Top Things To Do In Costa Rica

Costa Rica, officially referred to as the Republic of Costa Rica, is Spanish for Rich Coast. It is located in Central America and known for having a stable democracy despite being in an unstable region.

Costa Rica Jungle Bungalows Adventugo.com

Although the official language in Costa Rica is Spanish, it has a highly educated, English speaking workforce as it dedicates 6.9% of its budget to education which is higher than the 4.4% global average.

Costa Rica runs a democracy with a unitary presidential constitutional republic system. The dominant religion is Roman Catholicism and its currency is the Colones (₡).

It is a country marked with impressive growth rates in its GDP, low inflation and unemployment rates as well as being well known for its moderate inflation rates, operating free trade zones, tax and investment incentives in order to improve its economy and encourage foreign investment.

Costa Rica’s Romantic Hotel Retreat

In Central America, Costa Rica is the most visited nation with around 2.9 million foreign visitors recorded in 2016 coming in mostly through the United States and Europe. Tourism is a direct contributor to the GDP and employment rates of the country. Costa Rica is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.

Tourist interests in Costa Rica, which is a pioneer of ecotourism, is boosted by its extensive national parks and protected areas. It is a rugged, rainforest area with protected jungles, extensive wildlife and rare plants.

Costa Rica is surrounded by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea giving it both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines which accounts for some of its beaches and biological diversity. It has a tropical climate but the weather varies as the Pacific end experiences wet and dry seasons with occasional rainfall on the Caribbean side. High season in Costa Rica is from December to April as that is when the sun shines and there are the most crowds in the country. Other times of the year, there are better deals.

1. Zip-line canopy tour. A number of zip line tours are available in reserves and forests across Costa Rica. One of the most popular destinations for these is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This popular destination is well known as a mist-covered reserve where you can see exquisite animals and rare plants.
   

   Costa Rica Rainforest Canopy Tour

    
2. National Parks – As a popular nature loving destination, Costa Rica has many national parks including the most popular Manuel Antonio park which is a protected coastal rainforest with sheltered beaches. There is also the Tortuguero where you can see some endangered sea turtles, and the Corcovado park, amongst other tourist attractions. These have beaches, rainforests and hiking trails. You are bound to find numerous activities even for just one visit.
   

   Costa Rica National Parks

3. Volcanoes – Visiting volcanoes is another popular tourist activity in Costa Rica as most tourists have never seen one up close or in real life. There is the very popular Arenal Volcano which has an active volcano with attractions such as waterfall, park, hot springs, hiking, and others. It is an exciting and entertaining experience for most. There are other volcanoes and similar activities centered around them such as the Poas Volcano, and Irazu Volcano. Costa Rica has about 200 volcanic features due to subduction of the Pacific tectonic plate under the Caribbean plate. With accompanying natural volcanic hot springs, some of the most impressive volcanoes you may see on your hiking trail include; Arenal Volcano, Poás Volcano, Irazú Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, Turrialba Volcano.  
   

   Costa Rica Volcanoes

4. Ecolodges and hotels in Costa Rica are a huge tourist attraction. There are hotels for every budget, destination or preference including beachfronts, retreats, and the very well known ecolodges based on the ecotourism stance of Costa Rica. These ecolodges aim to minimize their effect on nature as opposed to mega resorts in other places. Hotels in Costa Rica are however not as cheap as they used to be with an included 13% tax.
   

   Econolodges and Hotels in Costa Rica

5. Cloud forests and jungle tours: An attraction in Costa Rica are the cool, lush and beautiful highland forests which have 100% humidity and surrounded by clouds and mist. These tours have extensive biological diversity with a wide range of plants and animals that is captivating for nature lovers and scientists. You can visit the Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota, San Ramon, amongst others.
   

   Cloud Forest Jungle Tours Costa Rica

    

6. Beaches – Costa Rica is blessed with different kinds of beaches on both the Caribbean coastline and the Pacific side which give you different experiences. Your beach experience could range from the calm beaches to its more wild ones surrounded by forests and biodiversity. There are so many to choose from and if you really have the time, you can try to experience it all. You can also visit islands in Costa Rica.
   

   Costa Rica Beaches

7. Water sports – there are a range of water, wind sports and activities such as rafting, scuba diving, stand up paddling, kayaking, fishing, and surfing available across the beaches, national parks, reserves and rivers in Costa Rica.San Jose – You can visit the capital of Costa Rica which has art museums, an amazing nightlife, cultural institutions, historical walks, churches, colonial architecture and Columbian relics including the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The capital is an interesting and engaging mix of entertainment, history and local culture. There’s also a wide range of restaurants serving local cuisine and catering to every taste.
   

   Costa Rica White Water Rafting

8. San Jose – You can visit the capital of Costa Rica which has art museums, an amazing nightlife, cultural institutions, historical walks, churches, colonial architecture and Columbian relics including the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The capital is an interesting and engaging mix of entertainment, history and local culture. There’s also a wide range of restaurants serving local cuisine and catering to every taste.
   

   The Capital of Costa Rica San Jose

9. Touring coffee plantations – Costa Rica is quite famous for its coffee which is a huge economic product. There are tours of coffee plantations available in Costa Rica that combine history, coffee tastings and culture. You are guaranteed to enjoy the history lessons, some of the best cups of coffee, and fun visits through the coffee fields and cafes. You will learn extensively about coffee production and see the different kinds of coffee beans and roasts from the green to the dark.
   

