What are the top things to do in Costa Rica?

Is it true that Costa Rica is full of surprises? I will be there next and looking for only the top things to do in Costa Rica. Any suggestions?
 
Top things to do in Costa Rica:
  1. Explore Arenal Volcano and hot springs.
  2. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest.
  3. Relax on Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo beaches.
  4. Go zip-lining, rafting, or surfing.
  5. See wildlife in Corcovado National Park.
  6. Tour coffee plantations.
 
Top Things to Do in Costa Rica
  • Visit Arenal Volcano and hot springs
  • Hike Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Surf at Tamarindo Beach
  • Zipline through the rainforest
  • Go white-water rafting
  • See sea turtles in Tortuguero
  • Tour coffee plantations
  • Discover wildlife and nature
  • Experience culture in San José
 
  • Visit Arenal Volcano and relax in nearby hot springs.
  • Zip-line through lush rainforests.
  • Spot wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park.
  • Surf the waves at Tamarindo Beach.
  • Explore the cloud forests in Monteverde.
  • Take a boat tour in Tortuguero to see turtles and canals.
 
Top things to do in Costa Rica:
  1. Explore Arenal Volcano (hiking, hot springs)
  2. Manuel Antonio National Park (beaches, wildlife)
  3. Monteverde Cloud Forest (zip-lining, hiking)
  4. Tortuguero (sea turtle nesting)
  5. Pacific coast surfing (Tamarindo, Santa Teresa).
 
  1. Explore volcanoes – Visit Arenal or Poás for stunning views and hot springs.
  2. Beach hop – Relax on Manuel Antonio’s white sands or surf in Tamarindo.
  3. Wildlife spotting – See sloths, monkeys, and toucans in Monteverde Cloud Forest.
  4. Zip-line through jungles – Try adrenaline-pumping canopy tours.
  5. Chill in La Fortuna – Swim under waterfalls and soak in natural hot springs.
 
This area is a hub for adventure and nature. You can hike through rainforests and old lava flows, visit the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim, and relax in natural hot springs like Tabacón. The Arenal Hanging Bridges offer fantastic views of the rainforest canopy and opportunities to spot wildlife.
 
Explore lush rainforests, relax on stunning beaches, visit Arenal Volcano, enjoy wildlife at Manuel Antonio National Park, soak in hot springs, and experience vibrant local culture and cuisine.
 
Costa Rica is the adventure place in nature. You will be able to walks in green forests of Monteverde, visit the Arenal Volcano and enjoy hot springs near by. Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio have excellent beaches where one can go swimming or sunbathe. In parks such as Corcovado you can see monkeys, sloths and birds. In case you are an adventure lover, then you can enjoy zip-lining, rafting, or surfing. There is also a coffee farm or a boat trip in Tortuguero to visit more animals.
 
Explore the Arenal Volcano area, where you can hike scenic trails, soak in natural hot springs, and enjoy views of the towering volcano. Nearby, the La Fortuna Waterfall is a stunning spot for a swim. Add some thrill with ziplining or whitewater rafting. Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife and lush landscapes make this region a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
 
Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest for an unforgettable eco-adventure. Walk among misty treetops on hanging bridges and spot colorful birds like the resplendent quetzal. Explore butterfly gardens and hummingbird sanctuaries nearby. Nature tours are popular here, guided by experts who explain the region’s rich biodiversity. It’s a peaceful yet exciting destination perfect for families, birdwatchers, and anyone interested in Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
 
Relax on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio. Tamarindo offers excellent surfing and nightlife, while Manuel Antonio National Park has white-sand beaches and easy wildlife viewing. Sloths, monkeys, and iguanas are commonly spotted. After the beach, explore jungle trails or take a guided boat tour through the nearby mangroves for a peaceful, scenic ride filled with exotic animals.
 
For a thrilling adventure, go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River—one of the most scenic rafting destinations in the world. Along the route, enjoy lush rainforests, waterfalls, and canyon views. It’s a mix of adrenaline and stunning natural beauty. Overnight rafting tours are available and include camping beside the river for a more immersive jungle experience, complete with local food and guides.
 
Costa Rica is a top spot for wildlife lovers. Head to Tortuguero National Park to see nesting sea turtles, cruise its jungle canals, and spot toucans, caimans, and howler monkeys. Accessible mostly by boat or plane, Tortuguero feels remote and untouched. It’s ideal for eco-tourists looking to explore tropical rainforest ecosystems and witness rare wildlife in a natural, protected setting.
 
Discover Costa Rica’s Caribbean charm in Puerto Viejo. This laid-back town features Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae vibes, and quiet beaches like Playa Cocles. Rent a bike to explore the area or visit Cahuita National Park for snorkeling and hiking. The warm Caribbean waters and friendly locals create a relaxed, authentic experience—perfect for travelers wanting something different from the more tourist-heavy Pacific coast.
 
Take a coffee or chocolate tour in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Learn how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted into world-famous coffee, or discover the secrets of cacao and taste handmade chocolate. These tours often include beautiful plantation views and tastings. It's a fun, educational experience for all ages—and a great way to support local communities while enjoying something delicious.
 
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. You can explore lush rainforests, spot wildlife in national parks like Manuel Antonio, and hike around active volcanoes such as Arenal. Zip-lining, white-water rafting, and surfing on the Pacific coast offer thrilling experiences. For a more relaxed vibe, unwind on beautiful beaches in Guanacaste or soak in natural hot springs. With its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Costa Rica offers something unforgettable for every traveler.
 
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