The Ultimate Costa Rica Bucket List

The Central American country of Costa Rica is one of the world’s true natural gems. Filled with an abundance of flora and fauna, you can’t visit not visit and appreciate how environmentally rich this amazing country is.

Costa Rica is home to incredible waterfalls, vast rainforests and beautiful beaches. Whether you’re spending 10 days in Costa Rica or a whole month as we did, there is an endless list of amazing activities to undertake.

That is why we’ve created the Ultimate Costa Rica Bucket List to detail all the best things to do, verified by people who have had first-hand experience doing them.

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How to get to Costa Rica

If you’re coming from abroad then naturally flying into San Jose will be your best option. Whilst it has good links with the US and other central American countries, if you’re coming from further afield then you may have to travel via Panama City. Panama City has great links internationally so you shouldn’t have a problem getting here.

Similarly, if you’re coming up from continental South America then flying will be your best bet as there are no roads connecting Panama and Colombia.

If you’re traveling down from Nicaragua and other northern Central American countries then you can get a public bus or private shuttle from the capital Managua, via Liberia.

How to get around Costa Rica

The best way to get around depends entirely on your budget and where you want to visit. From our own experience, it’s incredibly easy to get to most places via public bus. Whilst admittedly it wasn’t the most comfortable and it could take some time, it had by far the best coverage for a minimal fee.

The best way to find out when and where a bus leaves from is by asking at your local accommodation or restaurant. Locals in Costa Rica are always incredibly friendly and are more than happy to help. It’s also helpful to do your own bit of research online so you have some sense of what you’re asking.

Admittedly, there were situations where we needed to hail an Uber or local taxi to complete the last bit of our journey.

However, the only places we had to hire a private shuttle were between La Fortuna and Monteverde. In this case, we paid a company through 12go to take us from A to B which included a ferry ride over Lake Arenal. It was all super easy to use and navigate, giving us the pick-up times and they even picked us up from our hotel!

19 Things to do in Costa Rica

1. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest

_{Submitted by Veronika from Travel Geekery}

When in Costa Rica, you cannot leave out the cloud forest. It belongs to one of the most unique places to see in Costa Rica.

Unlike other parts of the country, the cloud forest stays cooler and can be found in higher altitudes. It’s moist, evergreen, and swamped with moss, often covered with a thick cloud cover. Especially if the temperatures are running high at the time of your trip.

The cloud forest can be found in two biological preserves, Monteverde and Santa Elena. Monteverde is the larger and more popular of the two. So what can you do inside a cloud forest? Hiking comes highly recommended. There are 10 hiking trails in the Monteverde Reserve. It’s possible to even walk them all, in total they’re 13km long. Don’t miss out, especially those that feature viewpoints. You’ll be able to see them clearly on a map you’ll get with your ticket. 

The La Ventana Viewpoint should definitely be on your list. It shows a continental divide with water running into the Pacific on one side and the Atlantic on the other.

You don’t need to book a tour to go hiking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The trails are easy and well-marked. However, if you want to make sure you’ll spot some animals, you can hire a local guide. There are many different birds to see, including the rare quetzal.

Parking is available near the entrance. If you don’t have a car, you can make use of a day tour or enquire about transportation options at your hotel. Best is to stay in the nearby village of Monteverde.

Where to stay: Selina Monteverde

Cost of activity: $25 for a ticket you can purchase on their website, or you can book a guided tour.

2. Safari Float near La Fortuna

_{Submitted by Let’s Jet, Kids! – a Family Travel Blog}

La Fortuna is filled with adventure, hot springs, and great local cuisine. You’ll find plenty of lodging options, including the highly sought-after Tabacón Resort to budget-friendly places.

One of the most memorable things to do in La Fortuna is to take a safari float down the Peñas Blancas river. This tour can be booked ahead of time with Canoa Aventura. You will then be picked up from your hotel in La Fortuna and taken to the site of departure.  

