Costa Rica is a land of sun-drenched countryside, glowing coastlines and tropical birds gliding by way of the sky. Right here, on this Central American nation recognized for its pure life (pure life), you possibly can hike to the summits of mist-covered volcanoes or by way of lush jungles teeming with animals. Alternatively, you’ve among the world’s greatest browsing seashores and the cultural middle, the capital metropolis of San José.
Whether or not your journey fashion includes dancing bachata till daybreak or escaping the crowds to hang around with the sloths and slobs, there’s one thing right here for you. So with out additional ado, it is time to go wild with the highest 20 issues to do in Costa Rica.
What to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
With its tropical local weather, glorious seashores and sunny coastal views, Guanacaste is among the hottest locations to go to in Costa Rica. This paradise on the North Pacific coast of the nation is the place you go to surf by day and occasion by night time. Listed here are some really useful issues to do in Guanacaste:
1. Browsing in Tamarind
Tamarindo attracts guests longing for world-class browsing, but additionally a spot to attach with like-minded vacationers at full of life events after the solar goes down. This space of Costa Rica was as soon as a sleepy fishing village, however right this moment is a primary vacation spot for seashore bums and energetic vacationers. Head to Tamarindo to surf and you will not be upset. Surfers of all skills can get pleasure from catching waves on the principle seashore. For those who’re in search of extra of a problem, strive close by Playa Grande. Psst! We now have a prepared and helpful information to the very best browsing spots in Costa Rica.
2. Catch the dawn on the seashore
Guanacaste is residence to lots of Costa Rica’s greatest seashores. It pays to start out early to catch the pastel pink sunrises at seashores like Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa or Playa Nosara. Afterwards, you’ve the entire day to sunbathe or observe the native wildlife.
3. See Rincón de la Vieja Nationwide Park
Whenever you and your passengers want a seashore trip, Rincón de la Vieja is the place to hike. This nationwide park is residence to 9 volcanic craters, scorching springs, mud pots and La Cangreja Falls to chill off in spite of everything that sweat.
What to do within the northern highlands of Costa Rica
The north of Costa Rica is the place you can find among the most lovely locations within the district. Within the mountainous areas right here you possibly can uncover Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and La Fortuna — a hub for every kind of adrenaline-pumping actions (assume ziplines, mountain climbing and kayaking). This is what so as to add to your itinerary:
4. Swim in pure scorching springs
For those who’re an adventurer, top-of-the-line issues to do in La Fortuna is to make the most of the pure scorching springs – sore muscle tissue will thanks after a day of ziplining or kayaking within the close by lake. What vacationers admire is that these scorching springs are situated in numerous areas close to La Fortuna. Whether or not you are in search of a high-end spa or pure, rugged bathing spots the place locals hang around, you will discover the complete vary right here
5. Chasing waterfalls
If you have not chased waterfalls in Costa Rica, have you ever even gone? The most effective issues to do in Costa Rica is to hike to its unbelievable cascading waterfalls and swim within the swimming pools at their base. La Fortuna waterfall is among the most appreciated waterfalls in Costa Rica. With water falling from a top of 70 m (229 ft), a day spent at Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park might be one of the crucial memorable experiences of your journey.
6. Go chook watching
Costa Rica has greater than 900 species of birds that fly by way of misty cloud forests, jungles and mountain landscapes. The most effective issues to do in La Fortuna and Monteverde is chook watching, because it will not take a lot to see flocks of inexperienced parrots hovering by way of the sky, large hawks, hummingbirds darting between flowers, toucans taking part in in pairs or colourful macaws. Monteverde alone is residence to over 400 species of birds, so hold your eyes open!
7. Discover Monteverde’s cloud forests
Costa Rica is blessed to have mountains, coastlines, charming nature and luxurious cloud forests. For vacationers who need to recharge their batteries by staying in nature, the cloud forests of Monteverde are a real paradise. Think about recent, misty air, vine-covered timber, mesmerizing treetop excursions, and the soundtrack of birds, bugs, and animals that decision these jungle areas residence. Monteverde offers the proper wellness or journey getaway, the place suspension bridges, mountain climbing trails by way of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, sloths, frogs and monkeys are simply a part of your days.
What to do in San José
Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is a cultural hub nice for metropolis slickers in search of the very best artwork, nightlife and meals. Many vacationers e book their journeys with quick stays within the huge metropolis. If that is your case, this is what it is advisable do:
8. Go on a meals tour
It is consuming the what to do in San José. Plan a meals tour making an attempt the very best conventional ones dude (nickname for a local of Costa Rica) meals. One neighborhood with an excellent status for high quality bars and eating places is Barrio Escalante. Right here you can find menus providing traditional meals akin to fridge (pork stomach rice bowl), crackling (pork stomach), black soup (black bean soup), or married (a plate consisting of rice, beans and meat). When visiting San José, two iconic eating places in your checklist are Sikwa, which explores conventional Costa Rican meals by reviving previous, nearly forgotten recipes, and Apotecario, a cocktail bar with regionally produced drinks.
