The Caribe Horse Riding Club offers incredible horseback tours for all levels. The best part is that beginners can relax and enjoy the surf a . Treetop Climbing is one of the most unique things you can do in Costa Rica. To get closer tothe waterfall, you'll have to descend a set of concrete steps. The Tarcoles River is Costa Rica's main waterway flowing into the Pacific Ocean, and the giant American crocodile loves sunning itself on the banks. Past visitors spoke highly of Corcovado Info Center. Tamarindo's beaches gained popularity after being featured in the 1994 surf movie "Endless Summer II," and today, the town is home to a bustling nightlife scene and well-regarded restaurants. This privately-owned biological park offers guests a unique look into the jungle and its creatures, flora, and fauna. An excellent bird watching location, Cerro de la Muerte is home to quetzals, emerald toucanettes and bell birds. The jungles of Dominical also hide wonderful freshwater waterfalls where you can jump and swim in after your hike to get there. Before traveling to Costa Rica, book your accommodations and experiences ahead of time. If you're just hoping to relax or swim, reviewers say the soft sand and stunning waters at Playa Punta Uvacan't be beat. Towels and fruit are included on your trip. I drove behind this vessel on the way to #SantaTeresa from #Montezu." Costa Rica guidebook writers / CEOs on Instagram: "Hey, #boat, why so blue? Given the area's immense size, the opportunities for adventure and exploration are nearly endless. To see the categories and filter through them, please click on the icon on the top left corner (square with a triangle pointing right). The island itself is surrounded by deep reef walls and over 20 separate dive sites. Many consider it one of the prettiest beaches in the area. Take a "night hike" with a nature guide to find out who they are and what theyre doing in the dark. Surfing in Costa Rica Map. Costa Rica has a long and sometimes mysterious history. When you're not in class, you can explore the coffee plantations that the area is famous for. Each experience is a little different, but all will leave you awestruck at the earths unbridled power. Come to Costa Rica to discover magnificent landscapes, endless outdoor activities and creatures great and small. One of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, you'll find many unique things to do as you explore Costa Rica. 7 likes, 1 comments - Costa Rica guidebook writers / CEOs (@puravidaeh) on Instagram: "Hey, #boat, why so blue? Cahuita National Park is home to an astonishing amount of wildlife, including venomous snakes. 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. Those in search of a photogenic waterfall won't have to look too hard: waterfalls are the star attraction of many of Costa Rica's beautiful national parks, including Corcovado National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park. The hike to reach the waterfall only takes about 10 minutes. However, scientists attribute the color to a chemical reaction between the volcanic minerals in the water. Far away from northern Costa Rica's foggy rainforests lies Jac, a beautiful town teeming with shops, restaurants and beachfront hotels (some of the top Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts can be found here). For beach lovers, Playa Manuel Antonio is the most popular thanks to its spectacular views. Water sports enthusiasts can also sign up for surfing lessons and catamaran and banana boat rides. If learning Spanish is on your Costa Rica to-do list, the Morpho Spanish School is a perfect option. Barrio Escalante is equally popular for its variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries. 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 The cloud forests and rain forests in southern Costa Rica tend to be damn and moderately tempered. Youll ogle three different waterfalls on the way, including a final celestial-blue beauty that's hidden inside a cave. Situated in Quepos, this skydive center will teach you all about your equipment and safety before taking you above the clouds. The roar of the rapids, the spectacular scenery and the thrill of the ride make for a fantastic adventure and youre just getting started. In addition to crowded beaches, family travelers cautioned against the rip currents at Playa Jac and to heed the posted signs. The entire La Paz Waterfall Gardens is draped in a sea of leafy green canopies dotted with colorful orchids. From croaking frogs and fluttering butterflies to rumbling jaguars and howling spider monkeys, the park is a wildlife lover's paradise. Whether you're looking for beaches, hikes, volcanoes or wildlife, here are 15 of the most majestic parks in this popular Central American country. The waters are teeming with Snapper, Dorado, Marlin, and Rooster Fish - all common catches. 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. Go surfing/learn to surf. 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. Top things to do in Costa Rica are hiking, waterfalls, surfing, ziplining and relaxing. Its a stunner. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! The volcano sat dormant for 400 years, then on July 29, 1968, Arenal awoke from its slumber. Buzzing insects and chirping birds can be seen and heard as you stroll through the verdant jungle. Permits can be obtained through a tour operator; many local hotels work with tour operators and can book a tour for you. You can also see where various lava flows have ended during different eruptions and find a variety of lookout points. The Jaguar Rescue Center provides temporary or permanent homes to ill, injured, and orphaned animals. Altos de San Isidro, Atenas, Explore the Jade Museum, which houses more than 7,000 pieces of jade, Marvel at nearly 700 pre-Columbian gold pieces at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Learn more about Costa Rica's history at Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. Past visitors called the experience relaxing and beautiful, with great facilities. Through Fina Modela, you can climb 131 feet up a hollow Ficus Tree. Planning tip: Find the biggest waves on the Pacific coast from May to October (though the dry season is better for beginners). La Paz may seem quiet and still at first glance. Sportfishing and deepsea fishing are super popular in this region of Costa Rica, and for good reason. Want some help? Costa Rica is a great spot for family vacations. Most famously, the scarlet macaw has made an incredible comeback along the Pacific coast, with sightings practically guaranteed in Parque Nacional Carara and on the Osa Peninsula. Various hikes, food, mosquito netting, and sheets are provided for you, as well as a professional guide. The park is also home to white-faced monkeys, toucans, jaguars, bright lizards, red-eyed frogs and blue morpho butterflies. 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. Sustainable travel is all about making a positive impact on the world as you travel. Click here to go to our interactive map Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Liberia International Airport and 231 kilometers (143 miles) from San Jose International Airport. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. Turtle nesting walks can be arranged through a licensed guide (past visitors praised Tortuguero Tours and Tortuguero Eco Experiences). FORMER WRITER This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Keep an eye on your valuables when in popular tourist areas both in cities and national parks and never leave them alone on the beach or in your car. Beach bonfires and local music will fill the air. This unique beach is made up of billions of seashells! Here is a case where the journey rivals the destination, as you travel to the lodge by whitewater rafting over Class III-IV rapids on this world-famous river. Here's a guide to the best national parks in Panama. Monteverde and the Cloud Forests. This tour gives you a perfect view of the Arenal Volcano and its surrounding area. It also lacks the animal diversity found elsewhere due to the dry conditions, altitude and volcanic activity. Explore Vacation Options Costa Rica Map Click to Enlarge The Maps of Costa Rica You Need! 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. But Arenal wasn't always spewing fiery lava, rocks and ash. If you really want to learn about Costa Rica's jungles, flora, fauna, and creatures, the biological station and reserve are perfect. Local lore attributes the stunning beryl-tinted waters to God, who legend says rinsed his paintbrushes in the river after painting the sky blue. On the edge of its eponymous wildlife refuge, Maquenque Eco Lodge has a collection of fantastic treehouses each constructed amid the leafy canopy, 12m (39ft) off the ground and surrounded by trees. Costa Rica's strikingly diverse terrain lush forests, wildlife reserves, hot springs and tropical beaches offers a little something for every. 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. The waterfall can be found at the end of a three-mile La Cangreja hike that meanders through the lush flora and fauna. However, you can also sign up for horseback riding or four-wheel drive vehicle tours, which can be reserved through the same company that manages the falls. Top tours and experiences in Costa Rica. A handy tip from recent travelers: Bring water shoes to protect your feet as you walk from one pool to another. In the map below, you will find articles to all of the Mytanfeet guides we have published on the website. Only reachable via liveaboard charters, you know you'll be experiencing the very best of Costa Rica's marine life. Jaco, Costa Rica: Biggest and most developed beach town, only 1.5 hours from San Jose. Discovered and managed by the same family, the popular Nauyaca Waterfalls feature two tiers of falls within a nearly 30-foot-wide canyon that are part of the Barucito River. Canyoning in La Fortuna is one of the most thrilling ways to get close to nature. Parque Nacional Volcn Rincn de la Vieja, 10 sustainable travel experiences around the world to bookmark, 7 of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica, Wildlife watching away from the crowds on Costa Ricas Osa Peninsula. Once at the lodge, youll enjoy sumptuous accommodations, incredibly satisfying meals, super-attentive service and a roster of activities before rafting back out again. According to recent visitors, you'll want to plan your trip here early to avoid the usual tourist crowds (which start arriving around 10 a.m.) and to enjoy the view before the clouds and fog start to roll in. Costa Rica Maps Costa Rica Country Maps View Country Maps Costa Rica