Choose from 58 Fun Things to Do in Costa Rica
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 58 listings.
National Museum (Museo Nacional)
The National Museum, housed in the barracks of the Bellavista Fortress, has been proudly displaying indigenous and pre-Columbian artifacts, religious artwork and geological and archaeological pieces linked to Costa Rica’s rich and colorful history since 1950.
Separate rooms explore ancient cultures dating back some 12,000 years, as well as collections of ornate jewelry, medallions and statues made of gold. And while the Museum’s impressive collection of grinding stones and other artifacts from ancient Costa Rica grant tourists a chance to travel back in time, visitors should be sure to explore the grounds, too. Nationals fought at the barracks during the Civil War in 1948, and damage from bullet holes and warfare can still be seen in the Spanish-style courtyard.
Separate rooms explore ancient cultures dating back some 12,000 years, as well as collections of ornate jewelry, medallions and statues made of gold. And while the Museum’s impressive collection of grinding stones and other artifacts from ancient Costa Rica grant tourists a chance to travel back in time, visitors should be sure to explore the grounds, too. Nationals fought at the barracks during the Civil War in 1948, and damage from bullet holes and warfare can still be seen in the Spanish-style courtyard.
Practical Info
The National Museum is located in the Bellavista Fortress at Calle 17, between Cenral and Second Avenues. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30am until 4:30pm, and on Sundays from 9am until 4:30pm. Foreign visitors pay $8 to enter or $4 with a valid student ID.
Address: Cuesta de Moras, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hours: Tue - Sat 8:30am-4pm; Sundays 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adult: $8; Student: $4
From $ 14
Poas Volcano National Park
Poas Volcano National Park houses one of the more popular volcanoes in Costa Rica—a telling superlative for a country with world-famous geothermal activity. But with its spectacular wildlife, informative museum, and variety of hiking trails, the accolade comes as no surprise.
The Basics
Poas Volcano makes for a thrilling day-trip destination from San Jose, as tours regularly depart from the city for the volcano and often combine a visit with other popular Costa Rica activities such as white-water rafting, coffee plantation tours, or a stop at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Though a thick cloud forest and scenic vistas line the way up Poas Volcano, the crater steals the show. Poas Volcano’s mile-long (1.6-kilometer-long) crater is filled with the deep, rain-fed Botos Lagoon and dotted with smoking fumaroles—a view most will find accessible from the paved, 0.3-mile (half-kilometer) trail leading there from the visitors' center. Two slightly longer hikes offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife like hummingbirds, wildflowers, and the elusive quetzal.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress in layers and for rain, as it can be cold and wet near the crater.
- Visiting time is limited to 10 minutes at the crater.
- The visitors' center is wheelchair accessible.
- On-site facilities include parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and a cafe with some food options.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Poas Volcano is as part of a guided day tour. The park is also accessible with private transportation. Bus services to Alajuela are sparse.
When to Get There
Get the best views when you visit early in the day during the dry season (December through April). Clouds typically roll in around noon, and many of the park’s facilities close by 3pm.
Address: Highway 126, Poasito 4050, Costa Rica
Hours: Open daily
From $ 19
Las Pumas Rescue Center
Las Pumas Rescue Center is located in the Guanacaste area near Cañas and serves to rescue, rehabilitate and ensure good conditions for wildlife in Costa Rica. The rescue center primarily caters to larger cats, but there are a number of local species that have benefited from the services at Las Pumas. In addition to the large cats, monkeys, deer and even parrots have been treated here, as well as two toucans that were rescued in 2007 after two men were caught trying to sell them.
The center was established in the midst of deforestation in the 1960s to promote wildlife rehabilitation and conversation efforts. The site fights against hunting, deforestation and poaching of wild animals in Guanacaste by taking in animals that have been removed from their natural habitat, seized by authorities or even brought in by concerned citizens.
It’s important to note that Las Pumas Rescue Center is not a zoo. Animals are rehabilitated with a goal of returning them to the wild; however, that isn't always feasible. Animals unfit to be released are continually cared for.
Practical Info
The Las Pumas Rescue Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (until 5 p.m. during high season) and is located at the Palo Verde National Park. Donations to the nonprofit organization are welcomed to help Las Pumas rehabilitate injured Costa Rican wildlife.
Address: Pan-American Highway, 4. 5km From Canas (Direction Liberia) | Canas, Canas, Costa Rica, Canas, Costa Rica
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; until 5 p.m. in high season
Admission: $10
From $ 100
Orosi River Valley
The thick green forests, fertile coffee plantations and scenic mountains of the Orosi River Valley draw bird watchers, freshwater fishermen and nature lovers to the banks of the Reventazon River, as well as the pristine lake formed by the Cachi Dam.
Travelers can spend the morning wandering through Iglesia de San Jose de Orosi Church, where Spanish Colonial artifacts and religious paintings line the interior of Costa Rica’s oldest church still in use. Adventurers will enjoy an afternoon at the Irazu Volcano. Crater lakes and lush farmland make for scenic hikes and picturesque views.
The Ruins of Ujarras, with peaceful gardens and even a nearby public swimming pool, prove another popular destination for both travelers and residents. Buy lunch from one of the local women selling fragrant arepas before exploring the historic ruins and cooling off with a refreshing dip.
Travelers can spend the morning wandering through Iglesia de San Jose de Orosi Church, where Spanish Colonial artifacts and religious paintings line the interior of Costa Rica’s oldest church still in use. Adventurers will enjoy an afternoon at the Irazu Volcano. Crater lakes and lush farmland make for scenic hikes and picturesque views.
The Ruins of Ujarras, with peaceful gardens and even a nearby public swimming pool, prove another popular destination for both travelers and residents. Buy lunch from one of the local women selling fragrant arepas before exploring the historic ruins and cooling off with a refreshing dip.
Practical Info
Orosi River Valley is located about 40 miles from San Jose and five miles south of Cartago.
Address: Orosi, Costa Rica
From $ 107
Plaza de la Cultura
As far as city squares go, Plaza de la Cultura leaves much to be desired. That’s because its unremarkable architecture and mostly concrete designs tend to make it one of the less visually pleasing squares in this colorful city.
Still, travelers in search of a true taste of San Jose life will do well to visit this busy square, where locals gather after weekend shopping trips and stay well into the night. Ice cream vendors sell sweet, cool treats, which are perfect for taking the edge off a steamy afternoon. Plaza de la Cultura is typically teeming with street performers and vendors and a nearby police tower means that even with the crowds, it’s still one of the safest places in the city.
Practical Info
Plaza de la Cultura is located on Avenida Central between Calles 3 and 5 near Gran Hotel Costa Rica. It is a short walking distance from Museo Nacional de Costa Rica. Visitors can take the train to Estacion de Ferrocarril al Atlantico, travel to the plaza via one of the city’s buses.
Address: Bulevar Avenida Central, San José, Costa Rica
From $ 58
Playa Flamingo
There was once a time when Playa Flamingo was nothing but mangroves and sand, but an influx of modern, high end development now dots the white sand coast. Love it, lament it, loathe it, or live it, the best thing to do in Playa Flamingo is simply relax and enjoy it. Playa Flamingo’s sugary shoreline is sheltered by Punta Salinas, and sandwiched between Portrero Bay and the town of Brasilito. Deep sea fisherman flock to the town for some of the world’s best angling, and at the nearby Catalina Islands, snorkelers and divers can spend the day with turtles, manta rays, or dolphins. As with much of the Guanacaste region, Playa Flamingo is a welcome combination of tranquility and first world comforts. You can leave a winding trail of footprints on a beautiful golden beach, or fill the day with golf, shopping, and exceptional dining by night. You can search for monkeys and Leatherback turtles in the nearby national parks, or spend the entire day floating or swimming in the protected bay. While nearby towns such as Tamarindo are a haven for visiting surfers, Playa Flamingo is better suited for swim trunks, mask, and snorkel. And, since modern development has brought improvement to access and local roads, shopping, nightlife, and modern pursuits are only a short drive away.
Practical Info
Playa Flamingo is 30 minutes from Tamarindo and an hour from Liberia’s airport. High season is from November-April when the coast is sunny and dry, and rainy season peaks in September with periodic floods.
Address: Playa Flamingo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
From $ 85
Pacuare River
A river winding through the dense Costa Rican rainforest, the Pacuare flows from the Talamanca Mountains to the Caribbean Sea. Known for its exotic wildlife as well as whitewater rafting conditions, the river is divided into sixteen sections. Sabe, palm, and banana trees line its waterfront, where colorful birds, monkeys, ocelots, and even jaguars can be spotted. As a true gorge, it is surrounded by walls of thick greenery, frequent waterfalls, and colorful plants. Sloths, toucans, parrots, butterflies, snakes, and frogs are a few of the animals that populate the rainforest beside its banks.
