Things to do in Costa Rica. Three fabulous locations, The West Coast, The East Coast and Central Costa Rica. The West and East Coasts are the swim, surf and party locations thanks to their pristine beaches. Central Costa Rica is for adventure and thrill courtesy of its Volcanoes and Rainforests.
Things To Do In Costa Rica
1. The West Coast
Playas Flamingo, Brasilito, Ventanas, Grande and Tamarindo. Swim, surf, snorkel, go sport fishing or on a sunset cruise. At Tamarindo, zip-line through the forest, horseback ride, ATV tour or go on an estuary boat ride. Party at one of the many cozy bars and restaurants.
Sunset at Flamingo beach, Costa Rica
Playa Grande is a major nesting site for leatherback turtles. This beach is located in the Las Baulas National Marine Park. Playa Ventanas is a sandy, mountainous-beach. It is popular for swimming, water sports and views of unique holes in the cliffs.
Sport-fishing way off-shore in Brasilito
In Flamingo, walk along charming Main Street and check out all the stores with their pretty souvenirs and jewelry. Look-up trees, you might get lucky and see a ‘howler’ monkey which are native to the area.
A Howler monkey on a tree in Main Street Flamingo-Costa Rica
Nearest airport – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Liberia
2. The East Coast
Playa Negra, Playa Cocles, Sloth sanctuary, Jaguar rescue center, City of Limón. Swim, Surf, Snorkel or Boogie-board. See Sloths and Party to Reggae Music. Playa Negra is ideal for swimming and surf beginners with its gentle waves. Stay at fashionably unique boutique hotels and watch breath-taking sunrises.
Sunrise on the East Coast, Playa Negra, Costa Rica
Playa Cocles attracts Surfers and Boogie-boarders who flock here to challenge its impressive waves. International surfing tournaments are held between December and May. Under normal conditions, Cocles is very beginner-friendly with its shallow water and sandy bottom. The clear water and numerous fish species attracts dozens of snorkelling fans during the calmer season. Cocles is patrolled by lifeguards through a program funded by local businesses, residents and tourists.
Cocles beach, Costa Rica. Image credit diytravelhq.com
The Sloth Sanctuary Costa Rica, is a dedicated rescue, rehabilitation and research venture set in a natural and protected habitat. Here you can visit and learn how sloths live, what they eat, etc.. For details, click here.
Nearest airport is Limon International airport.
3. Central Costa Rica
La Fortuna town known as a gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, comprising 2 volcanoes. Active Arenal Volcano and dormant Chato Volcano. Here you can trek to Chato volcano or take the SKY TRAM to the observatory deck to view Arenal Volcano.
Active Arenal Volcano in the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Many hotels offer rooms with your own natural hot spring tub and a view of the volcano.
Personal Thermal Hot Spring Plunge Pool with Arenal Volcano View offered by a hotel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall about 3.4 miles/5.5 km outside of the town. You can drive, walk or horseback-ride to it.
If you prefer thrill, Zipline through the dense rainforest or sky-walk right over it.
Sky-Walk is a spectacular guided tour on a combination of suspension bridges and trails with heights that exceed the treetops. You can also Bicycle, horseback-ride and river-raft here.
Sky-walk suspended bridge, Arenal
Nearest airport is San Jose International airport.
For details on each location, click the sub-titles.
