Costa Rica is a destination you experience with all five senses. You can start the day birdwatching at sunrise, have lunch beside a river and end it soaking in hot springs under the stars. Here are the most popular kinds of activities and how to enjoy them to the fullest.
National parks and guided hikes
The national parks are the country’s great treasure. Exploring them with a certified naturalist guide transforms the experience: guides carry spotting scopes, understand animal behavior and find what the untrained eye would miss.
- Arenal Volcano National Park: trails across old lava flows.
- Manuel Antonio National Park: rainforest, monkeys and beaches in one outing.
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park: geothermal activity and waterfalls.
- Carara National Park: scarlet macaws a short drive from Jacó.
- Poás Volcano: a breathtaking crater close to the airport.
Adventure
For thrill-seekers, Costa Rica is one of the world’s benchmark adventure destinations.
- Ziplining over the forest in Monteverde, Arenal, Guanacaste or Jacó.
- Whitewater rafting on rivers of every level, from family floats to intense rapids.
- Canyoning, rappelling down waterfalls on a rope.
- Horseback riding through farms, beaches and mountain trails.
- ATV and buggy rides along rural roads.
Wellness and relaxation
Luxury in Costa Rica is also measured in tranquility. Many hotels pair architecture that blends into nature with world-class spas.
- Volcanic hot springs in La Fortuna and Rincón de la Vieja.
- Spa treatments with local ingredients such as coffee, cacao and volcanic mud.
- Oceanfront yoga retreats in Guanacaste and on the Nicoya Peninsula.
- Forest bathing and guided meditation in private reserves.
Wildlife
For many travelers, wildlife watching is the most thrilling part of the trip.
- Sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio, Arenal and the Caribbean.
- Quetzals in Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota.
- Toucans, macaws and hummingbirds almost everywhere.
- Sea turtle nesting in Tortuguero and on Pacific beaches, depending on the season.
- Humpback whales in the South Pacific during their migration seasons.
Ocean experiences
- Private yacht or catamaran in Papagayo, Flamingo or Manuel Antonio.
- Snorkeling and diving in the bays and islands of the North Pacific.
- World-class sport fishing out of Quepos and Guanacaste.
- Surf lessons in Tamarindo, Jacó or Nosara.
- Paddleboarding and sunset kayaking.
Food and agritourism
- Coffee tours in the Central Valley, Monteverde or the Naranjo area.
- Bean-to-bar chocolate workshops.
- Costa Rican cooking classes with local families.
- Private chef dinners in villas and boutique hotels.
Tips for choosing
- Book high-season activities and national park tickets well in advance.
- Pair an active morning with a relaxing afternoon.
- Choose private tours if you are traveling with children, older relatives or specific interests such as photography.
- Ask about the difficulty level and minimum age for each activity.
Family-friendly activities
Hanging bridges, chocolate tours, short guided walks and catamaran cruises are ideal for all ages. Many adventure activities also offer versions designed for children.
Our travel advisors can suggest the ideal combination for your interests and coordinate every transfer between experiences, so all you have to do is enjoy.
