Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches and adventure lovers can enjoy white water rafting, canopy, hiking, surfing all while staying at a luxurious boutique hotel or an all-inclusive resort made just for families and couples alike. Many visitors recommend bringing insect repellent and binoculars. In addition to tours, you can sign up for classes and workshops, and theater presentations. The whole area is united in being eco-friendly and is mainly run on solar energy. The town is popular with nature enthusiasts and surfers. Several old buildings, including a church and a medical building, are now considered historical sites. The Simon Bolivar Zoo is a good place for the whole family to see animal species from Costa Rica as well as from around the world. The roar of the rapids, the spectacular scenery and the thrill of the ride make for a fantastic adventure and youre just getting started. The botanical gardens onsite house tropical plants from all over the world, including Costa Rica. On desktop, go to Google Maps and click 'Your Places,' and 'Maps.' On app view, select 'Saved, scroll down and click 'Maps.' Costa Rica is a relatively small country convenient for road-tripping. Youre bound to see plenty of bugs and bats, frogs and snakes. The hike is 19 km (11mi), and most people plan to take 2-3 days to complete the trek due to the altitude changes, and there are lodges where you can book accommodation. Located on Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast is Carara National Park. The northwestern province's dry, sunny savannas contrast the misty cloud-covered rainforests found in other parts of the country. Offering small-scale classes, usually one-on-one, ensures you meet your Spanish language goal. Frequent eruptions continued until 2010,when the volcano re-entered a resting cycle. It's rumored that Costa Rica has more monkeys than humans! There are additional pools for wading and swimming in the area as well. Tamarindo, Costa Rica: The main surf town in the North Pacific (Guanacaste province). After relaxing under the canopy of trees, dine in one of two restaurants serving Costa Rican flavors along with international favorites. Playa Hermosa on the northwest coast is a favorite family beach spot because of calm waters and ample water sports activity options. Accommodations close to Pure Trek Canyoning. Another visitor recommended packing plenty of water and rain gear. Here is a case where the journey rivals the destination, as you travel to the lodge by whitewater rafting over Class III-IV rapids on this world-famous river. You can book a whale watching tour from popular destinations like Manuel Antonio, Jaco, and Drake Bay. Places to stay near the Caribe Horse Riding Club. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. Believe Surf & Yoga Lodge is nestled in the quiet beach town of Santa Teresa. Book tours in Uvita. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. 5. The volcano is nearly 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level and is capable of producing acid rain. Tabacon is a beautiful thermal resort and spa that is a remarkable experience within the jungle. Head to the beach for an unforgettable time with your four-legged friend. The hike to the waterfall is well marked and has several viewing platforms along the way. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. This tour gives you a perfect view of the Arenal Volcano and its surrounding area. There is even a Costa Rica Rainfall Map that shows you where an how much rainfall various areas get in Costa Rica. Written by Nikki Solano. Plus, save money on food by visiting sodas (small family-run restaurants) where you could not only taste local cuisine but also get your fill for about $5. The Pacuare Lodge is a gorgeous, luxurious facility, surrounded by dense rainforest and little else. Translated to Mountain of Death, the nickname was before the time of cars. Make the most of your time in Costa Rica with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. Costa Rica Maps - Activities. One fan favorite is Montezuma Waterfalls, on the outskirts of the eponymous village. Costa Rica has a long and sometimes mysterious history. The hike to the waterfalls from the parking lot is about 2 miles (which will take approximately an hour). Best of all, Barrio Escalante has the best dining scene in the city if not the country so heres your chance to dig in before heading out to the land of rice and beans. Consult the U.S. Department of State's website before you travel for up-to-date information. For even more treasures, don't miss the Jade Museum, which sits in front of the Plaza de la Democracia. If you really want to learn about Costa Rica's jungles, flora, fauna, and creatures, the biological station and reserve are perfect. This La Fortuna activity comes with expert guides, all the equipment you need, and lunch at the end of your trip. Surfing in Costa Rica Map. A 5-hour drive from San Jose and located on the east coast (the Carribean coast of Costa Rica) is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This privately-owned biological park offers guests a unique look into the jungle and its creatures, flora, and fauna. Keep in mind: The river runs faster and the rapids are more challenging from June to October, with the highest water flows in September and October (peak rainy season). The Caribe Horse Riding Club offers incredible horseback tours for all levels. From the comfort of your boat, youre likely to see several species of monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, green iguanas, striped basilisks, caimans and crocs, not to mention incredible birdlife. Tamarindo's beaches gained popularity after being featured in the 1994 surf movie "Endless Summer II," and today, the town is home to a bustling nightlife scene and well-regarded restaurants. Imagine winding through a forest that touches the clouds with its strikingly tall trees that wrap you in a sea of green. If you'd prefer to stay on ground, the reserve also offers guided walking tours year-round (for an extra fee). Note that the best wildlife watching happens at dawn and dusk, which necessitates an overnight stay in the park. Here are some fun things to do in Costa Rica. You probably came to Costa Rica for wild animals and outdoor adventure. The cemetery is only accessible during low tide when the pathway is visible. Detour: This adventure takes place just outside of Parque Nacional Volcn Rincn de la Vieja, a great