20 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Beaches & More
Top Activities, Beaches, Wildlife and Adventures in Costa Rica
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Costa Rica, you’re probably trying to figure out which experiences are truly worth it, and which regions offer the most adventure without spending days on the road. Costa Rica is packed with activities, from ziplining and hanging bridges to volcano hikes, hot springs, wildlife tours, surfing and waterfall swimming, and the trick is knowing where to find the best spots so you don’t waste time or money.
I still remember my first morning in La Fortuna, sipping coffee before a zipline tour, when the Arenal Volcano popped out of the clouds for a few seconds, and that tiny moment made me realize how many bucket-list experiences this country packs into such a small area.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Costa Rica activities when you visit Costa Rica, grouped by adventure, nature, beaches, waterfalls, national parks and cultural experiences, with practical tips on prices, timing, difficulty and the best regions to try each one. You’ll also find a short FAQ to help you plan your trip smoothly, whether you’re coming for wildlife, beaches or pure adventure.
Pura vida, let’s jump in.
Adventure activities you can’t miss
Costa Rica is one of the best adventure destinations in the world, and whether you’re into adrenaline or softer outdoor experiences, you’ll find unforgettable activities almost everywhere you go.
Ziplining
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to try ziplining, not just because it’s fun, but because the landscapes turn every line into a postcard moment. You glide above deep canyons, skim the tops of cloud forests and sometimes shoot between giant trees while volcanoes peek out in the distance. It’s thrilling, but still very beginner-friendly.
Best spots: Arenal, Monteverde, Diamante (Guanacaste)
Price: 50-90 USD Duration: 2-3 hours
Age: Usually 5+ (varies by company)
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families
Good to know: Morning tours offer clearer views and calmer winds, and closed shoes are mandatory.
On my first big line in Monteverde, I remember feeling tiny above the canopy, floating over a sea of green while a low cloud slid right underneath me. Unreal moment.
Hanging bridges
Hanging bridges are one of the easiest ways to experience the rainforest from a totally different angle. Instead of walking on the ground, you're eye-level with monkeys, toucans and butterflies, moving through misty canopy corridors with sweeping valley views. It's peaceful, photogenic and perfect if you want adventure without the adrenaline.
Best spots: Mistico Arenal, Monteverde Cloud Forest
Price: 30-45 USD
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy (flat, well-maintained paths)
Good to know: Early mornings mean more wildlife activity, and bring a light jacket in Monteverde, it gets chilly.
White-water rafting
Rafting in Costa Rica is bucket-list stuff, especially on the Pacuare River, one of the most beautiful rafting rivers on the planet. You paddle through rainforest gorges, past cascading side waterfalls and along towering canyon walls. It's adventure, but with just enough calm sections to enjoy the scenery.
Best spots: Pacuare River (top choice), Sarapiquí (easier and good for families)
Price: 75-120 USD
Duration: 3-5 hours depending on river
Age: Usually 10+ for Pacuare, 6+ for Sarapiquí
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging on Pacuare, beginner-friendly on Sarapiquí
Good to know: Tours include safety gear and guides, and most include lunch.
Canyoning and waterfall rappelling
Canyoning mixes rappelling, climbing, hiking and splashing through cool jungle water. You rappel down waterfalls (yes, real waterfalls), jump between pools and slide along natural rock formations. It’s adventurous, but operators are very safety-focused.
Best spot: La Fortuna
Price: 90-120 USD
Duration: 2.5-4 hours
Age: Usually 8+
Difficulty: Moderate (but beginners do fine)
Good to know: Wear quick-dry clothes, and expect to get soaked from head to toe.
ATV and buggy tours
If you want something fast and muddy, ATV tours are a blast. You’ll ride through jungle trails, cross rivers, climb into the hills for panoramic views and explore rural areas you’d never reach on foot. It's fun for adults and teens, but still controlled and supervised.
