbs, and so forth.
There’s additionally a stunning strolling road within the coronary heart of San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital metropolis, the place you will discover trinkets, clothes, regionally made artwork, and bootleg issues.
It’s positioned simply behind the Nationwide Theatre, one other good spot to see if strolling across the metropolis.
9. Have a good time Independence Day in Costa Rica
Independence day might be the largest vacation in Costa Rica, celebrated on September fifteenth.
There’s a night time parade in every city with native youngsters carrying “faroles” (handmade lanterns) and in addition an enormous parade throughout the day.
It’s celebrated with a lot delight in practically each city in Costa Rica.
10. Attend Semana Santa
Semana Santa is the week main as much as Easter. Being a Catholic nation that is additionally taken very significantly.
It’s thought of the best of the excessive seasons, so lodging and meals would be the costliest.
If you’re visiting throughout Semana Santa, observe that every thing shall be booked effectively upfront, reminiscent of motels (particularly on the seaside).
Additionally of observe, many issues shut down throughout this week and on Good Friday you aren’t even purported to drive a automotive, though many do anyway.
Alcohol can also be tough to buy on Good Friday and all through Easter weekend.
11. Have a good time New Yr Overlooking Central Valley
Whether it is in any respect attainable to spend New Years eve on a mountain prime overlooking the Central Valley, I’d do it each time! It’s the greatest present I believe I’ve ever seen and was so unhappy to overlook it this yr.
Phrases can not actually describe the wonderful sight of numerous fireworks exploding at midnight over town and all over the place round you.
So, do your self a favor and get down there for at the very least one New Years.
12. Go to The Sloth Sanctuary
For wildlife lovers, you can’t miss a go to to The Sloth Sanctuary. It was established in 1992 and is nestled inside a 320-acre nature protect on the southeast Caribbean aspect of Costa Rica, close to town of Cahuita.
This haven is devoted to defending and rehabilitating sloths whereas providing academic excursions to fund its noble trigger.
On these guided excursions, you’ll be able to study why these animals have come to the sanctuary and what they want with a purpose to be launched into the wild.
You may witness these endearing creatures as they bear rehabilitation earlier than being launched again into their pure habitat below the cautious steering of sanctuary workers, in addition to see child sloths who want fixed care and a spotlight.
13. Go to The Jaguar Rescue Middle
One other necessary wildlife sanctuary to go to is The Jaguar Rescue Middle in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which serves as a short lived haven for a various array of wildlife, not solely jaguars, and offers look after sick, injured, mistreated, and orphaned animals.
In addition to jaguars, you’ll be able to see monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles as they bear care and rehabilitation.
The middle presents public excursions that carry guests into direct contact with the wild cats, anteaters, and different animals on the sanctuary, and offers an up shut view into the conservation efforts.
14. Discover The Nationwide Parks (Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, Corcovado Nationwide Park & Tortuguero Nationwide Park)
Costa Rica is legendary for its nationwide parks, so make sure to add a couple of to your itinerary.
My favourite nationwide parks are Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, Corcovado Nationwide Park and Tortuguero Nationwide Park, which provide an unparalleled immersion into Costa Rica’s pure grandeur.
Tortuguero Nationwide Park is legendary for its leather-based again sea turtle colonies that nest on its seashores, in addition to its riverways and canals that present habitats for a wide range of creatures.
Corcovado Nationwide Park is a nationwide park identified for its untamed magnificence, showcasing one of many planet’s most biologically intense areas.
Right here you will discover many climbing trails which lead from the coast to mangrove swamps to montane rainforests. You might even spot a cheeky Central American monkey within the timber.
Tortuguero Nationwide Park is one other nationwide park identified for its pure magnificence and wildlife.
It’s most well-known for its Rio Celeste Waterfall, and can also be compact with lush rainforests and pristine waterways, which offers a sanctuary to endangered turtles and a wide range of chicken species.
15. See Turtle Conservation Efforts at Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Situated in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a refuge for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
This pristine pure sanctuary is famend as one of many world’s most crucial nesting websites for these mild marine creatures.
Right here you will be handled to sights of arribadas, mass nesting occasions the place 1000’s of turtles come ashore to put their eggs.
The ethereal fantastic thing about this phenomenon, mixed with the sanctuary’s dedication to wildlife preservation, makes it a must-visit for nature lovers in Costa Rica.
16. Calm down in San José
San José is arguably the pulsating coronary heart of Costa Rica, and isn’t to be missed if you wish to expertise the cultural, historic, and concrete charms of the nation.
From its world-class museums and picturesque parks to the colourful nightlife and architectural marvels, town presents a fascinating fusion of custom and modernity.
It’s additionally identified for its yoga retreats, eco resorts and eco-lodges, the place you’ll be able to expertise the harmonious aspect of Costa Rica.
Excursions of San Jose to get pleasure from:
Locations to remain in Costa Rica
Use the map under that will help you discover your excellent lodging in Costa Rica. Or see what’s obtainable on Expedia,
Getting To And Round Costa Rica
Flying to and from the US, we at all times have had nice luck with Jet Blue. Spirit Airways additionally presents great offers to Florida and different nearer areas.
Throughout the nation, Nature Air usually presents offers to save lots of on in nation journey instances.
Driving can also be an choice, however it will possibly grow to be more and more tough if taking a automotive over any borders. You may hire a automotive however it’s costly and driving the windy and foggy roads generally is a problem and normally considerably time-consuming.
Additionally do not forget that a vacationer visa is free to enter (most passports will get 90 days upon entry) however there’s an exit tax of $28 USD per particular person when leaving the nation by airplane!
Public transport is an effective way to see the nation. Buses can be found for brief and longer distances and even for journey between neighboring nations.
There are not any trains in Costa Rica, however buses (Ticabus and Nicabus) are at all times an choice. They’re extra reasonably priced than any flights however definitely take a substantial period of time.
Every city additionally has a number of taxi companies. Purple taxis are the insured ones, however are a bit costlier. There are additionally smaller firms that we used for a fraction of a value, however they provide no insurance coverage.
Orange taxis are the official transport from the airport and it is strongly recommended that you simply use these for security and greatest worth. You would rent a taxi for a full day for round $100.
Greatest Time of Yr to Go to Costa Rica
The most effective time of yr to go to Costa Rica largely is dependent upon what you need to get out of your journey. A lot of the nation experiences a dry and wet season.
Dry season is from November to April and consists of little or no rain, leaving a lot of the countryside dry and brown, and with very heat temperatures. Wet season goes from April to November and progressively will get rainier, climaxing in October.
The profit within the wet season is that the journey prices are all down and the temps will be fairly a bit cooler. Usually, it should rain for an hour or 2 within the late afternoon so actually it doesn’t have an effect on your day very a lot in any respect, till October that’s.
Some of the attention-grabbing issues about Costa Rica is its microclimates although so verify in additional element to your precise location(s). Even in the identical city, elevation variations could make temps and rain ranges fairly a bit totally different.
Excessive season is the dry season and it’s fairly lovely, however I’m a fan of the “inexperienced” (wet) season. I like to recommend going anytime, save for October.
Ultimate Ideas
Costa Rica is a rustic that can depart you with lasting reminiscences.
A few of our fondest moments as a household got here whereas studying to surf collectively, climbing a volcano, horseback using to sizzling springs, and having fun with the right local weather that graced our small mountain city.
We hope this information helped you propose some issues to do in Costa Rica and gave you some inspiration for locations to go to.
Different Central America journey suggestions
Supply: Breaking Travel News