Region Maps View Region Maps Costa Rica Area Maps View Area Maps Costa Rica City Maps View City Maps Only 51,100 square kilometers in size, Costa Rica is among the most bio-diverse places on earth. Here are some places to check out: If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Though you can explore the park on your own, there are a variety of organized tours that take the hassle out of planning and range from guided hikes and kayak tours to boat rides, zip line tours and more. Translated to Mountain of Death, the nickname was before the time of cars. Measuring approximately 300 feet, this waterfall plunges over the edge of an extinct volcanic crater and is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and mist. Recent travelers enjoyed visiting the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge; many took a boat cruise to see the wildlife and birds. This magical glow in the water is called bioluminescence, and it lights up the coves of Ballena Bay, near Tambor on the Nicoya Peninsula. The path is rocky, so you'll want more than just flip-flops! Use best practices when participating in recreation activities like hiking, swimming, zip lining and off-roading. It requires a rugged hike, but the reward is a triple-tiered catarata, with a thrilling (and chilling) cliff jump from the top. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. 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. However, the best part is the sound the shells make after the waves crash on them. Only accessible by organized tour, the waters surrounding the island are crystal clear and the coral reef protects smaller marine life. To get all our articles straight to your inbox and get the newest updates as soon as it comes out, sign up to our mailing list! 365. Book a Tour from San Jose! Planning tip: Save some cash by driving yourself to Playa Pochote and booking a bioluminescence tour at Don Trino campground, where tours are far less expensive than in the larger towns. 23 Best Things To Do in Costa Rica Updated April 4, 2023 Costa Rica's strikingly diverse terrain - lush forests, wildlife reserves, hot springs and tropical beaches - offers a little. Places to stay near the Caribe Horse Riding Club. This tour takes you to Casa de Piedra, a cave in the middle of a cloud forest. Bioluminescent tours depart from Santa Teresa, Montezuma or Tambor itself, giving you a chance to kayak or swim through ethereal illuminated waters. There are over 3,000 types of plants, 700 varieties of trees, and 500 classifications of orchids alone! For other avid divers, the quality of the coral reef seemed to be declining, a problem the world over due to climate change. Categories: National Parks, Beaches, Cities, Activities & Tours, Hotels, Things to do, Airports and Driving. 8. Four varieties of sea turtles use the coastline here to lay their eggs. (If you want to observe the falls and the pool at their most striking, visit in the dry season; rain can dull the blue tint of the waters.). Scuba divers and snorkelers swim with several types of rays, along with whale sharks and even sea turtles. A map of Costa Rica. Costa Rica's highest mountain offers stunning views of wildlife and scenery. Some of its most popular beaches include Playa Grande and Playa Negra. You can also see butterflies and birds, and potentially jungle cats! Its magnesium-rich waters are heated by the natural energy of Arenal Volcano and collect in several rock-edged pools that are surrounded by lounge chairs and a lush tropical rainforest, not to mention views of the volcano. Details Beaches, Free, Neighborhood/Area, Hiking, Recreation, Tours, Sightseeing Type More than Full Day Time to Spend scorecard 5.0Value 4.5Food Scene 5.0Atmosphere South Pacific Full Moon parties are a huge part of Costa Rica, and attending one has to be a part of your Costa Rican itinerary. 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. There is even a Costa Rica Rainfall Map that shows you where an how much rainfall various areas get in Costa Rica. Places to stay close to Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica. Costa Rica's Monteverde Cloud Forest is impressive on many levels. You can see Costa Rica's famed beauty without spending tons of cash. Quepos is a small town in Costa Rica mostly known as a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Costa Rica is the easy way to dive into Central America with kids in tow. Numerous hiking trails are in the area; many lead to waterfalls and old and recent lava flows. Aside from the view, perhaps the biggest draw to a visit to Irazu Volcano is its craters. Below are some top recommendations to get you started. Standing 11,260 feet tall, Irazu is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica (its last eruption was in 1994) and one of the most popular for Costa Rica visitors. After enjoying the volcano, you can soak in the natural hot spring found nearby. Close to Montezuma is Cemetery Island. Adventurous travelers explore Monteverde Cloud Forest from a zip line, but there's also a tram for those whod like to see the cloud forest without long hikes. For the latter half of the 20th century, admirers traveled to its base in droves to catch a glimpse of its glowing rocks and the molten lava tumbling down its sides. Adding this hike to your to-do list is a must when visiting Costa