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15 BEST Things to Do in COSTA RICA
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items Here are the coolest, most relaxing, most enjoyable, most thrilling, and most awesome stuff you can do in Costa Rica! I've done most of it since I spent 4 months studying Spanish there during my study abroad. I lived with a local family so it was gre...
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Things to Do and Places to See in Costa Rica
San Jose
Things to Do and Places to See in Costa Rica
I recommend you don't spend much time in the capital city of Costa Rica, because the country simply has too much to offer! (and San Jose is kinda busted and boring)
This is one of my favorite places to visit in Costa Rica. Beautiful hikes, great views, and awesome resorts abound!
Arenal Volcano
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I came here in my twenties and now it's my goal to take my daughter here before she's a teenager. It's fun for every age with slides into hot springs, live animal houses (really cool ones with colorful butterflies and frogs, live crocodiles, and leaf...
Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience, Fortuna, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio is where I want to go when I want to wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and spend my days chasing sloths. They aren't quick, but they can be elusive.
Manuel Antonio: The Definitive Guide
Puerto Viejo is where you can go to quickly jump over to Panama, but you should actually stay awhile! I learned to snorkel there, had some incredible Jamaican brownies, and made some great friends over fantastic jerk chicken.
9 Best Things to do in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo is where I learned to surf; it will always hold a place in my heart. I'm not sure I'd take my daughter here other than to surf, it's kind of a party town. And I remember taking a trip to a nearby village where I got to join in with their st...
Guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica | Costa Rican Vacations
If you like waterfalls, you HAVE to go here. It's located inside a biological reserve and you can swim in the refreshing water. It's awesome.
La Fortuna Waterfall - Arenal Volcano Costa Rica
This cloud forest has canopy walks that you'll fall in love with and it's basically a giant natural terrarium for all kinds of plants and wildlife!
Monteverdes Cloud Forest
This isn't too far from Puerto Viejo. Well worth the day trip for the relaxing atmosphere and ability to check out some cool animals! It's where I learned to snorkel, and the first time I ran into a really big reef shark (it was scary but the shark s...
Cahuita National Park
San Jose
This is the capital city of Costa Rica. It's the worst part of Costa Rica. But, there are some things to do there that fill the cultural cups of many travelers.
La Liga or Deportivo Saprissa? There are two major teams that have at it in San Jose. If you're going to stay in the city and want to catch a futbol match, go a game where they compete. It's madness.
Soccer in Costa Rica - Liga and Saprissa
Sure, there's history and some interesting cultural spots and sporting events. But, overall, the capital city of Costa Rica is quite boring and relatively unsafe. I lived there for 4 months during my study abroad and never personally got robbed, but ...
San Jose Costa Rica Travel Guide
The Gold Museum of San Jose, Costa Rica seems to be its claim to cultural fame. It's pretty cool, I guess. I wouldn't stay in the city just the see the place.
Gold Museum of Precolombian Times
For shows, this is the best place to go in Costa Rica. And, it's something that's actually pleasant and low-key to do in San Jose. Well worth it if you're in the capital!
National Theater of Costa Rica
If you like jade, you'll love this museum.
Jade Museum
Stone sculptures, a butterfly garden, and you might want to know about the history of Costa Rica. Here's the place you wanna go to learn more about your destination!
National Museum of Costa Rica
Artsy? Or maybe just enjoy art? Here's probably the best place for you to visit in all of Costa Rica, if art is your main thing.
Museum of Costa Rican Art