The river has several different classes of rapids, with varying levels of adventure based on skill levels and experience. Part of the river opens up to a unique five mile stretch of scenery, along the Valle del Pacuare. It has been recognized as one of the best river trips in the world, both for its rapids and its dramatic tropical rainforest scenery.
Practical Info
Visiting the river is best done as a guided trip. Turriabla is the closest city to the river, with transportation accessible from both San Jose and the Arenal areas. River rafting requires the rental of equipment and hiring of a guide, which can be done from either city.
Address: Pacuare River, Costa Rica
From $ 85
Playa Conchal
Whether it’s the feeling of seashells squishing softly between your toes as you walk, or the masseuse’s hands kneading into your back as waves splash gently on the coast, Playa Conchal has a calming feel that encapsulates pura vida. This mostly undeveloped, somewhat hidden beach has a South Pacific feel, where turquoise water beautifully blends with the pinkish hue of the sand. Grab a snorkel mask and dive right in to swim with colorful reef fish, or explore the length of the beach on horseback while enjoying a saddle-view sunset. With the exception of the all-inclusive luxury resort on the beach’s northern end, Playa Conchal is serenely empty and a welcome break from the crowds. Beachgoers who want a little more action can hang around the resort, where jet ski rentals and mobile vendors help bring Conchal to life. Or, if the only sounds you want to hear are wind, waves, and your footsteps, take a leisurely stroll down the beach to find your own private spot. While Playa Conchal is definitely one of Guanacaste’s best beaches, there’s plenty of it to go around for every visitor to enjoy.
Practical Info
Playa Conchal is located 30 minutes from Tamarindo and an hour from the airport at Liberia. Aside from the all-inclusive resort, there are budget accommodations in Brasilito a 15 minute walk up the beach. To access Playa Conchal itself, you can either make the enjoyable stroll from the beach at Brasilito, or drive on the sand at lower tide and hope you don’t get caught.
Address: Playa Conchal, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
From $ 85
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center
Costa Rica contains some of the most diverse, tropical ecosystems on the planet, filled with rich wildlife that is famous around the world. Proyecto Asis is a wildlife rescue center focused on the protection and rehabilitation of local animals. Visitors can tour the facilities, take Spanish classes, or volunteer to care for the animals, whose natural habitats are often threatened by human development and expansion in the area.
Rangers rescue the jungle animals which have been neglected, abandoned, or poached, and offered shelter and care. Parrots, monkeys, kinkajou, and peccaries are a few of the animals cared for. Many are on the brink of extinction, with rescue centers contributing to the species’ longevity. Some are even able to be released back into the wild.
A visit to the center is an excellent way to see the animals up close, while simultaneously learning and contributing to the preservation of local wildlife.
Practical Info
Proyecto Asis is located in the Arenal Volcano area. From La Fortuna take Route 142 east and follow signs for Javillos. The wildlife center will be located on the righthand side of the road. Open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, tour prices begin at $31 per person (1.5 hours.) They also work with volunteers on a longer basis.
Address: 141, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 8am-4pm
Admission: Tours start at $31
From $ 33
Puntarenas Cruise Port
Sitting on a narrow peninsula in the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas is a gateway to exploring the best of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and ecological diversity. It is also the country’s most important fishing port and a popular holiday destination for Costa Ricans.
How to Get to Puntarenas
If you are lucky, your ship will dock right in Puntarenas; other cruise ships may dock at Puerto Caldera, which is 20 minutes away from Puntarenas by taxi. In Puntarenas, you will arrive at the base of the Paseo de las Turistas, the main tourist drag.
One Day in Puntarenas
Without much to see in Puntarenas itself, you will most likely spend your day on an excursion. The Monteverde Cloud Forest, Poas Volcano National Park and the Carara National Park are all popular day trip destinations and possible activities include horseback riding or hiking through the rainforest, kayaking, whitewater rafting, birdwatching and ziplining.
If you are looking for a slightly more relaxing way to spend your day, you might try a visit to the town of Sarchi, about 40 minutes from Puntarenas. The drive itself is pleasant and the town offers a variety of unique souvenirs including colorful crafts and leather goods. Or, arrange an excursion to a local coffee plantation, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of Costa Rica’s best brews.
