Costa Rica Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit, Things to Do & Travel Tips

Are you planning a vacation getaway with your family and friends in Costa Rica? If so, stay tuned for the following article. Here, we offer a summary of the best places to go in Costa Rica, the main activities you can do with your family and friends, and some essential tips for your stay. Don’t miss it, especially if it’s your first time visiting!

Photo by Eelco Böhtlingk on Unsplash

 

Best Travel Destinations in Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most emblematic places to go in Costa Rica, known for its rich flora and fauna, and also for its breathtaking scenery. Explore the trails through the cloud forest on a hike to observe the biodiversity, including birds, mammals, and unique plants.

Participate in a guided night tour to observe species such as frogs, snakes, and other animals that are more active at night. If you’re looking for a little adrenaline, Monteverde is famous for its thrilling zip lines that offer spectacular views of the forest. Don’t miss the Orchid and Butterfly Gardens, perfect for nature and photography lovers, with a glimpse of the local beauty.

Photo by Frames For Your Heart on Unsplash

 

Manuel Antonio National Park

Did you know that Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica? However, it has a great variety of ecosystems, including beaches, jungles, and trails. It is home to numerous species of animals, such as monkeys, sloths, and various birds. We recommend the help of tour guides to maximize your experience because they can provide information about the environment.

Several trails offer spectacular views and wildlife viewing opportunities, with hikes suitable for all skill levels. Enjoy the beaches within the park, considered among the best in the region. Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio are popular for swimming and relaxing.

 

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano and the town of La Fortuna are two of the best places to go in Costa Rica. They offer the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Although its last significant eruption was in 2010, it is still a tourist attraction for its perfect conical shape and natural beauty.

The surrounding area is surrounded by lush vegetation, lakes, and rivers, a spectacular setting for a variety of outdoor activities. Multiple trails allow you to explore the local flora and fauna, such as the 1968 trail, popular for its panoramic views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Consider relaxing in the natural hot springs of spas like Tabacón and Baldi, in direct contact with nature.

 

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo is famous for its perfect waves, great for learning to surf or improving your skills. There are numerous surf schools with lessons for beginners and advanced surfers. After a day of activities, you can relax in the nearby hot springs or enjoy a massage on the beach.

The nightlife in Tamarindo will amaze you. Numerous bars and restaurants offer live music and entertainment, such as Sharky’s and the Ocho Club, where you can enjoy cocktails at sunset. Don’t miss the farmers market on Saturday mornings and the night market on Thursdays, where you can find local products, delicious food, and handicrafts.

Photo by Jeffrey Eisen on Unsplash

 

Top Adventure Activities in Costa Rica

Zip-lining through the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Selvatura Park offers a zip-lining circuit with cables through the cloud forest. It is known for its breathtaking views and its “Superman” option, where you can slide upside down. Sky Adventures has a zip-lining circuit that spans several cables and platforms, including a gondola ride to the top of the mountain.

Most zip-lining tours last 2 to 3 hours, including time to set up, get instruction, and ride the course. As you glide through the cloud forest, you will observe the flora and fauna from a unique perspective. From the heights, the views of the Arenal Volcano and the Gulf of Nicoya are spectacular; really one of the best places to go in Costa Rica.

 

Surfing in Tamarindo or Nosara

Tamarindo and Nosara are among the best destinations to go to in Costa Rica, but offer different experiences. Tamarindo is known for its touristy and lively atmosphere. The main beach has generally gentler waves, ideal for beginners.

Nosara is quieter and less touristy, focusing on wellness and sustainability. Therefore, it attracts an audience looking for a more relaxed experience. The waves are consistent and suitable for both beginners and intermediate surfers. It is surrounded by lush nature, so you can enjoy activities such as yoga, hiking, and wildlife exploration.

 

Hiking Arenal Volcano or the Osa Peninsula

Both Arenal Volcano and the Osa Peninsula offer exceptional hiking opportunities. Each has unique characteristics that may influence your decision.

