Costa Rica is one such dream destination, that narrowing down to the best of all the fun activities becomes quite a task. The lush green jungles, the exotic bird life, pristine unspoilt beaches and the spectacular scenery all go into making this country a paradise for holiday makers and nature lovers alike.
This striking and diverse terrain which is a heady combination of sun, outdoor fun and nature offers something or the other to every traveler, right from the Pacific coast to the Northern plains. Stunning Costa Rican villas amidst jungles and beautiful valleys, make for perfect retreats.
To make it easy for the first time visitor, some of the leading attractions of this enchanting country are highlighted here.
NICOYA PENINSULA
A four hour drive from San Jose will bring you to the northwestern tip of Costa Rica where the Nicoya Peninsula extends right up to the Pacific coast. The sparkling shoreline which is all of 80 miles long, offers a plethora of fishing, cattle ranch communities, mixed with trendy restaurants and hotels which have sprung up to cater to the influx of the increasing number of tourists that throng here round the year.
ARENAL VOLCANO
Every year, between the months of February and April, visitors come in hordes to have some of the best undisturbed views of one of the most active volcanoes of the world, namely, Arenal Volcano. Standing 5000 feet above sea level, this constant spewing mountain can be viewed in its splendor from the Arenal Observatory Lodge, which occupies a vantage point.
The base village of Fortuna, offers perfect opportunities to viewers to access Arenal, and fog or no fog, travelers come here in numbers to enjoy the experience.
BIRDWATCHING
From toucans,macaws, parrots and a host of tropical birds, Costa Rica with around 800 different bird species, is a mecca for birders. The top bird spots around the towns of Arenal, Puerto Viejo, Osa Peninsula and Montverde are all a haven for naturalists. Many hotels provide conducted tours with an expert guide to take enthusiasts bird watching either through forest hikes or from observation towers.
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Accessible only by boat or a light airplane, the TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK is located in the North Eastern part of Costa Rica and is an extremely popular tourist destination. The major attraction here are the phenomenal sightings of endangered species of turtles, like the green turtle, hawksbill and other varieties that come onshore during the breeding season in their thousands to lay their eggs.
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
This biologically rich rainforest area is home to some of the most exotic animal species like the jaguar, anteaters, tapirs, a diverse bird life with the water bodies sheltering crocodiles and bull sharks.The abundance of mangrove swamps are reminiscent of scenes from any popular nature film.
GUANACASTE
Nestled on the border with Nicaragua, this area is home to sleek resorts and luxurious retreats along the Pacific coast. Rainforest, Savannah and an active Rincon de la Vieja volcano, leaves visitors spoilt for choice while visiting Guanacaste.
TRAVEL ON HORSEBACK
Simply one of the best way to see the beaches and mountains of Costa Rica is on horseback.Though locally a common activity, visitors today can visit almost any popular destination, especially in Guanacaste. Horses can be hired from the local farmers at a nominal charge and are great options while visiting beach towns, such as Samara, Tamarindo or Montezuma.
SUNSET CRUISE
One of the most relaxing and romantic activity along the Pacific coast is to go on a sunset cruise along the many beautiful beaches. Towns like, Playas del Coco,Playa Tamarindo and many others offer this excursion to let visitors get a feel of the ocean and view marine life. Snorkeling equipment, water, snacks and drinks are all included in this super romantic activity.
GO ON A ROAD TRIP
Embarking on a journey by road through Costa Rica is a breathtaking experience. It allows one to venture off the beaten path and explore the cities and its surroundings in a more natural and authentic manner. A trip through Central Valley for example, offers stunning landscapes and let’s the motorist experience the small town life and taste local cuisine which otherwise is not possible in the more touristy zones.
FINCA 6
Located in the Osa Peninsula, is a unique UNESCO world heritage site dedicated to spheres made of stone. Though their origin and purpose have still not been established even till today, this mysterious site is a great attraction and of incredible interest.
CATARATA DEL TORO
Dropping from a height of 270 feet, this stunning waterfall is the tallest in Costa Rica. Located inside an extinct volcanic crater in the Central Valley, the steps down the waterfall offer a great walk and close-up views of the cascading water. The waterfall can be reached while driving to La Fortuna from San Jose. Private cabins are available for overnight stay at this reserve.
