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Costa Rica resists lists. You come to see a quetzal in the cloud forest, and you leave with the memory of a turtle climbing the beach at night, a pair of macaws crossing the sky at sunrise, a boat gliding along the canals of Tortuguero. Rather than ticking boxes, it is better to choose the experiences that suit you. Here are the ones we suggest most often, region by region and according to how you like to travel.
Ten experiences to live
- Watch turtles nesting in Tortuguero, from July to October, with a guide.
- Explore the canals of Tortuguero by boat, in the early morning.
- Walk to the Río Celeste and its turquoise waterfall, in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
- Relax in the hot springs of Arenal, facing the volcano.
- Cross the canopy on the hanging bridges of Monteverde or Arenal.
- Go looking for the quetzal in Monteverde or San Gerardo de Dota, from February to May.
- Watch whales in Uvita or Drake, especially from July to October.
- Raft down the Pacuare River, between gorges and forest.
- Explore Corcovado with a certified guide, from Drake.
- Take a night walk to discover frogs, insects and sloths.
Nature and adventure
Hiking
Costa Rica has about thirty national parks and many reserves. Trails range from easy boardwalks to the two-day ascent of Chirripó (3,821 m), the country’s highest point. In Corcovado, hiking is always done with a certified guide. See our hiking and national parks guides.
On the water
- Surfing, from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa and Puerto Viejo, with schools for beginners. See our surf guide.
- Rafting on the Pacuare, the Sarapiquí or the rivers of La Fortuna. See our rafting guide.
- Snorkeling and diving, especially around Caño Island, off Drake, with turtles, rays and reef fish.
- Kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero or the mangroves of Sierpe.
Wildlife
Costa Rica is estimated to be home to about 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, colorful frogs: a naturalist guide will help you spot them. See our wildlife, birdwatching and whale watching guides.
Culture and flavors
- San José’s Mercado Central, with its sodas, spices and flowers.
- Farmers’ markets (ferias del agricultor), on weekends in many towns.
- Coffee: plantation tours in the Central Valley, around Heredia, in Monteverde or in the Tarrazú region.
- Cacao: chocolate workshops in La Fortuna, Monteverde or on the Caribbean coast.
- The Afro-Caribbean culture of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, its coconut-milk cooking and its music.
See our food guide.
Region by region
| Region | Not to be missed |
|---|---|
| Arenal | Volcano, hot springs, La Fortuna waterfall, hanging bridges |
| Monteverde | Cloud forest, hanging bridges, zip-line, night walk |
| Guanacaste | Beaches, surfing, Rincón de la Vieja, dry forest |
| Central Pacific | Manuel Antonio park (closed on Tuesdays), catamaran, Carara |
| South Pacific | Ballena Marine Park, whales, Nauyaca waterfalls |
| Osa Peninsula | Corcovado, Caño Island, Drake Bay |
| Tortuguero | Canals, turtles, riverbank wildlife |
| Southern Caribbean | Cahuita, Manzanillo, cacao, Afro-Caribbean culture |
See also our destinations guide.
According to how you travel
As a family
Hanging bridges, hot springs, boat trips, chocolate workshops and parks with easy trails. See our family guide.
As a couple
Dinner facing the sea, an evening in the hot springs, a private boat trip. See our honeymoon guide.
Active seniors
Well-kept trails, boat trips in Tortuguero, plantation visits, at an easy pace. See our seniors guide.
By motorcycle
Mountain roads between coffee plantations, dirt tracks on the Nicoya Peninsula: the country can also be discovered by motorcycle, with a guide or on a self-guided tour. See our Costa Rica motorcycle trips.
On a budget
All beaches are public and free; lodge gardens and roadsides already offer fine birdwatching. See our budget guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which experience should I choose for a first trip?
Arenal Volcano, the Monteverde cloud forest and a beach stop make a good base; Tortuguero or the Osa Peninsula add a wilder dimension.
Do I need a guide in the national parks?
It is mandatory in Corcovado and recommended everywhere else: a guide spots in minutes what you would search for alone for hours.
What can I do in the rainy season?
Almost everything: the rain often falls in the afternoon. Some rafting trips may be canceled after very heavy rain. See our guide When to go.
Can you organize these activities?
Yes, we include them in your itinerary with providers we know well. Let’s talk about your project.
Tours to inspire you
Learn more
Let’s talk about your trip
Your dates, your wishes, the pace that suits you: a travel consultant based in Costa Rica will suggest a tailor-made itinerary within 48 business hours.