   Costa Rica Coffee Plantations

10. Touring Mountain on horseback or bikes – You can go touring around the mountains of Costa Rica either on horseback or bicycles. Though perhaps not expected, Costa Rica has a cowboy culture as there are cattle ranches around its many forests and hills complete with modern day cowboys, ranch hands and wranglers. You can go horseback riding across the beaches, rainforests, mountains and practically anywhere.
    

    Horseback Riding in the mountains of Costa Rica

11. Costa Rica – how much more exotic could a name be? With picturesque tropical beaches, amazing wildlife reserve and natural attractions with a lovely family-oriented and peaceful cultural heritage, it is beyond wonder why Costa Rica is a top choice vacation destination. If you are hoping to spend some time in Costa Rica, there is an array of excellent and fascinating outdoor activities to keep you busy and entertained all through your stay.
    

    Costa Rica Ziplining

12. Scuba diving  – Costa Rica is Spanish for Rich Coast, a fitting name considering the fact that Costa Rica sits between the Pacific and the Caribbean. However, its alluring biodiversity goes beyond the coastline, the crystal clear sea waters guarantees a mesmerizing view of the abundant marine life like sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays etc. Costa Rica is a diver’s fantasy and your scuba diving experience would be nothing short of magical. Best scuba diving spots you would definitely want to try out include; Cocos island, Cano island biological reserve, El Bajo del Diablo, the Coral Gardens, Paraíso dives, Cahuita National Park etc.
    

    Costa Rica Scuba Diving

13. Hiking – With over 26 national parks and reserves bursting with bio-diverse and compact wildlife, there is no reason Costa Rica won’t appeal to the adventurer in you. From smoking volcanoes in the mountainous regions to misty cloud forests of the coast, every scenery will leave you in awe. Some of the best hiking trails to explore are Rio Celeste waterfall, Arenal hanging bridge, Manuel Antonio National park, Arenal volcano national park, Monteverde cloud forest reserve etc.
    

    Costa Rica Hiking

14. Golfing – With courses set among stunning landscape and scenery, it is only a matter of time before Costa Rica becomes a top tier golfing destination in central America. Top golf courses where you can enjoy your rounds in the most peaceful and scenic setting include; La Iguana, Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club, Four Seasons Golf Club, Garra de Leon and Valle del Sol.
    

    Golfing Costa Rica

15. Waterfalls – The general topography of Costa Rica is mountainous, consequently there are thousands of waterfalls in Costa Rica. No matter where you are, there is always a waterfall nearby and everyone one of them is so dramatically beautiful you will never want to leave. Some of the most breath-taking must see waterfalls in Costa Rica are; La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Rio Celeste Waterfall, Guanacaste, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Cloud Forest, Bajos del Toro Waterfall, Cloud Forest and Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, Guanacaste.
    

    Costa Rica Waterfalls

16. Local cuisine – Foodies, rejoice for Costa Rica is our paradise. Costa Rican cuisine is filled with mouth-watering savoury delights that will leave you wanting more. Most reputable traditional dishes include Casado, Ceviche, picadillo, pan de Elote, Gallo pinto, etc. Restaurants where you can immerse yourself in some of these delicious cuisines are Park Cafe, El Lagarto, Grano de Oro and La Pecora Nera.
    

    Costa Rica Food

17. Horseback riding – Costa Rica is your adventure travel destination if horseback riding fascinates you. In addition to be fun, it provides a better way to get a clearer view to the spectacular sights. Centaura Farm, El Pinto Expeditions, Horse Trek Monteverde and Discovery Horseback Tours are some of the companies that offer horseback riding tours in Costa Rica.
    

    Costa Rica Horseback

18. Stand-up paddle boarding – For surfers and water sports newbies looking to try out something different in Costa Rica, not only will you enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, you can venture further and get a better view of the incoming waves. Tamarindo Bay, Rio Nosara and lake arenal are a few of the choicest spots for this activity.
    

    Stand Up paddle boarding

19. Cave hunting – If you thought the beauty of Costa Rica ended on the coastlines, well you thought wrong. The Venado Caves go down (pun intended) as Costa Rica’s most amazing underground feature. It is a 2700-meter cavern with 12 chambers and about 90 minutes to explore time. A tour of this caves will leave you with nothing but mystical memories.
    

    Costa Rica Cave

20. Waterfalls – All year round the waters in Costa Rica maintain an average temperature of 80°F keeping it warm and suitable for all sorts of water sports including water rafting. Additionally, Costa Rican rivers have different rapids fit for all ages and levels, and professional guides are readily available to keep this thrilling activity safe and fun. The best water rafting spots include; La Fortuna rapids, Penas Blancas River, Rio Basa and Rio Toro.
    

    Tabacon Hot Springs

21. Ziplining – The bird’s eye view of the beautiful Costa Rica in between treetops and across canyons from the zipline is the one true-incredible view. Ziplining is the ultimate exhilarating experience and it is bound to be one you’ll never forget. A few of the best Costa rip zip lines and canopy tours are; Monteverde Sky Aerial Tram & Zipline, Aerial Tram & Canopy Zipline and Sky trek zipline.

     

    There are more things to do while at Costa Rica including climbing, hot air ballooning, snorkeling, riding ATVs and many more. If you are considering Central America, Costa Rica should definitely be on your list.

    For more information, visit adventugo.com/blog. There is also the option of getting a custom itinerary from adventugo.com/travel-plans/. Follow Adventugo on Facebook and instagram!
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventugoinc/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventugo/