26 TOP Things to Do in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica isn’t just a destination—it’s a full-on adventure wrapped in jungle, beaches, and way too many delicious snacks. One minute, I was ziplining over the treetops, and the next, I was face-to-face with a sloth!

There’s no shortage of epic things to do, from hiking around volcanoes to sipping the best coffee you’ve ever had. Pack your swimsuit, some bug spray, and an appetite for adventure. Here are some of the TOP things to do in Costa Rica!

1. Fly Through the Sky on the Longest Zipline in Latin America

Monteverde is home to the longest zipline in Latin America, and it is not for the faint of heart. Picture yourself soaring over the jungle, wind in your face, screaming with both fear and excitement.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an actual bird, this is the closest you’ll get. The course also includes hanging bridges, a Tarzan swing, and some serious adrenaline-pumping fun. It’s hands down one of the most epic adventures in Costa Rica!

2. Monkey Around in Manuel Antonio National Park

Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, where monkeys outnumber tourists (well, almost).

This lush rainforest meets white-sand beach paradise is home to howler monkeys, sloths, and a whole lot of iguanas. The hiking trails here are short but packed with wildlife, so keep your camera ready.

And don’t be surprised if a cheeky monkey tries to steal your snacks—these little guys have serious pickpocket skills. After your hike, cool off with a dip in the park’s stunning beaches. Read more about Manuel Antonio, one of the best things to do in Costa Rica!

3. Take a Nocturnal Tour in La Fortuna or Monteverde

Think the jungle is wild during the day? Wait until you see it at night! A nocturnal tour lets you witness Costa Rica’s most elusive creatures, from glowing frogs to sneaky ocelots.

You’ll hear the rainforest come alive with chirps, croaks, and the occasional mysterious rustling. It’s part eerie, part magical, and 100% a must-do.

Read more on La Fortuna!

4. Fill Up on Fresh Fruit as Often as Possible

If you think fruit at home is good, wait until you taste Costa Rica’s tropical bounty. Papayas, pineapples, guanabanas (aka soursop, aka the best fruit you’ve never heard of)—they all taste ten times better here.

Roadside fruit stands are everywhere, and they’re cheap, fresh, and wildly delicious. Make sure to grab some sliced mango with chili and lime for the ultimate snack. Your taste buds will thank you.

5. Wander the Cloud Forests of Monteverde

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is like something out of a dream—misty, lush, and teeming with life. Walk across hanging bridges for unreal views or hike through the foggy trails in search of the rare resplendent quetzal.

The air here is crisp, the trees are towering, and the whole place feels straight-up mystical. Don’t be surprised if you lose track of time wandering through this fairytale forest. It’s easily one of the most magical spots in Costa Rica.

Read more on Monteverde!

6. Hike in the Volcanoes of Rincon de La Vieja

Rincon de La Vieja is one of the most underrated national parks in Costa Rica. This geothermal wonderland is packed with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and waterfalls, including the stunning Oropendola Waterfall.

After a sweaty hike, treat yourself to a soak in the natural hot springs. It’s part adventure, part spa day, and all-around amazing. Plus, it’s way less crowded than some of Costa Rica’s other volcano parks, so you can actually enjoy the scenery in peace.

7. Climb Down to La Fortuna Waterfall and Splash Around

La Fortuna Waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s best things to do— It’s a showstopper! A short but steep hike down will bring you face-to-face with this powerful cascade.

Swim in the turquoise pool (if you can handle the chilly water) and soak in the jungle vibes. It’s the perfect place to cool off after a day of adventure. Just be ready for the climb back up—those stairs will have you questioning your life choices.

8. Grab a Costa Rican Brew

Sure, Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, but don’t sleep on the craft beer scene. Breweries like Treintaycinco and Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Co. are serving up some seriously good pints.

Try a tropical IPA or a smooth stout while kicking back in a beer garden. Bonus points if you pair it with some plantain chips. Because what’s an adventure without a cold one to celebrate?