A safari float is gentle, making it one of the great things to do in La Fortuna with kids. Yet still incredibly fun and interesting for people of all ages. Each person will get a life vest and then climb aboard the large inflatable raft with their guide.  

Floating down the river is both relaxing and exciting.  But the best part is the ability to see exotic wildlife in Costa Rica. Your guide will know exactly where to go and look. This can include monkeys, birds, sloths, and even crocodiles for over an hour. Being on the river will give you a great perspective of the wildlife of Costa Rica.

Safari floats cost around $70pp, and many of them come with lunch at the end. This makes the trip an amazing day out for the family. With Canoa Aventura, it’s not just lunch. It’s a fun little tour of the cacao process, including some fresh cacao turned into hot chocolate. You’ll also get a fresh, local dish to enjoy before being transported back to your accommodation.

Where to stay: We have a full guide on where to stay in La Fortuna but highly recommend Tabacón Resort

Cost of activity: $70pp

How to book: Canoa Aventura website

3. Take a Sloth Tour

_{Submitted by Giorgy from G-Extreme Travel}

Sloths are some of the most fascinating creatures in the wild. This makes a Sloth Tour in La Fortuna a Costa Rican experience well worth visiting.

Located near Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna is one of the best places to spot sloths in their natural habitat.

A Sloth Tour led by Sloth Watching Trail is a unique experience that allows you to observe these slow-moving animals up close. You’ll also learn more about them from the very knowledgeable guides. During the tour, visitors can witness sloths eating, sleeping, and grooming themselves on tree branches. You can also learn about other wildlife in Costa Rica, such as howler monkeys and toucans.

Booking a tour with a local guide is recommended. They’ll be able to provide the best information on the different species of sloth in the area. They can also help visitors spot them in their natural habitat and better understand the importance of conservation.

The best way to get there is on foot since it’s not located far from the center of La Fortuna. This company offers a pick-up service with an additional fee.

Nearby, visitors can stay at one of the many hotels in La Fortuna. The Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa has stunning views of the volcano and surrounding jungle.

So if you’re looking to get up close and personal with some of the cutest critters in nature, then a Sloth Tour in La Fortuna is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica that you don’t want to miss!

Where to stay: The Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa

Cost of activity: $25-$50

How to book: You can book a tour online here

4. Go Whitewater Rafting!

^{Submitted by Bella from Passport & Pixels} 

Whilst Costa Rica is famous for its beaches and wildlife, it’s also one of the world’s leading adventure destinations. From mountain biking to some of the world’s longest ziplines, Costa Rica has masses to attract thrill seekers.

One of the best adventure things to do in Costa Rica is to go whitewater rafting. Costa Rica has several rivers suitable for rafters of all levels of experience and bravery. The beginner levels of Penas Blancas River are described as a ‘safari float’ suitable for kids and pensioners. These aren’t really rapids at all. Conversely, the expert/professional routes on the Naranjo River, near Manuel Antonio, are for those who prefer to get a bit wetter!

Another great place to go whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is on the Sarapiqui River near Arenal. These rapids are also quite challenging, but not too scary! You can book a local tour at either La Fortuna, Sarapiqui or as part of a bigger Costa Rica tour. Rafting trips typically cost around $75 per half day or $100 for a full day. This includes hotel pickup, drop off, guide hire, snack, lunch, and photographs of your adventure.

A great place to stay nearby is the atmospheric Pozo Azul Jungle Lodge. Here you’ll sleep in safari tents in the middle of the rainforest to the sound of frogs chirruping.

Where to stay: Pozo Azul Jungle Lodge

Cost of activity: $75-$100

How to book: For Sarapiqui Whitewater Rafting, you can book a tour online.

5. Witness the Arribada in Ostional

_{Submitted by Ellie from El on the Move}

When I booked my trip to Costa Rica, I thought I would be lucky if I saw a single turtle. Little did I know I would see thousands! The Arribada in Ostional is where hundreds of thousands of turtles come to lay their eggs over a period of about five days. It will be a highlight of your trip to Costa Rica.

