20 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica + MAP

1. Visit San José, an essential thing to do in Costa Rica

Situated inland, San José serves as the capital city of Costa Rica and conveys a humble blend of tradition and culture. While many travelers come to Costa Rica to experience its rainforests and beaches, San José possesses a distinct atmosphere all its own. Frequently people end up spending an extra night here just to have more opportunity to immerse in its culture, cuisine, and artistic works.

The bulk of San José’s cultural landmarks are neatly situated in the city center. This area pulses with activity and life, making it a must-see in Costa Rica.

We took part in this complimentary tour organized by the National Museum of Costa Rica and learned a great deal about the history, art, and cuisine of San José. David, our guide, provided excellent guidance, and we had a very enjoyable time. If you visit independently, be sure to include the Plaza de la Cultura on Central Avenue, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Theater in your itinerary.

You should also see the Central Market, a complex arrangement of flavors, colors, aromas, and sounds with over 200 fruit, coffee, and spice stalls. San José has some of the highest rated restaurants in Costa Rica, so I recommend picking up a meal at a standardsoda (locally-owned eatery).

Additional places of interest in San José include the Plaza de la Democracia with its vibrant open markets, the National Museum of Costa Rica, and the Jade Museum for insights into Costa Rican culture.

2. Manuel Antonio National Park, another amazing place to visit in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park’s rich biodiversity makes it one of the most important places to explore in Costa Rica. Here, you’ll find beautiful beaches, nature paths, and a dense tropical jungle teeming with wildlife.

The park`s two primary beaches, Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, are approximately a 30-minute walk from the main entranceway. The initial offers spectacular scenery, but if seeking some peaceful time apart from the crowds, it`s worth the extra stroll to the second coastline. Both beaches are amazing places to visit in Costa Rica.

Of course, if there’s one thing that captivated me about this park, it is the incredibly diverse types of creatures living in Costa Rica that inhabit this place.

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In addition to the jungle animals, Manuel Antonio has thousands of distinct types of sea creatures in its waters, including humpback whales. If observing cetaceans in their natural habitat intrigues you like myself, I highly recommend the catamaran ride we took.

Alternatively, this boat cruise through the Isla de Damas mangroves also offers interest, and additional recommendations may be found within our guide to Manuel Antonio National Park.

3. Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, two of the best places to see in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park features the iconic Arenal Volcano, one of the primary attractions in Costa Rica. While climbing up the slopes of the Arenal Volcano is prohibited owing to its active nature, visiting this national park is recommended. Here, an individual can immerse themselves in a lush rainforest ecosystem and observe its biodiversity firsthand. I suggest following one of the nature trails; we took the Las Coloradas route and enjoyed seeing the solidified lava from ancient eruptions.

As I stated in our guide to Arenal Volcano National Park, the region is surrounded by several hot springs and the remarkableLa Fortuna Waterfall. To arrive at the waterfall, you must descend over 500 steps, but there are rest areas along the route.

If, like us, you want to maximize your time here, I recommend this tour, which involves a hike along the Las Coloradas trail, swimming at the base of La Fortuna Waterfall, and a calming soak in the hot springs.

Another interesting option, if adventuring is preferred, is this excursionthat visits the suspended bridges of Mistico Park instead of the hot springs. Both trips depart from La Fortuna, so staying in this town is advised to facilitate logistics.

” A connection is provided here giving access to supplementary material about a renowned natural attraction

4. Marino Ballena National Park, one of the coolest destinations in Costa Rica

Marino Ballena National Park is a fascinating region on the Southern Pacific coastline and was the country`s pioneering marine national park. It has four entries: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena, and Piñuela. The first two are generally the most popular as they’re accessible daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This recreational area is one of the optimal destinations to go whale observing in Costa Rica, so it is no astonishment why I regard it one of the preeminent Costa Rica points of interest. I emphatically advocate taking a guided tour to go to the whale tail-modeled peninsula in Punta Uvita, where paradisaical coastlines and tropical forests await.