9. See the Impossibly Blue Rio Celeste Waterfall

Rio Celeste looks like something out of a fantasy movie, with water so blue it’s hard to believe it’s real. But trust us, it is. The hike to the Rio Celeste Waterfall winds through Tenorio Volcano National Park, and it’s absolutely worth the trek.

The bright turquoise color comes from volcanic minerals, and seeing it in person is next-level cool. Just don’t expect to swim here—this water is strictly for admiring. Check this adventure tour out!

10. Don’t Skip the Nicoya Peninsula (Places Like Samara and Santa Teresa!)

The Nicoya Peninsula is a sun-soaked paradise with some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Samara is perfect for laid-back vibes, while Santa Teresa is a hotspot for surfers and digital nomads.

The region is also one of the world’s five Blue Zones, meaning locals live ridiculously long and happy lives—must be all the beach time and fresh fruit!

Rent an ATV and explore the coastline, stopping at hidden beaches along the way. Just don’t be surprised if you end up extending your stay.

11. Hike Around Arenal Volcano National Park

There’s nothing like standing at the base of a perfectly conical volcano. Arenal Volcano National Park offers some incredible hikes, with trails winding through old lava fields and lush jungle.

Explore the park and keep an eye out for wildlife like toucans, howler monkeys, and coatis.

The views of Arenal Lake are stunning, and on clear days, you might even see the peak of the volcano. Pro tip: hit the hot springs afterward for the ultimate relaxation.

12. Grab a Pipa Fría Because It’s HOT (Cold Coconut)

If you’ve never had fresh coconut water straight from the shell, you’re in for a treat. Vendors sell ice-cold pipas frías on beaches and street corners all over Costa Rica, and they are the ultimate thirst quencher.

You’ll get a coconut with the top chopped off and a straw stuck inside—simple, delicious, and hydrating. Bonus: when you’re done drinking, ask them to chop it open so you can scoop out the soft coconut flesh.

It’s nature’s electrolyte drink, and honestly, nothing hits better on a hot day, especially after surfing.

13. Get to Know Costa Rican Coffee Every Morning!

Costa Rica’s coffee game is strong, and if you’re not drinking it daily, you’re doing it wrong. The country’s high-altitude farms produce some of the smoothest, most flavorful coffee in the world.

Whether you grab a cup at a local soda or visit a coffee plantation for a tasting, you’ll notice a difference. The classic way to brew it is with a chorreador—a wooden stand with a cloth filter that lets the flavors shine.

Once you taste it, you might start questioning your usual morning brew back home.

14. …And the Chocolate! Maybe Even Take a Chocolate-Making Class

Fun fact: Costa Rica grows some seriously high-quality cacao, which means the chocolate here is next-level good. Take a chocolate-making class (this is the one I did) and learn how cacao beans are transformed into rich, silky goodness.

You’ll get to roast, grind, and taste-test your way through the process. Plus, you’ll never look at a grocery store chocolate bar the same way again. Spoiler: real chocolate is way better.

15. Bask on the Beaches at Marino Ballena National Park

Marino Ballena National Park is famous for its whale tail-shaped sandbar (yes, really), and it’s one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beach destinations.

The park is named after the humpback whales that migrate here, so if you visit between July and October or December to April, you might spot them.

The beaches are stunning, the water is perfect for swimming, and the vibes are chill. Bring a picnic and spend the day soaking up the sun. Just be sure to check the tide schedule if you want to walk on the famous sandbar.

16. Spot Animals in Cahuita National Park

For a wildlife-packed hike that won’t leave you gasping for air, head to Cahuita National Park. The flat, coastal trail winds through jungle and along pristine beaches, making it one of the most scenic (and easiest) hikes in the country.

You’re almost guaranteed to see sloths, monkeys, and a whole lot of tropical birds.

Don’t forget your swimsuit—the beaches here are perfect for a post-hike dip.

17. Go to a Soda and Eat a Casado

Want to eat like a local? Head to a soda (a small, family-run restaurant) and order a casado. This classic Costa Rican meal includes rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein (chicken, beef, fish, or veggies).

It’s hearty, cheap, and absolutely delicious. You’ll find sodas all over the country, and they’re the best place to get a real taste of Costa Rican home cooking.

