San Jos is a cool, creative capital, packed with historic architecture, unique museums and trendy cafes and clubs. Use best practices when participating in recreation activities like hiking, swimming, zip lining and off-roading. You will also get the chance to see toucans, sloths, and monkeys. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches and adventure lovers can enjoy white water rafting, canopy, hiking, surfing all while staying at a luxurious boutique hotel or an all-inclusive resort made just for families and couples alike. If you're just hoping to relax or swim, reviewers say the soft sand and stunning waters at Playa Punta Uvacan't be beat. Though past visitors bemoaned the presence of tour bus crowds, many still said this is a "must-do," especially if you're looking for a relaxing afternoon. You can also see crocodiles, manatees, sloths, and more. I drove behind this vessel on the way to #SantaTeresa from #Montezuma. While attending one of these parties, you will surely find yourself drinking, dancing, and celebrating the full moon well into the night. The La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the top waterfalls to visit in Costa Rica - which is why it features on Culture Trip's epic small-group Costa Rica adventure. Top accommodations in Costa Rica, Activity We will be continually updating this page with new content. Be prepared for some slightly chilly nights by bringing extra sweatshirts and warm socks! Keep in mind: The river runs faster and the rapids are more challenging from June to October, with the highest water flows in September and October (peak rainy season). Company number: 12574148. Unlike some of the country's other popular waterfalls, admiring Catarata del Toro doesn't necessarily require a strenuous hike. Costa Rica Maps - Activities. And Costa Rica has no shortage of glorious cascades many of which are swimmable. Rising 3,820 m (12,532 ft.) into the sky is Mount Chirripo. Costa Rica is one of the most amazing places in the world to visit. On the edge of its eponymous wildlife refuge, Maquenque Eco Lodge has a collection of fantastic treehouses each constructed amid the leafy canopy, 12m (39ft) off the ground and surrounded by trees. Though take another look, and you'll find this 70-acre eco-park buzzing with activity. Parque Nacional Volcn Rincn de la Vieja, 10 sustainable travel experiences around the world to bookmark, 7 of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica, Wildlife watching away from the crowds on Costa Ricas Osa Peninsula. Read more. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica: Don't let rain spoil your Costa Rican vacation. The most popular surf destinations include Tamarindo, Nosara and Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula; Jac, Dominical and Pavones on the central and south Pacific; and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean side. As one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in Costa Rica, Cao Island draws travelers for its diverse marine life. La Fortuna Waterfall is 230ft (70m) tall. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Here is a case where the journey rivals the destination, as you travel to the lodge by whitewater rafting over Class III-IV rapids on this world-famous river. Close to Montezuma is Cemetery Island. Seven species of land turtles live throughout the park. There are even parts of the river that are calm enough to swim in. Costa Rica and Panama offer a wealth of wildlife, untamed nature, and stunning beaches. The roar of the rapids, the spectacular scenery and the thrill of the ride make for a fantastic adventure and youre just getting started. Explore Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The lodge also has a swimming pool and cafe, all surrounded by the beautiful jungles and beaches of Santa Teresa. Before traveling to Costa Rica, book your accommodations and experiences ahead of time. Surfers in the know plan their entire vacation around the wild and wonderful waves on the Costa Rica coastlines. Finca Rosa Blanca is one of Costa Rica's premier coffee farms. The Caribe Horse Riding Club offers incredible horseback tours for all levels. eh?Inc. Horseback riding in Costa Rica map. 3. Here are some places to check out: If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. There are zipline courses all around the country some higher or faster or longer than others but the Santa Elena canopy tours are special. The weather in the Southern Zone is still tropical, but maybe not the tropical you will find on popular Costa Rica beaches. Many visitors recommend bringing insect repellent and binoculars. Within the park's 7 square miles, you'll find untamed beaches, secluded coves with coral reefs, nature trails and a thick rainforest. During the migration season from July to November, humpback whales can be spotted along the Pacific coast. Along the Costa Ballena on the southern