We participated in this excursion from the town of Uvita and had a wonderful experience. We sighted a mother humpback whale with her young, which was rather fortunate as we went in October. The ideal time to observe humpback whales in Costa Rica is in August and September, and the Annual Uvita Whale Festival is held during the first few days of September.

It`s possible to spot humpback whales from January to March, even though any time is good to visit since this is one of thefinest national parks in Costa Rica.

5. Visit Poás Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall, another great thing to do in Costa Rica

Poás Volcano National Park is one of the prime destinations in Costa Rica for risk-takers. Positioned over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) higher than sea level, in the heart of a cloud forest, this geyser is in one of the broadest craters on earth.

As explained in our guide focusing on visiting the Poás Volcano, you can join an expedition leaving from San José since the capital lies just 50 km (31 mi) away, about a 1.5 hour drive. Along the way, enjoy magnificent valley views and pass shops selling gifts and freshly grown produce.

Plus, the views within the national park are very impressive. Once inside, take the walking path to the observation point, which has viewing platforms for the crater.

About 21 km (13 mi) from the Poás Volcano, Vara Blanca and Cinchona are home to an alternate fascinating place in Costa Rica: the La Paz Waterfall. It’s about a 35-minute drive, but you can make this simpler by booking this expedition that goes to both places. We took this tour, and I strongly recommend it.

The La Paz Waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica. While visible from the main road, fully appreciating its majestic beauty requires entering the park. In addition to this waterfall, the 28-hectare park encompasses four other falls: Templo, Magia Blanca, Encantada, and Escondida.

Even without having the best physical conditioning, you should not face difficulties along the trails, allowing you to enjoy the splendid views.

6. Cahuita National Park, a very touristy place in Costa Rica

Cahuita National Park is full of white sand beaches, lush thickets, and bountiful wildlife, making it the ideal attraction in Costa Rica for nature lovers. We have an entire guide to Cahuita since it`s one of our favorite destinations. It`s not distant from Puerto Viejo and it has the most accessible national park in the southern Caribbean. There are several entrances, like the Puerto Vargas one, which is free, and the Puerto Viejo one, which requires a ticket.

We used the Playa Blanca entrance, which was donation-based. It was part of this tour, which included a natural scientist guide who pointed out all the diverse wildlife in the park. We saw countless white-faced monkeys, raccoons, snakes, and birds. Our guide, José, told us that the rivers there often have alligators, but we didn’t see any. That said, Cahuita is one of thepremier locations to see sloths in Costa Rica, and we saw 5 in just 30 minutes.

What I found most impressive about this park was the snorkeling; it was the best location we snorkeled in the country, and possibly the world. To provide context, the park covers 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of land and 22,300 hectares (55,000 acres) of protected marine area. It was established to safeguard the largest coral reef in Costa Rica, with 35 species of coral and over 100 species of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and sea turtles.

Here, independent snorkeling is prohibited, so witnessing the seabed yourself necessitates booking a tour.

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, another place to see in Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most renowned places in Costa Rica, and the ideal destination for hiking and bird watching. Regrettably, cloud forests are highly vulnerable and sensitive to climate change, so I recommend seeing them while they still persist.

There are 3 reserves in Monteverde: the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, and the privately managed Children’s Eternal Forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the most well-liked, with nine properly-maintained trails main to delightful viewpoints, a suspension bridge, and a waterfall. The Nuboso and Ventana trails have the most effective views, although if you stroll the Cloud Trail, you’ll have the ability to see the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

The details about visiting the magnificent location of Monteverde, Costa Rica can be found in our guide. I will mention here thatziplining is highly recommended. A tour I suggest is thiszipline and hanging bridge experience to soar above the cloud forest. It’s an thrilling activity in Costa Rica, perfectly blending nature and adventure.

Additionally, the biodiversity in Monteverde is exceptionally varied, but the plant life is dense. The optimal method to spot wildlife is by joining a guided tour, similar to the one we participated in. Keep in mind that Monteverde comes alive at night since most of the species inhabiting the region are nocturnal. For instance, two-toed sloths are much more energetic at night, so you can observe them on this wildlife night tour.

