The best things to do in Costa Rica begin the moment you land. I still remember the first time I landed in Costa Rica. The air was thick with the scent of rain and earth, and somewhere in the distance, a howler monkey was waking up the jungle. I hadn’t even left the airport road, and already I felt like I was stepping into something ancient, something alive. That’s the magic of Costa Rica—it draws you in quietly, with its wild soul and unhurried rhythm.
Introduction
For anyone who feels most at home surrounded by trees, waterfalls, and the occasional sloth peeking from the canopy, this place is a dream come true. But Costa Rica isn’t just a beautiful destination—it’s a living, breathing patchwork of protected parks, volcanoes, hidden beaches, and biodiverse jungles. Whether you’re ziplining through the misty treetops, soaking in natural hot springs, or sipping freshly brewed coffee in the mountains, the list of best things to do in Costa Rica reads like a love letter to nature lovers. there’s a kind of enchantment here that stays with you.
So if your version of paradise includes muddy boots, birdsong, and losing all sense of time under a canopy of green—let me show you 15 nature-packed best things to do in Costa Rica that will steal your heart.
Table of Contents
Here is Best Things to do in Costa Rica
1. Wander Through the Misty Trails of Monteverde Cloud Forest
The best things to do in Costa Rica don’t get more magical than a morning in Monteverde. Step into a dream where every leaf glistens with dew, and silence feels sacred. That’s Monteverde. I’ll never forget hiking through the fog-draped forest at sunrise, the trees dripping, the air alive with whispers of birds. It was here I saw a resplendent quetzal for the first time—emerald feathers flashing through the mist like something out of a fairytale.
Monteverde is more than just hikes and hanging bridges. It’s a space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature’s quieter rhythms. Skip the photos. Just be present.
2. Soak in Natural Hot Springs Near Arenal Volcano
After a long day on the trails, nothing compares to sliding into a hot spring with steam rising all around and a volcano towering in the distance. Arenal’s hot springs feel like nature’s own spa—mineral-rich, soul-soothing, and absolutely unforgettable.
Whether you choose a fancy resort or a wild, jungle-fringed pool, soaking here feels like a blessing. Toss in waterfall rappelling and chocolate-making tours—some of the best things to do in Costa Rica—and you’ve got the perfect mix of thrill and chill.
3. Trek Through Corcovado National Park
Raw. Wild. Unfiltered. That’s Corcovado. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, this park is pure wilderness. We’re talking jaguars, scarlet macaws, tapirs, and four species of monkeys all under the same canopy. The hikes here are tough—you’ll sweat, get muddy, and maybe even question your sanity. But then a tapir strolls by or a monkey swings overhead, and suddenly, it all makes sense. This isn’t just a park—it’s one of Earth’s last wild frontiers.
4. Explore the Beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
A place where the jungle kisses the sea? Yes, please.
Manuel Antonio lets you hike through lush rainforest and splash into turquoise waters all in one go. Wildlife? Absolutely everywhere. Sloths chilling in trees, capuchins swinging past you, and iguanas sunbathing like they own the place.
After your hike, unwind on Playa Espadilla or Playa Manuel Antonio, where green forest meets golden sand. It’s pure magic.
5. Witness Turtle Nesting in Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is a maze of canals, lagoons, and riverways on the Caribbean coast—and it’s turtle paradise. Watching sea turtles nest under the moonlight is truly one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
From July to October, thousands of green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Watching this by moonlight? It’s something you never forget. But even off-season, Tortuguero teems with life: caimans, manatees, toucans, and more.
Paddle through the still waters and feel the hum of life all around you.
6. Birdwatch in the Highlands of San Gerardo de Dota
If birds are your jam, this mountain valley is your haven. San Gerardo de Dota, tucked in the Talamanca range, is home to hummingbirds, woodpeckers, tanagers—and yes, the elusive resplendent quetzal.
Come for the birds, stay for the crisp air, quiet trails, and peaceful mountain vibes. Birdwatching in this serene valley easily ranks among the best things to do in Costa Rica. Plus, the local lodges have feeders that bring the winged wonders right to your breakfast table.