Pacific coast, Playa Ventanas is a small but spectacular palm-backed beach that has a special feature: intriguing caves in the cliffs at its north end. The total length of the trail is about 2 miles round-trip. Other reviewers said the national parks were a must. Costa Rica's highest mountain offers stunning views of wildlife and scenery. Stay in a Yoga Retreat Practicing yoga in Costa Rica / One of the best things to do in Costa Rica Enjoying a yoga sesh is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica, and we have just the place for you! For visitors, the city's museums and distinct interconnectedbarrios(districts) are the major draws, not to mention the vibrant dining scene. Here are the 16 best things to do in Costa Rica. The cliff and jungle come all the way to meet the ocean of this quintessential beach town. We also made a Costa Rica restaurant map, click the link to check it. People typically visit Dominical for its beaches, but there is plenty more to see. Frequent eruptions continued until 2010,when the volcano re-entered a resting cycle. Several recent visitors mentioned the rip current at Playa Cocles, the top surfing spot. The first show ever played was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust. There are various tours you can book to explore the park, or you can hike some trails on your own. Another visitor recommended packing plenty of water and rain gear. More visual stories related to this article: Amanda_Strube 55 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica Learn Spanish at the Morpho Spanish School in Orosi Valley Watch the crocs on the Tarcoles River Bridge Visit volcanoes in the Arenal Volcano National Park Learn about sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park Snorkel in Manuel Antonio National Park Go on a surf and yoga retreat in Santa Teresa 8. Categories: National Parks, Beaches, Cities, Activities & Tours, Hotels, Things to do, Airports and Driving. If you'd prefer to stay on ground, the reserve also offers guided walking tours year-round (for an extra fee). Getting a glimpse of these gorgeous creatures in the wild is an awesome and inspiring experience that might just turn you into a bona fide birder. The best things to do with kids in Costa Rica, from surf beaches to jungle hikes, The 14 best Places to visit in Central America: ruins, reefs, and romantic beaches, The top national parks in Costa Rica for hiking, volcanoes, wildlife and more, Panama's 5 best national parks are home to rainforest beasts and tropical reefs, The 10 best national parks in Central America offer sea turtles, Mayan pyramids and volcanoes, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. After enjoying the volcano, you can soak in the natural hot spring found nearby. Others were pleased with the friendly and knowledgeable staff and the ability to see the property in two hours. Matapalo is a secluded beach town marked with the Blue Ecological Flag for its dedication to conservation. Destguides Ltd is registered in England. To hike in Corcovado National Park is to experience nature in all its blissful glory without the overwhelming crowds. The Pacuare Lodge is a gorgeous, luxurious facility, surrounded by dense rainforest and little else. Read up on our picks of the cant-miss places to visit in the region, from coral reefs to Mayan ruins and beyond. The town is located only 100 kilometers south of the capital San Jose, making it a popular place to visit by both international travelers and locals on day trips or holidays. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's best-known stratovolcano, stands more than 5,000 feet high and appears to touch the clouds. In addition to its natural wonders, Tamarindo is also home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica. In fact, the park is in a region that's considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in Central America. A thunderous earthquake shook the area and a subsequent explosion of lava wiped out three nearby villages. However, the best part is the sound the shells make after the waves crash on them. You can also check out some other zip line tours. Flush with color and life, Panama's natural reserves are a tangled hothouse of ecological wonders. In the Palmar Sur region of the country, you will find one of Costa Rica's long-standing mysteries. Note that any given destination has a few different surf spots, some of which are better for beginners and others that offer more challenging waves. Take a "night hike" with a nature guide to find out who they are and what theyre doing in the dark. Today, you can explore the area by visiting the nearly 30,000-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, which is part of the larger 500,000-acre Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area. (If you want to observe the falls and the pool at their most striking, visit in the dry season; rain can dull the blue tint of the waters.). This magical glow in the water is called bioluminescence, and it lights up the coves of Ballena Bay, near Tambor on the Nicoya Peninsula. Exploradores Outdoors earns high praise from past travelers for its adept and friendly guides. Each table occupies a private glass cube high atop a mountainside, overlooking the cloud forest and the village of Santa Elena below. Past visitors highly recommend hiring a guide if you've come to the reserve in search of wildlife as the local guides will be able to help you easily spot the animals. The second part of the hike requires that you traverse more than 300 concrete steps. