Best Things To Do In Costa Rica

The perfectly conical Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica is a land of plenty. 

Nestled in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica has no shortage of things to do.

From vast expanses of tropical beaches, to dense rainforests home to thousands of species, there is a plethora of places to see and a multitude of things to do.

Whether it's relaxation or exploration, cultural or natural, there really is something for anyone.
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We’ll be breaking this article up into categories, exploring the very best volcanoes, National Parks, beaches, and activities of Costa Rica. All these places have been tried and tested by staff at Cecropia Travel. So, if you want to know more, why not reach out to us for a free travel consultation.

Volcanos ​

Costa Rica is a geological spectacle, with 200 dormant and 6 active volcanoes found across the country. The majority of these volcanoes were formed thousands of years ago, as the Pacific tectonic plate was pushed under the Caribbean tectonic plate. 
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No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without visiting one of these unique formations, especially with the sheer abundance of unique wildlife that call home on these productive slopes. ​

Poas

Highly active, the shape of Poas Volcano's crater lake changes on every visit

Close to the capital city of San Jose, Poas is one of the most visited natural attractions found in Costa Rica. And with good reason: it is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world!
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With the many fumaroles and sulfuric emissions, you will most certainly discover just how active this volcano is. So much so, guests are limited to just 20 minutes at the crater and must wear protective gear.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of 2 crater lakes, as well as a pristine cloud forest. Or combine your day with a nearby coffee tour or visit to La Paz Waterfalls. 

Irazu

Irazu is unlike any other place in Costa Rica. With pine forests and fungi, its reminiscent of a European forest

In the Central Valley, close to Volcan Poas, Irazu volcano - the tallest volcano found in Costa Rica, reaching immense heights of over 3300 metres - can be found. 

Often covered in a thick blanket of cloud, coupled with the rocky landscape around the summit, Irazu truly emits otherworldly vibes.
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There’s lots to do in the surrounding areas, from exploring an abandoned Tuberculosis hospital, to hiking the lush pine forests of Prussia. 

Arenal ​

The mighty Arenal volcano, rising above La Fortuna. Great for wildlife spotting and adrenaline activities

Towards the Northern region of the country, Arenal Volcano is without doubt one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica – with Ticos and tourists alike. With its perfectly conical shape, Arenal dominates the surrounding scenery.

Up until 2010, Arenal was thought to be the most active volcano in Costa Rica, with lava flows witnessed frequently. Whilst you can no longer reach the summit of Arenal, you can walk on the old lava fields for an extra-terrestrial experience. 

Arenal is one of the most biodiverse volcanoes of Costa Rica, with over 120 mammal species recorded.

Turrialba

The secluded campsite at Turrialba means you'll be spending more time with animals than other humans

Although close to the Capital of San Jose, Turrialba is one of the least visited volcanoes in the country. As of January 2022, the volcano has entered an active phase.

Due to the remote location, the surrounding landscape is wild and vast. There is a campsite at the base of the volcano that offers some of the best views in all of Costa Rica. The night sky is something to behold, thanks to the lack of light pollution. 
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Back in 2021, I had the privilege of camping here. The experience was surreal and exhilarating, as we were totally on our own. We could hear the howls of coyotes all around us and the whiff of sulphur in the air. 

National Parks

Costa Rica is home to 28 National Parks - spread all across the country. They are one of the main reasons people visit Costa Rica. A frontrunner in terrestrial conservation, Costa Rica has dedicated over 30% of its land to National Parks and reserves. Within these safe spaces, biodiversity can once again thrive. 

Tortuguero

You'll never know what you might see as you canoe through the intricate waterways of Tortuguero National Park

On the Northern Caribbean coast, the small fishing town of Tortuguero sits on the borders of “the Amazon of Costa Rica”. One of the largest National Parks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or air – you won't see a single car here. 

Silently drift down the many tributaries, in search of elusive rainforest residents. Will you get lucky and spot a tapir or jaguar?
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Some of the best activities here include boat or kayak trips, night tours, viewpoint hiking, and if the season allows, sea turtle nesting tours on the beach! 

Corcovado

A scarlet macaw perching in an almond tree. A common sight around Corcovado

National Geographic has deemed Corcovado “the most biologically intense place on earth”. Do I need to say more…? (I will).

Found on the Southern Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is the largest of all National Parks found in Costa Rica. Covering 424sqkm, this National Park protects some of the last remaining tropical lowland rainforest in the world – and the species that can be found here. 
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Some of the top activities here include nature watching and snorkelling off the shores of the National Park. Without a doubt, this is our favourite region to visit. Fewer crowds in such a biologically rich areas makes for a more intimate experience. 

Cahuita

A palm tree-lined beach within Cahuita National Park

On the Southern Caribbean coast, near the town of Puerto Viejo, one of the country's most amazing National Parks can be found: Cahuita National Park.

White sand beaches, turquoise sea and diverse marine life are some of the attractions that await you in Cahuita National Park. 
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Cahuita has the best preserved coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean area - a rare feature for Costa Rica. And, being on the Caribbean side, you can enjoy the scenery, culture and cuisine that differs so starkly from the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

Arenal

Walk through dense jungles of Arenal until you reach the slopes of the old lava flows

Not only is Arenal one of the most popular volcanoes in the country, but it is also one of the most popular National Parks.