For those who opt to hang around town, you can stroll along the Paseo de las Turistas, a beachfront walkway that is bursting with shops, open air food counters and restaurants.
Port Information
Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica, but those in the tourist industry will likely speak and understand some English. The local currency is the Costa Rican colon, but most merchants and taxi drivers will accept US dollars, giving you change in colones.
How to Get to Puntarenas
If you are lucky, your ship will dock right in Puntarenas; other cruise ships may dock at Puerto Caldera, which is 20 minutes away from Puntarenas by taxi. In Puntarenas, you will arrive at the base of the Paseo de las Turistas, the main tourist drag.
One Day in Puntarenas
Without much to see in Puntarenas itself, you will most likely spend your day on an excursion. The Monteverde Cloud Forest, Poas Volcano National Park and the Carara National Park are all popular day trip destinations and possible activities include horseback riding or hiking through the rainforest, kayaking, whitewater rafting, birdwatching and ziplining.
If you are looking for a slightly more relaxing way to spend your day, you might try a visit to the town of Sarchi, about 40 minutes from Puntarenas. The drive itself is pleasant and the town offers a variety of unique souvenirs including colorful crafts and leather goods. Or, arrange an excursion to a local coffee plantation, where you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of Costa Rica’s best brews.
For those who opt to hang around town, you can stroll along the Paseo de las Turistas, a beachfront walkway that is bursting with shops, open air food counters and restaurants.
Port Information
Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica, but those in the tourist industry will likely speak and understand some English. The local currency is the Costa Rican colon, but most merchants and taxi drivers will accept US dollars, giving you change in colones.
Address: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
From $ 192
Rio Celeste
The dazzling centerpiece of Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste is most famous for its shockingly bright blue color. The river’s hue results from a natural reaction of volcanic sulfur and calcium carbonate, which tints the clear waters.
The Basics
Reached by hiking through the surrounding rain forest, Rio Celeste rewards visitors with its natural beauty and a number of other sights along the river. Most notable are the Rio Celeste Waterfall, a favorite photo spot where the river tumbles into a striking blue lagoon; the Teñideros, where two rivers merge in the Celeste; and the Poza Azul, the most stunning “dye pool.”
Many travelers opt to visit the national park on a 1- or 2-day tour from Tamarindo or La Fortuna. Excursions usually include a hike to the waterfall. Although swimming is prohibited within the park, it is possible to bathe in the river’s hot springs or enjoy white-water tubing along the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to enter the Tenorio Volcano National Park and visitor numbers are limited, so it’s best to arrive early.
- The trail to the waterfall is 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) round-trip, and hiking to the waterfall takes about an hour.
- A raincoat and sturdy shoes with a good grip are essential, as rain is common even in the dry season. The trails are unpaved and can get extremely muddy.
- Restrooms, a restaurant, and a car park are located at the entrance to the national park.
How to Get There
The Río Celeste is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in northwestern Costa Rica, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from San José. There is no public transport directly to the park, but it’s possible to take a taxi from the nearby town of Bijagua.
When to Get There
The river’s startling color change is best viewed during the dry season (December to April). Excess rainfall can dilute the reactive chemicals, leaving the waters with a less appealing muddy hue. The busiest period is from February to April, when it’s best to make an early start. Hikers allowed on the trail are limited, so you might find yourself having to wait if it gets too crowded.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Hiking is the main activity in Tenorio Volcano National Park and there are a number of well-signposted short trails to follow. The Waterfall Trail is the main attraction, but worthwhile detours include the Mirador, a 5-minute trail that affords gorgeous views across the rain forest; and the Tenorio Volcano trail, although it’s not possible to climb to the summit. The park also harbors a wealth of wildlife, including tapirs, howler monkeys, ocelots, and jaguars.
Address: Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Admission: Varies
From $ 85
Miravalles Volcano
Towering 6,653 feet above the northwestern plains, Miravelles volcano is the highest peak in the region of Guanacaste. The air up here is refreshingly cool when compared to the tropical beaches, and adventurous day trips up Miravalles volcano provide a way to escape the coast for the wild, rain-soaked interior. Though technically classified as a dormant volcano, Miravelles still carries enough heat to cause geysers and pockets of steam. Hiking to naturally heated mud baths is a popular visitor activity, and the smell of sulfur hangs in the air like the clouds that cling to the trees. Hiking, horseback riding, and ziplining tours all dot the volcanic slope, and for a dose of authentic rainforest adventure, make the hike to Celeste Waterfall that thunders into a cerulean lagoon in the middle of a tropical rainforest. When you aren’t bathing in natural hot springs or cooling off beneath falls, scan the treetops for colorful signs of dozens of species of birds. Thanks in part to a microclimate that’s caused by the lush volcano, the birdwatching here is some of the best you’ll find in Costa Rica, and whether you’re wobbling your way across suspension bridges or riding tractors to get there, visiting Miravelles volcano is a highlight of touring Guanacaste.