Best spots: Guanacaste, Jacó, Uvita hills
Price: 65-120 USD
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age: Drivers 16+ (varies), passengers 5+
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Good to know: Expect dust, mud or both, depending on the season. Bring sunglasses and a bandana.
Horseback riding through Costa Rica’s wild landscapes
Horseback riding is one of the most authentic ways to experience Costa Rica beyond the beaches and popular tourist trails. Whether you're crossing rivers near Arenal, riding through cloud forests in Turrialba, exploring cattle ranches in Guanacaste, or following jungle paths overlooking the Pacific Ocean, horseback tours offer a slower and more immersive perspective of the country.
Best spots: Arenal & La Fortuna, Turrialba, Monteverde, Rincón de la Vieja, Guanacaste ranches, Uvita, Dominical, and the Nicoya Peninsula.
Price: Usually between $40 and $120 per person, depending on duration and location.
Duration: From 1.5-hour rides to full-day horseback adventures.
Age: Most operators accept children from 6 years old, sometimes younger on private tours.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Suitable for beginners unless specifically advertised as an advanced ride.
Good to know: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Morning tours generally offer cooler temperatures and better wildlife viewing opportunities. During the rainy season, trails can be muddy, which often makes the experience even more adventurous.
Volcanoes & hot springs
Volcanoes shape both the landscapes and the experiences in Costa Rica, and exploring them gives you access to thermal hot springs, crater viewpoints, lava trails and some of the country’s most iconic scenery.
Arenal Volcano & hot springs
Arenal is the most famous volcano in Costa Rica, and it’s the kind of place where every corner feels like a screensaver. You can hike lava fields, walk through rainforest trails and end your day soaking in natural hot springs heated by the volcano itself. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, and the scenery changes constantly with the clouds.
Best spots: Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal 1968, Ecotermales, Tabacón, Baldi
Price:
Trails: 15-25 USD
Hot springs: 20-95 USD depending on resort
Duration: Half day or full day
Age: All ages for trails and hot springs
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Good to know: Go early for the highest chance of seeing the cone, and bring water shoes for rocky riverbeds.
One evening at Ecotermales, warm rain started falling while everyone relaxed in the pools and honestly, it felt like nature’s version of a spa soundtrack.
Rincon de la Vieja: mud pots, steam vents and adventure
Rincon de la Vieja National park is a completely different volcanic experience. Think bubbling mud pots, steam vents, sulfur ponds and dry forest that suddenly shifts into lush green hills. It feels more rugged and wild than Arenal, and the adventure options here are some of the best in the country.
Best spots: Las Pailas trail, Oropendola Waterfall, Rio Negro Hot Springs, volcanic mud baths
Price: Park entrance ~17 USD, hot springs ~20-30 USD
Duration: 2-5 hours depending on trail
Age: All ages for the main loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Good to know: The area gets VERY windy in dry season, and trails close temporarily after heavy rain or volcanic activity.
Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste
Tenorio is famous for Rio Celeste, a river so blue it looks photoshopped. The color comes from a natural chemical reaction between minerals in the water, and seeing it in person is one of the most surreal experiences in Costa Rica. The hike is relatively easy with a couple of muddy sections.
Best spot: Rio Celeste Waterfall + main trail
Price: Entrance ~12 USD
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age: All ages (kids love the color)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Good to know: Go early on sunny days for the best color; the river turns brown after heavy rain.
Poás Volcano
Poás is the most accessible active volcano in Costa Rica, offering a massive crater filled with turquoise water. The walk is short and paved, making it perfect for families or anyone with limited time. On clear mornings, the view is dramatic and unforgettable.
Best spot: Poás Volcano National Park lookout
Price: ~15 USD
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Age: All ages Difficulty: Very easy
Good to know: You must reserve online ahead of time for a timed entry.
Nature & wildlife experiences
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife in its natural habitat, and with the right tours you can easily spot sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, whales and hundreds of colorful birds without needing any special experience.
