16 best things to do in Costa Rica

Stunning national parks, brooding volcanoes, untouched beaches, and dazzling biodiversity — Costa Rica serves countless natural wonders accross its lush rainforests, rushing rivers and wildlife reserves. As it's not possible to see everything in a single trip, here's our pick of some of the the best things to do in Costa Rica.

#1 Trek Parque Nacional Corcovado

Straddling the Osa Peninsula in the far south of the country, this biologically rich reserve is among Costa Rica’s finest destinations for walking, and one of the best national parks in Costa Rica.

Corcovado is also one of the country’s most biodiverse regions, with pacific beaches giving way to mangrove swamps and tropical rainforest that's a haven for wildlife, and floral wonders — the reserve shelters five hundred species of trees, a quarter of all the species in Costa Rica. 

As such, wildlife lovers and walkers wondering what to do in Costa Rica really should include Corcovado in their Costa rica itinerary.

How to get to Parque Nacional Corcovado

From San José, fly to Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay (45–60 mins), then continue by boat or 4x4 to the park entrances.

Alternatively, drive 7–9 hours to Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay, then arrange local transport to the trailheads.

When to visit 

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when trails are accessible and rivers are lower.

#2 Watch turtles

Make a trip to Costa Rica during turtle nesting season, and you may see one of the most amazing spectacles in the animal kingdom: the arribada, or arrival. 

Indeed, wildlife enthusiasts will find that turtle watching is one of the most memorable things to do when it comes to experiencing Costa Rica wildlife. 

How to get to Ostional

Ostional is located in Guanacaste Province, 15 minutes by car from the village of Nosara. 

Note that there’s no organised taxi service or regular public transport in the area.

When to visit 

Our tip is to head to Ostinal in September and October, when female olive ridley turtles return en masse to the place they were born to lay eggs, with arribadas peaking just before and after the full moon.

Just starting to plan your trip? Find out how many days you need in Costa Rica, depending on your goals.

#3 Visit Arenal volcano 

One of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, Arenal volcano is served by the gateway town of La Fortuna.

Adjacent to Lake Arenal, it quite often offers a spectacular show of clouds of gas and steam.

To observe the Arenal volcano in true luxury, pamper yourself at the Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort. This holiday destination is built on the site of a hot avalanche deposit that provides heat for waters that are among the best Arenal volcano hot springs.

Alternatively, adventure-minded travelers will want to enjoy the best Arenal volcano hikes.

How to get to Arenal volcano 

From San José, drive to La Fortuna via Route 1 and Route 702 (3-4 hours). 

Traveling to Costa Rica on a budget? Buses run from San José to La Fortuna, usually with a transfer in Ciudad Quesada, and take 5–6 hours.

Alternatively, plenty of shared and private shuttles run daily from San José, Liberia, and other tourist hubs like Monteverde or Manuel Antonio.

When to visit

While the dry season is best for clear views of the volcano, hiking and exploring waterfalls and trails, it can be busy. 

So, it’s worth noting that the shoulder seasons (May–June, and November) are also great. Just bring a light rain jacket.

Want some pre-trip inspiration? Check out our Costa Rica itineraries.

#4 Uncover indigenous Costa Rica

There are many ways to gain insights into Costa Rica’s indigenous communities. You could, for example, learn how the Maleku uses medicinal plants, shop for crafts at a women’s co-operative in the Gulf of Nicoya, or take a walking tour with the Bribrí. 

Handily, if you're heading to the capital, or are just passing through San José, Galería Namu has an impressive selection of indigenous crafts, including ceramics and colourful masks, with an emphasis on fair trade practices.

Staying in the city? Read up on the best things to do in San José.

How to get to Galería Namu, San Jose 

Galería Namu is located in the historic Barrio Amón, on Avenida 7, between Calles 5 and 7, Barrio Amón. 

It’s just a 10-minute walk from the National Theatre or Museo del Oro Precolombino, and most buses to central San José stop near Avenida Central. 

When to visit

Once again, the dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit San José — think sunny skies and warm days that are ideal for sightseeing on foot.

At the same time, while May to November bring afternoon rain showers, mornings are often clear, and the city is less crowded.

