What to do in Costa Rica?

Are you planning to visit Costa Rica, but not sure where to start? Wondering what to do in Costa Rica? With pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, volcanoes to hike, cities and towns to explore and endless adventure activities, it’s hard for one not to fall in love with Costa Rica, and leave as well! Locos4Travel has compiled a list of reasons of why you should visit this beautiful country.

1) Fascinating Biodiversity

Did you know that Costa Rica covers 0.3% of the earth’s total surface area and houses 5% of the global biodiversity? 25% of the country’s territory is under environmental protection thanks to great conservation efforts. There are over 500,000 species in Costa Rica, making it a great destination for those who wish to be in contact with nature.

Nature lovers will love the cloud forests—highland forests that are characterized by 100% humidity and wide variety of flora and fauna. One of the most famous cloud forests is the Monteverde Cloud Forest which attracts visitors from around the world. Here you can go on a canopy tour, walk across tree-top suspension bridges, visit a butterfly garden and a hummingbird garden or go, go on a bird watching tour or hike through the reserve—the possibilities are endless!

2) Adrenaline Junkie Paradise

Costa Rica is famous for its year-round eco-tourism, particularly for its outdoor activities that are sure to give you an adrenaline rush and memories that will last forever. The country is full of rivers, rain forests, volcanoes and waterfalls that offer round-the-clock excitement.

One of the activities you cannot miss out is zip lining. Zip-lines are often associated with Costa Rica and can be found throughout the country, but some of the best zip-lines can be found in Monteverde, Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park. For those who enjoy white water rafting, we recommend that you check out the Pacuare, Sarapiquí, Naranjo, Sagreve and Tenorio Rivers. Adrenaline junkies will also be delighted to know that one of the best water slides in the world is in Costa Rica and is located smack in the middle of the jungle in Guanacaste! From zip-lines to white water rafting, to rappelling, canyoning and cave exploration—Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for adventure tourism.

3) Beaches

Costa Rica is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, making it a great destination for snowbirds and beach lovers. Home to over 300 beaches, the country offers beaches for all kinds of tastes. The sand varies from white, brown and black coloration. Some are completely covered in shells, while others are covered in rocks.

Surfers will love the Pacific Beaches, especially those in Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces which have hosted a variety of international surfing championships. If you are looking for rolling waves, do not miss out on Playa Guiones, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa and Pavones. You be surprised to know that the Caribbean Coast is home to the heaviest wave in Costa Rica, Salsa Brava.

Swimmers and snorkelers will also be delighted with the variety of beaches Costa Rica has to offer. The water temperature is not too hot or too cold, making it perfect for refreshing after a day in the hot sun. If you are looking for a great snorkeling and swimming spot, make sure to check out Cahuita National Park, Manzanillo, Playa Uvita and Caño Island Biological Reserve.

4) The People

“Ticos” or Costa Ricans are very easygoing and relaxed people. They will go out of their way to make you feel welcome without asking for anything in return. During your stay, you can expect great service and hospitality. Expect to hear “Pura vida” on a daily basis which loosely translates to “life is good.” Ticos believe that life should be enjoyed at its best and our very proud of their country. They will show you the best of Costa Rica. With such stunning landscapes, mountains, beaches and volcanoes, it´s comes to no surprise that Costa Rica was named the most sustainably happy country in the world!

5) Volcanoes

Costa Rica is home to over 200 volcanic formations that date back to over 65 million years ago. 60 of these formations are considered dormant, which means they have not shown any sign of volcanic activity, but at any moment lava could spew out of them again. There are currently five active volcanoes: Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, Irazú, Tenorio and Turrialba. The most popular destination is Arenal, a stunning volcano known for its tall, imposing and perfect symmetrical shape, making it a must see during your vacation.

Here you can find more details about things to do in Costa Rica and in some of Costa Rica´s most popular destinations:

More questions about Costa Rica? Here is a list of common frequently-asked questions that can help you:

What does Costa Rica Pura Vida mean?
What is the lenguage in Costa Rica?
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
What Time Is It In Costa Rica?
Where is Costa Rica?
What is the capital of Costa Rica?
How many volcanoes are there in Costa Rica?
What is the Costa Rica climate like?
Where are Costa Rica’s airports?
What are the best beaches in Costa Rica?