8. Spend the day at Tamarindo and other beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Tamarindo has some of the coastline`s most scenic beaches, and they’re some of the premier destinations in Costa Rica. This locale appeals to surf enthusiasts, owing to its flawless year-round surf breaks. Tamarindo is also near the Liberia Airport and boasts a lively tourist hub, rendering it an excellent choice for families and couples spending a honeymoon in Costa Rica.

Upon arrival, we participated in that boat excursion to view the Tamarindo mangrove and estuary, which is a part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. Our captain, Roberto, enlightened us about the significance of this natural environment and its preserved forests. At night, we joinedthat tour to watch turtles nesting, and while we only saw green turtles, olive ridley and leatherback turtles visit here as well. It all relies on when you travel, so check out our guide tosea turtles in Costa Rica for more information.

Another hugely popular activity in Río Celeste is registering for this tubing tour. In case traveling is uncertain, tubing means drifting through whitewater on an inflatable circular flotation device. This excursion includes safety headgear and a life preserver, along with a guide to offer necessary guidance for an enjoyable time.

Later on, we took part in a boat trip combined with swimming underwater where sightseeing can be done, which was very enjoyable. We really appreciated how we invested our day, but there are other interesting attractions to explore in Tamarindo if you have extra time available. In fact, you can spend several days discovering the region of Guanacaste and all its noteworthy sights

9. Tortuguero National Park, another national park to visit in Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park is one of the primary locations in Costa Rica for nature-friendly tourism, and is an important nesting area for green sea turtles. The park even has a protected beach specially designated for turtle nesting. The abundant diversity here includes habitats ranging from mangroves, beaches, wetlands, tropical rainforests, waterways, and lagoons.

Moreover, the 30,000-hectare (74,000-acre) park forms a natural corridor with a preserved reserve in neighboring Nicaragua. The park is on a sandbank, so it’s impossible to visit Tortuguero, Costa Rica, by automobile. Instead, you are required to take a 1 to 2-hour boat journey from La Pavona, which is approximately three hours from San José.

Another choice is this expedition from San Jose lasting three days or this single-day tour if time is limited. Both trips involve a canoe exploration resembling the one we experienced, where you`ll navigate the Tortuguero waterways seeking caimans, serpents, monkeys, all kinds of fowl, and if fortunate, jaguars and manatees.”

Naturally, witnessing the sea turtles nesting is something not to miss. The sole way to view this requires a guide, and only a limited number of visitors are permitted each day, so you must reserve a space ahead of time.

Finally, there are many great park trails, with the Jaguar Trail being the most popular. It`s a 5-km (3-mi) circular route that runs parallel to Tortuguero’s main beach. You’ll notice several numbered signs along the way, which help park rangers identify turtle nests.

10. Corcovado National Park, a very beautiful place to visit in Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park is another extremely biodiverse location on earth, so visiting is a must during a trip to Costa Rica. In addition to nature trails and wildlife viewing, you can camp in this spectacular park.

To reach Corcovado, you must take a boat from Sierpe or drive a 4×4 vehicle from Puerto Jiménez. The former is the less difficult option, and the one most people opt for. The boat drops you off at Drake Bay, where the main attractions, lodgings, and restaurants are, as well as where most park excursions depart. We ended up taking this tour from Drake Bay to become acquainted with the area, and our guide, Emilio, helped us spot quite a few animals.

If you seek to delve deeper into Corcovado National Park to observe wildlife such as tapirs, ocelots, jaguars, and, with a bit of luck, pumas, I recommend a guided tour. I am fond of this tour from the Sirena Ranger Stationand this tour to San Pedrillo. There are even multi-day tours that allow you to spend the night inside the park, so peruse ourguide to Corcovado National Park for more details.

