Misty jungles, Caribbean beaches, volcanoes, monkeys, sloths, toucans, world-class surf, cloud-forest trails, ziplines… pura vida adventures abound in Costa Rica.
The world’s an unfair place and rarely is this more obvious than in Costa Rica. The small Central American country has many times more than its fair share of natural splendor. Pura vida (pure life) is the Ticos’ (Costa Ricans’) spot-on national catchphrase. Costa Rica doesn’t have an army, but it does have a spine of green mountains and smoking volcanoes, draped with lush rain- and cloud forests. On both sides of this fortunate nation, these lead down to mangrove swamps and long palm-fringed sandy beaches with seductive surf breaks. Wildlife abounds, from crocodiles to toucans, howler monkeys to sloths. You hate to use a cliche like “paradise”, but it’s almost unavoidable here.
Unlike its neighbors, Costa Rica has a history of stability and prosperity; education and healthcare are the best in the isthmus, and the tourist infrastructure is excellent. While it may be a little more expensive than its counterparts, it offers improved safety and easier exploration. It’s the main ecotourism destination in Central America, with 25% of the landmass protected. Costa Rica boasts spectacular national parks and nature and marine reserves teeming with biodiversity—more than the US and Europe combined.
Costa Rica is a great place to come and do nothing. However, it is also an excellent destination for those seeking adventure.
Surfing
Costa Rica spoils surfers with more than 50 breaks—lefts and rights, beach and point breaks, reefs and river mouths—on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The water is warm all year round, and for those new to the sport, practically every beach community offers rentals and lessons.
Salsa Brava, located on the Caribbean Coast at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is perhaps the most famous surfing spot. Its big, powerful waves break over a sharp coral reef, making it better suited to the seasoned surfer.
The secluded jungle beach of Playa Pavones, in the far southwest, also holds renown among surf circles, drawing serious surfers who seek out one of the longest rides in the world with a notorious three-minute left point break.
Along the Pacific Coast, Playa Grande on the northeastern Nicoya Peninsula is another popular surf destination. A few kilometers south, the gentle waves at Playa Tamarindo cater to beginners and semi-experienced surfers, while nearby Playa Langosta is ideal for the more seasoned. Playa Guiones, also on Nicoya, offers consistent waves that drop gently for both newbies and intermediates, while advanced surfers can also practice their skills here.
Playa Jacó is beginner-friendly and easily accessible from the capital, San José. In contrast, neighboring Playa Hermosa may produce large swells and variable conditions, making it more suited for the experienced.
Popular surf hubs include the laid-back hippie destination Dominical, as well as the pristine beaches of Mal País, plus Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa.
Hiking
From jungle treks to volcano climbs, the natural wonders of Costa Rica are begging to be explored on foot. Cloud forests, which cover a mere 0.25% of land on Earth, can be easily experienced in Costa Rica. These misty areas are filled with wildlife and rich vegetation, giving visitors a real Jungle Book experience.
Monteverde
Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde is one of the best parks in Central America, boasting approximately 2500 kinds of plant life, over 100 mammal species, and 400 vivid varieties of birdlife, including the stunning quetzal. The park’s unique geographical conditions, where humid trade winds from the Caribbean condense into clouds above the trees, create an enchanting misty realm rich in biodiversity. Visitors can wander the well-maintained trails that lead through the towering trees and enjoy overnight stays in rustic huts.
Volcán Arenal
Volcán Arenal is another enticing hiking region, notably attractive for those wishing to relax in a volcano-heated pool post-hike. Well-marked trails throughout the park lead to breathtaking waterfalls, crater lakes, and lava flows. The two-to-three-hour Cerro Chato Trail climbs steeply through untouched forests, rewarding hikers with a swimmable volcanic lake at 1200m.
Cerro Chirripó
Parque Nacional Chirripó’s Cerro Chirripó at 3820m is the highest mountain in Costa Rica. Its summit is a popular two-day trek from San Gerardo de Rivas, passing through different climates, from lush cloud forests to rocky terrain. Staying at Crestones Base Lodge allows for a summit attempt at dawn, though the journey can be challenging with over 2500m of elevation gain. Yet, witnessing the sunrise above the clouds is an unforgettable pura vida experience.
Manuel Antonio
Beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, abundant wildlife, cliffside restaurants, and scenic trails make Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio the country’s most popular national park. It becomes quite busy in peak season, featuring seven short trails—off-trail hiking is not permitted. Visitors primarily enjoy wildlife spotting, refreshing swims, and spectacular sunsets over the ocean.
Corcovado
Parque Nacional Corcovado, located in the south, is home to an incredible 2.5% of the world’s total biodiversity. Visitors can explore deserted beaches, waterfalls, and dynamic wildlife. However, be aware that conditions can be extreme, and solo trekking isn’t recommended due to potential encounters with wildlife like pumas and jaguars. This truly is a wild place.
Bahía Drake
Neighboring Bahía Drake offers a beautiful and remote experience where macaws and howler monkeys fill the air with their sounds, while dolphins frolic in the marine reserve. A 17km trail spanning from Agujitas to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station provides an excellent day hike lined with picturesque beaches and abundant wildlife.
Diving and Snorkelling
Central America’s Caribbean coast is adorned with expansive barrier reefs, making it one of the world’s prime scuba diving and snorkelling destinations. While Costa Rica’s diving experiences may not compare to Belize and Honduras to the north, satisfactory snorkelling can be enjoyed off both shores, particularly along the southern Caribbean Coast. Other key spots include the impressive coral reefs at Bahía Ballena and Manzanilla. Bahía Drake is richly diverse with wildlife, particularly around Isla del Caño, where snorkelers can encounter various marine life.
Kayaking
Kayaking provides an exhilarating way to explore Costa Rica’s rivers, lagoons, and mangroves. Paddle from Puerto Jiménez to Golf Rica and you might just find yourself accompanied by whales. Additionally, the mangroves of Bahía Drake are rich in wildlife, offering a unique experience for kayaking enthusiasts.
Ziplining
Squeal-inducing, ziplining canopy tours are to Costa Rica what bungee jumping is to New Zealand—the concept started here. The two main destinations for jungle adventures are around Volcán Arenal and Monteverde. A dozen ziplines traverse the Río Arenal canopy, while trips often include glimpses of waterfalls and access to the resort’s swimming pool along with 13 thermal pools. Selvatura, in Monteverde, features 3km of lines, 18 platforms, and an exhilarating Tarzan swing.
Mountain Biking
The Arenal region stands as the mountain-biking hub, providing a variety of tour options. For those with their own bikes, the two-day Vuelta al Lago offers an exciting ride around Lago de Arenal. Near the park entrance, a private network of bike-friendly trails follows the lava flow from the 1968 explosion, creating an exhilarating outdoor adventure. The La Ruta de los Conquistadores is a multi-stage race crossing Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean over three days and approximately 400km.
Whitewater Rafting
For rafting enthusiasts, Costa Rica provides excellent whitewater rafting opportunities, accommodating thrill-seekers with class V rapids. Adventure seekers can navigate through the exhilarating torrents of the Reventazón and Pacuare rivers in the Valle Central, while milder options are available at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.
Trail Running
Trail running is a growing sport in Costa Rica, culminating annually in the Coastal Challenge. Over six days in February, the event guides runners along 240km of trails, traversing mountains, jungles, and beaches in the country’s beautiful southwest, including Dominical and Bahía Drake.
