28 things to do in Costa Rica
Tamarindo Costa Rica, a place that is home to natural wonders, surfing, vast cuisine and quaint Bed and Breakfasts, and fancy resorts, will not disappoint any member of your travel party.
Here are a few suggestions to head as soon as you leave your Hotel room :
1. Canopy tours
Whether it's a zip-line thrill ride, gondola, or naturalist educational trip through the treetops, canopy tours have exploded in popularity in the past decade. High in both adrenaline and excitement! As scary as it sounds, it’s actually very safe and the most difficult part is usually walking between the cables. Most of the rainforest’s life dwells in the canopy, high above ground. Consequently, there are a large number of “canopy tours” offered.
If you would like more cerebral and sedate fun, take the “Aerial Tram.” It offers a monkey’s view of the surrounding jungle at various levels in the canopy, while seated in a slow-moving cable car and accompanied by a naturalist guide. There is also a “SkyWalk” that features incredibly high wire bridges between trees and above deep gorges.
2. Surfing
Costa Rica is one of the top surf destinations in the world. Costa Rica was host to the Billabong 2009 World Surfing Games,thus Costa Rica's reputation for great surfing is at an all time high. Surfing legends like Robert August now make their homes in Costa Rica for it’s legendary surf.
The waves of Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, Witch's Rock, Pavones or the Salsa Brava in the Caribbean are legendary in the surf world. Places like Nosara and Santa Teresa are known for their hippy “surfer dude” vibe.
3. See Turtles lay eggs
Head up to Tortuguero where conservationists are working hard to preserve the endangered turtles who make the beaches their nesting grounds. Only reachable by boat or plane, Tortuguero is a prime example of eco-tourism. One will have quite a entertainment if they are turtle lovers.
Playa Grande is home to a beach side sanctuary. This park, which is the center of the Tamarindo National Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to sea turtles and other wildlife. Go check out the Turtle Museum and a moonlit turtle watching tour.
4. Climb a waterfall
Waterfall rappelling takes you on scenic trails in the middle of Costa Rica’s lush jungle. There are tour operators all over the country that offer waterfall rappels, but if you find yourself in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area, give Quepo Canyoning a call as they are the only one allowing you to climb a waterfall. Here you’ll find huge waterfalls that plunge into deep canyons below. Going up is actually more exciting than going down!
5. Kayaking
Costa Rica is traversed by an intricate network of rivers that cut through its diverse ecosystems. From the exciting rapids to tranquil mangroves and everything in between. Follow the white water rafting route to the Rio Toro or Reventazon. Nature lovers will prefer the slow moving canals, rivers and mangroves of places like Tortuguero, Drake Bay, Nosara or even Lake Arenal. If you’re looking for something a little slower paced but still plenty of fun, rent a kayak and explore the mangroves. You’ll see wildlife you never imagined.
6. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Reserve is one of the most diverse and richest cloud forest in the new world and it has extensive trails which allow visitors to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and wildlife; with easy walking you will have the opportunity to watch jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, colorful insects, butterflies and birds.
7. Arenal Volcano National Park
Rising over a mile in height, Arenal Volcano located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, offers visitors a rare opportunity to view one of the world’s most active volcano. Famous for its nighttime lava fireworks, Arenal Volcano towers above a lovely lake of the same name. The area has plenty of natural activities, eco-adventures, and the lake is particularly popular with fishermen and windsurfers. The thermal springs at nearby Tabacon Resort Hot Springs offer a refreshing dip any time of the day. The volcano itself rumbles frequently and, if not socked in by clouds, is very impressive.
8. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio, located on the top of a hill in the Pacific Ocean near Quepos, has plenty of sandy white beaches and a forest filled with a variety of monkeys. It is the best area in the Central Pacific region and the most visited wildlife area of the country. Manuel Antonio has beautiful nature, biological diversity and amazing scenery.
9. Tortugeuro National Park
Whether it’s by kayak, by boat or hiking trough forest trails, Tortuguero National Park is a perfect example of tropical rain forest. Tortuguero is a wilderness area with great biological variety. The Park is made up of more than 18000 hectares and protects a wealth of exotic wildlife including those that gave it its name - turtles.
10. Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon Hot Springs are hot springs in which you can relax in the soothing waters and be caressed by the cool night air while observing the stars and the incredible night sky above the volcano. Enjoy this natural wonder of Costa Rica and unforgettable feeling in any of the mineral pools and naturally warm waterfalls.
11. Irazu Volacano National Park
The Irazu Volcano, standing at 11,260-foot-tall is the highest in Costa Rica and still considered active, even though its last major eruption was on March 19, 1963, the day that President John F. Kennedy arrived in Costa Rica. Today, a few puffs of steam and smoke are the most activity you’re likely to see.
To get here you’ll cross a wide expanse of dark gray barren land resembling a moonscape. At the rim, the sight of the crater filled with pea-green sulfur-laden water – surrounded by a rugged rocky cliff face – leaves one breathless.
12. Hotel Love Bed
The Love Bed and Breakfast will schedule the most relaxing parts of your visit. Whether it is on-site massages or advice on the best beach locations, the managers of the resort are at your service. They offer many all inclusive packages, including the spa package and honeymoon package. This hotel is perfect for a Costa Rica honeymoon.
