6 Amazing Things to Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a great deal to offer tourists with its diverse terrain, from mountains to sea. Enjoy wildlife preserves, tropical beaches, a luxurious Costa Rica private villa, and lush forests when exploring this favorite Central American destination. Regardless of your ideal vacation activities, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy in Costa Rica. The following are a few things you can do in the land of “Pura Vida” to make the most of your tropical getaway.

1. Visit the Volcanoes

Costa Rica has multiple volcanos that tourists can visit, but the most famous site is Volcan Arenal. This volcano has been dormant since 2011, but the 5,000-foot-tall volcano is a site to see whether it’s active or not. Visitors can enjoy the luxuries of one of Costa Rica’s many eco-friendly villas, then take a day to visit the site. The dormant volcano is surrounded by a green jungle as well as the Arenal Lake. Start by hiking the volcano and travel back by way of the La Fortuna waterfall. 

2.Try Mangrove Kayaking

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Even people who aren’t boating enthusiasts can still enjoy a pleasant morning or afternoon trip through the picture-perfect network of mangrove trees lining the waterways. Mangroves are a fascinating ecosystem that have adapted to the tropical conditions of coastlines. The mangrove plants root themselves in mud or sand and survive in a variety of harsh conditions. What makes the area interesting is the exotic wildlife that thrive in the mangroves. There are a number of mangrove kayak routes available, but the one on Osa Peninsula is the most diverse and untouched one to visit.

3.Schedule a Whitewater Rafting Excursion

Costa Rica is a great place to try new activities, so why not give whitewater rafting a shot? If you already have some experience, you can challenge yourself on a more difficult excursion led by a local expert. Whichever method you choose, you can sign up for a tour to get a few days of rafting in. If you’re not much of a rafting enthusiast, you can sign up for a shorter trek. The rafting tours are available throughout the country but San Jose and Arenal are good places to look for rafting tours. Sign up early to get good deals and pick out the best tour available.

4.Tour the Land of Strays

Also called, Territorios de Zaguates, the “Land of Strays” is an animal lover’s paradise, especially if you’re a dog lover. This no-kill shelter rescues stray dogs from harmful situations and provides care for the rest of their lives. Located in San Jose, you’ll find an amazing group of people that work to help provide dogs with safe homes. Although you probably won’t want to adopt a dog when visiting, the dogs are available for adoption. Visit the area and you’ll leave feeling a little bit happier about the wonderful people and culture of Costa Rica.

5.Visit a Sloth Sanctuary

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No vacation to Costa Rica would be complete without touring their national parks and experiencing the wildlife that is native to this one-of-a-kind country. While you should plan out hikes and trips to the many national parks throughout the country, a great way to experience a local animal is by visiting the Sloth Sanctuary. The sloths are protected in their natural habitat, so you can spot them hanging from tree limbs nearly everywhere. They even have a “slothspital” where any injured sloths or baby sloths are treated. If you enjoy these funny and slow-moving creatures, there’s no doubt you should plan a trip here. Make sure to bring tennis shoes and binoculars as they can be camouflaged and difficult to spot.

6.Spend a Day on the Nicoya Peninsula

This 80-mile-long stretch of shoreline, known as the Nicoya Peninsula, gives visitors plenty of activities to enjoy during a full day at the beach. There are cream-colored shores and beach-centric towns dotting the area that are ideal for beachcombing, sunbathing, grabbing a tropical drink, or enjoying some local shopping.

At the east end of the rustic coastline, you can also find fishing and ranching communities, which are fun to experience up close and personally. There are also an abundance of restaurants in the area, so it’s easy to grab a fresh, local bite to eat. While you’re visiting, enjoy the turquoise waters and maybe even try your hand at surfing. Costa Rica’s beaches also offer some of the most spectacular sunrises in all of Central America. Travelers continuously make special note of the gorgeous sunsets here. The extensive coastline is a great place to spend a whole day, and you will have a variety of activities to enjoy without having to waste too much time in a vehicle traveling.

Although there are any number of activities to enjoy in Costa Rica, these six are don’t-miss ones that you’ll remember for years to come. Whether traveling to Costa Rica for a short or long trip, try to hit at least a few of these spots along your journey. Make sure to plan your trip ahead of time, as Costa Rica’s varying seasons can provide different weather conditions. Some activities and areas may only be open in certain times of year; however, it doesn’t matter when you visit -- you’re bound to enjoy an unforgettable trip.