After admiringthe waterfall, you can turn around, or keep going to discover the rest of the natural wonders along this approximately 3 1/2-mile path, including Laguna Azul (another blue pool) and El Teidero (the meeting of two rivers, Quebrada Agria and Rio Buena Vista). Thats the only way to describe this excursion down the Ro Blanco in Curuband de Liberia, which involves swimming, scrambling, spelunking, climbing and cliff jumping. Note that the crater lake only fills during periods of rainfall, and may be empty during your visit. This La Fortuna activity comes with expert guides, all the equipment you need, and lunch at the end of your trip. The upper section of the falls measures approximately 145 feet; the lower section spans 65 feet and features a six-foot-deep pool that visitors can swim in. You can stretch out on the park's coastline or wander along one of the walking paths to spot rare birds, camouflaged iguanas and purple and orange crabs. If you'd like to get closer, there is a trail departing from the visitor center. Adding this hike to your to-do list is a must when visiting Costa Rica! Scuba divers and snorkelers swim with several types of rays, along with whale sharks and even sea turtles. La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Main town and tourism hub near Arenal Volcano, famous for adventure, wildlife and nature. At various times during the year, visitors can spot sea turtles green, leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead nesting in the area. The botanical gardens onsite house tropical plants from all over the world, including Costa Rica. Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste: A Quiet Beach in the Gulf of Papagayo In case you want to see more travel tips or in the later stages of planning, please use our Costa Rica travel tips for more details. The entire La Paz Waterfall Gardens is draped in a sea of leafy green canopies dotted with colorful orchids. Calle 13 y 13 bis, Provincia de, Av Central, Gabriel Calderon V, Cafe el Toledo. From volcanoes to waterfalls to cloud forests, find the top things to do and see in Costa Rica on a family vacation on TravelChannel.com. Luxury lodging is available on-site for overnight guests. They feature 20 platforms, 11 zip lines, and two rappel lines. Guided tours, which include access to helmets, life jackets and an experienced river runner, are a must. If you're an advanced diver, Cocos Island is the spot for you. Rising 3,820 m (12,532 ft.) into the sky is Mount Chirripo. Costa Rica Tourism Board, Institutional Site, Costa Rica Convention Center, Promotional Site, Costa Rica Tourism Board | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map. We split it up into 8 categories: national parks/reserves/wildlife refuges, activities and tours, cities and towns, hotels, beaches, things to do, driving around and airports. Costa Rica is one of the best countries for stargazing. Want some help? Most said the park was a must-see example of Costa Rica's rich wildlife diversity. Visit Tortuga Island. For the adventurous, theres primitive camping. Youll also get our FREE travel eBook, free packing checklist and free downloadable Spanish pocket guide! The roar of the rapids, the spectacular scenery and the thrill of the ride make for a fantastic adventure and youre just getting started. Jaco, Costa Rica: Biggest and most developed beach town, only 1.5 hours from San Jose. A Visitors Guide to Quepos, Costa Rica LAIDBACK TRIP Head to the Caribbean coast for top sights like Tortuguero National Park and Cahuita National Park. Surfing in Costa Rica Map. 50 Incredible Things to Do in Costa Rica in 2023 - MytanFeet For those who want a bigger dose of nature, Carara National Park is home to crocodiles, jaguars and the endangered scarlet macaw. Although Smara Beach is much calmer compared to other surf towns in Costa Rica, there are still some waves to surf. For novices, the lower section of Pacuare River is tamer. And when youre ready to take a break from the rugged activities, there are treehouses to sleep in, meals to indulge in and cities to explore. After a trek toArenal Volcano, take some time to soak in the Tabacn's luxurious thermal springs. Check out our highlights video of Costa Rica things to do. Situated in Quepos, this skydive center will teach you all about your equipment and safety before taking you above the clouds. Costa Rica offers plenty of attractions, sights to explore, national parks to hike through and more. We split it up into 8 categories: national parks/reserves/wildlife refuges, activities and tours, cities and towns, hotels, beaches, things to do, driving around and airports. A popular place for snorkeling, this biological reserve is flourishing