There’s a whole heap of incredible and beautiful things to do in Costa Rica. It’s one of those countries that just seems to have everything for us, travellers, to explore.
Tropical rainforests, rugged mountains, and serene beaches are commonplace here, making it a great spot if you want to explore the unspoilt nature of Central America.
Recently, Costa Rica has grabbed the attention of many more travellers and it’s so easy to see why. I mean, its protected jungles and wildlife is beautiful, but those are not the only elements that make up this amazing place.
take a look at these things to do in Costa Rica – you’re going to love your visit! 🇨🇷
1.) Climb Volcan Poas
This active and massive volcano stands almost 3,000 metres high and perched within the Poas Volcano National Park. It’s so active in fact that it even erupted this year. Don’t be alarmed, though, you can still visit and climb to the top of the peak. Just make sure you climb with a certified guide that understands the region.
truthfully, this might be one of the coolest hikes and it’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Costa Rica.
2.) See the Arenal Volcano
Okay, I promise Costa Rica isn’t just volcanos but they are so beautiful.
Known in Spanish as Volcan Arenal, it’s about 7,000-years-old and is considered the most active volcano in Costa Rica. Thankfully, it’s currently in its resting state, so us visitors can enjoy the area’s hot springs, some epic zip-lining, hiking, and even some whitewater rafting.
3.) Explore Las Baulas National Marine Park
If you love turtles, as much as I do, you will really love this place. Part of the Tempisque Conservation Area, it’s a gorgeous area of Costa Rica.
Created to protect the Leatherback turtles that come ashore (October to May) to lay their eggs – it’s a wonderful place to hear more about these magnificent animals. Certified tour guides can be hired to take you to areas close to the beach.
As a heads up, anyone that offers for you to hold or play with the baby turtles is not someone to tour with. After all, these gorgeous animals should only be enjoyed from a distance with no interaction with us.
4.) Head up to Monteverde
High up in the mountains of Costa Rica is the area known as Monteverde. Famous for its Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde has plenty of hiking trails and hanging bridges for walks above the forest canopy.
Thankfully, Jaguars, ocelots and quetzal are all protected here, and the rainforest environment is totally special for its biodiversity.
It’s one of the beautiful areas and things to do in Costa Rica.
5.) Discover Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
A laid-back beach village perfect for surfing and dining on some local seafood, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are some proper gems to visit. This culturally rich village has a mix of Afro-Caribbean and other influences, giving you an epic insight into local Costa Rican culture.
Plenty of reviews of the village claim that it has the best food in Costa Rica, and travelling via rental bikes seems to be the most popular method of transportation.
National parks are also nearby, giving you extra scenic places to take those rental bikes to.
6.) Visit Cartago
Costa Rica’s first capital city was Cartago, a small city not far from its current capital San Jose. Here, you can explore 16th-century ruins that are still famous in this city.
Pilgrimages from all over Central America end up in Cartago at the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, where the sacred Black Madonna statue is located. If you’re into orchids you’ll be able to wander around Lankester Botanical Garden, a 27 acre (11 hectares) garden with 3,000 species of plants, including 800 of Costa Rica’s 1,400 orchid species.
Though be warned, if you’re not into plants you might want to give this place a miss.
7.) Find Uvita
This village along the Pacific Ocean in southern Costa Rica is one of the best places in the country. From December through April, you watch for migrating Humpback whales passing through. Snorkeling and surfing are also popular here, as are some mind-blowing hikes to the nearby waterfalls.
It’s one gorgeous area to visit that has loads of things to do in Costa Rica.
8.) Discover a Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Located in the capital city San Jose, this unique museum houses a collection of over 1600 gold pieces from multiple Latin American cultures. The pieces range in age from 500-1500 A.D., showcasing Pre-Columbian artefacts. Where else in the world can you see so much gold in one place?
9.) Wander through Manuel Antonio National Park
Rugged rainforests, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches… need I say more? Ok, fine, it’s also one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with plenty of different tropical plants and animals to look for.
Most popular here is the white-faced and howler monkeys, which you’ll be able to spot while rambling across the trails. If you’re more of a water baby, make sure to pack your swimsuit and head out snorkelling and relaxing on the beach.
10.) Visit downtown San Jose
A trip to Costa Rica without exploring some of the capital city would be such a tragedy. Okay, that’s going a little too far, but you get the picture.
Stop by one of the local markets, such as Mercado Central and If you’re hungry, gorge at Restaurante Grano de Oro, one of the best restaurants in the city.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is also a popular haunt in the downtown area. That being said, if you’re wanting to learn the local language, intensive Spanish courses are also available. Hola! 💁♀️
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