The Arribada happens once a month and the biggest ones happen during the wet season. It’s hard to predict the exact days it’ll occur but the local guides give regular updates on their Facebook Page.

Once an “Arribada” has been declared, the Ostional beach is closed to all non-authorized people. This means you must visit with a local guide. The local guides cost $20 per hour and run tours in the morning and late afternoon. Once an Arribada has been declared, you should book a slot as soon as possible. Understandably, watching this event is super popular so it’ll fill up very quickly.

The easiest place to stay for the arribada is in Ostional itself but there are limited options. Nosara is the closest town with the most options. You can drive to Ostional but the roads can get flooded after heavy rains so be sure to check with a local to make sure they are passable.

The local bus goes from Nosara to Santa Cruz and stops off at Ostional on the way. There are tour companies in the local towns, including some as far away as Tamarindo, that run tours that include transport and a guide.

Where to stay: Selina Nosara

Cost of activity: $20

How to book: Through accommodation or nearby tour companies.

6. Visit Santa Teresa

_{Submitted by Soline from On the Road Diary}

After visiting the incredible rainforests of central Costa Rica, you should head to the west coast straight to Santa Teresa. From surfing and snorkeling to wildlife spotting, you can do it all here. 

This Costa Rica 10 day itinerary outlines why Santa Teresa is the perfect place to kick back and relax. With tropical beaches and lively nightlife accompanied by surf lessons and yoga classes, there is everything you could possibly imagine here.

Santa Teresa offers many restaurant and bar options. You can sample delicious local cuisine with the friends of your hostel while taking in the stunning sunsets over the ocean.

Last but not least, you can also explore the famous Montezuma waterfalls nearby. Hop in your rental car or the public bus and join the laid-back atmosphere of Santa Teresa, you won’t regret it!

If you’re a solo female traveler, you should definitely stay at Salty Enthusiasts Share House & Villas. This little corner of paradise is a women-only hostel two minutes away from the beach, where you will have your double bed all to yourself. This is another great way of meeting so many others in the same situation.

Where to stay: Salty Enthusiasts Share House & Villas

7. Rainmaker Conservation Park

_{Submitted by Catherine, a Savvy Family Travel writer}

Just 30 minutes from downtown Manuel Antonio, you will discover a reprieve from the daily crowds of Manuel Antonio National Park at Rainmaker Conservation Park.

Rainmaker Conservation Park consists of nearly 1500 acres of unimaginable biodiversity and has stunning rainforest vistas, waterfalls, and peaceful swimming holes. The park aims to ensure its three unique ecosystems remain protected and largely untouched in Costa Rica. Most captivating are the gorgeous ravines and numerous waterfalls. 

You’ll see plenty of birds, reptiles, and amphibians along a well-marked trail, but it’d take a keen eye to spot mammals within the park.

Upon arrival, be sure to take a photo of the trail map as there are a couple of different route options to choose from. There are roughly four kilometers of trails in total and each is outlined in terms of distance and preferred difficulty.

A self-guided tour with a couple of swims in waterfall pools makes for a worthwhile half day here, but if you want to immerse yourself even more, consider glamping, guided tours, or give canyoning a try! 

There is plenty of parking onsite and a small snack counter for refreshments and local flavor. Try their traditional lunch by ordering upon your arrival to enjoy after your jungle adventure. 

One more thing, as you approach the park entrance, you’ll pass seemingly endless rows of palm trees.  To preemptively satiate your curiosity as to their purpose, these trees are harvested primarily for palm oil exports. 

Don’t forget bug repellent, a towel, water shoes, sunscreen, and hiking shoes with good grip.

Where to stay: Hotel Coco Beach

Cost of activity: $20 and reservations are not required. Ages 0-5 go free.

How to book: Via their website.

8. ATVing in Arenal

_{Submitted by Kelsea from Out of Office Mindset.}

ATVing in Arenal is an absolute must for outdoor adventurers looking to explore the stunning Costa Rican landscape. From the rolling hills to the rivers and a volcano, you won’t find a better way to explore this vibrant country. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling ride through mud pits or an up-close look at the wildlife, ATVing in Arenal has something for everyone.