If your time in Corcovado is confined to just the day, this guided tour is the optimal choiceas it incorporates the boat from Sierpe and a guided sightseeing of San Pedrillo. Nonetheless, I strongly advise spending the night here so you can join this evening wildlife guided tour. It represents one of the finest activities accessible in Drake Bay, so you will not regret the experience!

On the flip side, Corcovado is more than a jungle; it’s home to a genuine underwater paradise. We took part in a snorkeling excursion on Isla Caño, and it was among the best activities we engaged in in Costa Rica.

11. Puerto Viejo, one of the best cities to visit in Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo has a lively, Caribbean reggae atmosphere that differs from elsewhere in the nation. Situated in the province of Limón, along the southern Caribbean coast, it’s a top tourist attraction in Costa Rica, thanks to its blend of cultures, stunning beaches, and abundant wildlife. Here, you can sample the most delectable cuisine and try dishes other than thecommon foods of Costa Rica.

While it’s not exceptionally large, there are many attractions within Puerto Viejo to appeal to visitors from around the globe. In its 30-km (18-mi) area, you’ll find Cahuita National Park, the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Refuge, the Jaguar Rescue Center, and some of the top beaches in Costa Rica, like Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo.

Best of all, each of these locations is less than a 30-minute drive away, making Puerto Viejo one of the excellent destinations to visit in Costa Rica. Moreover, you don’t need to drive at all to reach the beaches. The best way to get there is by renting a bicycle and enjoying the journey.

Additionally, Puerto Viejo is the ideal place to see sloths. You can typically spot them along the beach or the roads, perched in the trees. Keep your eyes peeled!

12. Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park, another must-see attraction in Costa Rica

Tenorio Volcano National Park is renowned for housing the Río Celeste, a strikingly turquoise waterway with a stunning cascade. Visiting this scenic area is among the most popular activities in Tenorio Volcano National Park, and along the route, you can see the Blue Lagoon, the Borbollones, and the Teñideros hot springs.

If you’re interested in exploring sites in Costa Rica, Río Celeste will not disappoint visitors. Its waterfall is approximately 30 meters (98 feet) high and flows into a pool of vibrant blue water. Swimming is prohibited at this location, however in our guide on visiting Río Celeste, I outline some other areas less than 10 minutes away where taking a dip is permitted.

In any event, exploring this route beyond the waterfall is worthwhile. My favorite part was seeing the Blue Lagoon, as well as a friendly coati passing by. While the 5.5 km (3.4 mi) trail isn’t too difficult, some sections involve fairly steep descents, especially the 250 steps going down to the base of the waterfall. It’s a worthwhile activity in Costa Rica, but be sure to incorporate in your packing necessities for Costa Ricafootwear covering the toes to protect your feet from the rocks and tree roots.

If transportation isn`t provided, this outing from La Fortuna is the best choice and will allow you to spend the whole day in the park.

13. Gandoca National Refuge – Manzanillo, one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica

The Gandoca Wildlife Refuge in Manzanillo is in the southern Caribbean, very near to the border with Panama, and contains important rainforest, wetland, and mangrove marsh. The refuge is home to a variety of species, including alligators, crocodiles, sloths, turtles, toucans, parrots, and much more.

However, as I explained in our guide describing Manzanillo, Costa Rica, the refuge additionally has pristine white sand beaches, small coves, and picturesque cliffs. You can visit independently, but if you want to see all the wildlife, you should join this half-day led tour with a naturalist guide. They’ll help you get the most from your visit and learn what makes this ecosystem unique.

Traversing the roadways of this magnificent Costa Rica destination is one of the best ways to spend your time. However, pay attention to the timing of your visit; during the rainy season, the routes may be muddy and difficult to navigate. Even so, the refuge’s remote setting means that you can spot wild creatures that you won’t find in the country’s other national parks. Plus, there are way fewer visitors.

If you’re like us and have a passion for photography, follow the route at the end of Manzanillo Beach for spectacular views. Then, continue along the coast to Punta Mona, another dreamlike beach.