9. Browse the artwork of San José
The capital metropolis is definitely top-of-the-line locations to see artwork, museums, music and theater. Throughout your keep in San José, chances are you’ll really feel inclined to go to a present or take an iconic tour Nationwide Theatre (nationwide theater). Or just stroll across the metropolis middle at a leisurely tempo, recognizing murals painted by native artists.
10. Hand around in Escazú
Do you’ve some free time within the huge metropolis? Try the luxury Escazú neighborhood. You may escape the hustle and bustle, however bask in metropolis comforts akin to fancy cafes or scorching eating places with a view.
11. See Poás Volcano
Only a day journey from San José, Poás Volcano is considered one of Costa Rica’s geological gems. It’s considered one of Costa Rica’s many mesmerizing volcanoes and a sight for sore eyes with its craggy pink rocks, azure crater lake and billowing steam. Poás is an energetic volcano with fuel and steam emissions and occasional eruptions.
What to do within the nature of Costa Rica
For a slower tempo, time to loosen up and an opportunity to have interaction with native communities, head to rural areas akin to Atenas, Puriscal, Ciudad Colon or San Ramon. Do not trouble with a busy schedule, simply contemplate the next issues:
12. Drink sugarcane juice underneath the solar
The pure life is all about indulging in life’s little joys. A go to to Costa Rica is not nearly scorching spots, bucket checklist actions and well-known locations, it is about slowing down and appreciating the small, on a regular basis pleasures. It is like ingesting chilly sugarcane juice underneath the new solar. Issues like sugarcane juice (to not point out the big range of fruit juices Costa Rica has to supply) are low-cost and sometimes bought by roadside distributors within the nation.
13. Go to a ranch
For those who can go to a ranch or go horseback driving within the Costa Rican countryside, you’ve skilled the actual factor dude lifestyle. Bonus factors if an actual cowboy exhibits you the artwork of lassoing!
14. Study the espresso brewing course of
Because of its microclimate, altitude and different geographical options, Costa Rica grows among the greatest espresso on the earth. For espresso lovers who spend time within the countryside, a tour of a espresso farm should be included within the itinerary. Among the predominant espresso rising areas are within the central valley close to San José, Cartago, Tarrazú, and Alajuela—to call just a few. espresso tour consists of attending to know the native farmers and neighborhood, an up-close take a look at how the beans are dried, floor and roasted, and naturally, a style of the completed product.
Issues to do alongside Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast
This a part of the Pacific is residence to sloths, glowing seashores, crocodiles and paradise palms. If you’re visiting this area of Costa Rica, Jaco and Manuel Antonio deserve not less than a day or two. This is what you are able to do in Costa Rica’s Pacific cities and seashores:
15. Spot crocodiles in Jaco
Jaco is a small seashore city and one of many closest seashore facilities to San José. It’s well-known for browsing and nightlife and yet another vital factor: crocodiles! If enormous crocs do not make you sick, then you definately’ll love trying down from the bridge that crosses the Tarcoles River. Beneath you’re more likely to spot giant and toothy crocodiles basking within the solar. It is top-of-the-line issues to do in Jaco, Costa Rica, but it surely might not be for the faint of coronary heart.
16. Mountaineering to the Nauyaca waterfall
Chasing waterfalls is really top-of-the-line issues to do in Costa Rica, and top-of-the-line actions alongside the Pacific coast is mountain climbing to Nauyaca Falls, situated about 20 minutes outdoors of the coastal city of Dominical. These falls are extremely lovely with two layers of churning water accumulating in a turquoise pool under. The hike takes lower than an hour and isn’t demanding, simply carry a hat and water for sunbathing.
17. Meet sloths in Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is among the greatest locations in Costa Rica to see sloths. These sleepy little creatures are as lovely as they’re lazy. As for the park itself, it’s a tropical paradise bursting with palm timber and monkeys swinging from the branches.
What to do on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica
There are few locations higher than the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Recognized for its candy seashores, browsing, wildlife and vibrant Afro-Caribbean tradition, Puerto Viejo specifically is a magnet for vacationers from around the globe. These are our really useful actions:
18. Go to Tortuguero Nationwide Park
Alongside the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is the adored Tortuguero Nationwide Park. As you possibly can inform from its identify, this nationwide park is residence to many sea turtles and is a protected space that’s considered one of their most vital nesting websites. The nesting season is from July to October, so if you’re within the nation at the moment, do not miss it. These areas are additionally residence to different wildlife, together with many species of monkeys, pumas, birds and iguanas.
19. Spot howler monkeys in Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is a blissful a part of Costa Rica with Caribbean seashores, cotton sweet sunsets and palm-fringed shores. Earlier than your journey, do not forget to pack your binoculars. One of many underrated (however important!) issues to do in Costa Rica is to look at the howler monkeys swing from the treetops in Puerto Viejo. They make their presence recognized so there is no doubt you will hear them roaring from the jungle shortly after your arrival.
20. Raft within the Pacuare River
The Pacuare River, considered one of Costa Rica’s most lovely waterways, is surrounded by lush rainforest. The river flows into the Caribbean with rapids that may differ from light to turbulent. A day of rafting on the river brings a view of gorgeous birds flying above you and waterfalls. For outside vacationers, that is merely top-of-the-line issues to do in Costa Rica.