The 8 best activities in Costa Rica

As diverse as Costa Rica's biodiversity is the range of possibilities that await you here. Today we present you the 8 best activities that will make your stay in Costa Rica unforgettable.

Pura Vida" awaits you: You will be confronted with this phrase several times a day in Costa Rica. It translates as "pure life" and refers to the cheerful and optimistic way of life of the Ticos, the inhabitants of Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica is dotted with rainforests and offers coastal stretches on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The Central American country is known for its beautiful beaches, volcanoes and diverse nature. A quarter of the country is even protected jungle area, which is home to numerous exotic animals and tropical plants.

All these conditions make Costa Rica particularly attractive and worth an adventurous trip. 

Cross suspension bridges 

One of the highlights in Costa Rica is the multitude of suspension bridges in the north of the country, near La Fortuna. These bridges are stretched through the rainforest, which combines a unique flora and fauna. When crossing the suspension bridges, you can expect a breathtaking view of the active Arenal Volcano, down to waterfalls, tropical trees and plants. All this while colorful birds and exotic butterflies glide past you and monkeys swing from tree to tree. Here you can linger, enjoy intense views and become one with nature.

TIP: If you want to feel the adrenaline, you can also join a canyoning tour here. You can rappel down waterfalls, experience free falls and hike through the rainforest. 

Flying high over the cloud forest

You want to fly high and admire Costa Rica from a bird's eye view?

Then a canopy tour or ziplining are the activities for you! 

Secured in a harness and attached to a sturdy rope, you can float over the treetops of the rainforest and let the lively forest pass by below you. You will be accompanied by professional guides, so you don't have to be afraid. However, if you're looking for a little less adrenaline, you can also ride a cable car comfortably and safely through the rainforest, giving you the chance to take a closer look at your surroundings.

Snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea

Do you want to get to know Costa Rica under water? Then a snorkeling excursion is the best option for you. This activity is best done on the Caribbean side of the country. Here, at Punta Cahuita, is the only fully developed coral reef in Costa Rica, part of the Cahuita National Park. 

Numerous fish await you there: large, small, rainbow-colored and well-camouflaged. You will discover magical coral formations like you have never seen before and with a little luck you will also encounter turtles here. 

TIP: There is an option on site to take a snorkeling trip with a guide who can answer all your questions about the marine life and corals. 

Explore national parks

As mentioned, a quarter of all of Costa Rica is protected and thus offers an incredible number of National Parks. Wherever you are, there's sure to be a nature reserve near you, just waiting for you to explore.

Tropical plants in lush greenery and native animals are at home here. 

The national animal of Costa Rica, the sloth, but also howler monkeys and colorful birds you can observe here from close. In the jungle lurk small insects, large lizards and poisonous snakes, which either shine in rich colors or are camouflaged to perfection.

TIP: When visiting a national park, it is worth hiring a guide. They are very familiar with the fauna and flora of their home country and will show you animals that you would never have discovered yourself. They know when and where certain animals are and can locate them based on the season and time of day. You will be amazed at what the guides uncover!

White water rafting through the jungle

How about a rafting tour through raging rapids, surrounded by rainforest? An activity that is guaranteed to make your heart beat faster and put a smile on your face. Big waves and the adventurous sound of a roaring river await you, while the tropical scenery passes by and adrenaline flows through your veins. A unique experience that will leave you with an adrenaline rush.

Visit coffee plantations

The coffee lover in you will jump for air, because Costa Rica is home to numerous Coffee plantations. The origin of this wealth lies in the mountainous Central Valley, which stretches from San José to Monteverde. Here you will have the opportunity to visit a family-run coffee farm that has been producing high quality coffee for generations.

Isn't it crazy that we consume this beverage daily, yet many of us know little about it?

You will find answers about where the cherry grows, from which coffee beans are obtained, and what has to happen before coffee as a beverage can end up in your cup. You will also have the opportunity to try different coffees and buy your favorite beans as a souvenir. Afterwards, you're guaranteed to have a whole new appreciation for coffee!

Visit a cocoa farm

Speaking of stimulants: Also Cocoa grows on Costa Rica's fertile land. 

In fact, cacao is such an important part of the country's history that the precious cocoa bean was used as currency until the 1930s. If you want to learn more about cacao, or even make chocolate yourself, then a chocolate farm tour is just the activity for you. Because here you'll learn about the process of making chocolate: from roasting the cacao beans, to making the smooth, delicious paste, to molding bite-sized bars. After this tour, you'll know your way around and be ready to impress back home with your newfound expertise. The chocolate tours can be found in different regions of the country, such as the South Caribbean Coast, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Visit an Indigenous People

If you are passionate about indigenous people and traditions, we recommend you to visit a group of indigenous people. For example, just before the border with Panama, there is a small village called Yorkín, which you can reach by canoe after crossing the Yorkín River. Here you will meet the people called Bribri. The indigenous people will show you their culture and traditions, teach you how to use a bow and arrow and even how they make chocolate. You even have the option to spend a night there and thus get to know the everyday life of the people better. An absolutely unique activity!

Your fingers are already tingling and you can't wait to travel to Costa Rica soon? Then let us take you on a unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica You will be able to do many of these activities, meet new friends and return home with many impressions. 

Until then you can rely on Pinterest and Instagram be inspired by further adventures.