Costa Rica may be small but what is lacks in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Its incredible rainforest, misty cloud forest, abundant wildlife, and tropical beaches are quickly turning it into a vacation hotspot. But with all the choices for destinations and things to do, what exactly do you do?
In this post, we’ll help narrow it down. We first put together this Costa Rica bucket list when we moved to Costa Rica more than 10 years ago. We’ve since finetuned it based on our experience living and traveling throughout the country. We hope that it inspires your Costa Rica vacation.
Best Things to Do in Costa Rica
1. Become a Part of the Fairytale at the Rio Celeste
Like something out of a storybook, the Rio Celeste Waterfall has striking baby blue water that’s so blue, it doesn’t look quite real. Although those magical sheets of aqua may have you thinking otherwise, the color is indeed natural. It comes from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals in the riverbed.
When hiking to the Rio Celeste through Tenorio Volcano National Park, you can even see the point in the river where the water turns from crystal clear to that stunning blue.
The closest destination to the Rio Celeste is Bijagua, a small town with an authentic feel. This is a great place to spend a few nights if you’re looking to experience the local culture.
You also can visit the Rio Celeste on a day trip from the popular La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area.
2. Traipse Through the Clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Costa Rica has many different environments, but one of the most unique is the cloud forest. Here, the climate is slightly cooler, the landscape is ultra lush and green, and the clouds come and go with the shifting wind.
In Monteverde, you can traipse through the hazy cloud forest along well-maintained hanging bridges to take in the view. Or adventurous types can soar above the verdant canopy on a zip line. The hanging bridges and zip lines in Monteverde are some of the best in Costa Rica.
Monteverde is a popular ecotourism destination with a huge selection of hotels and restaurants. Somehow, though, it still has kept its rustic, charming feel. For more information about visiting, read our post, Monteverde: A Forest in the Clouds.
3. Discover Manuel Antonio’s Amazing Wildlife
Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast is brimming with tropical rainforest and wildlife.
Sloths hang from trees, exotic birds sing from the canopy, and three different kinds of monkeys can be spotted. You’ll see the most at the national park, but don’t be surprised if you spot animals, especially monkeys, hanging around town.
Manuel Antonio is not only great for wildlife viewing but also has scenic beaches and a huge list of things to do. For more details, read our post, Manuel Antonio Trip Planning.
4. Swim in a Serene Natural Pool at the Nauyaca Waterfalls
If you haven’t swam in a waterfall by the end of your vacation, they might not let you back on the plane.
Costa Rica has many beautiful waterfalls, but some of the best are located along the rainforest-filled southern Pacific coast. One of our favorites in this region is the Nauyaca Waterfall near Dominical. Those two dramatic tiers and oversized pool for swimming get us every time.
The Uvita/Dominical area is more off-the-beaten path but has a mix of accommodation, both in the steep hills and down near the beach. It’s also a great destination for foodies.
5. Be Humbled by an Active Volcano
When in the presence of Arenal Volcano, it is hard not to stare and marvel at the sheer power and beauty of nature. Head to La Fortuna to get the closest view of this cone-shaped giant.
In previous years, Arenal used to light up the sky with orange lava flows. Although today it is much quieter with just an occasional puff of smoke, it’s still a sight to see.
To get a closer look, we highly recommend hiking one of the reserves near the base where you can walk the old lava rocks.
La Fortuna/Arenal is a common stop for travelers. Here, you’ll find everything from basic hostels to boutique resorts with luxury amenities. To learn more about visiting the area, read our post, La Fortuna: What to Expect.
6. Soak in Hot Spring Pools Surrounded by Lush Jungle
Arenal Volcano isn’t just nice to look at. It also serves an important purpose: heating the area’s natural hot springs!
You can enjoy the hot springs for free at the river or get a day pass to one of the resorts for an elevated experience.
Tabacon, Ecotermales, and Baldi are all great options. Each has hot spring pools with manicured gardens, swim-up bars, and mini-waterfalls. These hot springs are true to the name, as some are as hot as 50°C (122°F).