Rica! There are many free and cheap activities to enjoy in Costa Rica as well. You can park on either side of the bridge (make sure to lock up and take everything with you) to view dozens of crocs at any given time. Head to the Caribbean coast for top sights like Tortuguero National Park and Cahuita National Park. What's more, Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to more than 2% of the worlds biodiversity and 10% of its plants are endemic to the preserve. You can also find a Tarzan swing, hanging bridges, a butterfly garden, a Cayman pond, and a serpent house in the park. Others were pleased with the friendly and knowledgeable staff and the ability to see the property in two hours. But if youre up for a challenge, you can paddle a kayak along the gorgeous coastline and explore the cliffs and sea caves along the way. 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. Both museums house dazzling and rare pre-Columbian artifacts. There are various marked trails for you to follow to spot wildlife and other remarkable flora and fauna. This lush country is teeming with wildlife, volcanoes, jungles, and thousands of years of history. Located just outside Monteverde, the park contains over 850 acres (344 hectares) of ecologically diverse forest. Continue reading to learn more! Even if youre not a bird nerd, its easy to geek out about the avian life in Costa Rica. Several recent snorkelers said the experience topped their expectations, with sharks and turtles swimming close by and dolphins visible on the boat ride to the island. This outing is more than a hike or a waterfall swim its a canyoneering adventure. 1. One of the best places to snorkel in Costa Rica, the reefs here are protected, and you can only go with a guide. With numerous aquatic trails (travel within the park is by canoe or skift), visitors can admire more than 400 different bird species, hundreds of different mammals and reptiles, followed by more than 400 arthropods (insects and spiders). There are a variety of paved paths that allow visitors to safely and easily observe the craters, including the popular Diego de la Haya crater, which fills with an aquamarine lake if the precipitation conditions are right. 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. It's also the closest beachside retreat to San Jos, the country's capital. This La Fortuna activity comes with expert guides, all the equipment you need, and lunch at the end of your trip. Their main goal is to rehabilitate and release animals to their natural homes. Costa Rica offers plenty of attractions, sights to explore, national parks to hike through and more. Beach lovers should head west and stay along the Pacific Coast; Guanacasteand theNicoya Peninsula offer a palm-fringed coastline with everything from ecolodges to luxurious all-inclusive resorts, not to mention surf havens like Playa Avellanas and Tamarindo. Farther inland, you'll discover a thriving cowboy culture that has flourished since Spanish colonial rule in the 19th century. You may also spot sharks, including hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. We also made a Costa Rica restaurant map, click the link to check it. It's rumored that Costa Rica has more monkeys than humans! The total length of the trail is about 2 miles round-trip. It is about a 30 minute drive from Liberia Airport and a 4 hour drive from San Jose Airport. In Costa Rica visitors will find everything they are looking for: adventure, sun, beaches, forest, wildlife and wellness, and much more. The hike to the waterfall is well marked and has several viewing platforms along the way. Written by Nikki Solano. Recent travelers highlight one major drawback: the town's popularity. Give us feedback about this article. Dont miss the Museo del Jade for its insightful exhibits about pre-Columbian cultures and the Teatro Nacional for its artistic misrepresentations of Costa Rican culture. Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! Things to Do in San Carlos, Costa Rica - San Carlos Attractions Things to Do in San Carlos Enter dates Filters Attractions Traveler favorites Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Transportation Types of Attractions Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Sights & Landmarks Museums Water & Amusement Parks Traveler rating & up The waterfall is privately owned, and can be viewed from the on-site restaurant and several lookout points. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches and adventure lovers can enjoy white water rafting, canopy, hiking, surfing all while staying at a luxurious boutique hotel or an all-inclusive resort made just for families and couples alike. 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. Corcovado National Park is home to all four, and taking a hike or tour will definitely take you into monkey territory. Southern Zone Weather. For most travelers, surfing was the main draw,in addition to the unique gray and black sand beaches. As a stratovolcano, it features five different craters at its peak, giving the Irazu Volcano an irregular shape. Surf lovers should make it a priority to check out the Costa Rica . If you plan on staying in the city for a few days before connecting elsewhere, consider heading downtown to the Plaza de la Cultura for the exquisite collections at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. We will be in touch soon with discounts on tickets and hotels and our latest guides. Officially known as Cabuya, it has been used as burial grounds since the early 1700s. There are multiple ways to get to the hiking trail, one being via horseback. 