10 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, with stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. From volcanoes and rainforests to beautiful beaches, it offers endless unforgettable experiences. In this blog post, I’ll share the top ten activities to try in this amazing country.

1. Hiking through the Rainforest:

The rainforest is a magical place full of life and mysteries. In La Fortuna, I admired the imposing Arenal Volcano and experienced the beauty of the surrounding rainforest. The sounds of animals, the rush of waterfalls, and the intense greens of the vegetation created an atmosphere of mystique and adventure. The hikes through the cloud forests of Monteverde and the Celeste Waterfalls in Tenorio National Park were equally impressive, with their enchanted paths, mysterious mists, and hidden treasures of nature.

- Best access with shuttle service

- Pleasant walking paths

- Many activities in the vicinity

- Recommended duration: 2–3 days

2. Hiking Chirripó:

The ascent of Chirripó was not only a physical challenge but also a unique nature adventure. At 3,820 meters, it is the highest mountain in Costa Rica and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The trail took me through various ecosystems, from dense rainforests to alpine mountain landscapes. Each step brought me closer to the sky and further away from civilization. The overnight stay at the base camp offered a restful break before we climbed the summit the next morning. The view from the top, surrounded by majestic mountains and valleys, was breathtaking. That morning, we could even see both coasts, the Caribbean and the Pacific, in the distance. This unforgettable experience will stay with me for a long time.

- Reservations required

- Physically demanding

- Planning: at least 3 days including travel

3. Magical Encounter with Turtles at Playa Ostional:

Visiting Ostional Beach during the turtle migration was an unforgettable experience. As night fell, the dark beaches suddenly came alive as thousands of sea turtles came ashore to lay their eggs. Watching these fascinating creatures perform their ancient ritual felt like a journey back to prehistoric times, a moment of deep connection with nature and its infinite wisdom.

- Best time: August and September

- More info: costarica.org

- Recommended duration: 2 days

4. Surfing on the Dreamlike Pacific Coast:

Surfing on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica was not only a challenge but also an exciting adventure. The waves were powerful and unpredictable, but the feeling of riding them and merging with the ocean's force was priceless. The coast was lined with palm trees, the sand was white and soft, and the sky shone in the most beautiful colors – a paradise for surfers and nature lovers alike. The small surfer villages along the coast had a relaxed atmosphere, characterized by the surf lifestyle and closeness to nature.

- Recommended: at least one week

- Surf camps available

- Best beaches: Playa Hermosa de Cobano, Playa Santa Teresa

5. Adventure in Corcovado National Park:

Corcovado National Park felt like a journey to another world. The jungle was dense, the sounds were foreign, and the animals were exotic and fascinating. Monkeys swung through the treetops, tapirs wandered through the underbrush, and even two skunks crossed our path without spreading their scent. These encounters highlighted the amazing diversity and beauty of nature. It was particularly impressive to learn that Corcovado National Park is still primary rainforest, untouched by human hands.

- Recommended entrance: Bahía de Drake

- Day and night tours available

- Overnight camping in the park

- Recommended duration: 3–4 days

6. Canoeing through the Mangroves of Río Grande de Térraba:

The canoe trip through the mangrove forests of Río Grande de Térraba was a calm and reflective experience. The still waters were lined with dense mangroves, and the air was filled with the soothing sounds of nature. During the trip, I could observe caimans basking on the water's surface, monkeys playing in the trees, and birds circling above the water in search of prey.

- Overnight stay and reservations in Uvita

- Kayak excursion recommended, not by boat

- Recommended duration: 1–2 days

7. The Impressive Poás Volcano:

The Poás Volcano impressed me the most, especially because of its authentic crater and the occasional whiff of sulfur in the air. Access is easy by car or shuttle, and day trips from San José or Alajuela are possible. At the top, there is a pleasant circular trail that isn’t too long. Standing at the crater's edge and looking down, I was struck by the immense power and energy lying within nature. The sight of the turquoise acid lake and the smoke rising from the rock fissures was impressive and captivating.

- Recommended as a conclusion to your Costa Rica visit

- Walk

- Day trip

8. Pure Adrenaline with Adventure Activities Across the Country:

From ziplining through the treetops of the jungle to river rafting on the Río Pacuare and exploring the underwater world of Drake's Bay – Costa Rica offers adventures for every taste. Each activity was a new opportunity to test my own limits.

- Diving in Drake's Bay

- Ziplining in Monteverde

- River rafting on the Río Pacuare

9. Horseback Riding on the Beach at Sunset:

Riding along the beach towards the sunset was a long-held dream come true for me as a horse lover. The sunsets on the Pacific beaches of Costa Rica were breathtaking. The endless horizon of the ocean, the warmth of the setting sun, and the feeling of being in harmony with nature made this moment an unforgettable experience.

- Location: Manzanillo

- Instagram: @miguels_saddle_horses

- Duration: 3–4 hours

10. A Taste of Costa Rica:

In Costa Rican cuisine, you must try three classic dishes. For breakfast, Gallo Pinto, a mix of rice and beans. Another highlight is Casado, a colorful plate with rice, beans, meat or fish, salad, and plantains. However, my favorite is Chifrijo – a combination of rice, beans, pork, Pico de Gallo, and tortilla chips, often drizzled with lime juice. The fresh fruits of Costa Rica and the local markets also offer culinary discoveries.

Costa Rica is a country full of adventure, natural wonders, and cultural treasures. From exploring rainforests and climbing majestic volcanoes to relaxing on the beautiful Pacific coast, the experiences in Costa Rica are unforgettable. Plan your trip and discover what this amazing country has to offer

Pura vida! Carla Z.