I've been to Costa Rica twice now and it is absolutely breathtaking! Here are the best activities, tours, and places to stay while you're in Costa Rica. If you purchase from any of my favorite links, I receive a small commission.
Sections
3
San Jose
La Fortuna
Manuel Antonio
San Jose
San José is likely where you'll arrive in country, but don't rush away! It has SO MUCH to offer!
Visit the active Poas Volcano and check out one of the largest craters around. You'll hike roughly 10 minutes to the overlook, through lush forest and it's really worth it.
Poas Volcano
The food in Costa Rica is amazing, but you need to know where to go for the real traditional meals. This tour gives you a guided look at the markets and the incredible food here.
Walking Food Tour
This sweet guest house is a good spot to stay if you're hanging in San José for a couple of nights.
Viva Guest House
Arenal Volcano is another one that you'll want to visit. It's the most active volcano in the world, so you're bound to see some lava or ash.
Arenal Volcano
I love local markets and this one is no exception. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it's an amazing experience.
Central Market (Mercado Central)
For a luxury stay, this is the place you want!
Grano de Oro Hotel, San José, Costa Rica
A comfy bed and breakfast is just the thing if you want a more tailored stay than a big hotel.
XIN Bed&Breakfast
Jade is a popular stone in Central America and this museum shows you how Maya people used it.
Jade Museum
Get your first real taste of nature with a 2.5 hour stroll through some of the green areas in the city. You'll see birds, sloths, and other wildlife.
San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees
For something a bit more adventurous, try ziplining through the rainforest, hiking up La Carpenteria, and exploring the area.
Zip Line, Rappel, Hiking La Carpintera Tour
The biggest park in San José, La Sabana is worth checking out. It's massive and full of nature, right in the middle of the city.
Parque La Sabana
La Fortuna
This quaint town is near the Arenal Volcano and is a great spot to stay for a bit if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a bigger city.
You do not want to miss this breathtaking waterfall, or the hanging bridges to reach it.
La Fortuna Waterfall
Visit the warm waters heated by the volcano and spend some time climbing the volcano, too.
Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
This hotel has its own hot springs, with water heated by the volcano itself.
Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
This lodge has stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and is surrounded by a nature park that you can hike.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
Enjoy a whopping 12 ziplines around La Fortuna waterfall. You'll love the adrenalin rush and the views.
Arenal 12 Zipline Cables Experience
Manuel Antonio
Nature lovers will be tempted to settle down and stay in this gorgeous setting. The Manuel Antonio park is full of flora and fauna and is a whole experience in itself.
The mangroves are a great spot to see new wildlife. This area is quite different from the other forests in Costa Rica and worth a trip.
Mangrove Boat Tour
This park is vast, so it helps to have a guide who can show you the best places to spy a sloth or toucan.
Manuel Antonio Park
Don't miss this amazing beach, but wear your sunscreen, since the sun is intense here.
Playa Manuel Antonio
ATVs are a great way to explore the world and this tour is a fun adventure you won't soon forget.
ATV Tour Half Day Trip From Manuel Antonio
Enjoy some of the best waterfalls in the area and get a bird's eye view of the forest from the hanging bridges!