Before you start your adventure, you’ll be outfitted with boots, a helmet, bandana and given instructions on how to drive your ATV. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can hit the trails. Here you can navigate through all types of terrain no matter what level of experience you have. Even the most inexperienced riders can feel safe and in control thanks to the fantastic guides who help monitor your journey.

Depending on which tour package you book, there could be chances to see waterfalls, rivers, and caves too. My recommendation would be Original Arenal ATV which offers tours tailored to fit both beginners and expert riders alike. Tours typically cost about $105 for a single rider and $138 for a double. 

They are located conveniently in front of Arenal Volcano National Park making it easily accessible from La Fortuna by car. It’s especially close to the famous Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, which is a great place to stay while you are in the area!

Where to stay: Tabacón Resort

Cost of activity: $105+

How to book: Via the Original Arenal ATV website or through Get Your Guide.

9. Take a Chocolate Tour

_{Submitted by: Maggie from Pink Caddy Travelogue}

Costa Rica is filled with loads of epic opportunities, but few things are more delightful than two hours of eating and learning about copious amounts of chocolate. Going on a chocolate plantation tour is absolutely one of the top things to do in Costa Rica.

While there are a number of chocolate farms in the country, one of the most convenient and popular is the Rainforest Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna, not far from La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano.

On the tour, guests learn all about how the cacao is grown and harvested. You’ll also learn the history of chocolate. Did you know, cacao beans are actually very bitter and unappealing and it wasn’t until the 1800s that someone figured out how to make the chocolate we are familiar with today.

Tour guides will take you through the process of how the beans are transformed into something edible. And the grand finale? Getting to eat a whole lot of chocolate.

Tours are $30 pp and should be booked in advance. It’s about three hours from San Jose and the most reliable way to get there is to drive, either by public bus or a hire car. However, there is a range of budget-friendly backpacker hostels or hotels and luxury, all-inclusive spas.

There’s no question that a chocolate tour should be part of any 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary!

Where to stay: Selina La Fortuna

Cost of activity: $30

How to book: You can book your Rainforest Chocolate Tour here

10. Visit Uvita

^{Submitted by Victoria from www.guideyourtravel.com}

Uvita is a small town located on the west coast of Costa Rica, known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The town is home to Whale Tale Beach, which is part of the Marino Ballena National Park.

The Whale Tale Beach gets its name from the unique shape of the beach, which resembles a whale’s tail. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and whale watching (during the right season). The beach is surrounded by lush rainforest, and there are several trails that lead through the park. This provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings for all levels.

You can easily visit the national park without having to book a tour. Simply head to the entrance by the beach and pay the $12 entrance fee.

To get to Uvita, you can fly into the international airport in San Jose before taking a public bus or private shuttle down south. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive from San Jose, which takes about four to five hours.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Uvita, there are several options available, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. One nearby option is the Blue Sunshine Hostel, which is just a five-minute walk from the beach and offers friendly accommodation. The Hotel Faremiti Uvita is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something slightly more luxurious and comfortable. There is a pool and the hotel has a great location for exploring the national park.

Where to stay: Hotel Faremiti Uvita

11. Manuel Antonio National Park

_{Submitted by Chelsea from adventuresofchels.com}

For the perfect mix of rainforest, beaches, and endless activities for people of all ages, head over to Costa Rica’s beautiful gem of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the western coast of Costa Rica. It’s accessible by car or bus and takes about two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hours to get there from San Jose. It takes about 15 minutes to get there from Quepos. There is a shuttle bus that frequently runs between Quepos and Manuel Antonio with stops along the way.

Manuel Antonio is open every day (except Tuesdays) all year round (including holidays) from 7am-4pm. Tickets to enter the park can only be purchased online and cost $18.08 for adults and $5.65 for children 2-11 years old.