with wildlife both above and below water. Things to Do in Uvita, Costa Rica 1. Located just outside Monteverde, the park contains over 850 acres (344 hectares) of ecologically diverse forest. More notable highlights include the pristine, palm-studded Playa Carrillo, Rincn de la Vieja National Park and Costa Rica's first national park, Santa Rosa. Accommodations close to Morpho Spanish School. After enjoying the volcano, you can soak in the natural hot spring found nearby. It's also the closest beachside retreat to San Jos, the country's capital. This smallish Central American country offers a world of adventure, from water sports to mountain hikes, from rainforest wildlife watching to cloud-forest birding. Turtle nesting walks can be arranged through a licensed guide (past visitors praised Tortuguero Tours and Tortuguero Eco Experiences). Only reachable via liveaboard charters, you know you'll be experiencing the very best of Costa Rica's marine life. Destguides Ltd is registered in England. Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! Its an incredible and intimate episode to witness. Matapalo is a secluded beach town marked with the Blue Ecological Flag for its dedication to conservation. We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides. The volcano is nearly 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level and is capable of producing acid rain. Wander among boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles of Volcn Rincn de la Vieja; hike the lava flows and soak in volcanic-heated pools at Volcn Arenal; peer into the steaming crater at Pos and leave footprints in the lava fields of Iraz. From the comfort of your boat, youre likely to see several species of monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, green iguanas, striped basilisks, caimans and crocs, not to mention incredible birdlife. Translated to Mountain of Death, the nickname was before the time of cars. Though take another look, and you'll find this 70-acre eco-park buzzing with activity. Top accommodations in Costa Rica, Activity There is a learning center on-site, and tour guides are available to show you around the atriums and tell you about the different species of butterflies. The Simon Bolivar Zoo is a good place for the whole family to see animal species from Costa Rica as well as from around the world. You can also see butterflies and birds, and potentially jungle cats! 55 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica Learn Spanish at the Morpho Spanish School in Orosi Valley Watch the crocs on the Tarcoles River Bridge Visit volcanoes in the Arenal Volcano National Park Learn about sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park Snorkel in Manuel Antonio National Park Go on a surf and yoga retreat in Santa Teresa It encapsulates hiking, climbing, and repelling down waterfalls in one adventure. 21 Things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica + Guide to Visiting Though you can't swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls, it's still worth the trek for the views alone, according to recent vactioners. It's rumored that Costa Rica has more monkeys than humans! All the activities found in this section have gone through exhaustive verification for quality and safenessto ensure our visitors will find the best of the best, in every area of the country. The first of its kind in Costa Rica, the institute and gardens is the first graduate school in Agricultural Sciences. Sitting inside the Arenal Volcano National Park is its namesake, the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupting almost nightly. Planning tip: The timing varies, depending on the location and turtle species, but you can see this spectacle of nature in Tortuguero in the north Caribbean and at Playa Grande and Playa Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula. What's more, Corcovado National Park features an untamed beach area. The Costa Rica Country Maps also depicts the various provinces throughout Costa Rica, the routes traveled by domestic airlines and the best places for sportfishing. Meanwhile, nature lovers venture inland to explore rainforests and nearby Cahuita National Park or the Jaguar Rescue Center. Book tours in Uvita. Unlike some of the country's other popular waterfalls, admiring Catarata del Toro doesn't necessarily require a strenuous hike. Each table occupies a private glass cube high atop a mountainside, overlooking the cloud forest and the village of Santa Elena below. Attractions include zipline and suspension bridge tours, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, natural history walks, and reptile exhibitions. The skies in Guanacaste give you an unobstructed view of