Come to Costa Rica to find magnificent landscapes, countless out of doors actions and creatures nice and small. This smallish Central American nation gives a world of journey, from water sports activities to mountain hikes, and rainforest wildlife watching to cloud-forest birding. 

And if you’re able to take a break from out of doors actions, there are tree homes to sleep in, meals to relish and cities to discover. Listed below are the 16 finest issues to do in Costa Rica.

1. Trip the waves

Surfers within the know plan their whole trip across the wild and great waves on the Costa Rica coastlines. For those who’re new to Costa Rica’s surf scene, this can be a improbable place to seek out out what it’s all about due to inviting heat waters, lengthy and luscious waves and continuous good vibes.

The most well-liked surf locations embrace Tamarindo, Nosara and Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula; Jacó, Dominical and Pavones on the central and south Pacific; and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean aspect.

Notice that any given vacation spot has a couple of completely different surf spots, a few of that are higher for novices and others that provide tougher waves. All of them take pleasure in a little bit of a celebration scene, although Nosara and Santa Teresa are extra laid-back.

Planning tip: Discover the largest waves on the Pacific coast from Might to October (although the dry season is best for novices). The waves are greatest on the Caribbean aspect from November to Might.

2. Fly by means of the clouds in Santa Elena

There are zip-line programs throughout the nation – some greater or sooner or longer than others – however the Santa Elena cover excursions are particular.

The Costa Rica cover craze began right here, however extra importantly, there’s one thing improbable about hovering over the treetops with the clouds swirling throughout you. Take within the misty magic of the cloud forest, supercharged with an adrenaline rush.

Planning tip: Whereas zip-lining is on many individuals’s Costa Rica journey record, be sure you verify your operator’s security procedures earlier than committing. It is also okay to alter your thoughts if you’re there – zip-lining is not for everybody.

3. Raft into the Pacuare Lodge

The Pacuare Lodge is a beautiful, luxurious facility surrounded by dense rainforest and little else. The one highway in is just not a highway in any respect, however moderately a river: the namesake Río Pacuare.

Here’s a case the place the journey rivals the vacation spot, as you journey to the lodge by white-water rafting over Class III-IV rapids on this world-famous river.

The roar of the rapids, the spectacular surroundings and the fun of the journey make for a improbable journey – and also you’re simply getting began. As soon as on the lodge, you’ll take pleasure in luxurious lodging, extremely satisfying meals, super-attentive service and a roster of actions earlier than rafting again out once more.

Planning tip: Pacuare Lodge packages embrace transportation to and from San José, however you can even have them ship you anyplace on the Caribbean Coast.

4. Commune with the creatures

For wildlife watchers, there’s no higher place to fulfill Costa Rica’s fauna than the paths round Sirena station in Parque Nacional Corcovado, the realm Nationwide Geographic known as “essentially the most biologically intense place on the planet.”

Right here, guests have a very good probability of seeing animals (some endangered) which can be uncommon in different elements of the nation, together with peccaries, tapirs, crocodiles, tiny squirrel monkeys and extra. Notice that the perfect wildlife watching occurs at daybreak and nightfall, which necessitates an in a single day keep within the park.

Simpler to achieve and wealthy with life, the areas of Río Celeste and Sarapiquí have many eco-lodges and personal reserves which can be additionally improbable for wildlife watching.

5. Hike, swim and climb to La Leona Waterfall

This outing is greater than a hike or a waterfall swim – it’s a canyoneering journey. That’s the one approach to describe this tour down the Río Blanco in Curubandé de Liberia, which entails swimming, scrambling, spelunking, climbing and cliff leaping.

You’ll ogle three completely different waterfalls on the best way, together with a remaining celestial-blue magnificence hidden inside a cave that is an actual a stunner. 

Detour: This journey takes place simply exterior of Parque Nacional Volcán Rincón de la Vieja, a fantastic vacation spot to see volcanic exercise (extra on that beneath) and soak in sizzling springs.

6. Spy on nesting sea turtles

Each few years, feminine sea turtles carry out an historical ritual, returning to their natal seaside to put their eggs beneath the moonlight earlier than returning to the welcoming waters of the ocean.

Elsewhere on the identical seaside, tortuguita (little turtle) hatchlings dig out of their nests and scurry to the ocean. It’s an unbelievable and intimate episode to witness. 

Planning tip: The timing varies, relying on the situation and turtle species, however you may see this spectacle of nature in Tortuguero within the north Caribbean and at Playa Grande and Playa Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula.

7. Splurge on a multicourse meal within the sky

San Lucas isn’t just a restaurant; it is a eating expertise – that’s, a shock nine-course menu that is additionally a lesson in Costa Rican historical past and tradition.

The meals shows are revolutionary, fascinating and wonderful total, however the spotlight is the improbable setting within the sky. Every desk occupies a non-public glass dice excessive atop a mountainside, overlooking the cloud forest and the village of Santa Elena beneath.

Planning tip: The San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience gives two seatings per evening. For those who reserve for the early one, your first course comes with a spectacular sundown.

8. Discover an lively volcano

The mountains of northern and central Costa Rica are lined up in a row of hissing, steaming, sputtering volcanoes, a few of that are open for exploration.