13. Scuba Diving
Watching underwater life is made possible by the Tamarindo Costa Rica scuba diving experience. Off the coast of the Catalina Islands, divers can witness marine life or try their luck searching for a manta ray or a shark! Lessons are available for beginners.
14. Guanacaste golfing
This 18-hole, 71 par course is perfect for the golfer on a tropical vacation. If you don’t want to play a full 18-hole game, there is a driving range near the course. Make sure to check tee-times and availability with any tour desk.
15. Zoo Avenue
Zoo Avenue is a sanctuary for injured animals on one hand and a bird-lover’s paradise on the other. See colorful macaws, toucans and others from Costa Rica and around the world, mysterious owls, hungry raptors. There are also deer and monkeys and a good-sized crocodile.
16. A Guachipelin trip
A quick trip by boat from Tamarindo Costa Rica, you can visit the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. You can choose from a multitude of activities while visiting the volcano that include rapelling, rock climbing or covering yourself with the therapeutic mud straight from the volcano!
17. La Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles
Though destroyed in 1926 by an earthquake and rebuilt after, the basilica is still a very popular attraction. When Christianity came to Costa Rica, there were many devotees to the goddesses. Because of this, the Virgin Mary became very popular. The legend states that the statue of the virgin appeared miraculously on the site. Even if you aren’t religious, this is a beautiful church.
18. The Museo de Arte Costarricense
The Museo de Arte Costarricense is home to the national collection of art which includes over 2,500 pieces. Sculptures, woodcarvings, and paintings can be seen here, as well as traveling exhibits from around the world. Then there’s the Galeria Ocelote which was created to promote Latin American handcrafts. Shown here are textile designs, sculptures and ceramics among other things.
19. Running from the bulls
Las Corridas a la Tica is a popular sport. No traditional blood and guts killing of the bull here, though. Ticos prefer to just tease el toro. If the bullfighters are feeling particularly brave, they’ll slap the bull’s behind on it’s way. The place is an enclosed running of the bulls as up to 150 toreadors improvisados ( improvised bullfighters) scramble to stay out of the bulls way.
20. Lankester Gardens
Costa Rica boasts over 1000 varieties of orchids and there are over 800 here at Lankester Gardens in Cartago (30 to 40 minutes from San Jose by bus.) The gardens are administered by the University of Costa Rica and the goal is to preserve the local flora. Walk their well tended trails from sunlight to the shadow of the forest, seeing orchids in bloom everywhere. Give yourself up to three hours for this and don’t miss the gift shop.
21. Nightlife
Where there are tourists and college students – there is Nightlife. If you want to find out what’s going on while you’re there, where the local ex-pats are hanging out, pick up a copy of Tico Times and have a ball. Gambling is legal in Costa Rica, so there is a wide variety of places to rid yourself of that pesky extra money. Play slots, poker, blackjack, roulette. It’s all there for you.
Just south of the University is a 2-block stretch called La Calle de Amargure (Street of Bitterness). The place is a haven for the suburbanites and college kids.
22. Elusive Quetzal
The best chance to find the elusive Quetzal is off the Inter-American Highway that connects San Isidro and Cartago. This highway crosses Costa Rica’s highest mountains along the Cerro de la Muerte and there are several lodges here that cater to birdwatchers. Nesting season for these magnificent birds is March through May, and that’s the best time for a sighting.
23. Cahuita
Cahuita is laid back and friendly, a place to rest and rejuvenate during the day – and the hot spot for dancing at night. It contains two inviting beaches, one white and one black. Cahuita National Park offers it all – camping, biking, hiking, snorkeling, and more – and is guarded from the treetops by vociferous howler monkeys.
24. National theatre & Gold Museum
Designed by Belgian architects and decorated by Italian artists, the 1,000-seat stone and metal structure of the National Theatre offers performances by the world’s most famous of artists. Also, you can see its fabulous gold gilt interior and be sure to have afternoon tea in the theater’s cafe. The Gold Museum is found below the Plaza de la Cultura, to the rear of the National Theater in which you will see 2,000 pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
25. Jade Museum
Here Pre-Columbian jade, gold and stone art are featured at the Jade Museum, located at the top of the INS building in San Jose. In addition, frequently changing exhibitions of artists’ works will enhance your pleasure. More Jade Museum Into from the AM Costa Rica
26. Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly Farm near Alajuela is Latin America’s first and largest exporter of farm-raised butterflies. There are now many smaller butterfly farm imitators, but one that’s impossible to imitate is Dr. Richard Whitten’s Jewels of the Rainforest Exhibit.
Headquarters at the Hotel Chalet Tirol, his extensive collection of weird and wonderful insects, butterflies, bugs and beetles are artistically displayed and accompanied by educational videos and brochures. The InBio Park is a private project to categorize Costa Rica’s diverse insect and plant life, as well as educate and entertain visitors.
27. Shopping Town
If you like to shop, Sarch is your town. Filled with handicraft stores and small factories, it is best known as the home of the colorfully hand-painted Costa Rican oxcarts (carretas), which can be purchased in all sizes (and shipped home). But the town also offers fine furniture and other wooden articles, as well as leather, metal and fabric creations. When you’re shopped out, take a short side trip to nearby Zarcero. It is just lovely to walk here.
28. Live in Nature
Spend at least a night in one of the many ecological nature lodges that offer rustic accommodations. You owe it to yourself to experience the diverse unspoiled countryside, away from the traffic and noise pollution of the cities and towns.
- By Sunil R Yadav
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