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Latin America
14 Things to See and Do in Costa Rica
To grasp Costa Rica’s incredible diversity of environments and activities requires expert advice. From the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, from cloud forests to an active volcano, our local experts have explored every corner of this glorious country, and have narrowed down the most exciting adventures and wildlife-spotting opportunities. Here are 14 of the best places to visit while deciding what to do in Costa Rica, according to our experts.
1Explore Costa Rica’s national parks and protected reserves
Some 25 percent of Costa Rica is protected, encompassing around 30 national parks and even more reserves. And these spaces all have different landscapes, home to lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, white-sand beaches, and active volcanoes. Head north to the hanging bridges of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to spot 400-plus species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal. Make your way to Tortuguero National Park, on the Caribbean coast, to witness one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in the world. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, on the Pacific coast, and pair sloth sightings with a swim at a spectacular beach. On the best Costa Rica tours, you’ll trace the most unforgettable—and most distinct—parks and reserves in the country.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey
2Wander through the Monteverde Cloud Forest
This world-famous reserve, set at 4,600 feet in the Tilarán Mountains straddling the Continental Divide, was founded in 1951 by a small group of Quakers from Alabama, attracted to Costa Rica by its lack of an army and its peaceful policies that matched Quaker philosophy. They preserved about a third of the land they purchased to protect the watershed above Monteverde, and in 1972, after visiting biologists noted the richness of the flora and fauna, the Quakers turned it into Monteverde Cloud Forest preserve, owned and operated by the Tropical Science Center of San José. Today, Monteverde protects an extraordinary variety of wildlife that you can see from a network of hanging bridges. The reserve has over 300 types of orchids, all six of the country’s wildcats, and more than 400 bird species, including the resplendent quetzal, one of Central America’s most iconic birds.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Extension
3Walk the hanging bridges below Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica, is the 600-acre primary forest reserve surrounding Arenal Volcano. It has a series of spectacular hanging bridges that trace the high rainforest canopy, where monkeys swing through the trees, toucans fly overhead, and stunning orchids drape off trees. On clear days, the hanging bridges offer incredible views of the volcano. Also near Arenal Volcano you can hike to an old lava field and see the 200-foot-high La Fortuna Waterfall.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey
4Soak in volcanic hot springs near Arenal
Heated naturally by geothermal energy beneath the Arenal Volcano, these mineral-rich waters flow into pools ranging from warm to steamy hot across hot springs just outside the national park. Many of the hot springs resorts offer excellent lodging and restaurants, as well as day passes that offer access to pools with different temperatures set in lush gardens. On WT’s Costa Rica journeys we enjoy the springs and have dinner at the spectacular Ecotermales Hot Springs.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey
5Take a guided wildlife boat safari in Tortuguero National Park
Commonly referred to as Costa Rica’s “Little Amazon” for its incredible biodiversity and a vast network of canals, rivers, and lagoons, Tortuguero National Park is best explored by boat. As you glide quietly through the waterways, WT’s expert naturalist guides help spot caimans, monkeys, sloths, toucans, and even rare instances of jaguars hidden in the lush riverbanks. Early morning tours often provide the best wildlife sightings. During nesting season, Tortuguero is also one of the world’s most important places to see endangered sea turtles.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey
6Search for sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds with expert naturalists
Many WT travelers expect to be astounded by Costa Rica’s wildlife, which usually exceeds expectations, but most come away more in awe of the incredible ability of expert naturalists. From spotting a sleeping sloth by the slight change in texture in what otherwise looks like a wall of foliage to finding a resplendent quetzal based on their preferred nesting locations from years past, WT’s naturalist guides are incredibly talented and among the best in the industry. And their infectious energy tends to turn many of our travelers (kids, especially!) into aspiring naturalists.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey, Corcovado Rainforest Extension, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Extension, Pacuare Lodge & River Rafting Extension
7Visit a local chocolate or cacao project
Costa Rica’s volcanic soils and tropical climate make for ideal growing conditions for high-quality cacao. Cacao has been cultivated here for centuries—Indigenous communities used it as currency, and today many family-run farms invite visitors to experience the chocolate-making process. The area around Tortuguero National Park has long been a producer of cacao, with many small farms growing it alongside banana and plantain trees. Visit a cacao producer to learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s produced, and sometimes even participate in the chocolate-making process.