If you prefer a more touristy environment with well-maintained trails and varied options for all skill levels, Arenal Volcano may be the best destination to visit in Costa Rica. The most popular routes are the 1968 Trail, known for its beauty and spectacular views of the volcano; Cerro Chato, a more challenging option that leads to a dormant crater with an emerald lagoon; and La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim in its waters.

If you are looking for a more remote and authentic experience, where you can connect deeply with nature, the Osa Peninsula could be ideal. Corcovado National Park has several hiking trails that take you to remote beaches and dense jungles.

Photo by Edgar Arroyo

 

Family-Friendly Activities and Places in Costa Rica

Relax at Playa Conchal

If you are looking for a great place to go in Costa Rica, to relax with your children and enjoy the sea, consider visiting Playa Conchal early in the morning. There are fewer people and generally calmer conditions. The waters are crystal clear due to the seabed formed by shells.

There are many rocks near the shore, which can create small protected pools at low tide, but also pose a risk if the waves are strong. Keep constant supervision over children due to variable waves.

 

Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens near San José

Be prepared to find five impressive waterfalls: Templo, Magia Blanca, Encantada, Escondida, and La Paz, and more than 3.5 km of paved trails through cloud forests, an ideal hiking place, one of the best places to go in Costa Rica. In the animal sanctuary, observe the monkeys, jungle jaguars, parrots, snakes, and frogs. Many of them were donated by the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife after being confiscated as pets or rescued.

Don’t miss other attractions such as the Butterfly Garden, considered one of the largest in the world; the Hummingbird Garden, a perfect place to observe these colorful birds; and the Bromeliad and Orchid Garden, with an exuberant display of these tropical plants.

Federico Mata, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Costa Rica

Stay Connected with Mobile Data

When visiting Costa Rica, it’s important to stay connected and informed. One way to easily access real-time local information and stay in touch with friends is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. With it, you won’t need Wi-Fi to keep up with updates and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

• Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!

 

Currency and payment tips

Although the official currency is the Costa Rican colon, U.S. dollars are accepted in high tourist areas such as San José, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and La Fortuna. Some hotels and tour operators may even prefer USD payments.

We recommend having colones for smaller purchases, such as at supermarkets, souvenir stores, farmers’ markets, street vendors, cabs, buses, gas stations, and toll booths.

It is best to pay in U.S. dollars for tourism-related expenses such as excursions, private/shared transfers, and hotels.

The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Costa Rican colón varies suddenly, usually around ₡530-₡620 per USD. Check the exchange rate before your trip for the most up-to-date figures.

Transport options in Costa Rica

Renting a 4x4 vehicle is a recommended transportation option for off-road adventures in areas like Monteverde and Nosara in Costa Rica.

Nomad America provides 4x4 camper rentals with camping and off-road equipment included. Several types of vehicles are available, such as Toyota Land Cruisers, FJ Cruisers, 4Runners, and Land Rover Defenders.

Wild Rider offers 4x4 car rentals and camper options. There are rugged, off-road capable vehicles such as the Suzuki Jimny, Toyota RAV4, or Daihatsu Bego.

Roam 4x4 Rentals provides reliable and affordable 4x4 rentals with delivery at the airport, your Airbnb, or anywhere else in Costa Rica. They have vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder.

FAST Rent A Car Costa Rica offers 4WD car rental solutions and a fleet consisting of 4x4 SUVs suitable for all types of terrain.
When renting a vehicle, consider its capacity, insurance coverage, and the inclusion of benefits such as roadside assistance. Some companies, such as Wild Rider, are known for their transparent pricing.

Health and safety

When visiting the Osa Peninsula and Tortuguero in Costa Rica, packing insect repellent is essential for health and safety. Being tropical regions, mosquitoes are present throughout the year.

The most effective way to protect yourself is to wear long sleeves and pants. However, this may not be comfortable in the tropical heat, so we recommend applying mosquito repellent to exposed areas.