11 Things You Must Do in Costa Rica

With its scenic views, delicious food, countless options for adventure, rich culture, and friendly people, Costa Rica is a place that leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and simply alive. The popular saying in Costa Rica is “Pura Vida” (translated to “Pure Life” or “Simple Life” in English), which emphasizes positivity, relaxation, an optimistic attitude towards life, and appreciation for a peaceful and simple lifestyle. In Costa Rica, you can let your hair down and truly relax and enjoy life.

This beautiful country in Central America has a wealth of sights to see and activities to do. Before we cover the 11 things you must do in Costa Rica, I’d like to highlight the travel agency I used that made my trip so amazing.

I’ve visited Costa Rica twice and booked trips through Pacific Trade Winds, a top-rated travel agency. The customer service I received for both trips from Pacific Trade Winds is unmatched. The travel agents who assisted me with the planning did an amazing job creating an itinerary based on my preferences for accommodations and activities. I highly recommend Pacific Trade Winds for planning your visit.

If you’re looking to visit Costa Rica and want to avoid the hassle of planning your trip on your own, check out Pacific Trade Wind’s website at https://entercostarica.com/. You also have the option to call their toll-free number at 1-866-853-9426 to talk directly to a representative.

Okay, let’s get back to the topic at hand: 11 things you must do in Costa Rica. If you’re planning to visit Costa Rica, consider adding these items to your itinerary. And don’t worry… if you don’t get to do all of these things on your first visit, making a second visit is definitely worthwhile. All of the things discussed in this post are things I experienced during my visit.

First, let’s look at places to stay.

Secrets Papagayo is a secluded, luxurious all-inclusive resort situated on a black-sand beach, offering various dining options, a spa, bars, and activities to enjoy. 

As for food, I would like to highlight a couple of options that I particularly enjoyed at this resort.

Himitsu

One of the dining options I really enjoyed is Himitsu, an Asian restaurant. I was able to experience the hibachi portion of the restaurant, which is popular among resort visitors. The hibachi restaurant is the only restaurant at the resort that requires reservations. Seating for the hibachi experience fills up quickly, so be sure to call and make a reservation early in the morning of the day you plan to visit. I also have to mention that the decor is spectacular and features a red, black, and white color scheme.

Coco Café

If you’re a coffee drinker, be sure to visit Coco Cafe for your daily coffee fix. The espresso and coffee bar features lattes, cappuccinos, iced mochas, and frappés. You can also enjoy gelato here to satisfy your sweet tooth, along with a variety of snacks, including:

• Croissants (plain, chocolate)

• Danish pastries

• Muffins

• Cookies (chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal)

• Banana bread or pound cake

• Pre-made sandwiches (ham & cheese, turkey, veggie)

• Wraps

• Mini paninis

• Cheese & fruit cups

• And more

Coco Cafe also offers smoothies and herbal teas as beverage options. This popular spot on the resort is open from early morning until 10pm (or sometimes later).

If you want an incredible view of the Arenal Volcano, you should consider Arenal Springs Resort and Spa. Looking out from my room and seeing the amazing view was the highlight of my stay at this resort. Arenal Springs Resort Spa also features natural hot springs, great dining options, and a full-service spa. You’ll love this hotel’s tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxation.

Nayara Gardens is a luxurious resort located near the Arenal Volcano, offering a relaxing atmosphere with lush gardens and stunning views. This resort is simply breathtaking. Every detail, from the winding stone paths through vibrant tropical flora to the private casitas with outdoor rain showers, feels intentional and serene. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail by the pool, spotting toucans from your balcony, or soaking in the natural hot springs, the entire experience is designed to help you unwind and reconnect with nature in the most beautiful way possible.

At Hidden Canopy Treehouse Boutique Hotel, you can stay in a treehouse in a beautiful rainforest. Yes, a “real” treehouse!

You may remember playing in a treehouse with your friends as a kid or even dreaming about having your own treehouse. Whether or not you experienced living or spending time in a treehouse when you were younger, you can still be a kid at heart and get the treehouse experience in Costa Rica. It’s all made possible by booking a stay at Hidden Canopy Treehouses Boutique Hotel, which provides an unforgettable experience. 

Unlike the treehouse you remember or may have imagined as a kid, these treehouses are upscale and let you enjoy luxury. Depending on the room you book, you can take advantage of relaxing in a jacuzzi. The treehouses are also equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access, a complimentary tea and coffee service, a mini-bar refrigerator, a treetop balcony or garden patio, a private living room or sitting area, and more. 