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. The Costa Rica canopy craze started here, but more importantly, theres something fantastic about soaring over the treetops with the clouds swirling all around you. 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. I drove behind this vessel on the way to #SantaTeresa from #Montezuma. You can book a whale watching tour from popular destinations like Manuel Antonio, Jaco, and Drake Bay. Take in the misty magic of the cloud forest, supercharged with an adrenaline rush. The northwestern province's dry, sunny savannas contrast the misty cloud-covered rainforests found in other parts of the country. The sanctuary is home to monkeys and sloths. If you'd prefer to stay on ground, the reserve also offers guided walking tours year-round (for an extra fee). Snag accommodations for less than $100 for night (even in high season) if you're don't mind skipping the fancy hotel or resort. You'll likely want to stop here before heading off to the country's magnificent rainforests and beaches. This smallish Central American country offers a world of adventure, from water sports to mountain hikes, from rainforest wildlife watching to cloud-forest birding. One of the top birding destinations in Costa Rica, this attraction is home to the Scarlet Macaw, orange-chinned parakeets, antbirds, and many more. Accommodation Recent visitors praised the forest signage and said it was easy to navigate with their group. Let Elsewhere plan your next trip. The best site to see them is the "site museum farm 6". Whether you want to hire a private instructor, join a camp, take lessons or rent a board and give it a go on your own, Tamarindo is a pretty safe place to do so. Monteverde and the Cloud Forests. Described by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on Earth," Corcovado National Park is not for the faint of heart. But guess what? Located in a wholly untouched location in Costa Rica, you and your horse will truly experience what the Costa Rica beaches and jungles have to offer. Read more. Youll also get our FREE travel eBook, free packing checklist and free downloadable Spanish pocket guide! 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. Accommodations close to Morpho Spanish School. We can help you decide. Costa Rica Maps - Activities. Note that the crater lake only fills during periods of rainfall, and may be empty during your visit. At low tide, you can investigate the two caves that open onto the beach (taking care to retreat if the water starts to rise). 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. On mobile, it is best used if you open it in the Google Maps App once you click on the top left sidebar icon, it will prompt you to open the map in Google Maps so you need to have the app on your phone. The National Theater in San Jose is a beautiful and ornate example of architecture. Most said the park was a must-see example of Costa Rica's rich wildlife diversity. Offering small-scale classes, usually one-on-one, ensures you meet your Spanish language goal. More than a couple travelers called the experience of hiking through the cloud forest "magical." For those who want a bigger dose of nature, Carara National Park is home to crocodiles, jaguars and the endangered scarlet macaw. The Inter-American Highway, often called the Pan-American Highway, runs through Central America, and Cerro de La Muerte is its highest point. Wind sports in Costa Rica map. On desktop, go to Google Maps and click 'Your Places,' and 'Maps.' On app view, select 'Saved, scroll down and click 'Maps.' Costa Rica is a relatively small country convenient for road-tripping. After hanging out on the platform, you can either repel down or climb down from the inside. This pristine island is well known around Costa Rica, and you can actually do tours from Montezuma, Jaco, and even San Jose. If you're looking for a shortlist of towns or attractions to visit while traveling around the peninsula, consider the following: Tamarindo: For the most developed beach town, head to Tamarindo on the north end of the peninsula. It is easy to follow the trail system on your own but also highly recommended to hire a guide! You can take a tour or rent one on your own to explore the beaches, hike to the Costa Rica waterfall, or cruise around town. Nature seekers should head to wildlife havens like the Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, a 60-acre property that's home to the country's colorful birds and resident monkeys. Other beaches in Costa Rica can be a little daunting, but Smara Beach is perfect for learning! Part of the beach is in Manuel Antonio National Park (where an entrance fee required), though the section near the town of Manuel Antonio (called Playa Espadilla Norte) is free to enjoy. Costa Rica is one of the most amazing places in the world to visit. Whether you're looking for adventurous things to do in Costa Rica, unusual things to do in Costa Rica, or even just the most popular, this list will help you plan your perfect trip.
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