7. Raft the Rapids of the Pacuare River
Calling all thrill-seekers: the Pacuare River is the ride of your life.
With Class III and IV rapids slicing through dense rainforest, rafting here is more than an adrenaline rush—it’s an immersion in Costa Rica’s untamed heart. Toucans call from the treetops, waterfalls tumble beside your raft, and if you’re lucky, a jaguar might be watching from the shadows.
Stay overnight in an eco-lodge by the riverbank and wake up to a symphony of wild sounds.
8. Discover the Biodiversity of La Selva Biological Station
Science meets wonder at this lush research station in the Caribbean lowlands. La Selva isn’t just for scientists—it’s open to curious travelers too.
Join a guided walk to spot poison dart frogs, howler monkeys, and dazzling insects. You’ll learn not just what lives here, but why it matters. It’s one of those places that makes you fall in love with nature all over again.
9. Surf the Waves at Playa Guiones, Nosara
Wide, wild, and wonderfully uncrowded—Playa Guiones is where surf dreams begin.
Even if you’ve never touched a board, you’ll find yourself falling into rhythm here. The sunsets are next-level, the water warm, and the vibe is pure “Pura Vida.” After surfing, grab a smoothie, do a little beach yoga, and let time melt away.
10. Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park
This isn’t your average waterfall. Rio Celeste is blue—like, shockingly blue. The kind that makes you blink and check if your eyes are playing tricks. Experiencing this natural marvel is easily one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
The color? A wild natural reaction where two rivers meet. The hike is muddy but short, and the reward—when the falls crash into that surreal turquoise pool—is unforgettable.
Bring your worst shoes and your best sense of wonder.
11. Cycle Around Lake Arenal
Want something chill? Hop on a bike and cruise around Lake Arenal.
This loop is scenic bliss—rolling hills, tiny villages, curious cows, and that dramatic volcano backdrop. Biking here easily counts as one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. Stop at a roadside café, sip some fresh juice, and take in the views. If Jurassic Park had a cycling tour, this would be it.
12. Visit an Organic Farm in the Central Valley
Costa Rica’s roots run deep in sustainability, and visiting a local farm is the best way to connect with that ethos.
I visited one outside Cartago where we picked herbs, fed chickens, and tasted pineapple that redefined the word “sweet.” The people were kind, the food was real, and the experience was a gentle reminder of how beautiful simple living can be.
13. Island Hop the Nicoya Peninsula
Santa Teresa, Malpaís, Samara—each beach town on Nicoya has its own flavor. This sun-kissed peninsula is all about surfing, chilling, and soaking up the slow life.
Island-hopping here is more like beach-hopping. Find a quiet cove, sip coconut water from a shack, and let your soul breathe. Sometimes doing nothing is the most healing thing of all.
14. Explore the Night Jungle in Drake Bay
Costa Rica’s jungle doesn’t sleep—and neither should your curiosity. In Drake Bay, I joined a night walk and was blown away by what I saw: glowing fungi, dart frogs, and a kinkajou slinking through the trees. With just a flashlight and a guide, I discovered a whole new world buzzing in the dark. It’s equal parts thrilling and humbling.
15. Sip Coffee with a Volcano View in Naranjo
Coffee in Costa Rica isn’t just a morning habit—it’s an experience. In the highlands of Naranjo, you can walk the fields, pick ripe cherries, and sip the freshest brew you’ve ever had—while gazing out at volcanoes in the distance. Exploring a coffee farm like this is truly one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. The farmers are passionate, the process is fascinating, and the coffee? Pure poetry in a cup.
Final Thoughts
The best things to do in Costa Rica go far beyond the usual bucket list. Costa Rica isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s the hush of a cloud forest, the roar of a waterfall, the slow sway of a hammock under a palm tree. Every corner of this country pulses with life, waiting for you to stop, notice, and fall in love with the wild again. If your heart beats faster for untouched places, rich biodiversity, and soulful moments in nature, then Costa Rica will feel like coming home.