That’s right, Arenal Volcano can be found within Arenal National Park. There are endless activities on offer here, from hiking and birdwatching, to ziplining and waterfall trips. 

You can even walk on the old lava flows on the slopes of the volcano!

But perhaps the most popular pastime in Arenal is a visit to the hot springs. Geothermally heated water bubbles up to the surface, forming pools of mineral-abundant water. The perfect relaxation therapy. Our favourite is Tabacon, with it's naturally flowing rivers. 

Beaches

Picture the scene. Endless stretches of golden sand, fringed with an abundance of palm trees. Crystal clear water disappears into the horizon. Yes, you’re picturing a typical Costa Rican beach. To the West, the Pacific Ocean. To the East, the Caribbean sea. Each rich in life and good vibes. 

Manuel Antonio

With the many beaches around Manuel Antonio, you'll be sharing space with local animal residents

Often considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Manuel Antonio beach can be found within the smallest National Park of the country: Manuel Antonio. White sand, hidden caves and a rich diversity of life makes this beach a must visit. 

Within the park, it can be busy. However, outside the National Park, a plethora of other beaches can be found in. The perfect excuse to hike and explore. ​

Carate

In Carate, you're more likely to see a tapir on the beach than another human

Wild, remote and way off the beaten track, Playa Carate fringes Corcovado National Park. 

From the shore, an array of marine life can be seen - from breaching false killer whales, to leaping mobula rays. Behind, dense jungle hosts a symphony of sights, sounds and smells. 
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At dusk, marvel at the twinkling bioluminescence in the water or the glow of hundreds of fireflies in the trees.

It’s hard to reach Carate, but it is 100% worth it if you do. For starters, you'll barely see another person. 

Punta Uva

The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea are inviting

On the Caribbean coast, near the town of Puerto Viejo, you can find the quiet beach of Punta Uva. Within the boundaries of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, wildlife is rife. The sand is beautifully white, backed by rows of palm trees. 
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Off the coast, one of the few reefs of Costa Rica can be found. This is a great place to snorkel, as well as scuba dive. ​

Samara

The sunsets from Samara and the surrounding beaches are spectacular

A small beach-town, Samara is bustling whilst remaining relatively undeveloped.

The area is rich in nature - great hills of forest can be seen from the beaches, all teaming with life. Out at sea, humpback whales and dolphins migrate through the tropical waters. 

The sheltered bay offer some excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities, with options to try a spot of surfing or bodyboarding. 
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With most tourists travelling to nearby Nosara, Samara and the surrounding beaches remain quieter and more authentic. The beaches here offer some spectacular scenery and sunsets. Whilst here, try local sodas (the family-run restaurants, not the carbonated drinks), copos or a refreshing agua pipa. Blissful.

Thrill Seekers

The rugged terrain of the country makes for some adventurous activities. From treetop canopies to mountain rivers, Costa Rica will unlock the thrill-seeker inside. ​

Ziplining

Ziplining through the cloud forests of Monteverde

If there’s one thing you should try in Costa Rica, it has to be ziplining.

Monteverde is one of the best places. Submerged within the cloudforest canopy, and reaching speeds of up to 70kph, you truly get the feel of being a bird. Wind rushes through your hair, as you soar between the trees and over the canopy. 

​Other places, such as Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja, also offer ziplining experiences. ​

White Water Rafting

White-water rafting is one of the most adrenaline-inducing adventures in Costa Rica

With 14 main river systems, rafters are spoiled with choice. Starting in the mountains, the rivers cascade through the landscapes and create rapids of varying velocities, with the odd waterfall or two along the way. 

One of the best river systems is Rio Pacuare, in Limon. A mix of gentle floating and exhilarating white water rapids will get the adrenaline pumping. In our Luxury Rainforest Experience, you can actually white water raft in or out of an award-winning ecolodge, surrounded by pristine jungle. 

SCUBA Diving

A scuba diver descending the water column in the Golfo Dulce

Leaving the terrestrial world behind, and entering the realm of the fishes. 

Scuba diving certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but with the incredible diversity of life off the coast of Costa Rica, perhaps boundaries should be broken. 

The waters around Costa Rica are incredibly clear, with a visibility of up to 30 meters! There are many dive sites around the country, offering glimpses of marine wonders such as sharks, whales, dolphins, rays and more.
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My favourite dive site is the Catalina Islands, just off the coast of Tamarindo, Guanacaste. I was greeted to a world of sharks and rays. In fact, it was the largest congregation of sharks I had ever seen, with many white tip reef sharks resting in nooks and crannies. ​

Hanging Bridges

Hanging bridges are the perfect way to see the forest from a different perspective

Not so much a thrill-seeking activity, but one that requires nerves of steel.

​Suspended high above the ground, hanging bridges give you a unique perspective and viewpoint of the world. This is a great way of spotting arboreal species – or animals that live in the trees. 
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Arenal and Monteverde are the places to go if you want to experience life in the trees. 

Final Thoughts

Now, this is by no means a complete list of every activity you can do in Costa Rica - however, for us at Cecropia Travel, these are our must sees!

Of course, there are many more places and activities we could have added to this list: waterfall hikes, caving, skydiving, repelling, city breaks, cultural tours. The list goes on. 

Costa Rica truly is a special and unique place. At Cecropia Travel, we can create your perfect itinerary for you to be fully immersed in the wonders of Costa Rica.

Check out our sample itineraries, or click here to book a free travel consultation today.