7. Sip Coffee from the Source
Coffee is an important part of everyday life in Costa Rica. It is enjoyed throughout the day, and cafecitos often follow meals.
To see how this important crop is grown, do a coffee tour. These are located in areas a little higher in elevation, where coffee grows best.
Some of our favorites are Café Monteverde (known for sustainability), North Fields Café in La Fortuna (a family farm that grows coffee and chocolate), and Café Don Emilio (a very small, family farm in the mountains near Uvita).
8. Sink Your Toes Into Sand Made of Shells at Playa Conchal
Soft granules of ivory, pink, and tan shells make up the sand at Playa Conchal on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Take in the view of this calm cove from a beach chair, or dip in the balmy turquoise water when you need to cool off. You also can snorkel on the northern end to see colorful reef fish if conditions are right.
Playa Conchal is a popular Costa Rica resort destination. Right off the beach, you’ll find the Westin Reserva Conchal and W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal. But you don’t need to be staying at a high-end resort to visit this gorgeous beach. You can easily access it from the town of Brasilito right next door.
9. Experience Raw Nature on the Osa Peninsula
One of the most special areas of Costa Rica is the pristine Osa Peninsula. The Osa is known for its vast protected land, including places like Corcovado National Park and the Rio Nuevo Nature Reserve.
Although getting to the remote Osa takes a bit of work, it will be well worth it.
The Osa is known for its rich biodiversity. An impressive 126 types of mammals, 71 types of reptiles, 46 kinds of amphibians, and over 8,000 insects call the Osa home!
You can enjoy a day hike or even an overnight trek through this dense jungle. Along the way, you’re sure to see some giant 200+ year old trees and could even spot some of Costa Rica’s most elusive wildlife like the Baird’s tapir (a large land mammal).
The Osa Peninsula is best accessed from either the village of Drake Bay, on the western side of the peninsula, or Puerto Jimenez, a slightly larger town on the eastern side.
10. Unwind Along the Turquoise Sea of the Caribbean Coast
Much of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is known for surfing, but the beaches along the Caribbean coast are prime for relaxation and beach going.
The southern Caribbean coast boasts lots of fluffy light sand and calmer water. Although conditions vary depending on Mother Nature, you can usually find nice ocean conditions for swimming. On a good day, you can even snorkel right off the shore in places like Cahuita or Playa Punta Uva.
Two towns that are great jumping-off points for exploring the southern Caribbean coast are Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Both are super laid back. Cahuita is a smaller town, while Puerto Viejo is growing and has more options for accommodations and restaurants.
11. Take in a Glorious Sunset on Guanacaste’s Gold Coast
At around 5:30 p.m. every day in Costa Rica, the sun sinks into the mighty Pacific and people gather along the beaches of Guanacaste to witness the show. Ever-changing shades of orange, pink, and purple fill the sky, and are the perfect end to a perfect day.
Towns like Tamarindo, Samara, and Playas del Coco have beach bars/restaurants right on the sand to take in the view. For lots more information about choosing a beach town in Guanacaste, read our Regional Guide.
12. Fall Asleep Under a Palm Tree
Costa Rica’s motto is pura vida (pure life), and the locals take it quite seriously. Life moves a little slower in Costa Rica, and by even just spending a week or two here, you will feel more relaxed and carefree. Embrace the pura vida pace and park yourself in a hammock for the day. You are on vacation, after all.
Conclusion
We hope this list of the best things to do in Costa Rica has helped inspire your vacation planning. If you’re able to fit at least a few of these experiences on your trip, you’re sure to have an amazing time!
Pin It for Later!
Have a question about this Costa Rica bucket list or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip, check out these posts:
Traveling to Costa Rica: The Basics – Get an overview of essentials like visa and entry requirements, best ways to get around, safety, and lots more.
Costa Rica Itineraries: We’ve been helping people plan their vacations for more than 10 years. Check out our sample itineraries to jumpstart your planning.
Which Costa Rica Airport to Fly Into: Ready to buy plane tickets? Read our article first to make sure you’re flying in and out of the right airport.