14. Rafting on the Pacuare River, an exciting thing to do in Costa Rica

Rafting down the Pacuare River is one of the most thrilling activities available in Costa Rica. The Pacuare River flows through the Talamanca mountain range and empties into the Central Caribbean coast, specifically in the province of Limón.

If you participate in the excursion we went on, you’ll comprehend why this river is among the best worldwide for rafting. The tour includes pick-up in San José and goes through 30 km (18 mi) of Level III and Level IV rapids.

Though the rapids are grouped into Levels I through V depending on difficulty, with V being the most tough, I felt secure the whole time rafting despite it being my first time (though my facial expression says differently). Our guide, Pedro, knew well about navigating these rapids, and a rescue kayak was available in case of emergency. Be certain to follow all of the guide`s directions and appropriately wear your safety helmet and life vest. And if you want a more gentle experience, check out our Costa Rica rafting guide for additional choices.

Some other well-known rafting trips are this one from Manuel Antonio, which explores the Savegre River, and this one from La Fortuna, which takes visitors rafting on the Sarapiquí River.

15. Diving in Cocos Island, an interesting activity in Costa Rica

Scuba diving is a popular activity in Costa Rica, and the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of Cocos Island is one of the finest locations globally for diving.

This remote island location requires guests to reserve a lengthy excursion (around 10 days) for a visit. Additionally, the island lies approximately 500 km (310 miles) offshore in the Pacific ocean and has no hotels or services. Only the park rangers responsible for overseeing the island call it home.

It’s not an inexpensive expedition, but it`s one of the coolest activities to engage in in Costa Rica and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll be able to disembark on the island once or twice to explore the trails and waterfall, but most of your time will be spent on the boat or on the water, enjoying the impressive marine wildlife.

Undergoing scuba lessons on Cocos Island is exclusively for those certified and practiced with utilizing enhanced air mixtures, as currents surrounding the region are rather strong. For those daring enough to submerge, sightings of big schools of hammerhead sharks, many forms of fish species, and mantas can be experienced.

Other cheap flights services I have utilized are cheapoair.com, which also offers you excellent prices on flights, and airwander.com, which is great if you wish to plan extended stopovers. Kayak,Orbitz, and Google Flights are also good selections if you’re adaptable about the dates you’re touring.

If you lack the PADI certification, you can obtain it on Caño Island. You can also certify in Tamarindo. That way you will be able to scuba anywhere globally.

If you don’t want to get certified yet, this Scuba Diver Discovery Tour in Playa Flamingo or Tamarindo is a great initial option.

16. Carara and Río Tárcoles National Park, two unique places to visit in Costa Rica

Carara National Park is the only transitional forest in the Pacific, where dry and humid forests coexist. As such, it’s home to a privileged variety of flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a particularly great place to visit in Costa Rica if you enjoy bird-watching.

Here, you can observe many birds in their natural environment, like the lovely and endangered scarlet macaw. Carara National Park acts as a haven for this avian species, and thanks to our naturalist guide, Ronald, we were able to view it.

If you visit Carara independently, you should be aware that the park consists of four interconnected paths: the Universal Access Trail, the Encounter of Ecosystems Trail, the Quebrada Bonita Trail, and the Las Aráceas Trail. Collectively, the routes create a circular 4.5-km (2.8-mile) route. The Las Aráceas Trail is the best region to spot birds, although if you don’t have a trained eye, you might not be able to notice them through the dense plant life. Because of this I recommend hiring a guide.

Alternatively, the 4-km Laguna Meándrica Trail allows observation of crocodiles along a linear path. Venturing outside the park to the nearby Tárcoles River Bridge also offers extensive crocodile viewing freely.

The Notorious bridge over the Tárcoles River has become a popular tourist spot in Costa Rica since it’s free to visit and completely safe. The American reptiles here measure between 3 and 4 meters (9.8 and 13.1 feet), with some even reaching 7 and a half meters (25 feet). This excursion originating from San José visits Rio Tárcoles and Carara National Park, so it’s a great option if you don’t want to drive yourself.

