Costa Rica is a traveler’s dream, with its abundance of natural wonders, from national parks and active volcanoes to tranquil beach towns and coffee farms. Spending time relaxing, taking in the positive vibes of the Bohemian culture, or hiking through the tropical rainforests are just a few fun things to do in Costa Rica. There is no need to think about what to do in Costa Rica since the country has interesting sights and activities for tourists. Let these 10 top things to do in Costa Rica guide you through the country’s rich history and cultural richness, and you’ll see why it’s the perfect destination for explorers and culture vultures alike.
Arenal Volcano And The Surrounding Hot Springs
The Arenal Volcano is a well-known icon of Costa Rica. It is a sight to see as the volcano appears to emerge from the depths of a vast jungle that pools around it as you get near.
Those interested in trekking may choose from various guided excursions, and the region is suitable for hiking despite the difficulty of certain routes. There are plenty of less strenuous options for seeing the sights surrounding the Volcano. Stunning La Fortuna Waterfall may be seen in several ways: on horseback with a guided tour.
When at Arenal, you must relax in one of the area’s hot springs. These pools are a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape surrounding Arenal. You may easily visit the hot springs since many are connected to adjacent hotels and resorts.
Join In On The Fiesta!
If you are visiting Costa Rica around the time of a festival, you’re in luck. Fiestas civics are community celebrations focused on cuisine, bull riding, games, and rides.
Travellers who want to blend in with the locals may do so successfully during these celebrations. There are celebrations in Costa Rica at all times of the year, and you can always tell when things are about to “go down” since there are signs everywhere.
Let’s say you’re planning a trip near Tamarindo or Brasilito. Then, check out some of the many celebrations occurring in March.
The Puntarenas Carnaval, the Palmares Fiestas, and the Zapote Fiestas are the most well-known celebrations in the nation. The dancing, exciting live music, and, most of all, the bull riding are the hallmarks of these celebrations. Bullfighting, surprisingly, is not a common cultural practice in Costa Rica.
The natives would rather ride the bull than try to fight it. When a bull throws its rider and becomes too tired to continue running after humans, instead of killing it, it is returned to its corral.
Participate In Some Paddleboarding Fun!
Visitors to Costa Rica with expertise in surfing have taken to stand up paddle boarding in droves. This relatively new sport allows you to paddle out deeper into the ocean in search of larger waves and provides a clearer view of the approaching waves so you can choose the best ones.
The Gulf of Papagayo is the best place to go paddleboarding in Costa Rica since it is protected from the open sea by the Peninsula Papagayo. The inlets are safe for novices, and the water is calmer than average.
The Osa Peninsula is a natural barrier for the beautiful Golfo Dulce. The activity may also be experienced in a more moderate form by visitors by trying it out on a lake.
Don’t Miss Kayaking
Another must-do water sport in Costa Rica is kayaking. If you are looking for a place to go where you may engage in a wide variety of water sports, go as far as Tortuguero National Park. You won’t be able to replicate your experience in the “Amazon of Costa Rica” anyplace else in the nation.
The canals of Tortuguero National Park are famous for being a haven for nesting turtles and their proximity to a tropical jungle. Furthermore, this park is only accessible by boat, so just getting there is an experience.
When you get to Tortuguero, you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of boating opportunities available. But if you want a more immersive experience, you may kayak through the park instead.
One benefit of kayaking is that it allows you to reach scenic areas that would otherwise be inaccessible by boat.
In addition, the silent nature of kayaks ensures that you won’t disturb the local wildlife, letting you get up close and personal with them in their natural habitat. The experience is unforgettable and ranks among the top activities in Costa Rica.
See Whales In Their Natural Habitat
Many tourists, like me, desire to see whales in their natural habitat. Although I had seen whales before, this was the first time I had seen a newborn with its mother. When I was travelling from Puerto Jimenez to Corcovado National Park, I had the most strange encounter (a remote town on the southern coast.)
The good news is that whale watching in Costa Rica is accessible without going to Puerto Jimenez. Drake Bay, Uvita, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Tamarindo, the Gulf of Nicoya, and Papagayo are just a few places along the Pacific Coast where you may go on a whale-watching excursion. Choosing the appropriate season is the key!
There are two times of year to go whale watching in Costa Rica, between December through March and July through October, when the whales migrate there to have their calves. For whale viewing, however, the ideal times to visit Costa Rica are between January and February and July and September.
If you’re in Costa Rica at this time of year, take advantage of a chance to see whales and have a unique experience!
There’s a good reason why Costa Rica is often ranked as one of the world’s top tourist destinations. All of those above, plus the warm welcome from the locals and the relative safety of traveling about the country, make Costa Rica a top travel destination.
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