the Southern Cross, Omega Centauri, the Magellanic Clouds, and Eta Carinae Nebula. The turquoise waters of the Celeste River attract visitors from far and wide to the Cordillera de Guanacaste, a volcanic mountain rage that sits in the northwestern corner of the country near the Nicaragua border. You can also find a Tarzan swing, hanging bridges, a butterfly garden, a Cayman pond, and a serpent house in the park. You'll likely want to stop here before heading off to the country's magnificent rainforests and beaches. For nature-seekers, the hiking trails, along with the garden's five flowing waterfalls are both must-dos. You can find tours to book, but it is also just as easy to buy or rent your own gear! There are five main trails throughout the park for spotting birds and other wildlife, or you can book a tour with an expert guide. Permits can be obtained through a tour operator; many local hotels work with tour operators and can book a tour for you. With wide balconies, outdoor showers and screen walls, the treehouses offer complete rainforest immersion with a touch of luxury. Accommodation The village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, comes alive with reggae music, funky bamboo bars and a wild nightlife. Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is . We were not able to fit itineraries on the map so if you are looking for itinerary ideas, please click this page here: Costa Rica itineraries. 25 Best Things to do in Smara, Costa Rica The hike is 19 km (11mi), and most people plan to take 2-3 days to complete the trek due to the altitude changes, and there are lodges where you can book accommodation. We can help you decide. La Paz may seem quiet and still at first glance. Use best practices when participating in recreation activities like hiking, swimming, zip lining and off-roading. Every few years, female sea turtles perform an ancient ritual, returning to their natal beach to lay their eggs beneath the moonlight before returning to the welcoming waters of the sea. One of the top birding destinations in Costa Rica, this attraction is home to the Scarlet Macaw, orange-chinned parakeets, antbirds, and many more. Surf lovers should make it a priority to check out the Costa Rica . Shooting stars are also common. To hike in Corcovado National Park is to experience nature in all its blissful glory without the overwhelming crowds. There are plenty of empty beaches along the way for picnic lunches, swims, or snorkeling. Other must-sees include the National Theater of Costa Rica, the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Central Market. Ecotourism | Visit Costa Rica | The official site about tourism in You can book a whale watching tour from popular destinations like Manuel Antonio, Jaco, and Drake Bay. Visit Parque Nacional Volcn Pos with a tour. Hidden in the vibrant jungles of Rincn de la Vieja National Park is La Cangreja Waterfall. Experience the rainstorm: Visit a restaurant to fill up on soup or sit on your accommodation's balcony to feel the calm that overcomes the region. If you are on mobile, you will need to use two fingers to move around the map. 1 of 1 1 OF 30 Behold Extraordinary Biodiversity As one of the most biodiverse places on the planetthe country is home to half a million speciesCosta Rica's variety of ecosystems, favorable. Night tours are popular in the main rainforest destinations in Costa Rica, including La Fortuna, Sarapiqu, Ro Celeste and Manuel Antonio. Stay in close proximity to Finca Modelo Ecolgica. These platforms are strategically placed at different angles so you can see the falls in all their glory. The lodge also has a swimming pool and cafe, all surrounded by the beautiful jungles and beaches of Santa Teresa. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's smallest protected green spaces, but don't let its size throw you off. Know your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before you fly. As a stratovolcano, it features five different craters at its peak, giving the Irazu Volcano an irregular shape. Costa Rica's strikingly diverse terrain lush forests, wildlife reserves, hot springs and tropical beaches offers a little something for every traveler. Give us feedback about this article. Consult the U.S. Department of State's website before you travel for up-to-date information. But Arenal wasn't always spewing fiery lava, rocks and ash. Officially known as Cabuya, it has been used as burial grounds since the early 1700s. The town is located only 100 kilometers south of the capital San Jose, making it a popular place to visit by both international travelers and locals on day trips or holidays. Surfers in the know plan their entire vacation around the wild and wonderful waves on the Costa Rica coastlines. Wearing a rash guard can help protect your skin from the jellyfish. This is an essential Costa Rica bucket list item and one of the most exciting. Surfers should venture to Playa Hermosa, host of many surfing competitions and tournaments, for the best waves. Things to do Things to Do in Costa Rica In Costa Rica will find plenty of exhilarating activities taking place in the greenest habitat and surrounded by exotic wildlife. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston. Here are the 16 best things to do in Costa Rica. The waterfall can be found at the end of a three-mile La Cangreja hike that meanders through the lush flora and fauna. The best cheap things to do in Costa Rica are: While Costa Rica is relatively safe for tourists, theft focusing on purses, wallets and other valuables does occur. To the east, you'll admire volcanoes comprising the Cordillera de Guanacaste. In fact, some reviewers said they were overwhelmed by the amount of birds they saw, in addition to the monkeys and sloths that tend to hide in the trees. Add to thatmore than 100 mammals, 400 types of birds and 1,200 amphibian species, and you have Monteverde's lush 35,000-acre reserve. Check out times, prices, and availability for other chocolate tours. Easier to reach and rich with life, the regions of Ro Celeste and Sarapiqu have many ecolodges and private reserves that are also fantastic for wildlife watching. To reach the waterfall, you'll have to traverse a short, relatively easy trail. Horseback riding in Costa Rica map. Several reviewers reported being stung repeatedly by tiny jellyfish, which are known to frequent the waters around the island. Book a Tour from San Jose! Various hikes, food, mosquito netting, and sheets are provided for you, as well as a professional guide. Tamarindo is a popular tourist destination for many reasons, but its proximity to friendly waves and plenty of surf schools makes it a great option if you want to learn to surf. Planning a trip to Central America? For more information about zip line tours, consult the Sky Adventures officialwebsite. Other reviewers said the national parks were a must. Guanacaste a real treasure for eco-tourism, the north-west of Costa Rica offers a staggering number of protected areas, falls, forests and beautiful volcanoes. Stay in close proximity to the CATIE Botanical Garden. Costa Rica has a long and sometimes mysterious history. Surfers crowd coconut-fringed Cocles Beach, a top-rated surf destination, and foodies check out the downtown's Caribbean-influenced cuisine. Costa Rica is a small country located in between Nicaragua and Panama. Use the map to explore all the things to do. You can choose from several different tours and are provided all the necessary equipment and, of course, a professional and knowledgeable guide to keep you from getting lost. The Nicoya Peninsula's sparkling, nearly 80-mile shoreline boasts beach-centric towns with cream-colored shores and dense forests. You do need a permit to summit the mountain, so plan accordingly! Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's best-known stratovolcano, stands more than 5,000 feet high and appears to touch the clouds. From croaking frogs and fluttering butterflies to rumbling jaguars and howling spider monkeys, the park is a wildlife lover's paradise. The island is now considered a national park and preserve where you can walk around and look for wildlife like monkeys, deer, and bats. Built in the 1800s, the theater puts on tours and shows and is one of the most famous and important buildings in the entire city. One of the best places to snorkel in Costa Rica, the reefs here are protected, and you can only go with a guide. Whale watching is a super popular activity in Costa Rica, and Uvita is one of the most popular places to do so. Take a "night hike" with a nature guide to find out who they are and what theyre doing in the dark. Both museums house dazzling and rare pre-Columbian artifacts. Playa Guiones, Costa Rica - City Guide - Go Visit Costa Rica Destinations Cartago Guanacaste Playa Guiones Where to Stay Map of the Area Neighboring Cities: Refugio Ostional Playa Nosara Nosara Airport Ostional Samara San Juanillo Heredia Limn North Puntarenas South Puntarenas San Jos Home Destinations Guanacaste Nicoya Peninsula Playa Guiones Most tours last all day and include a 45-minute boat ride to and from the island; visitors should come prepared with motion sickness medication as the water can be choppy. You'll also find sea turtle beaches and birding hot spots along the Nicoya Peninsula especially at Marino las Baulas National Park in addition to leatherback turtles and more than 100 bird species at Playa Grande.