8 Essential Experiences in Costa Rica

With breathtaking tropical forests merging into equally magnificent coastlines, it’s no surprise that Pura Vida—the Costa Rican mantra for gratitude, relaxation, and simple joy—is constantly celebrated here.

For Costa Ricans, or Ticos, it embodies living life to the fullest: Despite covering just 0.03 percent of the Earth’s surface, Costa Rica is home to over 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. This results in an incredible variety of plants and animals, numerous rivers and waterfalls, lush forests (six in total), and breathtaking coastlines. Truly, Pura Vida.

While thrilling adventures top the list of must-do activities in Costa Rica, the sheer beauty of the landscape (make sure to keep an eye out for the stunning quetzal bird) and vibrant culture (explore Caribbean gems like Puerto Viejo) are equally captivating.

Here are eight top activities you shouldn’t miss in Costa Rica.

1. Discover a Rainforest

Costa Rica boasts six unique types of rainforest, with nearly 25 percent of the nation comprised of pristine primary rainforest. These ecosystems are a vibrant mix of plant and animal life, including howler and spider monkeys, sloths, various toucan and macaw species, and thousands of tree species.

Incredible parks are scattered throughout the country, particularly on the west coast. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park for its beautiful beaches, or head northwest of San José to Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can admire the dormant volcano and enjoy natural hot springs. Corcovado National Park, located at the southern tip on the secluded Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s largest park at 164 square miles, featuring breathtaking rainforests, lagoons, mangroves, and rivers. It is also home to tapirs, jaguars, and scarlet macaws, which you might see flying together.

Tip: Take your time while exploring, frequently look up and around, and consider hiring a guide. The forest layers are incredibly dense, and without a trained eye to point out its cleverly hidden creatures, you may miss much of the beauty this environment offers. Ideally, visit during the green season (from May to November) to experience a refreshing rain shower in a Costa Rican rainforest.

2. Ride the Waves on the Pacific Coast

Thanks to its reliable year-round swells and comfortable water temperatures (no wetsuit required), Costa Rica ranks among the world’s premier surfing destinations.

One of the most renowned spots is Pavones, located on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, where surfers can experience the longest left-hand wave in the world—stretching up to a half-mile and providing rides that last up to two minutes. For more challenging waves, check in with locals at Roca Bruja, known for its right- and left-hand waves, and the opportunity to ride a chute. Jacó Beach also offers more consistent waves and is a favored hangout for both surfers and party enthusiasts.

Accommodations

Surf camps are plentiful in numerous locations. Combine expertly guided surf lessons with a luxurious stay, yoga sessions, and massages at Kalon Surf Resort. Located near Playa Linda, a largely untouched beach with clear sands and azure waters, this destination caters to everyone, offering long whitewater for beginners and big swells for seasoned surfers, along with a gentle beach break. Dolphins and whales often make appearances here, too.

3. Soar Through the Skies on a Zipline

The concept of modern ziplining originated in Costa Rica in the 1970s, developed by a wildlife biologist seeking a new way to explore the forest. Today, this eco-adventure is available worldwide, but Costa Rica remains one of the most outstanding places to zipline.

Looking for an exhilarating adventure? Head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, celebrated for its conservation initiatives and the birthplace of the first recreational zipline. The high-altitude forests are striking, enveloped in clouds and mist, which you can experience by plunging into the canopies of towering trees, along with Tarzan-like vines and mosses. This area is also home to the elusive resplendent quetzal, a stunning green and red bird that is one of the rarest to spot and found only in cloud forest habitats. While there, embark on a journey across Costa Rica’s hanging bridges for another unique perspective of the enchanting upper layers of the forest.

Accommodations

Retreat to the cozy Senda Monteverde, featuring modern mountain bungalows nestled within the same cloud forests, just 15 minutes from the town of Monteverde. Part of the Cayuga Collection’s sustainable luxury hotels, this hotel boasts energy-efficient designs with solar-heated water, a fully local staff, and an organic menu sourced from local ingredients, showcasing an impressive green model. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the adjacent Aguti Wildlife Reserve—don’t miss the guided nighttime hike to discover a different side of the forest, including nocturnal frogs, owls, and intriguing insects.

