The Best Things to Do in Costa Rica: Surfing, Rainforests, and Treehouse Hotels
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Coming in at just under 20,000 square miles (that’s 20-percent smaller than West Virginia) Costa Rica packs an incredible array of things to see and do into a small area. Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama it has long Pacific and Atlantic ocean-facing coasts, volcanos, and rainforests galore. People are drawn there to hike and explore, surf, take a yoga retreat, eat fresh food, and reconnect with nature. It really is one of the best places on the planet to do all of those things, and to see rare wildlife. Here are some of our top picks for this Central American gem.
Outdoor photo with Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
Located in the northwest of the country in the Alajuela province, the Arenal Volcano is a great place to start. This active (but currently dormant) volcano is surrounded by lush rainforest. The town of La Fortuna acts as a great hub for all the things you might do in the area, but if you want a really special experience, book yourself a stay at Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa. It’s a luxurious experience, complete with cascading thermal waterfalls and hot springs, all heated naturally by the volcano itself. It features gorgeous rooms with rainforest views and a high-end culinary experience.
Stay in a treehouse
If you grew up with Robinson Crusoe dreams, Costa Rica is a mandatory visit. There are dozens of incredible treehouse hotels all over the country, often with canopy views of wildlife in the rainforests. Some of them are extremely well appointed, too, so you can lounge on your porch with a nice coffee while a troop of monkeys pass through or a flock of brightly colored parrots alight just feet away. Hidden Canopy Treehouses Boutique Hotel in Monteverde is a favorite. It’s tucked away in a cloud forest at an elevation of 5,000 feet, surrounded by waterfalls, and the secluded bed and breakfast style treehouses offer an immersive and intimate nature experience.
Three-Toed Tree Sloth With Young
Corcovado National Park
Hailed by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth,” this national park is a bucket-list item for any nature lover. Down in the stunning, secluded Osa Peninsula, the park contains cloud forests, montane forests, prairies, wetlands, mangroves, and even oceanic habitats. The biodiversity in the flora and fauna is simply unparalleled. You’re likely to see tapirs, sloths, monkeys, caiman, toucans, and much more. There aren’t any hotels or lodges within the park (though you can sleep in bunk beds at the Sirena ranger station if you don’t mind roughing it), and a guide is highly recommended, but booking a tour is affordable and will be an experience you’ll never forget. You can find more info at Osa Tourism.
Coffee tours
The best part of waking up in Costa Rica? The coffee. The country is world renowned for its delicious brews, and here you can find the rare experience of seeing how your favorite drink is made, from tree to mug. Hacienda Doka offers some wonderful coffee tours, some of which include waterfalls, and volcanos. You’ll learn about every step of the growing, drying, and roasting process, and you’ll almost certainly enjoy the freshest cup of joe you’ve ever had.
Surf in Nosara
We love this quiet, west-coast town. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula (which is one of the five “Blue Zones”) you’ll find food bursting with flavor, well-appointed hotels, and yoga retreats galore, but the biggest draw is the surf. Playa Guiones is one of the most consistent breaks on the planet, and that, coupled with its warm water and sandy beach, makes it one of the most reliable places for a surf vacation. You can find waves that will satisfy an aspiring pro as well as someone taking their first lesson, and there are a ton of schools and coaches. Check out our full guide to Nosara for more.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - beautiful tropical beach
Manuel Antonio National Park
It may be the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but Manuel Antonio contains an amazing assortment of beaches, rainforest, and coral reefs, and it’s much easier to reach than Corcovado. This is where rainforest meets pristine white-sand beaches, giving you opportunities for trekking and snorkeling on the same day. The jungle is abundant with rare mammals (such as squirrel monkeys and sloths) and birds, and you can hike to the iconic Cathedral Point for panoramic ocean vistas and dramatic sunsets. It’s located just a few miles from the town of Quepos, which features numerous hotels and restaurants.
Explore the capital, San José
Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city features a beautiful blend of historic charm and modern energy. Stroll through the bustling Mercado Central, which is a feast for the senses with its colorful displays of exotic fruits and local crafts. Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica, featuring archeology, natural history, as well as stunning art from around the country. Immerse yourself in the opulence of the golden National Theater. Explore the city's burgeoning culinary scene, where innovative chefs are reimagining traditional Costa Rican cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients and global influences. Take a tour of the Barrio Amón, a charming neighborhood with art galleries, boutique hotels, and sidewalk cafes housed in restored Victorian mansions.
Costa Rica, Sarapiqui River, White Water Rafting
Whitewater rafting
If you’re eager to see Costa Rica’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point, look to the rivers. Costa Rica’s mountains feature some truly excellent whitewater experiences, immersing you deep in the jungle without the sound of motor encroaching on your experience. Skilled guides can take you to Eden-like swimming holes and waterfalls you can jump from. There are a lot of operators to choose from, but we like the Costa Rican owned and operated Tico's River Adventures, which takes you down the absolutely resplendent Pacuare River (which National Geographic has called “one of the world’s top rafting rivers”) on a one-day, or two-day trip for equal amounts of thrills and scenery.
La Paz Waterfall Garden
Hike along verdant trails, where five gorgeous cascades tumble through the emerald canopy. At the other-worldly La Paz Waterfall Garden, you’ll encounter vibrant hummingbirds, different types of monkeys, and rescued jungle cats at the largest animal sanctuary in the country. You can stay at the luxurious Peace Lodge, boasting exquisite rooms with private plunge pools and waterfall views. Each morning you’ll wake up to the sounds of the rainforest and savor gourmet cuisine sourced from the on-site farm. It’s almost like a natural water-park.
Snorkel and scuba
Over on the Caribbean coast you will find calm, warm, turquoise waters, which is a recipe for some incredible diving. The dive and snorkel epicenter is Punta Uva. Because it is located in the heart of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, marine life at Punta Uva is abundant. There you’ll find vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, turtles, and more. This PADI-certified dive center is a great place to get certified for the first time, or for advanced divers to explore an underwater wonderland. The east coast is also where you’ll find the best examples of Costa Rica’s mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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