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. If you plan on staying in the city for a few days before connecting elsewhere, consider heading downtown to the Plaza de la Cultura for the exquisite collections at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Take in the misty magic of the cloud forest, supercharged with an adrenaline rush. After admiringthe waterfall, you can turn around, or keep going to discover the rest of the natural wonders along this approximately 3 1/2-mile path, including Laguna Azul (another blue pool) and El Teidero (the meeting of two rivers, Quebrada Agria and Rio Buena Vista). It is easy to follow the trail system on your own but also highly recommended to hire a guide! If you don't want to pay the admission price, you can see the waterfalls from the highway, according to visitors. Skydive Costa Rica will give you the most epic view of Costa Rica ever. Along the coast which extends all the way to the Nicaraguan border you'll find pockets of white sand flanking all-inclusive resorts and remote fishing villages. The waterfall is privately owned, and can be viewed from the on-site restaurant and several lookout points. A paradise for those who look for something different, a visit to Costa Rica provides a new life experience for all. The country is home to four species: the Howler, White Faced (Capuchin), Squirrel, and Spider monkey. Zipline, cable car and walkways in Costa Rica map. Youll ogle three different waterfalls on the way, including a final celestial-blue beauty that's hidden inside a cave. There are several tour options that will lead you into the jungle for a night or two. Check out our highlights video of Costa Rica things to do. To filter through the categories, you need to UNTICK the boxes you want to remove from the map. In fact, Costa Rica is considered a top cheap tropical vacation. Whether you're looking for beaches, hikes, volcanoes or wildlife, here are 15 of the most majestic parks in this popular Central American country. Accommodations close to Morpho Spanish School. Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! Essentially a privately-owned research compound, you can take tours with experts on all things Costa Rica. Once you've admired the animals on land, explore underwater with a visit to Cao Island, which sits just off the Osa Peninsula and is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sea turtles, that are best observed on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. Visit the San Jos Central Market with an experience. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's smallest protected green spaces, but don't let its size throw you off. Feedback Costa Rica is a lush country where nature is on display in all its splendor thanks to extraordinary biodiversity. The Rio Celeste is one of the most heavenly bodies of water in Costa Rica. Consult the U.S. Department of State's website before you travel for up-to-date information. Welcome to the Mytanfeet Costa Rica destinations map! This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. With wide balconies, outdoor showers and screen walls, the treehouses offer complete rainforest immersion with a touch of luxury. There are plenty of empty beaches along the way for picnic lunches, swims, or snorkeling. Offering small-scale classes, usually one-on-one, ensures you meet your Spanish language goal. Though you can explore the park on your own, there are a variety of organized tours that take the hassle out of planning and range from guided hikes and kayak tours to boat rides, zip line tours and more. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The river and its various pools are private and protected and range in temperature from 75-105 degrees F. The Ujarras ruins, fully named Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de la Limpia Concepcin, was originally built in the 1580s. There are five main trails throughout the park for spotting birds and other wildlife, or you can book a tour with an expert guide. Whether you're looking for some tasty waves or just some downtime in a secluded beach town, Playa Negra is your spot. Southern Zone Weather. For even more treasures, don't miss the Jade Museum, which sits in front of the Plaza de la Democracia. If you're traveling sans kids, you may also want to take advantage of the town's rollicking nightlife scene. The town is popular with nature enthusiasts and surfers. Chirripo National Park [SEE MAP] amandicacom / Flickr To see the categories and filter through them, please click on the icon on the top left corner (square with a triangle pointing right). The island itself is surrounded by deep reef walls and over 20 separate dive sites. The Nicoya Peninsula's sparkling, nearly 80-mile shoreline boasts beach-centric towns with cream-colored shores and dense forests. Farther inland, you'll discover a thriving cowboy culture that has flourished since Spanish colonial rule in the 19th century. Adventurous travelers explore Monteverde Cloud Forest from a zip line, but there's also a tram for those whod like to see the cloud forest without long hikes. Experience the Butterfly Conservatory with a tour, Accommodation nearby the Butterfly Conservatory. Local lore attributes the stunning beryl-tinted waters to God, who legend says rinsed his paintbrushes in the river after painting the sky blue. For novices, the lower section of Pacuare River is tamer. And when youre ready to take a break from the rugged activities, there are treehouses to sleep in, meals to indulge in and cities to explore. Meanwhile, nature lovers venture inland to explore rainforests and nearby Cahuita National Park or the Jaguar Rescue Center. Afterward, soothe sore muscles with a soak in the Tabacn Hot Springs. Things to Do in Uvita, Costa Rica 1. To get all our articles straight to your inbox and get the newest updates as soon as it comes out, sign up to our mailing list! La Paz may seem quiet and still at first glance. If you're up for the challenge the upper section of the river, which spans 16 miles, is rated difficult to extreme. Playa Hermosa on the northwest coast is a favorite family beach spot because of calm waters and ample water sports activity options. The sanctuary is home to monkeys and sloths. Things to do Ecotourism Travelling with responsability before you go! Planning tip: Pacuare Lodge packages include transportation to and from San Jos, but you can also have them deliver you anywhere on the Caribbean Coast. In addition to dining, visitors can book accommodations at the on-site Peace Lodge. Constantly moving, the natural water refreshes itself every 45 minutes. Located north of Panama and South of Nicaragua. Its an incredible and intimate episode to witness. There is a learning center on-site, and tour guides are available to show you around the atriums and tell you about the different species of butterflies. eh?Inc. Read more. The best cheap things to do in Costa Rica are: While Costa Rica is relatively safe for tourists, theft focusing on purses, wallets and other valuables does occur. On the island, you can find more of Costa Rica's mysterious spheres. As you explore the park, you cross six suspension bridges 25 stories above the ground. Accommodations close to El Salto - Ro Fortuna. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. And the great green macaw still critically endangered is sometimes spotted in Sarapiqu and Boca Tapada. Click here to go to our interactive map Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Liberia International Airport and 231 kilometers (143 miles) from San Jose International Airport. We split it up into 8 categories: national parks/reserves/wildlife refuges, activities and tours, cities and towns, hotels, beaches, things to do, driving around and airports. Get underground and explore the Venado Cave system! The whole area is united in being eco-friendly and is mainly run on solar energy. Playa Guiones, Costa Rica - City Guide - Go Visit Costa Rica Destinations Cartago Guanacaste Playa Guiones Where to Stay Map of the Area Neighboring Cities: Refugio Ostional Playa Nosara Nosara Airport Ostional Samara San Juanillo Heredia Limn North Puntarenas South Puntarenas San Jos Home Destinations Guanacaste Nicoya Peninsula Playa Guiones Every few years, female sea turtles perform an ancient ritual, returning to their natal beach to lay their eggs beneath the moonlight before returning to the welcoming waters of the sea. Most tours last all day and include a 45-minute boat ride to and from the island; visitors should come prepared with motion sickness medication as the water can be choppy. The hike to the waterfalls from the parking lot is about 2 miles (which will take approximately an hour). If you want to witness turtle nesting, plan a visit between July and mid-October. Whichever way you choose to access the falls, note that advance reservations are required. Some of the top attractions in Costa Rica are Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Paz Waterfalls, Papagayo Peninsula, Tamarindo beach, Rio Celeste, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Corcovado National Park. Go surfing/learn to surf. By entering your email address