The feature that comes with staying at Hidden Canopy Treehouses that you are sure to love the most is the fantastic view of the cloud forest in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Hotel Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar is located at the southern end of Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste. This hotel features spacious suites amidst lush tropical gardens with amazing oceanfront views of Playa Hermosa (which translates to “Beautiful Beach”). The clear water and soft gray sands make this beach worth checking out.

If you are looking for a cool local bar to check out in Costa Rica, visit Lava Lounge Bar & Grill in La Fortuna. Not only does this spot have delicious food and drinks, but it also has live music, making it perfect for a fun-filled night out. I enjoyed this place so much that I revisited it during my second trip to Costa Rica.

When it comes to adventure in Costa Rica, you won’t be disappointed with whatever activity you choose. All of the activities that I’ve had the opportunity to participate in have met and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend doing the following activities to get the adrenaline rushing and get the excitement rolling.

Horseback riding in Costa Rica allows you to get an incredible cultural experience and enjoy some of the most incredible views you will ever see. You have the option of horseback riding on beaches, mountains, and more. I chose to go horseback riding on a mountain. Whichever option you choose, the view and overall experience will be worth it.

Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is sure to get your adrenaline rushing. But don’t worry. Even if you’re new to whitewater rafting, you can enjoy this activity. 

My whitewater rafting experience was booked with Wave Rafting. The entire experience was incredible. As a top-rated whitewater tour company in Costa Rica, Wave Rafting did not disappoint. 

The tour guide was very knowledgeable and did an excellent job explaining everything that my fellow rafters and I needed to know before the activity started. He helped my group navigate the rapids without any mishaps and ensured our safety throughout the entire experience.

I went whitewater rafting on Rio Balsa (Balsa River), which is a very popular experience in Costa Rica. The activity lasted for approximately 2 hours and consisted of lots of fun with scenic views. 

The tour includes a complimentary lunch featuring tasty Costa Rican cuisine and a sugar cane demonstration, which provides an opportunity to learn about the sugar cane production process.

Check out their website here: https://waveexpeditions.com/

Cano Negro Riverboat Safari experience is a great activity for seeing wildlife in Costa Rica. The experience takes place near the Nicaragua border on a remote wildlife refuge. Choose to take the riverboat safari tour to get a chance to see monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced), turtles, sloths, and more cool wildlife as you take a ride on the riverboat.

Looking for some off-road thrill to fulfill your thirst for adventure? Riding an ATV will definitely do the trick. You’ll get to explore Costa Rica in a unique way by going on an ATV tour. During my tour, I not only saw the beautiful landscape but also saw extraordinary wildlife and took in breathtaking views. The ATV tour guide also had my group stop to see waterfalls and get close (as legally as possible) to an active volcano (the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica). I booked my ATV experience through Outback ATV Adventures.

Bungee Jumping was a bucket list activity for me. I was finally able to cross it off my list in Costa Rica. This was not only an exhilarating experience but one that I’ll definitely remember. If you decide to do this activity, I’m sure it will be one for you to remember as well.

I visited Monteverde Extremo Park for my bungee jumping experience. This park is located in La Cruz, a small town on the outskirts of Monteverde, Costa Rica, and is home to the highest bungee jump in Central America (143 meters high). To say I was nervous about bungee jumping at this height is an understatement. And making it to the location where I’d be jumping from, looking down from the tram, and seeing how far I was above the trees did not help. But once the bungee jump master prepared me for the jump, I leaped off the platform and had a chance to take in the view of Costa Rica in a unique way, the nervousness wore off and was replaced with excitement. 

 In addition to bungee jumping, visitors can enjoy ziplining, hanging bridges, trails, and more.

Costa Rica has so much to explore. There are several sightseeing opportunities that let you see the beauty of Costa Rica in unique ways. If you don’t want to book a tour/excursion through a company, you can always explore on your own. There are rideshare options, such as Uber and Lyft, that you can utilize to get to your various destinations. And if you are comfortable driving, you can rent a car to get around during your stay. 

This blog post covers only some of the incredible things that Costa Rica has to offer. Whether you have already made plans to visit, are considering making plans, or haven’t given visiting a thought, I highly recommend traveling to Costa Rica. You are sure to have a memorable experience. ¡Pura Vida!

Author Bio

Elliott Jeter is an avid writer. He enjoys writing about various topics, including travel, finance, music, etc. In addition to being a writer, Elliott is a musician, SEO guru, and traveler. He has over 8 years of experience in digital marketing (primarily search engine optimization) and has held various titles, including SEO Manager, Senior SEO Strategist, and SEO Content Strategist.