What to Do in Costa Rica
Please understand how serious I am when I say Costa Rica might be the most overarchingly beautiful country on earth. Costa Ricans are incredibly invested in conservation, and their efforts show. Almost everywhere you turn, it feels like you are visiting a lush botanical garden.
From giant plants to sloths and monkeys swinging overhead, there is a beauty many of us only find in our daydreams.
Additionally, the people are incredibly kind, and the taste of the fruit is out of this world.
Costa Rica is the perfect destination for friends, couples, families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and honestly, anything else you can think of.
Take a look at just a few must-do activities when visiting beautiful Costa Rica.
Pura Vida!!!
White Water Rafting
White water rafting has been a bucket list item for years. So when the opportunity to raft class 3 rapids under the jungle's canopy came up – I couldn't resist.
I was nothing short of thrilled about this adventure until the guide started explaining all the possible ways you could need rescue in theatrical detail. Then, after a brief moment of panic, I jumped in my raft and was off on what would be the highlight of my Costa Rica adventure.
We booked our trip with Amigos de Rio. These guides are extremely knowledgeable about rafting and the area. We were on the river for about three hours. Halfway through, we stopped and took a short hike to a huge waterfall. The guides had fresh pineapple ready for us. We then finished the ride and headed back for lunch. I particularly enjoyed my experience with Amigos de Rio because they served a very filling and delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch.
A photographer follows your raft around the entire day, and you can purchase the photos if you so desire. Our raft did for $20 a person, and it was so worth it!
Photo credit: Haggerty Photography
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is Costa Rica's #1 ecological attraction.
Numerous trails explore different hidden falls, including the famous Magic Waterfall. Trails can range from 1-3 hours, depending on how quickly you want to go.
Additionally, it's one of the only places in Costa Rica that houses native animals. All of the animals on the property were rescued and, unfortunately, cannot be released into the wild. So instead, they've done their best to make comfortable exhibits for them.
There's also a Disney-esque restaurant and hotel. This is a charming spot for families or couples to enjoy a relaxing Waterfall day.
Poás Volcano National Park
Poás Volcano is a fascinating place. It is an active volcano, which means you need to wear a helmet when visiting in case of unexpected flying rocks. At the peak, there are concrete shelters in the event of emergencies. Interestingly, you aren't allowed to spend more than 20 minutes at the overlook. This is because the volcano is constantly producing carbon dioxide gas. Spend any longer than 20 minutes, and you risk severe damage to your health.
Also – don't expect to get a look at this blue water for more than a moment. It is almost always cloudy, and it's possible you won't see the water at all. Our guide informed us numerous times how unusual it was that we could see the colorful water for even a minute.
This was a cool volcano to see – if you can see it. However, if it is a cloudy day you will probably be pretty disappointed in the experience.
See Crocodiles on the River Tarcoles
The River Tarcoles is home to over 2,000 crocodiles. No matter when or where you visit, you are sure to see at least a handful. There are numerous tour boat options for cruises. I suggest booking one for sunset, and one that goes through the Mangrove forest. If you are from North America like me, you will be blown away by how much more giant these 15-foot crocodiles are than our Florida alligators.
Horse Back Riding in Jaco
One of my favorite things about Costa Rica is how well they treat their animals. That transcends to working animals like these horses. Here, the horses weren't allowed to work more than two rides in a day. When traveling, I only spend money on tours involving animals if I feel they are being treated well. In Costa Rica, animals are treated with a lot of respect.
I loved going for an informal horseback ride along the beaches in Jaco. If you've ever dreamed of that romantic horseback ride on the beach – this is the place to do it. There was almost no one else on the beach but me and my horse, with the Pacific Ocean crashing at its feet. It was indeed a fairytale.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Please hire a guide to visit Manuel Antonio National Park. The Costa Rican guides will spot wildlife that you would have absolutely no chance at finding on your own. This park is one-of-a-kind. In addition to seeing animals, you can spend the day at the park's gorgeous beach. Be sure to cool off with coconut water from local vendors right outside the park!
Dako Coffee Plantation
Visiting a Costa Rican coffee plantation is an absolute must if you are a coffee lover. I love coffee but didn't think I would be all that interested in a formal tour. But I was so wrong! This plantation tour was highly informative and showed the process from picking the beans through completion. Plus, you got to taste some of the best coffee you will ever have.