Practical Info
Miravelles volcano is approximately 90 minutes from the Guanacaste coast. Day trips from Tamarindo and Playa del Coco are a popular way to visit, and the nearest town is the town of Bagaces about 30 minutes away. Should you choose to visit, be sure to bring clothes that can get dirty and wet and a sturdy pair of shoes.
Address: Guanacaste and Northwest, Costa Rica, Costa Rica
From $ 110
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
The 16 hanging bridges that line the paths of Costa Rica’s Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park stretch a total of 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) across the steep landscape. See the birds, monkeys, sloths, snakes, and frogs that call the forest canopy home by ascending these spans, suspended above gorges and stretched across jungle floors.
The Basics
A hike through the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park in sunny weather is a perfect way to spend several hours viewing and photographing the area’s flora and fauna. The life of the rain forest largely takes place overhead, in the thick canopy of jungle and sunlight.
Wander through the thick vegetation on well-marked trails on your own, or join a guided tour focused on plants, birds, and animals—or more adventurous pursuits. An early morning birding tour is the best way to expand your bird list, with more than 60 species spotted regularly in this protected wilderness. Also look for families of monkeys swinging through the air and lazy sloths lounging among tree limbs. For a unique view of the forest, sign up for a night walk. Some guided tours combine a visit to the park with stops at Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Lake Arenal, and the nearby Tabacon Hot Springs.
Know Before You Go
- Closed-toe shoes are required in Mistico Park; wearing sandals is not permitted and you will be refused entry.
- The Sal & Pimienta Restaurant, on the park grounds, is open daily from 7:30am to 4pm.
- The rain forest is home to a hearty bug population; insect repellent is a good idea.
- Children under 10 years old receive free admission.
How to Get There
The hanging bridges are located five miles (eight kilometers) east of Tabacon and 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) from La Fortuna. Look for them just after the exit to El Castillo, on the lakefront road to Tilaran. Round-trip transportation from nearby hotels is available for an additional fee.
When to Get There
General entry and guided tours take place Monday through Sunday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. Costa Rica’s rainy season is typically May through November; prime Arenal Volcano viewing time is September and October.
Adventure Tours in Mistico Park
The adventure seeker in you will find plenty to keep busy at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. One option is a zorbing tour, which envelops you in a huge rubber ball in order to roll safely (if quickly) down a steep hill. Book a Paco’s Horses tour to ride through a remote pasture for epic views, or set out for Spider Monkey Canyon to rappel and zipline among the canyon’s striking natural features.
Address: Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Admission: Varies
From $ 60
National Theater
Perhaps the most famous (and certainly most prized) public building in all of San Jose, the National Theater of Costa Rica in the city’s Catedral district, is home to the nation’s cultural community. Classical music, theater and dance performances take place several times a week. And while it’s always worth catching a show, the theater’s traditional Renaissance architecture, breathtaking ceilings and grand interiors make it a must-see stop even if you can’t get tickets for the symphony.
Free tours of the historic building, which was built in1897, take place daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the theater’s highly regarded café with picturesque San Jose views, is a perfect spot to grab lunch before exploring the rest of the city.
Free tours of the historic building, which was built in1897, take place daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the theater’s highly regarded café with picturesque San Jose views, is a perfect spot to grab lunch before exploring the rest of the city.
Practical Info
The theater is located on 2nd Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street in the capital city and is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Entry is $7. Visit the theater’s website for information on performances and an updated monthly schedule.
Address: National Theatre of Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hours: Mon - Sat 9am-4pm
Admission: Entrance: $7
From $ 10
Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
Tucked away in the mountains and known locally as Mariposario, Monteverde Butterfly Gardens is one of the town's most visited attractions, having been educating visitors about Costa Rica's local insect and arachnid species for more than 20 years.