Lingering longer in the city? Discover the best San Jose hotels.

#5 Explore Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Encompassing three untouched white-sand beaches, all surrounded by lush tropical forests, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's most famous parks.

Its coastline is dominated by the rocky outcrop of Punta Catedral, which juts out into the sea.

Aside from trekking trails here, don't miss Playa Manuel Antonio (also called Playa Tres), which is one of the safest beaches in the area for swimming and snorkeling.

Rough Guides tip: pre-book the best Manuel Antonio National Park tours, and wise up on all the best beaches in Manuel Antonio.

How to get to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park is located a short drive south of the city of Quepos. If you're traveling by public transport, buses depart daily from Quepos and San José.  

For more transport context, read up on getting around Costa Rica.

When to visit

The best time to visit Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio  is during the dry season, or the shoulder months of May and November, when the weather is still relatively dry, but the park is quieter, and prices could well be lower.

#6 Explore Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro by boat

Crammed with sun-basking caimans and home to hundreds of species of birds, this isolated reserve near the Nicaraguan border is one of the most important wetlands in the world.

Go during the wet season to discover the huge, shallow and temporary lake. This beautiful phenomenon stretches over 800 hectares (2,000 acres) in size and is created when the nearby Río Frío overflows — only to dry up completely during the dry season. 

Explore the area via boat and see if you can catch a glimpse of the Jabirú storks, an extremely rare bird and the largest in the region.

To make the most of your trip here, you'll need to wise up on the best time to visit Costa Rica.

How to get to Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro

From La Fortuna, drive (2.5-3 hours) to Los Chiles via Route 4, then follow signs to Caño Negro village.

You can also arrange day tours with transport from La Fortuna, which include guided boat trips.

When to visit

While the dry season offers comfortable boat tours, with clearer skies, and easier access to the area, visiting in May to early November means seeing more migratory birds, especially September to October.

Seeking practical support? Our content manager has written a personal guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

#7 Witness rare wildlife at remote Reserva Rara Avis

Reserva Rara Avis is a remote private rainforest reserve in the Sarapiquí region, in the Caribbean foothills of northeastern Costa Rica. 

It's known for its untouched primary rainforest, rich biodiversity, and has great appeal for scientists, birders and adventurous eco-travelers.

Within the reserve, there are more kinds of plants, birds and butterflies than in the whole of Europe. 

Whether exploring the area by horseback, or tractor-drawn cart, a trip to the Rara Avis Reserve is one of the many unforgettable things to do in Costa Rica.

How to get to Reserva Rara Avis

First you ned to get to Las Horquetas de Sarapiquí, the nearest town. To do that from San José, drive 2.5 hours via Route 32 to Guápiles, then north to Las Horquetas.

Alternatively, take a bus to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí and a taxi to Las Horquetas.

Then, from Las Horquetas you need to transfer to a pre-booked 4x4 vehicle, or else have pre-booked a horseback ride in place. Alternatively, it takes 3–4 hours to reach the lodge at Rara Avis.

When to visit

The dry season is best for hiking and exploring without heavy rain. 

Come the rainy season, trails are extremely muddy and slippery, and access can be challenging.

Short on time? Take inspiration from a suggested 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary. Or, if you have a little longer, check out a thrilling 10 days in Costa Rica itinerary.

#8 Relax at Playa Cocles

Playa Cocles is one of the most gorgeous beaches on the entire Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

Here, a long stretch of fine sand is backed by swaying palms and sprayed by barrelling waves — this beach is famous in surfing circles for the hot, fast, and explosive waves that break over the reef from December through April and again in June and July. As a result, it attracts surfers from all over the world.

At other times of the year the sea is quiet, particularly inside the reef, and good for snorkeling. 

You’ll find this gem just a couple of kilometres from the laidback backpackers’ haunt of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Beaches on your mind? Dive into our guide to Costa Rica's best beaches.

How to get to Playa Cocles

From San José, drive east via Route 32 to Limón, then south along the coast to Puerto Viejo and Cocles (5–6 hours total).

Alternatively, take a bus from Terminal Atlantico Norte in San José to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (5.5–6 hours). From Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles is just five minutes by taxi or a pleasant 15-minute walk.