18. Visit Montezuma for a Day and Wander Around a Cemetery Island and a Waterfall

Montezuma is a quirky little beach town with a bohemian vibe and some seriously cool sights. Hike to Montezuma Falls for a refreshing swim, then wander through the funky streets filled with art and street performers.

Check out the unique cemetery island just offshore—it’s a peaceful and eerie spot with ocean views. If you’re into yoga or surfing, this is also a great place to spend a few extra days. Montezuma feels like a hidden pocket of magic on the Nicoya Peninsula.

19. Go Whale Watching in Uvita

Uvita is one of the best spots in the world for seeing humpback whales up close. Join a whale-watching tour and witness these gentle giants breaching in the Pacific Ocean.

This is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica if you visit between July and October or December and April. Your chances of seeing them are high. Even if you don’t spot whales, you’ll likely see dolphins, sea turtles, and stunning coastal views.

It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you don’t want to miss.

20. Chase Waterfalls in Bajos del Toro

If you love waterfalls (and who doesn’t?), Bajos del Toro is a dream come true.

This area is home to some of Costa Rica’s most dramatic cascades, including the jaw-dropping Catarata del Toro, which plunges into an extinct volcanic crater. The hike to get there is steep, but the reward is totally worth it.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, check out the nearby Blue Falls, where you can swim in neon blue waters. Just be ready for some serious leg day action—these hikes aren’t for the faint of heart!

21. Get Off the Grid at Tortuguero National Park

Imagine gliding through winding canals, surrounded by dense jungle and spotting caimans, sloths, and howler monkeys along the way. Tortuguero National Park is only accessible by boat or plane, making it one of Costa Rica’s most remote (and special) places.

If you visit between July and October, you can witness sea turtles laying eggs on the beach—an unforgettable experience.

The whole park is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with riverboat tours offering front-row seats to the jungle’s wildest residents. No roads, no stress—just pure nature.

22. Experience the Caribbean Side in Puerto Viejo

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has a totally different vibe from the rest of the country, and Puerto Viejo is the perfect place to experience it.

Think reggae beats, Afro-Caribbean flavors, and some of the best beaches around. Rent a bike and cruise along the coast, stopping at Playa Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo.

The food here is also next-level—try the coconut rice and spicy Caribbean chicken. If you want a more laid-back, colorful slice of Costa Rica, this is the place to be.

23. Tackle the El Tigre Waterfalls Hike

Ready for a waterfall hike that’ll leave you sweaty but satisfied? The El Tigre Waterfalls trail near Monteverde takes you through lush jungle, across hanging bridges, and past several stunning waterfalls.

The trek is challenging, but you can reward yourself with a swim in the cool pools along the way. If you’re not up for the full hike, you can opt for a horseback ride back—because why not? It’s an adventure you won’t forget (and your legs definitely won’t let you).

24. Go Surfing on Either Coast—You Have to Try It Once

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or have never touched a board in your life, Costa Rica is the place to catch a wave. The Pacific coast offers world-famous breaks like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, while the Caribbean side has powerful waves at Salsa Brava.

If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of friendly surf schools to get you started. Just be warned: once you experience that first ride, you might get hooked. And let’s be honest, there are worse places to be stuck surfing than Costa Rica.

25. Visit the Most Biodiverse Place in the Country, Corcovado National Park

If you want to experience untouched wilderness, Corcovado National Park is calling your name.

This place is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity—yes, you read that right. Jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and all sorts of wild creatures roam freely here.

The park is remote and requires a guided tour, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Corcovado is hands-down one of the most raw and wild places in Costa Rica.

26. Adopt Their Way of Life—Pura Vida!

More than just a phrase, Pura Vida is a way of life in Costa Rica. It means taking things slow, appreciating the good stuff, and not sweating the small stuff.

You’ll hear it everywhere, from greetings to goodbyes, and before long, you’ll catch yourself saying it too.

Whether you’re sipping coffee on a beach, watching the sunset over the jungle, or simply taking a deep breath and realizing how good life is—Pura Vida is the ultimate takeaway from Costa Rica. And honestly, isn’t that the best souvenir?

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