Sloth and wildlife tours
Seeing a sloth in the wild is a highlight for most travelers, and Costa Rica makes it surprisingly easy. On guided wildlife walks, you’ll explore rainforest trails while a naturalist points out sloths, monkeys, toucans, frogs and other animals you would probably miss on your own.
Best spots: La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Caribbean lowlands
Price: 25-55 USD
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Good to know: Morning and late afternoon offer the most activity, and a camera with decent zoom makes a big difference.
Night walks
After dark, the forest becomes a completely different world. Night walks let you see tree frogs, insects, snakes and nocturnal mammals under the beam of your flashlight, with a guide keeping things safe and controlled.
Best spots: Monteverde, La Fortuna, Sarapiquí
Price: 25-40 USD
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Age: 6+ Difficulty: Easy
Good to know: Wear closed shoes and avoid strong perfume or bug-attracting products.
River and mangrove boat tours (crocodiles, birds and monkeys)
Boat tours on rivers and mangroves are perfect if you want to see crocodiles, shore birds and monkeys without much walking. You cruise slowly along the water while your guide spots wildlife on the banks, in the trees and just under the surface.
Best spots: Tarcoles River, Palo Verde, Tortuguero canals, Sierpe mangroves
Price: 35-70 USD
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Very easy
Good to know: Great option for families, seniors and anyone who prefers calm, sit-down wildlife viewing.
Whale watching
Costa Rica is one of the few countries where you can see humpback whales from two different migrations. Tours along the Pacific coast often include whales breaching, tail-slapping and dolphins riding the bow wave.
Best spots: Uvita, Manuel Antonio, Drake Bay
Price: 65-90 USD
Duration: 3-4 hours
Age: All ages
Best months: July-October and December-March
Good to know: Bring a light jacket and a dry bag for your phone or camera.
Turtle nesting
Watching a sea turtle lay her eggs on a dark beach is an unforgettable experience. Local guides lead small groups at night, following strict rules to protect both turtles and nests.
Best spots: Tortuguero, Ostional, Playa Grande
Price: 30-45 USD
Duration: 2 hours
Age: 6+
Best months: Vary by species, but July-December is generally strong
Good to know: No flash photos or bright lights, and never touch the turtles.
Birdwatching
With more than 900 bird species, Costa Rica is a dream for bird lovers, even if you’re a total beginner. With a simple guided walk, you can spot toucans, macaws, motmots, hummingbirds and countless other colorful species.
Best spots: Monteverde, Arenal, Sarapiquí, Caño Negro
Price: 25-70 USD
Duration: 2-4 hours
Age: All ages
Good to know: Early mornings are best; a pair of binoculars turns a good tour into a great one.
Beaches & ocean adventures
Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines offer everything from beginner-friendly surf to world-class snorkeling, peaceful and beautiful beach days, catamaran cruises and epic sunsets, making the ocean one of the most unforgettable parts of any trip.
Surfing
Costa Rica is one of the easiest places in the world to learn how to surf. Warm water, soft sand breaks and friendly instructors make the experience super accessible, even if you’ve never touched a board before.
Best spots: Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa (Uvita), Jacó
Price: Surf lesson 50-70 USD, board rental 10-15 USD
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Age: 5+ for kids lessons
Difficulty: Easy for beginners, excellent for intermediates too
Good to know: Morning sessions have cleaner waves and fewer crowds.
My very first wave in Tamarindo was tiny, but standing up for two seconds felt like pure victory.
Snorkeling & scuba diving
Costa Rica’s marine life is incredible, with turtles, rays, reef sharks and colorful fish just off the coast. Snorkeling is easy for beginners, while scuba divers get access to volcanic rock formations and big-animal encounters.
