Top Things to Do and See in Costa Rica

Why Costa Rica?

A country smaller than West Virginia packs roughly 5% of the planet's biodiversity, two coastlines, and a dozen volcanoes. "Pura vida" is more than a slogan here, it is a pace of travel built around rainforests, hot springs, and waves. Here are the experiences worth planning a trip around.

1. Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

The near-perfect cone of Arenal towers over La Fortuna. Hike the 1968 lava trails in the national park, then soak in natural hot springs. Free river soaking at the Rio Chollin is a local favorite.

2. Monteverde Cloud Forest

Walk suspended bridges through misty canopy where quetzals and hummingbirds thrive. Entry to the Monteverde reserve runs about 25 USD; arrive early for the best wildlife.

3. Manuel Antonio National Park

Rainforest meets white-sand beaches here, with sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys along the trails. It is small, popular, and closed on Tuesdays, so book ahead.

4. Tortuguero National Park

Reachable only by boat or small plane, this Caribbean maze of canals is famous for nesting green sea turtles from July to October.

5. Manuel rivers and Pacuare rafting

The Pacuare River delivers world-class Class III and IV whitewater through jungle gorges, often rated among the planet's best rafting runs.

6. Rio Celeste and Tenorio

A chemical reaction turns this river a surreal turquoise. The hike to the waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of the country's most photogenic.

7. Corcovado National Park

On the remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is raw, dense rainforest with tapirs, scarlet macaws and rare big cats. A certified guide is required.

8. Tamarindo and Nicoya beaches

The Pacific Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's Blue Zones, offers surf towns like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and quiet Samara for sunsets and learning to surf.

9. Poas and Irazu volcanoes

Near San Jose, you can drive close to the steaming crater lakes of Poas and, on clear days from Irazu, glimpse both oceans.

Practical tips

• The dry season (December to April) is best for the Pacific and central highlands.
• A 4x4 helps on rural roads to places like Monteverde.
• The local currency is the colon, but USD is widely accepted.

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