Costa Rica is sensory overload. The crashing surf, stunning views, exploding volcanoes…everywhere you turn there is a new sight to behold. Flanked by two coasts and expanse of tropical rainforests and jungles, Costa Rica is an ecological gem.
Costa Rica is a country built on the outdoors. The diverse habitat lures explorers from across the world to experience some of the wildest, vibrantly dynamic environments Mother Nature could conjure.
There’s no perfect way to see Costa Rica. Whether it’s a volcano, the rainforest or the ocean, Costa Rica’s ecotourism philosophy has spawned a plethora of creative activities and ways to explore the stunning sights around you while minimizing damage to the environment. From hiking the jungle floor, hurtling down a volcano on a mountain bike or walking a bridge suspended 100 feet in the air, there are a million ways to explore Costa Rica, each with a different vantage point.
Take the rainforests and national parks. You can hike them, zip line through it, go horseback riding, ATVing, raft or kayak, (including white water rafting), relax in hot springs, mountain bike or take a wildlife tour. The myriad of tour and activity options means you can get up close and personal with stunning natural wonders and see wildlife, plant and animal species you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Here are a few of the top sites and things to do in Costa Rica. This only scratches the surface of Costa Rica’s attractions, but it’s a great place to start.   Â
Arenal Volcano. One of the world’s most active volcanoes, Arenal is a top Costa Rica attraction. More than 5,000 feet high, Arenal Volcano sat dormant for hundreds of years. It started erupting in 1968, spouting ash, rocks and fiery lava from its perfectly cone shaped peak on an almost daily basis, attracting visitors from around the globe. Then, eruptions ceased suddenly in 2010. Although it’s currently non-active, scientists have confirmed the volcano is still alive, though no one is sure when or if it will erupt again. Fiery lava or not, Arenal Volcano and the national park surrounding it is a beautiful, imposing sight worth the trip.
Corcovado National Park. Take a stroll through Corcovado National Park and you’ll see it’s anything but quiet. Buzzing insects and chirping birds fill the misty forest with noise, a unique ecological melody you won’t hear anywhere else. Among the rainforest sounds, the 11,000 acre rainforest is brimming with wildlife. Hidden in the tangled depths, you’ll likely find spider and howler monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and macaws. For your best chance at wildlife sightings, go early. Visitors who explore Corcovado early in the day, between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. have a greater chance at spotting elusive wildlife.
Manuel Antonio National Park. Though Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, like the country, it’s a dense, vibrant ecosystem well worth a visit. Packed within three square miles you’ll find wild beaches, lush rainforests, nature trails and secluded coves. Keep an eye out to spot birds, purple and orange crabs and even camouflaged iguanas. There’s so many monkeys in Manuel Antonio that officials built a suspension bridge to grant them free reign of the area.
Tabacon Hot Springs. After trekking to Arenal Volcano, you won’t want to miss a pit stop at Tabacon’s luxury thermal springs and spa. Comprised of 97% rainwater and 3% magma, the Tabacon springs are the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring nearby Arenal Volcano National Park. There is an entrance fee for the hot springs and it books up fast, so make sure to purchase tickets in advance.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Shrouded in mist, the lush, beautifully eerie Monteverde Cloud Forest is a gorgeous spot to see local wildlife. Over 100 mammals, 400 types of birds and 2,500 plant species call this 25,700-acre reserve home. We highly recommend taking a zip lining or hanging bridges tour to see the Monteverde Cloud Forest from an aerial view.
Santa Rosa National Park. Located within Guanacaste, Santa Rosa National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and preserves the site of the 1856 Battle of Santa Rosa. It also protects one of the last remaining dry tropical forests in the world. In 1989, Guanacaste National park was created to connect Santa Rosa with other areas of the Caribbean rainforest. The goal was linking the two parts would create protective habitats for far-traveling species such as mountain lions and jaguars. Santa Rosa’s cultural and ecological significance is a thrill for nature and history buffs alike.
Guanacaste. The “Gold Coast” of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is one of the country’s most unique, beautiful destinations. Besides the mesmerizing beaches, the sheer number of diverse habitats contained in Guanacaste is stunning- the region includes dry tropical forests, volcanoes and lush, misty jungles all in a single province.
Turtle watching in Playa Grande. Costa Rica is a sea turtle paradise. One of the largest nesting sites in the world, the leatherback turtles are a huge draw to Las Baulas National Park in Playa Grande. During nesting season in October- February, the female leatherbacks, some of the largest reptiles in the world, crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs at night. Playa Grande shuts down to visitors after sunset to protect the nesting grounds, but night tours are available with a guide to see the female leatherbacks laying their eggs.
Nicoya Peninsula. The Nicoya Peninsula is an 80 mile stretch of shoreline dotted with beach towns and dense forests. Fishing and cattle-ranching communities still thrive here despite the restaurants, hotels and tourism that have enticed visitors to the area. Bright vibrant fish, gorgeous sunsets and teal blue waters all contribute to Nicoya Peninsula’s stellar reputation.
When you book a vacation rental home with Grande Vacation Rentals, we can help you plan out every tour and excursion so you don’t miss a single one of Costa Rica’s attractions. We’ve been in the business for over 10 years. We know Costa Rica’s gorgeous Guanacaste coast inside and out and our luxurious properties are the perfect place to rest your head after a long day. To see a full listing or check availability, please see here.