Once inside Manuel Antonio, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy and keep you busy! Guided tours include park tours, night jungle walks, zip lining, ATV tours, rafting, parasailing, and waterfall rappelling, the list goes on! The park boasts a number of gorgeous hiking trails and white sand beaches to enjoy as well. As the park costs every time you enter, try and do as much as you can in two days. With so many activities to choose from, beaches to enjoy, and beauty to take in, you won’t be short of things to do!

While visiting Manuel Antonio National Park consider staying at Millennium Manuel Antonio. For around $100 USD per night, it’s a clean and quaint accommodation within walking distance to the park. What more could you ask for?!

Enjoy your time at beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park.

Where to stay: Millennium Manuel Antonio

Cost of activity: $18.08 for entry

How to book: You can buy your tickets online or book a private guided tour here

12. Go snorkeling at Caño Island Biological Reserve

_{Submitted by Lori at Travlinmad}

Costa Rica offers something for every kind of traveler. However, it’s the nature lover who will find endless activities to explore both on land and in the water.

One of the most incredible places for nature experiences is Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula on the southern Pacific coast. The lack of development and wealth of unspoiled land on the Osa is what makes it so popular.

Many visitors come to the Osa to hike Corcovado National Park, but for an incredible underwater experience, take a boat tour and head to Caño Island Biological Reserve.

Located 25 kilometers from Drake Bay, Caño Island is only accessible by boat and there are no roads on the island for vehicles. All of the activity here takes place underwater with the help of certified and professional guides.

Snorkeling in Costa Rica can be enjoyed any time of year. That said, the springtime months of April and May bring unparalleled opportunities to snorkel and dive with sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales.

Tortugas are a revered symbol of good fortune in Costa Rica. They are plentiful around the island as they feed on the tiny jellyfish floating in the water. Make sure to wear a rash guard and hood to avoid getting stung.

Many local hotels in Drake Bay offer a visit to Caño Island among their tours. can arrange it for you. La Paloma Lodge, however, is one of the most beautiful hotels in Drake Bay and has a half-day snorkeling trip to the island in their lodging packages.

Where to stay: La Paloma Lodge

Cost of activity: $129

How to book: You can book this Caño Island Snorkeling tour here!

13. Take a rainforest hike in Rio Celeste

_{Submitted by Sam from Find Love & Travel}

Another one of the best things to do in Costa Rica is to take a rainforest hike to visit Rio Celeste. Rio Celeste has easily become one of the most famous waterfalls to see in Costa Rica. You have likely seen it posted all over social media for its Gatorade Blue color. 

We all know that sometimes the images online never quite live up to the hype, but this waterfall truly is as blue as the photos. Heavy rains are known to cause the water to look muddy.

When visiting the waterfall, you can choose to book a tour or hire a car and drive yourself.

The two miles out and back hike will bring you through the luscious rain forests of Tenorio Volcano National Park. The hike is relatively easy, but oftentimes muddy. You may even see some wildlife on the hike.

Rio Celeste is located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, so you are basically visiting the National Park, which makes it easier to find. 

If you are driving, it is best to visit Rio Celeste as a day trip from La Fortuna. It is around a one and a half hour drive. If you’re coming from Libera, it will take you around two hours to get there but it is totally worth it! 

To fully experience this wonder of nature, consider visiting as soon as it opens (8am) as this is when it’ll be at its quietest.

Where to stay: Río Celeste Nature Lodging

Cost of activity: $87

How to book: You can book a tour from La Fortuna here or a tour from San Jose here.

14. Learn to surf in Manuel Antonio

_{Submitted by Jess of Uprooted Traveler}

If you want to soak up the sun in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is the ideal destination. Thanks to its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and adventurous activities. One of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio is to spend some time on its most famous beach, Playa Espadilla.

Playa Espadilla has endless activities to enjoy, from banana boats to parasailing and jet skiing. But perhaps the most popular thing to do here is to get a surf lesson. 

