Best Things to Do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's strikingly diverse terrain—comprised of lush forests, wildlife reserves, and tropical beaches—offers a little something for every traveler. Beach-lovers staying along the Pacific Coast should head to Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula's palm-fringed coastline for sun and surf. Nature-seekers staying in the Northern Plains or along the Caribbean coast should pay a visit to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca before venturing inland to zip-line above Monteverde's Cloud Rainforest and hike Arenal Volcano. Whether it's sun, adventure, or nature you seek, there's much to discover in this forest-and-beach laden paradise.
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Why go: The Nicoya Peninsula's sparkling 80-mile shoreline boasts beach-centric towns with cream-colored shores and dense ... read more»
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Why go: Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanoes, stands more than 5,000 feet ... read more»
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Why go: Costa Rica's "Gold Coast" is one of the nation's most unique destinations, and ... read more»
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Why go: Travelers come to this nearly 11,000-acre misty rainforest for its diverse wildlife. Buzzing insects ... read more»
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Why go: Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest of Costa Rica's protected green spaces, but ... read more»
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Why go: Imagine winding through a misty oasis; strikingly tall trees wrap you in a sea of ... read more»
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Why go: The village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, comes ... read more»
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Why go: Far away from northern Costa Rica's foggy rainforests lies Jacó, a beautiful town teeming ... read more»
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Why go: Short for "Catarata La Paz" (or "peace waterfall"), La Paz may seem quiet and still ... read more»
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Why go: If you trek to Arenal Volcano to witness its looming presence for yourself, save time ... read more»
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Why go: San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, serves as a central base for exploration. You ... read more»
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Why go: Bird-watchers rejoice: This swampy wildlife refuge houses thousands of water birds, including Jabiru storks, cormorants ... read more»
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Why go: Tortuguero National Park sits tucked away in a northeastern pocket of the Caribbean coast. Tied ... read more»
