Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America. It has great beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coast, as well as terrific hiking and wildlife throughout the country. Our list of the best things to do in Costa Rica will help you plan your next winter vacation, and hopefully make your trip better!
1. Relax on a Costa Rican Beach
People travel from near and far to escape winter and soak up a little sun. Costa Rica is full of amazing beaches on both coasts that will make you want to stay forever.
Most coastal towns will have a beach, and you probably can’t go wrong with most of them. A few popular beaches on the Pacific coast are Conchal, Flamingo, and Tamarindo. They all offer beautiful views and various beach activities.
If you are on the Caribbean coast Playa Cocles, Chiquita, or Manzanillo are great options.
2. Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is where the most active volcano in Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano, is located. In recent years the lava flow hasn’t been visible, but the volcano is still active. The park also includes the Chato Volcano which is less active.
While the Arenal Volcano is the main attraction at the national park, there are several other reasons why this is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica. The park is home to waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails. There are both short and long trails depending on your preferences, and you can opt for a guided tours.
Pay attention during your hike for a chance to see some of the wildlife. There are monkeys, jaguars, deer, snakes, birds, and more!
3. Visit San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose is the largest city and capital of Costa Rica. It is located in the middle of the country. The city boasts a high quality of life and is one of the safest cities in the region.
Visitors can attend one of the theaters, museums, parks, or the zoo. There are also lots of great restaurants and bars. Public transportation makes it easy to get around to different venues. The city can be a great way to see some of the culture outside of tourist resorts.
4. Hike to a waterfall
Costa Rica has plenty of picturesque waterfalls. One of the most well known ones is La Fortuna. It is located in Arenal Volcano National Park, so it’s easy to see if you’re already visiting the park.
Rio Celeste Waterfall in Guanacaste is another great waterfall if you’re on the northwestern or north central part of the country. If you’re closer to San Jose, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens in the Cloud Forest is nearby. It’s a large privately owned area that contains multiple worthwhile waterfalls.
5. Manuel Antonio National Park – Wildlife, Hiking, and Beach Access
Manuel Antonio National Park is on the Pacific coast southwest of San Jose. The park is on the smaller side, but has plenty of great things to do. It includes rainforest, beaches, and a coral reef. The white sand beaches provide stunning views and can be a great way to relax after a hike.
The forest is home to many animals including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and more! You can even see dolphins occasionally when looking out into the water.
Visit the park website here for information on when the park is open and the entrance fee.
6. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located in the northwest region of Costa Rica, and is named after the nearby town of Monteverde.
The reserve boasts lots of biodiversity as it is extremely rich in plant life and varying animal species. This makes it a must see destination for any Costa Rican vacation. It’s popular with scientists and tourists alike. The area includes well kept trails, suspension bridges, and zip lines.
Don’t miss the chance to see many unique plants and animals.
7. Treat yourself with a Costa Rican hot spring
Costa Rica is the home of many active volcanoes which results in hot springs, due to the underground thermal activity. This has led to resorts and spas dedicated to the rejuvenating power of the hot springs.
What better way is there to spend a vacation than treating yourself? There are great spas in the Guanacaste and Arenal regions. Additionally, other parts of the country have them as well due to the high number of volcanoes.
8. Go on a coffee tour
If you enjoy your morning coffee, a coffee tour is a good way to appreciate it even more. The fertile soils in Costa Rica provide the perfect location for word class coffee. Learn more about the process many people’s favorite morning drink goes through.
There are several great options near San Jose, including the Doka Estate, which is one of the largest in Costa Rica. Visit the Doka Estate site here for tour information.
9. Snorkel or Scuba Dive
Costa Rica’s long coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific offer great locations to snorkel or scuba dive. You’ll be treated to colorful sea life and is a great way to enjoy the water. Costa Rica has coral reefs on both coasts.
If you’ve never been scuba diving, Costa Rica is a great place to try it out. The Caribbean coast is especially great for beginners since the reefs create barriers that make it easier to get comfortable in the water.
10. Learn to surf
Both coasts are popular among surfers. Learning to surf can be a fun way to spend a day on the beach. Seeing the other surfers will make you want to at least give it a try. You might just find a new hobby to help you relax.
Guanacaste on the Pacific coast, and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast are both popular Costa Rica surf destinations.
Wrap-Up
These ideas are in our opinion the best things to do in Costa Rica, but they are only a few out of many amazing things the country has to offer. The wildlife, world class beaches, and rich culture make Costa Rica an excellent vacation destination.
It has become one of the most popular destinations in Central America, and we think you’ll enjoy it too!