17. Irazú Volcano National Park, one of the most visited volcanoes in Costa Rica

Irazú Volcano National Park has become one of the most notable attractions in Costa Rica, owing to its convenient location just 50 kilometers (30 miles) from San José. The Irazú Volcano is one of the most remarkable volcanoes in Costa Rica, reaching 3,432 meters (11,260 feet) and being the highest.

To visit this volcano, individuals can go to one or both sectors of the Irazú Volcano National Park: the Craters sector and the Prussia sector.

From the prominent Craters sector, the viewer can see five noticeable craters of the towering Irazú Volcano, which features the main basin that transforms into an emerald-green freshwater lake during rainy weather. The Diego de la Haya crater also becomes a charming freshwater body after heavy rains. While in the area, one can also walk through the Playa Hermosa crater, which is covered in volcanic cinder.

The Prussia sector predominantly consists of dense forest lands. Sixteen kilometers of interlinked trails exist here, including El Roble, Micaela, La Gruta, Chiverrales, Cabeza de Vaca, El Ahorcado, El Puma, and Los Abuelos. The primary highlight is the purportedly haunted tree along the Los Abuelos trail, which can be accessed from either El Roble or El Puma trails.

We opted to take this itinerary originating in San José as it also passes through Cartago, one of the most fascinating cities in Costa Rica, especially for those interested in art. Cartago served as the nation`s capital until 1823 and is home to remarkable attractions in Costa Rica, like the Basilica of the Virgin of the Angels and other historic monuments.

18. Tortuga Island, one of the best spots in Costa Rica that you can’t miss

Isla Tortuga lies off the southeast coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, so it can only be reached by boat. One of the quickest methods to get there is via this excursion from Paquera. Of course, Tortuga Island has become a popular destination in Costa Rica, so there is also this trip that leaves from Arenal, La Fortuna, Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, or San José. The journey includes your boat admission and roundtrip bus transportation.

Isla Tortuga may be small, but it’s a spectacular natural paradise that you won’t want to miss. Keep in mind that you cannot spend the night here, but there are countless activities that you can sign up for during the day.

Beyond relaxing on the beach, you can stroll along the scenic Sendero de Los Poetas trail, try activities like jet skiing, paddle boarding, or riding a banana boat. This location is also excellent for snorkeling or scuba diving, as the transparent turquoise waters are home to various marine life.

19. Go surfing in Santa Teresa and other Nicoya Peninsula beaches

Surfing is one of the most enjoyable activities to partake in while in Costa Rica, and the country has a well-established reputation around the globe as a premier surfing destination. Its coastal zones along the Pacific and Caribbean oceans offer superb waves combined with a tranquil natural environment that anyone can experience pleasurably.

Places such as Santa Teresa provide an ideal setting for surfing enthusiasts. This beach town sits along the Pacific coast at the western end of the Nicoya Peninsula, boasting a stunning white sand beach. Additionally, several schools offersurfing lessons, creating an ideal setting for people of all skill levels.”

Tamarindo is another prime surfing locale in Costa Rica, with beautiful tropical beaches, sizable waves, and a relaxed environment. Experienced riders frequent here for ideal surf conditions, while novices often sign up for thesesurf tutorials.

Some other popular surf spots on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast include Uvita, where you can attend this surfing program and whale watch, as well as Jacó, offeringthese lessons. Manuel Antonio also has waves for all skill levels where you can takesurfing instructiontoo.

The Caribbean coast doesn`t contain as many surf schools, however if you`re an experienced surfer, you`ll easily find a lot of outstanding waves. You can even try your fortune at the Salsa Brava wave, the biggest and most powerful wave in the country, situated in Puerto Viejo. There are also good waves for professionals at Playa Cocles and Manzanillo.

20. Rincón de la Vieja National Park, another fun place to visit in Costa Rica

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is merely 60 km (37 miles) from Liberia, or approximately a 1.5-hour drive away. It’s named after its main feature, the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the sole active crater in Guanacaste and the largest.