Best spots: Caño Island, Catalina Islands, Gulf of Papagayo, Cahuita Reef
Price:
Snorkeling tours: 45-120 USD
Scuba diving: 120-190 USD
Duration: Half-day or full day
Age: Snorkeling 5+, diving usually 10-12+
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Good to know: Visibility is best in dry season and on the Pacific north and south coasts.
Catamaran cruises
Catamaran tours are perfect if you want a relaxing way to see the coastline, snorkel a little, swim in warm bays and enjoy the sunset from the ocean. Drinks, music and snacks create a fun, easygoing atmosphere.
Best spots: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Manuel Antonio National Park
Price: 65-95 USD
Duration: 3-4 hours
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Very easy
Good to know: Afternoon tours end with unforgettable sunsets.
Beach days
Sometimes the best activity is no activity at all. Costa Rica has countless beaches on caribean and pacific coast, each with its own vibe: white sand, palm-fringed, surfer-friendly, family-friendly or quiet and wild.
Best spots: Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo, Playa Uvita, Playa Espadilla (Manuel Antonio National Park), Playa Samara
Good to know: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and be mindful of rip currents, especially on wide Pacific beaches.
Epic waterfalls worth the trip
Costa Rica is full of waterfalls you can swim under, hike to or simply admire from jungle viewpoints, and many of them are easy to visit even if you’re traveling with kids or first-timers.
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna waterfall is one of Costa Rica’s most famous waterfalls, a powerful 70-meter drop into a bright turquoise pool surrounded by thick jungle. The hike down is a long staircase, but the reward at the bottom is absolutely worth it, especially if you like cooling off in fresh mountain water.
Location: La Fortuna / Arenal
Price: ~18 USD
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Age: All ages (but many stairs)
Difficulty: Moderate due to the climb back up
Good to know: Go early, since mid-morning gets crowded; water shoes help on slippery rocks.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Rio Celeste is famous for its surreal, milky-blue color created by volcanic minerals. It looks unreal in photos, but the real-life version is even better. The hike is lush, muddy, and full of rainforest sounds, and the waterfall viewpoint is worth every step.
Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park
Price: ~12 USD
Duration: 2-3 hours total
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Good to know: After heavy rain, the river turns brown, so aim for clear mornings.
Nauyaca Waterfalls
These twin waterfalls are some of the most impressive in the country, with a massive upper drop and a broad lower pool perfect for swimming. It feels wild, photogenic and remote without being difficult to reach.
Location: Near Dominical (south Pacific coast)
Price: ~10 USD (hike) / ~32 USD (truck ride)
Duration: 2-4 hours depending on route
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Moderate hike unless you take the truck
Good to know: Bring plenty of water, it gets hot on the trail.
Llanos de Cortés
A beautiful, wide waterfall with soft sand, shallow water and a peaceful vibe. It’s one of the best waterfalls for families, and it’s ideal if you want something scenic without a long hike.
Location: Guanacaste (near Liberia)
Price: ~7 USD
Duration: 1-2 hours
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Good to know: Lifeguards are sometimes present, and the walk from parking is short and simple.
Costa Rican national parks to add to your list
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is famous for combining white-sand beaches, jungle trails and tons of wildlife in a single, compact area. It’s one of the easiest places to see sloths, monkeys, iguanas and colorful birds while walking relatively short paths.
Location: Central Pacific
Price: ~18 USD
Duration: 2-4 hours
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy
Good to know: Closed on Tuesdays, and tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Tortuguero National Park
Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica”, Tortuguero is a maze of rivers, canals and rainforest where the best exploration happens by boat. It’s incredible for wildlife: monkeys, caimans, birds, frogs and seasonal sea turtle nesting. The village itself is only accessible by boat or plane, which adds to the adventure.
Location: Caribbean coast
Price: ~16 USD
Duration: Half day to full day
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy (mostly boat-based)
Good to know: Turtle nesting season peaks July-October, and early-morning canal tours are magical.