RAINFOREST BY TRAM
This is the ideal way to see the rainforest from close for those who cannot hike or endure strenuous excursions. The tropical jungle unfolds a variety of bird and animal life and the guide is always ready with the names of the different flora and fauna. The tram passes through many vantage points which offer stunning views of the rainforest. This facility is available at Arenal and Monteverde, while there is one on the Caribbean side and Jaco as well.
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Have read many good things about this country and they are all amazing, the road trip would be quite adventurous.
Road trips, just the idea of it, wherever you’re going to do it, is really exciting.
I hope to visit Costa Rica one day, it would be such a dream come true. So much to do, explore and experience.
You’re right it would be a great experience.
Costa Rica is a good place to spend some weekend time with my family. I am gonna saved this to my bucket list!
Thanks
I can’t wait to visit these places in Costa Rica. Would appreciate this much if you include images though, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Really a great and beautiful place to visit and have a nice time. Hope to come around. Great post.
https://rawlingsunday.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/13-reasons-you-are-in-debt/
Thanks
Wow! Loved reading this. Hope I get to travel to Costa Rica sometime! It seems lovely. I would especially like to check out the rainforest!
For nature lovers this is one of the places to go to.
This looks like a great place to visit. I like that it has so many interesting activities while there. I’d love to go to Costa Rica one day!
Thanks for dropping by
Another nice place to visit and explore someday. Thank you for the information. This will surely help people who will visit Costa Rica.
That’s right. Thanks.
I have such a fear of visiting a volcano. It might not be rational, but it is true.
I would like to explore the rainforest via a tram (does it have AC?) or rent a Jeep to road trip around to the National Parks. 🙂
I would love a sunset cruise on the biggest ocean. After seeing the beautiful places I would love to retire with the day in a cruise.
Nice plan ^_^
This post had me dreaming of holiday! I have heard so many good things about Costa Rica! I wanna go now!
Wow I had no idea that there were so many activities in Costa Rica. My family and I would enjoy so many of these.
The sunset cruise and birdwatching are the things I look forward to doing there in case I find myself in Costa Rica. Savouring distinctive gourmet would be great too!
Wow..these are some great things to do! There is so much to see there and I would want to see it all.
Thanks
Those are some great things to do. I’ll certainly keep them in mind when we can visit Costa Rica.
I think if I were to go anywhere it would be the Catarata del Toro. I just love going and seeing a beautiful waterfall like that up close.
I’ll check it out too. Thanks
This was a great read. Thanks for this! I’d love to go to Costa Rica.
Thanks
I would love to see Costa Rica someday. The country looks amazing and I hope that locals are hospitable too.
I’m pretty sure they are. Thanks.
I bet those are all amazing places! I would love to visit Costa RIca one day!
Costa Rica anyday anytime! Wohooo! The place is absolutely terrific no wonder many consider Costa Rica as their travel destination. Nicoya Peninsula intrigues me more!
Really? noted
Heard about this beautiful place and also seen in a few films…now I desperately want to go there once.
^_^ thanks
I’ve been looking into a trip to Costa Rica and I have heard of some of these. I’ll definitely have to add some of these to my itinerary .
This definitely adds some ideas to my bucket list for my upcoming Costa Rica trip. Thank you!!!
Anytime
Wow! I wish I could someday visit Coasta Rica
You have put out a well-rounded post to help travellers.
What a cool post! I’d love to get to go to costa rica. There are so many things to do. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
No problem. Thanks for dropping by
Costa Rica is such a beautiful place to visit! I have been dying to go, and I will soon! I love all of these things to do!
My husband really wants to go to Costa Rica one of these days! Thanks for the list of things to do
Sure. Thanks.
One day I would like to spend some time visiting Costa Rica.
Great. Share your experience
Costa Rica is on my list to visit. There is so much to see there and I would want to see it all.
What a great list of things to do! I wouldn’t mind going to Costa Rica one day.
So many ideas! I haven’t visited Costa Rica yet, but my daughter has a friend that lives there and it is it is on our bucket list.
It’s great to know someone from other places.
My sister went on a two-week trip to Costa Rica trip in March for her senior class trip. She loved it! I always woke up to her posting pictures of the gorgeous resort she was staying at.
She must have had a blast!
Wow! this really nice How I wish I have an opportunity to visit in Coasta rica thanks for sharing!
I’ve never been to Casta Rica before. But I’d love to explore the rainforest if I ever go!
Yep that’s right.