8Experience the rainforest after dark on a guided night walk
One of the most fun things to do in Costa Rica is watching the rainforest come alive at night, when certain sleeping animals are easier to spot, nocturnal wildlife are out and about, and the quiet grows loud with an insect and amphibian orchestra. The best place to experience this is El Refugio Reserve near Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where you might spot armadillos, scorpions, two-toed sloths, porcupines, bats, frogs, and many others on a guided nighttime walk.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey
9Zip line through the rainforest canopy
In Costa Rica, zip lining is a thrilling way to engage with the rainforest. No other destination does it quite like Costa Rica, where huge networks of treetop platforms and connecting steel cables brings visitors up close to the tree canopy without disrupting the forest floor. Some of the best zip lining is at Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manual Antonio National Park, and along Pacuare River.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey, Corcovado Rainforest Extension, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Extension, Pacuare Lodge & River Rafting Extension
10Take a scenic boat ride through rivers and lagoons
Costa Rica is home to countless rivers, lakes, and lagoons. As you’re traveling through the country, it’s always a good idea to take a boat ride when available—these experiences offer unique wildlife-spotting opportunities and spectacular vantage points. Whether you’re capturing the perfect shot of Arenal Volcano from a boat ride on Lake Arenal or taking a snorkeling expedition to Caño Island off of Corcovado National Park, taking to the water is never a bad idea in Costa Rica.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey, Corcovado Rainforest Extension, Pacuare Lodge & River Rafting Extension
11Visit the beaches at national parks
It’s no wonder that Costa Rica’s best beaches are in national parks—the fact that they’re in protected spaces help keep them pristine. Not to mention, beaches in national parks often offer unique wildlife-spotting opportunities. The beach at Tortuguero National Park is one of the best places to see green sea turtles, especially during their nesting period between July and October, while Manuel Antonio National Park is home to stunning white-sand beaches shrouded in sloth- and monkey-filled forest.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey, Corcovado Rainforest Extension
12Catch sea-turtle nesting season in Tortuguero
The beach at Tortuguero National Park is the most important seasonal nesting site of the endangered green sea turtle in the Western Hemisphere. Huge green turtles nest here in large numbers between July to October, and if your visit coincides with that period, it’s a spectacular experience to watch them laying their eggs or see the eggs hatching. Our Costa Rica Private Journey and Costa Rica Family Private Journey offer flexible dates so you can time your trip with turtle hatching season.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Wildlife, Costa Rica Private Journey, Costa Rica Family Private Journey
13Go surfing—or take a surf lesson
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is filled with some of the world’s best surf breaks, from the beginner-friendly stretches in Guanacaste to the iconic surf pilgrimage destination of Witch’s Rock. We visit the Pacific coast on WT’s Costa Rica Family Private Journey, which features beach time at Manuel Antonio, and options like sea kayaking, going on a sunset snorkel cruise, and taking a surf lesson.
Trips to Book: Costa Rica Family Private Journey
14Explore San José’s markets, museums & coffee culture
There’s no shortage of things to do in San José, Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, from exploring museums to shopping, seeing a show, or dining at the city’s many world-class restaurants. It’s worth building an extra day or two into your itinerary to explore the city at the beginning or end of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number one thing to do in Costa Rica is explore nature, whether you’re hiking trails in Arenal Volcano National Park, zip lining in Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, spotting wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park, or relaxing on pristine beaches.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the drier season of December through April. July also offers a great window to visit during the green season, when rainfall ebbs for about a month.
The best parks near San José, Costa Rica include Volcán Poás National Park, home to an active stratovolcano, and Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, where you’ll see wildlife on canopy tours and contribute to animal conservation.
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Our Latin America Specialists know every detail about our Costa Rica Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!