Five Classic Adventures
One of the 20 most biologically diverse countries in the world, Costa Rica boasts every type of terrain you can imagine. Explore rainforests and verdant valleys; try a heart-stopping canopy tour; revel in volcanic hot springs or pick up a board for some world-class surfing. The following roundup features five classic adventure destinations for your next trip to Costa Rica.
read more closeArenal’s Volcanic Hot Springs
No visit to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to Arenal’s famous hot springs. After a long day of adventure, sit back and relax in the restorative waters fed by the country’s most active volcano, Arenal. Choose between four hot spring retreats – Tabacon, The Springs Resort, Baldi and Ecotermales – each has its own charm, including lush gardens, volcano views and decadent day spas. Enjoy mineral soaks in secluded pools of varying temperatures, from warm to positively sauna-like at 102 degrees. Kids love the zippy waterslides, while parents can sidle up to the swim-up bar and savor a tropical cocktail before a sumptuous dinner.
Pacuare Whitewater Rafting
Internationally recognized as one of the top five whitewater rivers in the world, the Pacuare offers some of the finest Class III-IV rapids in Latin America. Flanked by the town of Turrialba and towering gorges covered in dense vegetation, the Pacuare lends a sense of total isolation as it snakes through primary rainforest and cascades over pristine waterfalls. Whether you're a novice or seasoned rafter, don't miss this experience! You can paddle the entire lower Pacuare in a day, but overnight trips afford opportunities to hike gorgeous canyons and truly enjoy the natural beauty of this free flowing gem.
Superman Canopy Tour
One of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the forest below is on a canopy tour, but why not up the adrenaline a notch and fly Superman-style while you’re at it? One of the country’s fastest zip-line tours, the sensational cable at Turu Ba Ri park, located near Puriscal, features a 4,000-foot cable that sends you flying 55 mph over the crocodile-laden Tarcoles River. The ride lasts almost one minute as you soar more than 300 feet above the ground. Take in the panoramic views of the Central Valley as you zoom like a superhero to the receiving platform; this is an unforgettable adventure not to be missed! Due to bridge repair, please note that Turu Ba Ri park is temporarily closed until further notice.
Surf’s Up on the Pacific Coast
For the best waves, begin your surf adventure in the north Pacific province of Guanacaste, along a stretch of beaches known as the Gold Coast. Look for Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playas Negra or Avellanas – all legendary surf breaks. For experienced wave riders, don’t miss a trip to Ollie’s Point or Witch's Rock. The Gold Coast is the most consistent from December to April when offshore winds merge with ideal swells to put breaks like Playa Negra, Playa Grande and Witch's Rock in perfect form. Warm waters are the norm, so leave your wet suits at home; boards and other surfing gear are widely available to rent or buy.
Wildlife Watching in Tortuguero
Connect with nature's best in the dark water canals of Tortuguero National Park. Wend silently through a maze of rivers and lagoons as you spot tiger herons, anhinga, caimans, howler monkeys and iguanas along the riverbanks. The park’s protected lands are nestled in the wet tropical forest on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast. If you’re visiting between July and October, be sure to take an evening turtle tour and witness some of the thousands of green sea turtles that nest there each year. Local naturalist guides are highly recommended for a full wildlife experience.