you agree to our, A Unique Costa Rica Bucket List - 55 Amazing Things to Do, La Fortuna - Waterfall, Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Tour, Manuel Antonio or Quepos - Manuel Antonio National Park Tour, San Jos - Tortuga Island Tour With Lunch & Hotel Transfer, San Jose - Central Market Bites & Sights Walking Tour, San Jose - Walking Nature Tour With Sloths, Birds, & Trees, Learn Spanish at the Morpho Spanish School in Orosi Valley, Watch the crocs on the Tarcoles River Bridge, Visit volcanoes in the Arenal Volcano National Park, Learn about sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park, Go on a surf and yoga retreat in Santa Teresa, Touch the sky in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Summit Costa Rica's highest peak, Mount Chirripo, Pay respects to the dead on Cemetery Island, Enjoy bird watching in Carara National Park, Charter a deep sea fishing tour from the Osa Peninsula, Go white water rafting down the Peas Blancas, Take a step back in time and visit Palmar Sur, Say your prayers at one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica, Sleep overnight in the jungle in Corcovado National Park, Whale watch in Uvita at Marino Ballena National Park, Swim under the falls of the La Cangreja Waterfall, Go shopping in the Central Market in San Jose, Take a tour of the National Theater in San Jose, Go chocolate tasting at La Iguana Chocolate, Visit the black sand beaches of Playa Negra, Go on the Tree of Life Tour in the "Southern Zone", Visit the Valley of the Waterfalls in Domincal, Explore Poas Volcano National Park in the Central Valley, Wander along the Rainmaker Aerial Walkway, View Costa Rica's largest butterfly collection, Adventure through the La Selva Biological Station and Reserve, Wander around at the Catarata del Toro Waterfall, Full day Arenal Volcano, la Fortuna Waterfall & Hotsprings, Pure Trek Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling Tour in la Fortuna, Turtle Nesting Sightseeing Tour in Tortuguero, All Inclusive Package Two Nights Three Days in Tortuguero From San Jos, various tours you can book to explore the park, Puntarenas Shore Excursion - Rainforest Skywalk & Tarcoles River Eco Cruise, Casa Eden - Modern Peaceful Jungle Apartments, La Muequita Lodge One - Culture & Nature Experience, Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip From Jaco Incl Lunch, Bites & Sights - Walking Food Tour in San Jose, San Jose by Night Tour - Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktails Classes, Hotel el Colibri Rojo - Cabinas - le Colibri Rouge, All-inclusive Package Seven Nights Eight Days in the Best Destinations in Costa Rica, Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano & la Paz Waterfall Day Trip From San Jose, Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano & la Paz Waterfall Gardens, Day Tour to Pos Volcano, Caf Doka & la Paz Waterfalls, Venado Caves Underground Experience From la Fortuna, Rainmaker Park Hanging Bridges & Waterfalls Tour With Jade Tours, Guided Butterfly Conservatory Tour in Costa Rica, The 20 Best Costa Rica Waterfalls to Visit, 31 Costa Rica Travel Tips to Know Before You Go, 30 Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica for Your Bucket List, 36 Best Things to Do in Mexico City, Mexico, 35 Best Free Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii, 60 Most Romantic Things to Do in NYC for Couples, 60 Most Romantic Things to Do in Vegas for Couples, A Unique Costa Rica Bucket List - 55 Amazing Things to Do Visual Story, 55 Exciting Activities in Costa Rica to Enjoy, Where to Stay in Baltimore? With its unique setting, Monteverde is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. The jungles of Dominical also hide wonderful freshwater waterfalls where you can jump and swim in after your hike to get there. Accommodations in close proximity to Parque Nacional Cahuita. All the activities found in this section have gone through exhaustive verification for quality and safenessto ensure our visitors will find the best of the best, in every area of the country. After hanging out on the platform, you can either repel down or climb down from the inside. VAT registration number: 347471777. Costa Rica is a small country located in between Nicaragua and Panama. If you want a chance to see all four kinds, then taking a trip to the Osa Peninsula is your best bet. Head to the Caribbean coast for top sights like Tortuguero National Park and Cahuita National Park. A 5-hour drive from San Jose and located on the east coast (the Carribean coast of Costa Rica) is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. One of the most popular and best tours you can do from Santa Teresa is to Tortuga Island. Whether you want to hire a private instructor, join a camp, take lessons or rent a board and give it a go on your own, Tamarindo is a pretty safe place to do so.
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