destination to see volcanic activity (more on that below) and soak in hot springs. Its a 10-minute walk to the main lodge (or a quick buzz on the walkie-talkie, in case of emergency). The church has gone under some restoration work and is now recognized by Costa Rica as a National Monument. The second part of the hike requires that you traverse more than 300 concrete steps. It's best to plan driving during daylight hours For whitewater rafters, the top destination in Costa Rica sits on the Caribbean side along Pacuare River, or Rio Pacuare, which is home to rapids ranging in difficulty from Class II to Class IV. If you're an advanced diver, Cocos Island is the spot for you. While attending one of these parties, you will surely find yourself drinking, dancing, and celebrating the full moon well into the night. More notable highlights include the pristine, palm-studded Playa Carrillo, Rincn de la Vieja National Park and Costa Rica's first national park, Santa Rosa. Here, you will find perfectly round sphere stones. The upper section of the falls measures approximately 145 feet; the lower section spans 65 feet and features a six-foot-deep pool that visitors can swim in. Recent travelers said La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a must-see for every first-time visitor to Costa Rica. For most travelers, surfing was the main draw,in addition to the unique gray and black sand beaches. Snorkeling is great because you can wade right into the water from the beach. One of the most rewarding ways to see wildlife in Costa Rica is to take a cruise through the jungly canals of Tortuguero or the wild wetlands of Cao Negro. There is a learning center on-site, and tour guides are available to show you around the atriums and tell you about the different species of butterflies. Getting a glimpse of these gorgeous creatures in the wild is an awesome and inspiring experience that might just turn you into a bona fide birder. Things to Do in Uvita, Costa Rica 1. Matapalo is a secluded beach town marked with the Blue Ecological Flag for its dedication to conservation. Nearest accommodation to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, Discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park on a tour. Measuring approximately 300 feet, this waterfall plunges over the edge of an extinct volcanic crater and is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and mist. Adventurous travelers explore Monteverde Cloud Forest from a zip line, but there's also a tram for those whod like to see the cloud forest without long hikes. There are five main trails throughout the park for spotting birds and other wildlife, or you can book a tour with an expert guide. Travelers recommend visiting Playa Negra's black-sand beach located in the northwest end of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for its unique geography and lack of tourists. The 16 best things to do in Costa Rica Save Mara Vorhees Feb 7, 2023 9 min read There's no more exhilarating plunge than one beneath the downpour of a wild Costa Rican waterfall Matteo Colombo / Getty Images Come to Costa Rica to discover magnificent landscapes, endless outdoor activities and creatures great and small. Finca Rosa Blanca is one of Costa Rica's premier coffee farms. Visit the San Jos Central Market with an experience. The mountains of northern and central Costa Rica are lined up in a row of hissing, steaming, sputtering volcanoes, some of which are open for exploration. Planning a trip to Central America? There are several tour options that will lead you into the jungle for a night or two. The organic coffee tour and cupping is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica, even if you aren't a coffee connoisseur. The cliff and jungle come all the way to meet the ocean of this quintessential beach town. But if youre up for a challenge, you can paddle a kayak along the gorgeous coastline and explore the cliffs and sea caves along the way. Some 70% of animals are most active at night. These incredible trips are sure to inspire romance and relaxation. Visit Parque Nacional Volcn Pos with a tour. They offer open yoga retreats and daily classes, as well as surfing lessons for all levels. But if you're hoping to avoid your fellow tourists, venture toPlaya Espadilla, which combines an arching white sand beach with a rainforest backdrop. We will be continually updating this page with new content. The first part of the self-guided trail is flat and features three lookout points. Sitting inside the Arenal Volcano National Park is its namesake, the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupting almost nightly. Detour: On your way to or from Boca Tapada, stop at Centro Familiar Cuyito to try to glimpse a pair of great green macaws nesting in a wild avocado tree on the grounds. Youll ogle three different waterfalls on the way, including a final celestial-blue beauty that's hidden inside a cave. Towels and fruit are included on your trip. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's best-known stratovolcano, stands more than 5,000 feet high and appears to touch the clouds. Bathers will find five pools ranging from 90 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a pair of bars and an on-site restaurant. The Central Market in San Jose is jam-packed with everything you could need and want, plus everything you don't need but want. Whether you want to hire a private instructor, join a camp, take lessons or rent a board and give it a go on your own, Tamarindo is a pretty safe place to do so. Rising 3,820 m (12,532 ft.) into the sky is Mount Chirripo. Whether you're looking for adventurous things to do in Costa Rica, unusual things to do in Costa Rica, or even just the most popular, this list will help you plan your perfect trip. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica . The attraction is also teeming with wildlife! Those in search of a photogenic waterfall won't have to look too hard: waterfalls are the star attraction of many of Costa Rica's beautiful national parks, including Corcovado National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park. A bustling metropolis, San Jose is home to a bevy of cultural attractions. Top accommodations in Costa Rica, Activity Visitors will notice an abundance of wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, lizards and possibly freshwater sharks along the Rio Frio. Recent visitors recommended taking a zip line tour to avoid the crowds and admire the reserve from an aerial view.