Guides take visitors through the various displays at the biodiversity center, which features over 20 species of live insects and arachnids, as well as an active leaf-cutter ant colony. When it comes to butterflies, this site reigns supreme with more than 30 species in four different climate-controlled habitats that represent ones found in Costa Rica. The three-acre garden also houses other wildlife, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, agoutis, coatis, toucans, motmots and more.
Practical Info
Monteverde Butterfly Gardens is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located near downtown Santa Elena, accessible via either a 20-minute walk or a short cab ride from town. Onsite guides speak English and/or Spanish. It should be known that Monteverde Butterfly Gardens accepts cash only – either USD or Colones.
Address: Jardin de Mariposas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults $15, Students $10, Children 4-6 $5, Children 3 & Under free
From $ 135
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rincon de La Vieja National Park is one of the country’s most diverse ecological areas. Surrounding two volcanoes, Rincon (active) and Santa Maria (dormant), the park is also home to an extraordinary display of local flora and fauna, while being a part of the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste World Heritage site.
While the plant life is impressive on its own, especially considering the enormous concentration of purple orchids here, it’s the concentration of volcanoes that really wows visitors. The Rincon de La Vieja volcano gave rise to the park’s name and contains nine separate but contiguous craters. It is one of the largest of the five volcanoes in the Guanacaste region and is believed to be over a million years old. Despite being considered active, it has not erupted since the early 1980s.
The park does see a lot of volcanic activity, including vents, fumaroles and boiling mud pots and has at least 32 rivers that flow down its sides. There are a number of nature trails for guests, with some reserved for very experienced hikers. The most popular is the 2.5-mile La Pailas trail, which takes about two to three hours and is great for spotting wildlife, flora, waterfalls and traces of volcanic activity. More ambitious hikers can spend eight hours hiking to the Santa Maria crater's summit, from where you can see Lake Nicaragua on a clear day.
Practical Info
Rincon de La Vieja National Park is open year-round and is closed on Mondays. Dry season, which typically falls between December and April, is the recommended time to visit, as the trails are dry and it’s easiest to spot wildlife gathering at water sources. Easter (Holy Week) and Christmas are peak times for locals to visit and the park may be very crowded. Be sure to bring swimwear and shoes appropriate for loose gravel and rugged terrain. Hikers are only allowed to complete one hiking trail at a time and must check in with the ranger station to avoid initiating a search.
Address: Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: $10/person
From $ 92
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Situated atop the Continental Divide, this high-altitude forest is literally shrouded in clouds. Wisps of fog trail through the lofty canopy, creating the perfect environment for thousands of animal and plant species. Here you can find wild orchids, colorful birds, and sinuous jungle cats—plus scenic mountaintop vistas.
The Basics
A gem of Central America, Monteverde Cloud Forest spans more than 35,089 acres (14,200 hectares) of land and contains 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) of trails. Trek through the lush reserve and immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rich wilderness; spot rare wildlife; climb to “La Ventana,” a scenic overlook with panoramic views; and take a photo on the Continental Divide with one foot on the Pacific side and the other on the Caribbean side.
Guided tours of the reserve cover a wide range of interests. Nature lovers can head out on a guided hiking excursion, night tour, or private bird-watching tour, while thrill seekers can fly through the treetops on ziplines or traverse the park’s series of hanging bridges on a canopy tour. For an in-depth experience, it’s also possible to visit Monteverde Cloud Forest on a multiday tour of Costa Rica’s northwestern highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Remember to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.
- An on-site restaurant offers traditional Costa Rican dishes.
- The road to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is half paved and half unpaved; a vehicle equipped with 4-wheel drive is recommended.
How to Get There
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located along the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range, roughly three hours by road from San José. Bus services connect San José to Santa Elena. From there, a transportation service runs periodically to the reserve.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit is during Costa Rica’s dry season (mid-December to April), when the weather is ideal for exploring. Arrive early in the day if you want to avoid crowds.
Exploring the Reserve
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve contains four different ecological zones and also includes Monteverde Biological Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, the Children's Eternal Rainforest, and part of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Most of the reserve is still comprised of untouched forest.