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado is one of the wildest places in the Americas, home to tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, coatis and even wild cats. Trails run through untouched rainforest and remote beaches, and every step feels like stepping into a documentary.
Location: Osa Peninsula
Price: ~15 USD + mandatory certified guide
Duration: Full day (or multi-day)
Age: 10+ recommended
Difficulty: Moderate
Good to know: This is the park for serious wildlife lovers; book your guide early, especially in dry season.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde is famous for its misty canopy, hanging bridges, orchids and hundreds of bird species. Walking through the cloud forest feels cooler, quieter and more mysterious than anywhere else in the country, and it’s perfect for travelers who love nature without extreme heat.
Location: Monteverde
Price: ~25 USD
Duration: 2-4 hours
Age: All ages
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Good to know: Bring a jacket; Monteverde’s weather changes fast and rain is always possible.
Cultural & local experiences
Coffee tours
Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in the world, and visiting a coffee farm is both fun and surprisingly educational. You walk through the plantation, learn how beans are grown and processed, and end the tour with tastings that even non-coffee drinkers enjoy.
Best areas: Monteverde, La Fortuna, Central Valley
Price: 25-40 USD
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Age: All ages
Good to know: Afternoon tours often include chocolate pairings.
Chocolate tours
Chocolate tours take you into small cacao farms where you can see the entire transformation from cacao fruit to artisanal chocolate. They’re interactive, family-friendly and delicious.
Best areas: La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, Sarapiquí
Price: 25-35 USD
Duration: 1.5 hours
Age: All ages
Good to know: You’ll sample plenty, so don’t go right after lunch.
Local markets & cooking classes
Local farmers’ markets (ferias) are a great place to try costa rican cuisine, tropical fruits, fresh pastries and typical snacks. Cooking classes teach you how to prepare Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto, casados and plantain recipes, and they’re a fun way to understand local culture.
Best areas: San Jose, Tamarindo, La Fortuna
Price: Markets free, cooking classes 45-85 USD
Duration: 2-3 hours
Age: All ages
Good to know: Markets usually run on weekends; bring small bills.
Indigenous community visits
Some regions offer respectful cultural visits to Indigenous communities where you learn about traditional crafts, medicinal plants, sustainable farming and ceremonial practices. These tours create meaningful connections and support local families.
Best areas: BriBri (Caribbean), Boruca (south Pacific)
Price: 35-60 USD
Duration: 2-4 hours
Age: All ages
Good to know: Always choose certified community-led tours to ensure your visit is ethical and beneficial.
Practical tips for choosing activities
Match the activity to the region you're visiting
Costa Rica’s landscapes vary a lot, so choosing activities based on where you are saves time and money.
Arenal / La Fortuna: volcano hikes, hot springs, ziplining, canyoning, horseback riding
Monteverde: hanging bridges, cloud forest tours, birdwatching
Pacific coast: surfing, snorkeling, whale watching
Guanacaste: beaches, catamarans, ATV tours
Caribbean: wildlife, chocolate tours, laid-back beaches
South Pacific: waterfalls, Caño Island diving, jungle hikes
Tip: Don’t try to do everything in one trip; instead, pick 2 or 3 activity styles per region.
Consider the season
Dry season means clearer volcano views, better snorkeling and easier hikes.Green season means fuller waterfalls, fewer crowds and lush jungle everywhere.For wildlife:
Whales: July-October and December-March
Turtles: Varies by species
Birds: Amazing year-round
Tip: Some rivers and trails close during heavy rain, so always check conditions.
Think about difficulty and age
Most Costa Rica activities are beginner-friendly, but a few require more physical ability.
Ziplining: good for ages 5+
Rafting: easy on Sarapiquí, harder on Pacuare
Hanging bridges: great for all ages
Canyoning: usually 8+ and moderate effort
Surfing: easy for beginners, best at mid-tide
Tip: If traveling with kids, choose shorter morning tours when energy is highest.
