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5 top things to do in Costa Rica

From zip-lining through cloud forests to spotting sloths, here's what to do in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s an adventure lover’s dream. We’re talking glossy rainforests teeming with electric-blue butterflies and snoozing sloths, plus active volcanoes, tucked away in Jurassic Park-style landscapes. That’s not to say you can’t chill out in this happy-go-lucky country, though. Talc-white sands along the Pacific Coast and natural hot springs complete the must-see list here, too. Not sure what to do? We’ve hand-picked the best bits, so you won’t miss a thing…

Once you're ready, check out our best Costa Rica holiday deals

1. GO ZIP-LINING THROUGH MONKEY-FILLED FORESTS

What better way to see Costa Rica’s canopy than on an adrenaline-pumping zip line or a suspended bridge hike – 100 metres above the jungle floor? Most of Costa Rica’s animals and plant species in its rainforests live in the upper levels of the trees, so you’re more likely to spot the hanging spider monkeys, sleepy sloths and 400 species of tropical birds up here. You can do all of the above at Monteverde Cloud Forest – AKA the Green Mountains. Our Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Reserve Tour takes you there with an expert guide.

Like the sound of seeing Costa Rica’s rainforests? See our Papagayo Bay holidays

2. HUNT FOR HIDDEN HOT SPRINGS AND WATERFALLS

Rainforests and jungles are on tap in Costa Rica, so there are plenty of opportunities to get back to nature. Venture into Arenal Volcano National Park and you’ll find hidden waterfalls to gawp at and bath-warm hot springs to relax in. Tenorio Volcano National Park – home to the waterfall of Río Celeste – is a must-do, too. It owes its brilliant blue hue to a mixture of minerals from the nearby volcano. Or, explore La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal Volcano – you can swim in its emerald pools and picnic by its banks.

Find out other top things to do in Costa Rica

3. STAND IN THE SHADOWS OF ACTIVE VOLCANOES

A trip to Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park – home to a 7,000-year-old volcano that rises above the rainforest canopy. Trek into the jungle and spot swinging monkeys and rainbow-coloured parrots at the volcano’s base. Or, make tracks for Rincon de La Vieja National Park – where you can horse ride or hike through the tropical forest, all at the foothills of its cloud-brushing volcano. At the latter, there are hot springs and mud baths, too, so you can reward those muscles with a soothing soak.

Feeling inspired? See all of our experiences, tours and activities in Costa Rica

4. SPOT SEA TURTLES AND GO WHITE-WATER RAFTING

Costa Rica flaunts all the holiday favourites, too, so you can expect sun, sea and sand – all with a dose of tropical flair. When you’re not kicking back on one of the white-sand beaches, you can kayak, snorkel or scuba dive amid a kaleidoscopic world of fish, sea turtles and corals along Guanacaste’s idyllic coast. Looking for the top turtle-watching spot? Mangrove-packed Las Baulas National Park is your go-to. Here, nesting season is between October and February. And, if you want to continue the aquatic adventure, you can get your thrills white-water rafting along the winding Pacuare River – it’s dubbed one of the world’s best.

Sunbathe-ready? Check out our Tamarindo Beach holidays

5. TAKE A TOUR OF THE COFFEE PLANTATIONS

Coffee lover? You’re in luck. Coffee and Costa Rica go together like its rainforests and wildlife. Thanks to its high altitudes and fertile soils, its highland areas surrounding San Jose and the Tilaran Mountain range are prime coffee bean-growing territory. Head to eco-friendly coffee plantations like Finca Rosa Blanca, Bella Tica and El Toledo for a fine-flavoured cup of joe. Plus, you can learn the ins and outs of coffee production.

Want to experience everything Costa Rica has to offer? See all our Costa Rica holidays
Ready to go exploring?

Check out our full range of Costa Rica holidays. Plus, take a look at the best time to visit Costa Rica and what to pack for Costa Rica. 

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Jessica Houtby

Last updated: 28.02.2022

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