Despite being close to Liberia, the 160km² (61mi²⁾ park feels isolated and remote. Also, you should know that it’s divided into two sections: the Las Pailas Sector and the Santa María Sector.

Las Pailas has a trail network containing the Las Pailas Circular Trail passing volcanic mud pools, hot springs, and a small volcano. Hikes to the La Escondida or La Cangreja waterfalls are also available. The scenic Oropendola waterfall is the closest but equally beautiful. Las Pailas also has a route to the crater, currently closed due to volcanic activity.

The Santa María Sector is a 30-minute drive away and home to the Santa María mansion. Here, you can hike the Colibrí trail, go to the Bosque Encantado waterfall, and enjoy the cool-water pools and hot springs.

If your time is limited, this full-day guided hike from Guanacaste will take you to the prime locations within the park.

20+1. Excursion to Bocas del Toro (Panama), something to do in Costa Rica if you have time

Bocas del Toro is a natural paradise located northeast of Panama, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Costa Rican boundary. It’s very popular thanks to its wide range of recreational activities, dreamlike beaches, nightlife, and wildlife. It was a must-see during our Costa Rica trip, and we spent 3 days there. However, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re undertaking at least a 10-day tour of Costa Rica.

The most convenient way to get to Bocas del Toro is from Puerto Viejo, so if you want to take a detour to Panama, include this town in your Costa Rica itinerary.

this shuttle to Bocas de Toro. It was quite simple and swift, with one van transporting us to the border, and another taking us to the dock, where we boarded the boat to Puerto Valencia on Isla Colón.

Isla Colón is the primary island of Bocas del Toro, and we enjoyed exploring its gorgeous scenery. We particularly liked Estrella de Mar Beach, where starfish can be seen from the shore, and Bluff Beach, where turtles nest from September to March.

From Isla Colón, there are various excursions to other islands within the archipelago, and this is how locals get around. We took advantage of the opportunity to visit Isla de Bastimentos, a quiet island filled with flora and fauna like the famous red frog.

Where to stay in Costa Rica

When making a , you have selections for every style of trip and financial plan.

For example, in Santa Teresa, we resided at the Canaima Chill House, one of the most recommended hostelries in Costa Rica. Although inexpensive, it’s remarkably comfy and perfect if you intend to dedicate most of your time outside.

If you’re organizing a honeymoon or want to pamper yourself, there are many luxury hotels in Costa Rica. My preferred choice is the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero National Park.

You’ll also find many all-inclusive Costa Rican hotels in the beach areas. For example, the Occidental Papagayo, near Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, is amazing both concerning entertainment and dining choices.

Alternatively, if you want to feel at home, think about renting an apartment in Costa Rica. I like Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve in Monteverde, which has a kitchen so you can fix your own meals.

The Sol Arona Tenerife stands out as our preferred option among the top hotels in Los Cristianos. It offers comfortably furnished and well-equipped rooms, some including private balconies or terraces overlooking breathtaking sea views. This location is ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends alike, featuring both adult and children`s swimming pools along with a restaurant serving delicious local and international dishes.”

How to get around Costa Rica

While we grew fond of this country, I must acknowledge that getting around Costa Rica can be complex. You can rent a vehicle or use public transit, but be aware that infrastructure isn`t great, so roads aren`t always clear or well-signposted. Don`t worry, though; you can learn from my experience!

If driving on less-than-ideal road conditions is not an issue, I propose renting a vehicle in Costa Rica. Be sure it`s a 4WD model to navigate some tougher roads (especially significant during therainy season in Costa Rica). Additionally, we encountered some traffic issues, so allocate additional travel time than what GPS or Google Maps recommend.

I would also recommend obtaining a SIM card for Costa Rica so you will be able to utilize Google Maps and other apps, in addition to staying in contact with loved ones. We have a complete guide on how to get Internet in Costa Rica, but I will mention here that we really like the Holafly eSIMs, which feature unlimited data. If you opt to purchase one, use our Holafly discount code to save some money.