4. Experience Unforgettable Birdwatching

While Costa Rica is famous for its impressive wildlife, it’s the 850 different species of birds that often go unnoticed. The breathtaking bird sightings here can easily turn even the most indifferent observer into a passionate birdwatcher. Alongside the quetzal, keep an eye out for pairs of scarlet macaws soaring over the Osa Peninsula. During the rainy fall season, migratory birds flock to Palo Verde National Park, where the flooding Tempisque River creates expansive marshlands. For aquatic bird enthusiasts, look for the Jaribu, tiger heron, and white ibis. At Carara National Park, you might spot the laughing falcon, yellow-naped parrot, and the vibrant rufous-tailed jacamar. Don’t forget, even the treetops by your hotel pool are prime spots to catch glimpses of toucans, macaws, and more.

5. Relax on the beach

A trip to the beach is undoubtedly among the top experiences in Costa Rica. Visitors can find palm trees providing shade along the northern Pacific coast, wild jungles meeting the shore on the southern Pacific side, and soft white sands on the Caribbean coast. Fortunately, most beaches here invite you to relax with a blanket and a cooler filled with local Imperial Bavaria beers, rather than with cabanas or lounge chairs.

Starting in the north, Playa Grande in Guanacaste National Park and the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, along with Playa Nancite in Santa Rosa National Park, are prime locations to witness the arribada phenomenon. This occurs in late summer and winter when thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Check out Playita Beach in Arenas Del Mar for a feel of a private beach or head to Avellanas to enjoy delicious shrimp tacos, fried calamari, and fresh juices at Lola’s. In Tamarindo, you can surf and enjoy the vibrant nightlife along its golden beaches.

The landscape begins to change around Playa Nosara, where the surrounding tropical dry forest becomes increasingly lush; this transformation continues in beautiful Santa Teresa, known for its relaxed Bohemian vibe and excellent surf breaks. In Uvita, don’t miss the massive rock and sand formation resembling a whale’s tail that juts into the ocean. The enchanting mix of vibrant green jungle and dark sand beach in Dominicalito creates a feeling of a hidden island with gentle waves. For soft white beaches and Caribbean waters, venture to the less-traveled Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the southeast coast, where stunning coastlines await.

6. Immerse Yourself in Caribbean Culture

When it comes to the Caribbean side, it’s a must-visit. Destinations like Puerto Viejo de Talamanca attract locals (ticos) and are largely off the beaten path for tourists, offering a stark contrast to the Pacific coast. Though it may be a bit challenging to reach, the reward is worth it—no large hotel chains here, just a charming town filled with boutique shops, local eateries, handmade clothing at great prices, and artisans crafting textiles and jewelry.

Here, you’ll encounter dishes infused with Caribbean flavors, such as rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, along with easy access to Costa Rica’s breathtaking natural beauty. Snorkeling at Cahuita National Park is a must, where vibrant coral reefs and over 120 fish species await.

Accommodations

For a relaxing stay, unwind at Hotel Aguas Claras. Enjoy a freshly made piña colada at the beach bar adorned with a disco ball, lounge by the pool under the trees where sloths often visit, or stay in one of the brand-new bungalows, each featuring its own veranda and plunge pool.

7. Immerse Yourself in Waterfalls and Rivers

In addition to its stunning coastlines, Costa Rica boasts an array of rivers and streams. While these waterways attract kayakers and rafters from around the globe for thrilling adventures, locals (Ticos) embrace the tradition of swimming in waterfalls and streams. Hiking through the Osa Peninsula reveals many hidden waterfalls and pools perfect for exploration and diving in.

La Fortuna is dotted with rivers and waterfalls, ideal for family tubing adventures (also available in Manuel Antonio National Park) and the exhilarating sport of canyoning, which involves rappelling down waterfalls and navigating unique rock formations. For rafting enthusiasts, the Pacuare River offers the ultimate experience. Best tackled on a two-day trip during peak season from mid-May to March, it’s the longest river in the country and easily reachable from San José.

8. Ascend a Mountain

Standing at 12,530 feet, Cerro Chirripó is the tallest mountain in Costa Rica and a must-experience for adventurers. While not a technical climb, it involves a 23-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of over 8,600 feet, usually completed in two days.

The ascent provides a unique opportunity to witness the changing climate and ecosystems. As you climb, the lush vegetation gives way to sparse growth, and the park is home to over 400 bird species as well as 260 amphibian and reptile species. The trek can be demanding—especially the steep Cuesta de los Arrepentidos (hill of regrets)—requiring a good level of fitness, but the panoramic views stretching to both the Pacific and Caribbean on clear days make it all worthwhile.