The waves here, especially towards the southern end of the beach, are gentle and perfect for beginner surfers. A lesson is roughly three hours and you’ll be taught everything you need to know. This will include how to read the waves and the motion of getting yourself up off the board.

It’s best to book a class through an actual surf school in Manuel Antonio. While there are definitely legitimate one-off teachers who may approach you on the beach, it’s a common scam for ne’er-do-wells to pose as a surf instructor and offer tourists a surf lesson.

If you’re a more advanced surfer and don’t need a lesson, Manuel Antonio still has some worthwhile spots to explore. For example, Playitas Beach is full of experienced surfers, all honing their skills. Just be careful, this area has some rocks that can be hard to spot in the swells.

Hotel La Mariposa is the perfect spot to relax after your surf lesson. This stunning property offers spectacular views over the neighbouring national park and the Pacific Ocean. It also boasts two infinity pools that you can choose to wind down in.

Where to stay: Hotel La Mariposa

Cost of activity: $80

How to book: You can book with a surf school, at your accommodation, or online here!

15. Cahuita National Park

_{Submitted by Annelies | Travelers & Dreamers}

If you are looking for the best places in Costa Rica to see wildlife then you definitely have to visit Cahuita National Park.

Cahuita National Park is one of the smaller and lesser-known parks in Costa Rica. Travelers often skip it in their itinerary in favor of places like the Monteverde rainforest and, while they are evidently amazing, it is 100% worth including the Cahuita National Park too!

Cahuita National Park is located on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica in between the towns of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. It was established in 1970 to protect the coral reefs in the Caribbean sea. Later on, it became known in the way it is today, It has since developed into housing some beautiful coral reefs, incredible beaches, lush jungle rainforests, and tropical mangrove swamps. The best way to discover the park is by walking the eight-kilometer trail and occasionally stopping for a swim at its incredible beaches.

You can explore the park on your own or hire a guide to take you around the park. Even if you don’t hire a guide you will be able to see a lot of wildlife. Wildlife residing in the park are raccoons, sloths, howler and capuchin monkeys, the yellow eyelash viper snake, iguanas, and chestnut-mandible toucans.

The best place to stay to visit Cahuita National Park is the small laid-back town of Cahuita. This is the perfect location to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle and there are many cute accommodation options. One of the best places to stay is Shamana Ecolodge.

Where to stay: Shamana Ecolodge

Cost of activity: $118

How to book: You can book this Hiking and Snorkeling Tour of Cahuita National Park here.

16. El Salto Rope Swing

_{Submitted by Jess of Uprooted Traveler}

One of the best things to do in La Fortuna is to visit El Salto Rope Swing. This jaw-droppingly beautiful swimming spot is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. And best of all, it’s totally free! 

The rope swing is found 1.6km from downtown La Fortuna, near an unassuming bridge. Make sure to wear hiking sandals or something with a bit of traction as the path down to the swimming area can be rather slippery and steep. 

After a very short walk, you’ll reach a stone cliff, overlooking two stunning waterfalls, flowing with turquoise water, approximately 20 feet below. To the left, you’ll see an enormous tree with a knotted rope tied to it. Brave thrill-seekers will swing from this rope to drop into the water below and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a local or two do some very impressive stunts while dangling from the rope.

Other people simply use El Salto as a cliff-jumping spot. There are several spots towards the right where people jump into the chilly water. Just be sure to triple-check that wherever you jump in is clear of rocks and large logs so that you don’t get hurt. Get talking to the locals as they’re happy to point out the best spots!

If you’re not an adrenaline junkie, you can follow an alternate trail that leads downhill where you’ll get down to the waters edge. From here, you can wade back to where the main action is and take in the stunning waterfall views and daredevils flipping into the water below. 

