With lush forests, hot springs, wildlife reserves, and tropical beaches, Costa Rica has a strikingly diverse terrain offering something for every type of traveller.
A trip to this gorgeous Central American country will include visiting its stunning beaches and hiking its majestic national parks. Here are some of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
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Go Turtle Watching
Offering opportunities for exciting wildlife encounters, Costa Rica is a haven for wildlife lovers. Its beaches are home to unique wildlife, including green and leatherback turtles. When you visit Costa Rica, you’ll have the opportunity to witness turtles laying eggs and making their way up and down the shore.
If you want to see green sea turtles, you should head to Tortuguero National Park. But if you are more interested in leatherback sea turtles, visit Playa Naranjo or Playa Grande. Playa Naranjo is also a great place to see leatherback sea turtles.
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Visit the Beach
Tucked between the shorelines of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, Costa Rica has an extensive shoreline, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The beaches of Costa Rica are diverse, offering something for every type of beach lover.
One of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio Beach, set within the Manuel Antonio National Park, a coastal rainforest teeming with wildlife. Aside from swimming, the area is also a perfect spot for hiking. If you’re interested in surfing, you will find the best waves at Tamarindo Beach in the surf town of Tamarindo.
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Walk along the Osa Peninsula
For a more hassle-free way of planning your holiday, consider booking a holiday package in Costa Rica, which comes with a pre-planned itinerary. Some itineraries will take you to the stunning Osa Peninsula, which lies on the Southern Pacific Coast of the country.
The pristine waters of Osa Peninsula are flanked northwest by Drake Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It offers breathtaking and untouched scenery and has many secluded beaches, perfect for relaxing. The peninsula’s lush primary rainforest is also home to abundant wildlife, best explored on a scenic walk.
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Explore Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Lying along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is a stunning slice of paradise with hiking trails taking you to lush rainforests and beautiful beaches. Those who love nature and adventure will find the park a fascinating place to explore. The park is also teeming with wildlife and offers numerous outdoor activities for every age and interest.
The best way to get to the park is to take a flight to Quepos. If you come from San Jose, the flight is only 25 minutes. When you get to Quepos, hire a rental car or take a shuttle bus to the park, which is a four-hour drive.
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Check out Volcán Arenal
Home to over two hundred volcanic formations, your trip to Costa Rica won’t be complete without a visit to one of its volcanoes. If you only have time to visit one volcano, choose Arenal Volcano.
Towering over vast plantations producing some of the world’s best coffee, Volcán Arenal is a symmetrical cone-shaped volcano that you’ll find in the northern part of the country. Arenal and its surrounding area are some of the best spots for hiking in Costa Rica.