When to visit

February–April and September–October are the driest and sunniest months on the Caribbean coast, and the best times to visit Playa Cocles.

#9 Go whitewater rafting 

Whitewater rafting is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica if you're into adventure and spectacular scenery, with the Pacuare River rated one of the top white-water rafting rivers in the world.

Not far from Turrialba or Siquirres, depending on where your rafting trip starts or ends, it offers everything from Class II rapids for first-timers, to roaring Class IV sections that’ll have you gripping your paddle like your life depends on it (because it kind of does...).

What makes it even better? The scenery. The river flows through deep jungle canyons with cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and the occasional toucan or monkey. 

Most tours last all day, with stops for a swim in tranquil water bodies or even a picnic on the riverbank. 

On some multi-day tours, you can stay in some of the best eco lodges in Costa Rica for a full Indiana Jones experience.

How to get to the Pacuare River 

The easiest way to get to the Pacuare River is to book with a tour operator — most travelers join full-day or overnight rafting tours from San José, La Fortuna or Puerto Viejo.

Or, if you’d prefer to join a tour locally, it takes 2-3 hours to drive to Siquirres from San José via Route 32, and around 2.5 hours to drive from Puerto Viejo or Cahuita.

When to visit

The rainier months of May to October are best for adventurous rafters, and stunning rainforest scenery.

Into adventure in a big way? Discover the best Costa Rica adventure tours.

#10 Dance in Puerto Limón on Día de la Raza

For many people, visiting Puerto Limón during the annual Carnaval (Carnival) is one of the most fun things to do in Costa Rica. 

This week-long jubilant event is held every October (rather than in the traditional February) and coincides with the El Día de la Raza, ‘The Day of the People', recently renamed Día de las Culturas (Day of the Cultures).

The highlight of course of this festive week is the parade — where thousands of locals and visitors alike take to the streets to revel in a glorious music and dance spectacle. 

The rhythms of steel drums fill the air as parade floats, bright colourful costumes, and dancers of all ages fill the streets.

How to get to Puerto Limón

From San José, drive east via Route 32 through Braulio Carrillo National Park — it’s scenic, direct, and takes 3.5 to 4 hours.

Meanwhile, frequent bus services from San José take around four hours.

Best time to visit

That's no-brainer! Visit in October to experience Día de la Raza.

#11 Walk among clouds in Monteverde

Walking through the misty Monteverde cloud forest reserve is one of the most memorable things to do in Costa Rica. 

The reserve features a series of lush trails that are a highlight of any Costa Rica rainforest tour, taking you across hanging bridges suspended from platforms in the rainforest canopy. 

Walk the bridges to experience the distinctive bird’s-eye view (and perhaps a touch of vertigo), and bring binoculars to spot tonnes of tropical birds. 

How to get to Monteverde

To get from San José to Monteverde, you can drive yourself (3–4 hours via Route 27 and 606; a 4x4 is recommended for the last unpaved stretch), take a public bus (about 5 hours with a daily direct service from Terminal 7-10), or join a guided tour that includes hotel pickup, transport, and stops along the way.

Best time to visit

The best overall time to visit is during the December to April dry season, when conditions are better for hiking, canopy tours, and wildlife viewing.

That said, the quieter wet-season months of June and July often have a "mini-summer" with drier periods.

Also note that Monteverde sits at a high elevation, so cool temperatures and mist are common year-round.

#12 Visit Volcán Poás

 Poás Volcano (located in Poas Volcano National Park) is one of the world’s most easily accessible active volcanoes. 

With a history of eruptions that goes back eleven million years, visiting this opening in the earth's crust is easily one of the most exciting things to do in Costa Rica. 

While here, you can also explore the nearby La Paz Waterfall Gardens to hike trails that lead through orchid gardens, a huge butterfly observatory and aviaries.

How to get to Volcán Poás

From San José, drive north via Route 1, then take Route 712 through Alajuela and Vara Blanca. This takes around 1.5 hours.

There’s no direct bus to the park entrance, so if you’re using public transport, you need to take a bus to Alajuela and then arrange a taxi or organized tour to the volcano.

When to visit

December to April offer the clearest views of the crater, which is often shrouded in mist the rest of the year.