Consider the airport you’re flying into (SJO or LIR)
Your arrival airport influences which activities make the most sense, especially if you have a short trip.
If you fly into San Jose (SJO - juan santamaría international airport): You’re close to the country’s top adventure and nature regions.
La Fortuna / Arenal: ziplining, hot springs, canyoning, rafting
Monteverde: hanging bridges, cloud forest tours, birdwatching
Caribbean coast: wildlife, chocolate tours, turtle nesting
Tip: SJO is the best airport if volcanoes and rainforest activities are a priority.
If you fly into Liberia (LIR): You’re close to the Pacific beaches and ocean adventures.
Tamarindo / Flamingo: surfing, snorkeling, catamaran cruises
Rincón de la Vieja: volcanic mud pots, hot springs, waterfalls
Papagayo Gulf: diving, beach days, sunset tours
Tip: LIR is ideal if you’re planning a beach-focused trip with easy day tours.
Good to know: Choosing the right international airport can save you 4-6 hours of driving and allow you to fit more activities into your itinerary.
Book popular tours early
Hot springs, whale watching, catamaran cruises and national parks like Manuel Antonio often sell out in peak season.Booking 2-7 days ahead is enough for most things, but national parks may require earlier slots.
Tip: Book directly with local operators when possible; they often offer better flexibility.
Renting a car gives you more freedom
A car makes it easier to reach waterfalls, beaches, hot springs and viewpoints without relying on shuttles or tours.
A 4x2 SUV is enough for most regions, while a 4x4 helps in Monteverde, rural areas and during the rainy season.
Tip: Pick up your car at the airport (SJO or LIR) to avoid complex transfers.
Plan downtime
Costa Rica is full of adventures, but the magic also lies in slow mornings, quiet beaches and sunsets.Overpacking your itinerary means missing some of the best parts of the trip.
Tip: Keep one flexible half-day every two or three days.
FAQ about the best things to do in Costa Rica
What is Costa Rica most famous for? Volcanoes, rainforests, wildlife, beaches and adventure activities like ziplining, rafting and surfing. Many travelers come specifically for Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and the Pacific coast.
How many days do you need in Costa Rica? For a balanced trip, 7-10 days is ideal. If you want volcanoes, beaches and wildlife without rushing, 10-14 days feels perfect.
What are the best places for wildlife? Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Corcovado National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde and the Sierpe mangroves all offer excellent chances to see sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles and colorful birds.
Do I need a car to do these activities? Not strictly, but renting a car makes travel much easier. A 4x2 SUV works for most regions; a 4x4 is useful for Monteverde, rural areas and the rainy season.
What’s the best time of year for activities? Dry season (Dec-April) offers the best weather and views. Green season (May-Nov) is great for waterfalls and fewer crowds.For wildlife:
Whales: July-October & December-March
Turtles: species-dependent
Birds: year-round
Are activities good for families? Absolutely. Ziplining, hanging bridges, wildlife tours, beach days and many waterfall hikes are excellent for children and teens.
Do I need to book activities in advance? For busy areas like La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo, yes, especially in high season. For most other regions, 1-3 days’ notice is enough.
Is Costa Rica safe for adventure activities? Yes, when using certified local operators. All reputable companies provide safety gear, experienced guides and clear instructions.
Final thoughts
Costa Rica is one of those destinations where every day feels completely different. You can wake up near a volcano, zipline over a cloud forest, swim under a waterfall, watch monkeys in the trees, snorkel with turtles and finish your day on a quiet Pacific beach glowing orange at sunset. Whether you’re into adventure, wildlife, culture or simple slow travel, the country packs an incredible variety of experiences into short distances.
Take your time, explore at your own pace, and try a mix of activities that match the regions you’re visiting. With a little planning and an open mindset, you’ll understand why so many travelers fall in love with this place.
Pura vida, and enjoy every moment of your Costa Rican adventure.