Costa Rica is a gem of a place in Central America with rich bio-diversity and natural wonders. There is a plethora of things to see and watch. One can visit cloud forests, view wildlife, or hike around a volcano. As such, it becomes overwhelming to plan a Costa Rica visit. However, we have gathered a diverse collection of places to visit and things to do to inspire you. Scroll down for details!
1. San Jose
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and is home to the international airport. As such, it is the entry and exit point for most visitors. The city is home to some great museums and cool parks. You can visit the National Center of Art & Culture, and Jade Museum, and explore the central market for shopping and relishing delicious foods.
2. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Although small, it is the most visited park in Costa Rica. Located on the Pacific coast, it is a popular beach town. You can relax on the pristine beaches, take a guided fishing trip, surfing, diving, or white water rafting, hike, watch the varied wildlife, or take a zip line tour over the forest.
3. Visit Hanging Bridges
Walking in the park for wildlife, you will cross some hanging bridges. Costa Rica has several suspension bridges in many locations. They offer a fascinating canopy walk while you enjoy the breathtaking view below. In Monteverde, you can find Skywalk at Sky Adventures Park Monteverde. Another hanging bridge tour is: Hanging Bridge Tour at 100% Aventura Adventure Park. The third hanging bridge we recommend is: Treetop walkways at Selvatura Park.
If you are going to be in La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano, here are some great Hanging bridge tours: Skywalk Arenal at Arenal Sky Adventures Park and Hanging Bridges at Mistico Park.
4. Look out for howler monkeys
Costa Rica is a fantastic eco-tourism spot and home to howler monkeys. Howler monkeys are one of the largest monkeys in Costa Rica. They are very loud and you will hear them before you see them. You can see them in Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio National Park, Osa Peninsula, Arenal, and on the Caribbean coast.
5. Take a coffee tour
Costa Rica is known all over the world for its coffee. Coffee plantations have given a boost to the Costa Rican economy, and it is known as the golden grain. So, you must take a coffee tour to have an authentic taste of Costa Rican Coffee. The well-known coffee brand Starbucks runs the Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm. It is about 30 minutes from the San Jose airport. Visitors can also take coffee tours in Guanacaste or Monteverde or La Fortuna near Arenal volcano.
6. Explore La Fortuna
La Fortuna is about a three-hour drive from San Jose. It is the most talked-about destination in Costa Rica and, therefore, should be on your bucket list of places to visit. La-Fortuna boasts several high-quality hotels at affordable prices. La-Fortuna waterfall is a must-to-visit destination. There is a jade-green pool at the base of the waterfall. Engulfed in forests, the place induces a peaceful vibe. It is easy to spend the day there enjoying the mist generated by the waterfall.
7. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park
Arena volcano national park is known as the adventure capital. It is located in the central portion of Costa Rica and is a part of the conservation area. It is also close to La-Fortuna. You can take the short trails in the park that passes through forests and lava fields formed due to previous eruptions. You can watch a variety of wildlife including deer, howler monkeys, tapir, white-faced monkeys, etc with a wide variety of flora and fauna.
6. Relax in Natural Hot Springs
Costa Rica is best known for its natural hot springs. La-Fortuna boasts several hot springs where you can have a dip to rejuvenate. These hot springs are powered by underground thermal energy and they are full of minerals. Guests can visit the Arenal Spring Resort and Spa for a refreshing bath. There are also several other natural hot springs like Eco Termales Hot Springs, Tabacon Grand Thermal Spa Resort, Baldi Hot Springs, and many more.
7. Visit Monteverde cloud forest
Monteverde lets you explore verdant Costa Rica with abundant green hills and dense woods. Tour the one-of-a-kind cloud forest there. You can walk through low-hanging clouds and mist that exude the feeling of the sky lowering down. You can also sip excellent craft beer there.
8. Visit Tortuguero National Park
No Costa Rica Visit is complete without visiting the Caribbean Coast. Tortuguero National Park in the Limon province is a beautiful place to visit. It included a wide variety of terrains including beaches and canals covered with jungle awaiting visitors to explore. One can go there by boat or aircraft. You can turtles on the beach in the evening or take a boat ride to watch the variety of wildlife.