Address: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Monte Verde, Costa Rica
From $ 105
Parque La Sabana
With its 175 acres of green space and network of forested walking trails, Parque La Sabana is San José’s version of New York’s Central Park. The large open lawns are perfect for Frisbee, soccer, or tossing a ball, and the walking trails and running tracks are where to work up a sweat. This site once housed the city’s airport until the 1940s, and today the former terminal building houses the Costa Rican Art Museum. Also within the leafy park is the country’s national stadium, where concerts and national soccer matches are held for up to 40,000 people. On most days, however, the park plays hosts to groups of locals all feeding the geese by the pond, or families simply enjoying a picnic beneath the shade of a tree. It’s a calming place to escape the crowds and the urban city bustle, and a comfortable perch for people watching and mingling with San José locals.
Practical Info
Parque La Sabana is located at the western end of upscale Paseo Colón. There is no admission fee or opening hours, although daytime hours are often safest and nights are best avoided.
Address: Av. de Las Américas, San Jose, Costa Rica
From $ 50
Manuel Antonio National Park
Spread across an area of 1,688 acres (683 hectares), Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest national park. Small though it may be, its natural beauty and diverse wildlife are truly impressive, with four pristine Pacific beaches and swaths of rain forest inhabited by sloths, frogs, monkeys, and toucans.
The Basics
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich stretches of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Most tours of the park include guided hikes and nature walks, during which participants learn about native wildlife, from iguanas and coatis (a raccoon-like creature) to capuchin monkeys. Some tours include stops at one of the park’s beaches, where visitors can swim in turquoise waters. The park can also be seen on sightseeing cruises, which often making snorkeling stops en route.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for nature lovers.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, and ample water.
- The park features one wheelchair-friendly trail, El Manglar (the Mangrove), which leads from the main entrance to Espadilla Sur beach.
How to Get There
Manuel Antonio National Park is situated on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, about 90 miles (150 kilometers) southwest of San Jose. Bus companies, including Tracopa, Gray Line, and Interbus, run services between San Jose and Manuel Antonio. Direct buses usually take about three hours, while nondirect buses take about five hours.
When to Get There
The park is a very popular destination for tourists and can attract large numbers of sightseers, particularly during the dry season (December–April). Get here soon after opening (7am) to experience it at its quietest and for the best chance to spot wildlife. Note that the park is not open on Mondays.
The Beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park
The park is home to four beaches: Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teloro, and Playita. Two of these run along the Punta Catedral, an island-like landform connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. On the southern side is Playa Manuel Antonio, and the northern side hosts Espadilla Sur. Playa Manuel Antonio is ideal for snorkeling with sheltered, swim-friendly waters, while the waters at Espadilla Sur can be rough at times.
Address: Quepos, Costa Rica
From $ 55
Palo Verde National Park
Set of the banks of the Tempisque River, Palo Verde National Park (Parque Nacional Palo Verde) contains more than 15 topographical zones, including mangrove swamps, evergreen forests, and tropical dry forests. The park is a haven for migratory birds, bats, and 250 species of bees, plus mammals like jaguarundis (cat) and howler monkeys.
The Basics
Most tours of Palo Verde National Park include lunch and round-trip transportation from Tamarindo or Liberia area hotels. Much of the park can be explored by boat and excursions typically include a river cruise, during which you can travel down the Tempisque River and spot wildlife, such as crocodiles, birds, and monkeys.
Some tours also feature a visit to a Costa Rican waterfall or include a stop for bird-watching at one of the park’s marsh habitats. For a personalized experience, private tours are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Palo Verde National Park is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Mosquitoes are plentiful, especially during the wet season. Be sure to pack bug repellent.
- The park’s ranger station is open from 8am until dusk and has restrooms available for visitors.
- Palo Verde National Park is a haven for many species. As such, be careful not to disturb wildlife as you explore.
How to Get There
Palo Verde National Park lies roughly one hour from Liberia and two hours from Tamarindo by road. Public transportation is limited; it’s possible to arrive by private vehicle or on a guided tour. The Tempisque River can be explored on guided boat excursions.
When to Get There
You can visit Palo Verde National Park year-round. During the wet season, many migratory birds can be found in the park, while wildlife tends to congregate around shrinking waterholes during the dry season. Due to the park’s climate, there is a chance of flooding during the wet season, which typically lasts from May through November.
Biodiversity in Palo Verde National Park
More than 60 bird species use the area as a migratory stop, and there are also about 75 mammal species, 55 reptile and amphibian species, and roughly a quarter of the world’s bee species. The bees, along with a number of other insects and many species of bats, can be found at the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, which lies adjacent to Palo Verde.
Address: Palo Verde National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Admission: Varies
From $ 27