11 Must-Do Costa Rica Adventures: Expert Reasons We Keep Returning
For our travel experts, Costa Rica remains a top destination we revisit time and again. Here's why:
- Convenient access: Nonstop flights from 15 U.S. cities, under six hours from New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas.
- No jet lag: Same time zone as the U.S. Midwest.
- Tourist-friendly and safe: Over one million Americans visited last year.
- Endless adventures: A paradise for thrill-seekers.
Zip-lining, playful monkeys, jungle-fringed beaches, toucans, hot springs, turtles, world-class surfing, and sustainable eco-tours—all in one country. Costa Rica embodies Pura Vida, the "pure life" philosophy that's woven into every greeting, farewell, and daily moment.
If you have unused vacation days, grab your adventure gear (and sturdy shoes) for these essential experiences.
1. Soar Like Superman on a Zip Line
Missing a zip line in Costa Rica means overlooking one of its signature thrills. Feel the adrenaline rush as you glide through the canopy like Tarzan. Daredevils opt for the Superman style—belly-down, headfirst. Find world-class lines in Monteverde's misty cloud forests, near Arenal Volcano, or amid the vibrant jungle nationwide.
Zip-lining offers unparalleled wildlife views from the treetops. Use a GoPro or secure camera. Alternatives include hanging bridges, hikes, and horseback rides, but zip-lining tops our list.
2. Encounter Costa Rica's Thriving Wildlife
With 500,000 species in a land smaller than West Virginia, wildlife abounds. Vibrant flowers, colorful frogs, and toucans dazzle. Rise early—animals do. In the green season (May-November), mornings beat afternoon rains.
Expert guides enhance rainforest hikes, spotting species for stunning photos. Over 25% of Costa Rica is protected parks. Birders: Visit Los Quetzales National Park for resplendent quetzals in cloud forests.
Monkeys are ubiquitous—howlers provide jungle soundtracks, capuchins photobomb selfies.
For adventurers, Corcovado National Park on the southern Pacific coast boasts 3% of global biodiversity. Nearby Osa Peninsula waters teem with dolphins and humpback whales from Alaska.
Caribbean coast highlights: Sloths and turtles at Tortuguero National Park. Reach it via short flight and boat ride to witness leatherback, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles nesting pre-dawn.
Far superior to any zoo.
3. Explore Coast to Coast
Over 900 miles of coastline rival California's. Pacific spots like Guanacaste, Gulf of Papagayo, and Nicoya Peninsula are accessible from San Jose or Liberia airports. Easier drives, developed surf towns like Jaco and Tamarindo, and epic sunsets await.
Manuel Antonio National Park, south of San Jose, packs wildlife, beaches, rainforests, and activities into a compact area.
Don't skip the Caribbean: Fly to Puerto Limon for warm waters, sloth sanctuaries, and laid-back Puerto Viejo—fewer crowds, more serenity.
4. Master Surfing Waves
Pacific surf draws expats to towns like Jaco (near San Jose) and Guanacaste favorites: Nosara, Samara, Avellanas, and Tamarindo. Fly into Liberia for ease. Rentals and lessons abound.
Advanced: Santa Teresa Beach near Puntarenas or epic left breaks at Pavones.
5. Experience Volcanic Majesty
Arenal Volcano dominates the landscape. Dormant since 2010, its surrounds offer Lake Arenal watersports, hot springs, waterfalls, zip lines, and rides. Visit green season for fewer crowds; rise early for summit views.
Among five active volcanoes; day-trip Poás and Irazú from San Jose—Irazú reveals both coasts on clear days.
6. Relax in Natural Hot Springs
Virtually fed spas: Volcanic hot springs with mineral waterfalls and monkey visitors redefine unwinding.
7. Chase Stunning Waterfalls
Green season amplifies cascades. La Fortuna near Arenal: Short hike to swimmable base with rope swing. Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park glows electric blue.
8. Raft and Tube Wild Rivers
Rio Pacuare: Class V rapids through gorges—National Geographic's top pick. Options from day trips to multi-day luxe lodges.
Easier: Rincon de la Vieja National Park for canyoneering, waterfall rappels, zip lines.
9. Embrace the Road Trip Adventure
Rent a 4x4 and GPS—roads challenge. Savor roadside refrescos and gallo pinto. Horseback to Arenal hills, Hermosa Beach, or Manuel Antonio.
10. Dive the Rich Coast
"Rich coast" shines underwater. Gulf of Papagayo for beginners; Caño Island and Corcovado for pros—sharks, rays, fish clouds.
11. Find Zen with Yoga
Balance adventure with retreats like Nosara on Nicoya Peninsula—surf mornings, yoga afternoons.
Explore more adventures and travel tips, including Costa Rica itineraries, at SavetheAmericans.org.