Where to stay: Rancho Cerro Azul

Cost of activity: $0

17. Visit Vanilla Villa Spice Farm

_{Contributed by Brodi Cole of Our Offbeat Life}

Are you looking for a unique, fun, and educational experience while visiting Costa Rica? Look no further than Villa Vanilla Costa Rica! This 155-acre (63-hectare) farm is located about 30 minutes outside of Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Visitors can arrange for round-trip transportation from their hotel in the nearby area whilst guided walking tours are available twice daily Monday through Friday at 9am and 1pm, with only one tour on Saturdays at 9:00 am.

Villa Vanilla Costa Rica offers an interactive tour that begins with a fragrant welcome drink. After this refreshing sip, guests will get to explore the compost area to learn more about sustainable farming practices.

During this time visitors may learn trivia facts about vanilla, an expensive spice that grows on certain kinds of trees, as well as other spices grown there such as cardamom, white pepper and black pepper. Guests will also be able to taste homemade desserts paired with drinks made using different spices found on the farm which make for a truly unique experience.

The chai tea drink & chocolate cake are a guest favorite but don’t miss out on your chance to spot animals like hummingbirds & scarlet macaws if you’re lucky!

Before leaving, be sure to visit Villa Vanilla’s gift shop for souvenirs like vanilla bean extract and tree-to-bar chocolate bars as well as the tea and drink mixes from the tasting which allow you to replicate the tasty beverages back home again.

Cost of activity: $50 or $60 with transport

How to book: You can book a tour on their website.

18. Visit Tortuguero

_{Submitted by Kerry Reed from VeggTravel}

If you’re an animal lover and visiting Costa Rica, then plan a visit to Tortuguero into your itinerary. Located in the northeast of the country, Tortuguero is in the Limon Province that borders the Caribbean Coast.

Getting there can be somewhat tricky as depending on where you’re traveling from you may need a bus or plane, plus a boat trip to the village. However, many people visit Tortuguero from San Jose on a day trip or short tour as this is often the most convenient way to travel. You can also do this completely independently and pay for the hour-long boat as you arrive at the dock.

The key attraction of Tortuguero is the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre which researches and protects the Green Turtles and Leatherback Turtles that visit the nearby beaches. If you’d like to visit during nesting season, then travel between February and April. If you travel between July and October you may be lucky enough to see the baby turtles hatch.

Outside of turtle-related tourism, the Tortuguero National Park and its encompassing village are still beautiful destinations in their own right. Take a kayaking trip through the narrow canals and spot other wildlife through the surrounding rainforest. Grab a meal or drink at a local restaurant in the village or shop for interesting handmade souvenirs.

Where to stay: Green Macaw Hostel

How to book: You can book this Day Tour from San Jose or if you are staying in Tortuguero you can book this Turtle Tour.

Our Visitors Guide to Tortuguero has everything you need to know about where to eat and stay.

19. Take a night hike in Monteverde

_{Submitted by Melissa from My Beautiful Passport}

One of the top things to do in Costa Rica and a must-do in Monteverde is going for a night hike. Monteverde is a series of forest-covered hills up in Northern Costa Rica, about four hours from San Jose.

Being part of the cloud forest at 1330m elevation, it’s a popular destination for those who love the outdoors. With the majority of the wildlife in Monteverde only active at night, a night tour is the best opportunity to see them.

After dark, go for a two-hour guided tour of one of the five unique tropical forests of Monteverde. Here you can learn about the nocturnal wildlife of Costa Rica’s cloud forest. There are a few private reserves to choose from for a night hike. Every spot and each night is different. It’s possible to see sloths, birds, snakes, tarantulas, snakes, and more, using only flashlights for light. 

Monteverde night hike tours range between $25-$35pp, depending on the tour’s location and maximum group size. While it’s a short drive to any of the forest reserves, if you don’t have a rental car, choose a tour company with an option for pickup from your hotel or take a taxi. It isn’t safe to walk along the highways at night due to limited visibility, so do not walk. 

Where to stay: Selina Monteverde (Santa Elena)

Cost of activity: $25+

How to book: You can a Monteverde Rainforest Night Hike here!

20. Visit the Free Hotsprings in La Fortuna

The hot springs in La Fortuna are by far one of the best activities to do in Costa Rica and it’s absolutely free!