Wander amongst boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles of Volcán Rincón de la Vieja; hike the lava flows and soak in volcanic-heated swimming pools at Volcán Arenal; peer into the steaming crater at Poás and go away footprints within the lava fields of Irazú.

Every expertise is a bit of completely different, however all will go away you awestruck on the earth’s unbridled energy.

Need some assist? Let Elsewhere plan your subsequent journey.

9. Kayak by means of sea caves

Alongside the Costa Ballena on the southern Pacific coast, Playa Ventanas is a small however spectacular palm-backed seaside that has a particular characteristic: intriguing caves within the cliffs at its north finish.

At low tide, you may examine the 2 caves that open onto the seaside (taking care to retreat if the water begins to rise).

However should you’re up for a problem, you may paddle a kayak alongside the attractive shoreline and discover the cliffs and sea caves alongside the best way.

Planning tip: The ocean caves are solely accessible in sure climate circumstances, and they’re usually impassable in the course of the wet season. Ebook excursions in Uvita. 

10. See some magnificent birds

Even should you’re not a hen nerd, it’s simple to geek out in regards to the avian life in Costa Rica. In fact, there are myriad multicolored beauties that you just’ll see flitting about just about all over the place; then there are a couple of showstoppers – uncommon in different elements of the world however comparatively simple to see in Costa Rica (if you already know the place to look).

Most famously, the scarlet macaw has made an unbelievable comeback alongside the Pacific coast, with sightings virtually assured in Parque Nacional Carara and on the Osa Peninsula.

The aptly named resplendent quetzal makes seasonal appearances within the cloud forests of Monteverde and the Dota region.

And the nice inexperienced macaw – nonetheless critically endangered – is typically noticed in Sarapiquí and Boca Tapada. Getting a glimpse of those attractive creatures within the wild is an superior and galvanizing expertise which may simply flip you right into a bona fide birder.

11. Sleep in a tree home

Within the wilds of northern Costa Rica, surrounded by lush forestlands, you may indulge your inside monkey and spend the night in the treetops.

On the sting of its eponymous wildlife refuge, Maquenque Eco-Lodge has a group of improbable tree homes – every constructed amid the leafy cover, 12m (39ft) off the bottom and surrounded by timber.

With extensive balconies, out of doors showers and display partitions, the tree homes provide full rainforest immersion with a contact of luxurious. It’s a 10-minute stroll to the principle lodge (or a fast buzz on the walkie-talkie, in case of emergency). 

Detour: In your approach to or from Boca Tapada, cease in on the restaurant Centro Acquainted Cuyito to attempt to glimpse a pair of nice inexperienced macaws nesting in a wild avocado tree on the grounds.

12. Cool off beneath a waterfall

There’s no extra exhilarating plunge than one beneath the downpour of a wild waterfall. And Costa Rica has no scarcity of wonderful cascades – lots of that are swimmable. One fan favourite is Montezuma Waterfalls, on the outskirts of the eponymous village.

It requires a rugged hike, however the reward is a triple-tiered catarata, with an exhilarating (and chilling) cliff soar from the highest.

Detour: For those who can’t get sufficient, El Chorro Waterfall is one other spotlight in Montezuma. It’s a protracted sizzling hike, however the cascade – which falls from a excessive cliff straight into the ocean – is definitely worth the effort.

13. Uncover what occurs after darkish

Some 70% of animals are most lively at evening. Take an evening hike with a nature information to seek out out who they’re and what they’re doing at nighttime.

Evening excursions are well-liked in the principle rainforest locations in Costa Rica, together with La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Río Celeste and Manuel Antonio. You’re certain to see loads of bugs and bats, frogs and snakes, however you may additionally catch a glimpse of a nocturnal mammal, reminiscent of a kinkajou or a tree possum.

14. Cruise a jungle lagoon

Some of the rewarding methods to see wildlife in Costa Rica is to take a cruise by means of the jungly canals of Tortuguero or the wild wetlands of Caño Negro. From the consolation of your boat, you’re more likely to see a number of species of monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, inexperienced iguanas, striped basilisks, caimans and crocs, to not point out unbelievable birdlife.

15. Witness a bioluminescent bay

Some aquatic organisms include luciferin, which reacts with oxygen to supply a glittery gentle. This magical glow within the water is named bioluminescence, and it lights up the coves of Ballena Bay, close to Tambor on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Bioluminescent excursions depart from Santa Teresa, Montezuma or Tambor itself, supplying you with an opportunity to kayak over ethereal, illuminated waters. Keep in mind, swimming in bioluminescent waters could cause hurt to the glow micro organism.  

Planning tip: Avoid wasting money by driving your self to Playa Pochote and reserving a bioluminescence tour at Don Trino campground, the place excursions are far inexpensive than within the bigger cities. 

16. Take a metropolis break in San José

You most likely got here to Costa Rica for wild animals and out of doors journey. However guess what? San José is a cool, artistic capital, filled with historic structure, distinctive museums and stylish cafes and golf equipment.

Don’t miss the Museo del Jade for its insightful reveals about pre-Columbian cultures and the Teatro Nacional for its creative misrepresentations of Costa Rican tradition.

Better of all, Barrio Escalante has the perfect eating scene within the metropolis – if not the nation – so right here’s your probability to dig in earlier than heading out to the land of rice and beans.