#13 Go wild for waterfalls in Rincón de la Vieja

Roasting some of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, Rincón de la Vieja National Park contains two towering volcanoes and four complete ecosystems. 

It's also one of the country’s most thermally active areas, so expect clouds of sulphurous smoke and steaming mud holes dotting the slopes as you hike to see the tumbling waters of La Cangreja Waterfall.

From a height of 40 meters (132 ft), this cascades down to form a beautiful blue pool — the perfect place for a refreshing dip.

How to get to Rincón de la Vieja National Park

From Liberia, drive northeast on Route 1, then take the turnoff toward Curubandé and the Las Pailas sector — the main park entrance. This takes around 45 minutes.

Note that while there are no direct buses to the park entrance, you can take a bus to Liberia, then a taxi or arranged shuttle to the Las Pailas or Santa María entrance sectors.

When to visit

While waterfalls are most dramatic during the rainy season, sections of the trails will be very muddy.

For easier access, with still-impressive falls, visit later in the dry season (March–April).

#14 Explore Tortuguero Canal

Tortuguero National Park, located in northern Costa Rica, contains a maze of beautiful waterways. 

And taking a slow boat north from Puerto Limón along the Tortuguero Canal, is one of the most wonderful trips to be taken anywhere in the world.

Tours guided by expert naturalists can give new insights into the area, while the fragrance of white ginger blossoms, lavender water hyacinths, and the ylang-ylang flower, wafts all around.

Ahead of your visit, be sure to wise up on the best Tortuguero National Park tours.

How to get to Tortuguero Canal

Traveling from the capital? Here's how to get from San Jose to Tortuguero.

When to visit

While February-April is best for boat tours (think less rain, and smoother travel conditions), the July–October turtle nesting season is also worth considering. While rain is frequent, canal tours still tend to run daily, and wildlife is active.

#15 Head to off-the-beaten-track reserves

The most famous national parks in Costa Rica can get pretty crowded in peak season. 

So, avoid said crowds by heading off the grid to Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco, or taking a multi-day hike in the Bosque Eterno de los Niños. 

Another option is to visit the lesser-trodden Parque Nacional Los Quetzales, home of the iconic quetzal, and located in the Talamanca Mountains, south of San José.

How to get to  Parque Nacional Los Quetzales

From San José, drive south via Route 2 (Carretera Interamericana Sur) toward San Isidro de El General, then keep an eye out for signs near Cerro de la Muerte or San Gerardo de Dota — the most popular access points. This takes 2 to 2.5 hours.

Alternatively, stay in nearby San Gerardo de Dota, and arrange a ride or guided visit.

When to visit

Offering clear skies, good trail conditions, and excellent birdwatching, the December to April dry season is the best time to visit, with the February–May mating season of the resplendent quetzal being doubly special.

#16 Scale Chirripó mountain

South of San Jose, Cerro Chirripó is Costa Rica's highest mountain, and having the opportunity to take in incredible scenery — from crestones to glacial lakes — is a top reason for hikers to visit Costa Rica.

The area around the mountain is also well worth visiting, even if you don't attempt to tackle the summit. 

Even shorter hikes are very satisfying, thanks to stacks of lush scenery, waterfalls, and natural hot springs.

If trekking is top of your trip plan, discover the best hikes in Costa Rica.

How to get to Chirripó mountain

The hike to Chirripó starts in San Gerardo de Rivas, a small village near the city of San Isidro de El General, in southern Costa Rica.

To get here from San José, drive 3.5–4.5 hours via Route 2 (Interamericana Sur) toward San Isidro de El General.

From San Isidro, take a local road up to San Gerardo de Rivas.

Alternatively, catch a bus from San José to San Isidro de El General (3.5 hours) followed by a local taxi or bus to San Gerardo de Rivas.

When to visit

Trails are most accessible in the December to April dry season — a period that also offers the best summit views.

Get lucky, and you might see you may both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts on clear mornings.

Looking for more pre-trip support and inspiration? Browse our customizable Costa Rica itineraries, and make use of our Costa Rica travel tips.

Not keen on planning? Contact our local Costa Rica travel experts, who can take care of planning — and booking — every detail of your perfect trip.