Located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, these hot springs are heated completely natural and can reach temperatures up to 41C or 106F. This makes it a great place to come and relax for a few hours.

As it is situated a 15 minute drive outside of La Fortuna, the best way to get there if you don’t have a scooter is through Uber or a local taxi. This will cost you roughly 4,000 colones (£5.70/$7) and make sure to get dropped off outside Tabacon Hot Springs. On the opposite side of the road you will see a pathway leading adjacent to the road. Follow this path down for 30 seconds and be careful on the steps as they’re very slippery. At the bottom you can either choose to go downstream or under the bridge. We recommend the latter but be careful as the current is quite strong.

You’ll emerge into a wide opening with a great number of shallow pools and probably a far few people as its really popular. The most popular place is just before the bridge where the majority of the water flows through. Here you’ll get the most enjoyment but maybe not the most space. Not to worry, there are plenty of spaces to sit, lie down and relax!

On the opposite bank there’s a stall selling fresh fruit that’s AMAZING as well as other products that are well worth trying out. As a direct result, coatis often come round scavenging for food!

Where to stay: Arenal Backpackers Resort

Cost of activity: $0

21. Ziplining in Monteverde

Zip-lining is easily the most exhilarating activities we’ve ever done!

Situated at the top of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest, Monteverde Extremo Park is one of the most well-known and safest Zip-lining centres in Costa Rica. Their tour takes roughly two hours to complete and features the longest zip-line in the country at 2.7 miles in total.

You’ll get the chance to go on 16 different zip-lines, some of which are literally across ravines and multiple fields. This includes two superman style zip-lines, where you’re going down head first as opposed to feet first. After getting used to the first couple, being able to take time and enjoy the beautiful landscape was mesmerising. I knew Costa Rica was pretty but not this pretty!!

There is also the opportunity to do a Tarzan Swing which was insane! At multiple times beforehand I was convinced I wasn’t going to do it but i’m so glad I did. Despite standing at 470 ft high and 295 ft long, the experience went by very quickly and had an huge rush of adrenaline once I was initially let off.

If you want to enjoy Costa Rica in another light, this is by far one of the best activities I’ve ever done and perfect from adrenaline junkies to first-timers!

Where to stay: Selina Monteverde

Cost of activity: $54

How to book: Through your accommodation or online here!

22. Take a tour of La Fortuna Waterfall

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If you find yourself in Costa Rica, La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the best places to visit.

This cascading waterfall is located in the small town of La Fortuna of the Alajuela Province. The water plummets over 200 feet into the pool below where the jade-colored water begins to calmly run down the river.

A short, but strenuous hike of 500 steps will take you down to the base of the waterfall where you can take in the stunning falls with the luscious tropical fauna. Taking the hike at your own pace will result in various completion times which can take anywhere from thirty minutes to over an hour round trip.

If you rented a car, it is very easy to get to once you get to the town of La Fortuna since the roads there are well-maintained. If you don’t have a car, you can get a taxi, Uber, or take a guided tour.

One of the best tours in the area that will take you to the waterfall is the Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Typical Lunch and Arenal Volcano Hike tour. It will take you to a few of the best places to see in the town, including La Fortuna Waterfall.

There are different tour options to choose from so you can choose which places you want to see the most along with this waterfall. But if you drive your own car to the waterfall, the only cost will be at the entrance which is about $18 per person. Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul is an affordable option that sits on the road to La Fortuna Waterfall.

Where to stay: Rancho Cerro Azul

Cost of activity: $18

How to book: You can book this tour online which includes the hanging bridges, waterfall and volcano hike, or you can make your own way to the waterfall and pay for your entrance ticket.

There you have it. Our ultimate Costa Rica bucket list outlines all the best places to visit and stay in the whole of Costa Rica BEFORE you travel. This will help you plan all of your favourite places to visit so you can have the best experience possible!

Please let us know what your favourite activities were in the comments section below!

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