For such a tiny country, Costa Rica sure crams in a lot. Equivalent in size to South Carolina, this lush Central American destination is home to more than 500,000 species—about five percent of all Earth’s plant, insect, and wildlife species.
Having established itself in the 1990s as the “it” destination for ecotourists—think ziplining, whitewater rafting, and trekking—you’d imagine that tourists have discovered every inch of Costa Rica. Fortunately, it’s still possible to stray off the beaten path in Costa Rica and discover hidden gems on your trip.
These are the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Stay in a Jungle Ecolodge
The term “ecolodge” was practically born in Costa Rica, and some of the best rainforest-based accommodations in the world can be found here. The most authentic ecolodges take sustainability seriously—they’re built of local materials, employ Costa Ricans from nearby towns, recycle and reuse, and give back to their communities.
One of the best is the Pacuare Jungle Lodge, accessible via a 1.5-hour whitewater rafting trip (a bus ride and gondola trip can get you there too, but that option is less exciting).
See Wild Animals

Although Costa Rica is full of animals, it can be hard to spot them in the wild. For a guaranteed viewing, visit the Jaguar Rescue Center in the Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo (on Playa Chiquita). The center is a permanent or temporary home for sick, injured, or orphaned animals who cannot survive on their own in the wild.
Guided tours are available where you can see animals, including monkeys, toucans, and more. Despite the name, there are currently no jaguars at the rescue center.
Rappel Down a Waterfall
Imagine taking the thrill of rappelling and adding the rush of cascading water. In Costa Rica, a popular activity for adventure seekers is a twist on traditional rock climbing: waterfall rappelling.
As you descend through crystal-clear falls in La Fortuna, you’ll experience an exhilarating blend of adventure and natural beauty. Don’t let the dramatic setting intimidate you—this activity welcomes anyone in reasonably good physical condition who can handle heights. No need for prior experience; just bring your sense of adventure and prepare to get soaked.
Sample Chocolate
The same conditions that make coffee such a strong-growing crop in Costa Rica allow cacao to thrive. And where there’s cacao, there’s chocolate!
See how organic cacao is harvested on Don Olivo’s Chocolate Tour, where you’ll see the farm’s 1,600 cacao trees, sample chocolates, and learn how the magic happens to transform cacao into chocolate.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Given its volcanic landscape, Costa Rica has quite a few natural hot springs and mud pools. Most are open to the public, but will generally have an entrance fee.
One of the best places to indulge is the Rio Negro in Rincon de la Vieja. To reach the hot springs, drive across an unpaved road, walk 10 minutes down a dirt path, and cross a canopy bridge before arriving at the buttery smooth mud pool. The mud is super hot — most people paint it on with brushes and then let it harden. After a quick rinse, plunge into a nearby hot spring.
Take a Night Hike
To fully appreciate Costa Rica’s wildlife population, you’ll have to head out after dark. Nocturnal animals such as armadillos, sloths, caimans, frogs, and bats are among the critters you might see on a night hike in the Arenal area.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be out until dawn; most excursions begin at twilight and last two to three hours. Jacamar Naturalist Tours offers a night walk in which a guide will help you spot nocturnal animals and birds and teach you about medicinal plants in a family-owned garden.
Study the Mystery of the Stone Spheres
The island of Yap has stone money. Easter Island is known for its moai. And Costa Rica, few people know, has its own mysterious stone carvings too: petrospheres, or stone spheres. Ranging in size from less than an inch to nearly seven feet in diameter, the stones are believed to have been carved between 200 B.C. and 1500 A.D. and were discovered by workers clearing jungles for banana plantations.
The spheres were originally found on Diquis Delta and Isla del Cano, just northwest of Corcovado National Park. You can see them at the National Museum of Costa Rica in San Jose or head to Finca 6 in Palomar Norte, where a visitor center helps explain the history of the spheres.
Be a Surf Bum

The Pacific coast of Costa Rica has some of the best surfing in all of Central America, with zones ideal for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers. Costa Rica is known as a surfing hot spot because the water is often warm enough to forgo wetsuits, waves break cleanly, and the sea is surf-worthy nearly year-round. (September and October can be rough because of hurricane season.)
Beginners usually head to the touristy beaches of Tamarindo for basic instructions and easy-to-manage waves. Jaco is another chill spot that’s considered one of the Caribbean’s ultimate surf destinations. But we like the prospect of learning to surf in a laid-back village like Dominical. Sunset Surf Dominical is a family-run surf school that offers surf package deal, including accommodations, transfers, breakfast, surfing instructions almost every day, and your choice of additional activities, such as ziplining.
Go in Search of the Resplendent Quetzal
Costa Rica’s most famous bird, the resplendent quetzal (pronounced “ket-saal”), has jewel-toned green plumage with long tail feathers twice the length of its body, making for quite the show when it takes flight.
The bird lives in moist mountain forests, such as the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and less-visited San Gerardo de Dota Valley. Quetzals are a bit shy; you often hear their deep, melodious calls before seeing them.
But even for non-birders, spotting one is a special treat. Head out in the early mornings between December and April for the best viewing chances, and use a local guide with knowledge of the bird’s favorite hangouts.
Buy Pottery — or Make Your Own
Costa Rica has a long history of artisanal crafts. Archeologists have discovered pottery dating back more than 2,500 years. In the towns of San Vicente de Nicoya and Guaitil in Guanacaste, you can observe artisans, who are descendants of Chorotega Indians, creating earthenware using the same techniques as their ancestors.
Observe the ancient art and buy pieces from the artists at Guaitil Artisan Village in the Carrillo community in Guanacaste. Or, take a lesson and craft your own souvenir to take home.
Help Protect Sea Turtle Hatchlings

The beaches of Costa Rica provide one of the most important nesting grounds for four species of sea turtles. Visit between March and November for your best chance of spotting a turtle hatching.
Dozens of tour operators offer trips to see them. But why not do one better and volunteer to protect them? Book a stay at Pacuare Nature Reserve, and you can sign up to patrol the beach for nesting sea turtles and help tag the turtles for data collection.
Learn How Coffee Is Made
Costa Rica is well known for its coffee, which revolutionized the small country’s economy (that’s why it’s known locally as grano de oro, or the “golden grain”). Heck, coffee has revolutionized the world—you try going to work without chugging a cup in the morning. Seeing how the ruby-colored coffee berry is converted into the most important of all beverages is quite remarkable.
Several working farms offer tours. The original coffee roaster in Costa Rica is Cafe Britt, which welcomes 500,000 travelers a year to tour its plantation. For a more unique coffee farm experience, head into the mountains where Cafe Monteverde runs tours of its sustainable operation.
Best Time to Go to Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry and rainy or “green” seasons. Dry season equals high season. From late November through late April, Costa Rican rains are mild, and tourists flock to the country. May through mid-November is Costa Rica’s green season; sure, it rains a good amount, but you will find a surplus of travel deals in the country during this time. Just keep in mind that it can be difficult to drive over muddy roads during the green season in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica on a Budget
Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for travelers watching their wallets. Budget-friendly offerings abound, from affordable but delicious local meals to economical lodging.
Generally, the more remote and eco-friendly your lodging, the more expensive it will be. Isolated ecolodges in the thick of the jungle offer an unparalleled experience, but rates, which are often all-inclusive, tend to be high. In the more popular tourist destinations, well-priced resorts abound, and a traveler can likely find a room with an ocean view for an affordable price—especially during the rainy season.
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