9 essential Costa Rica experiences in pictures
Trips to Costa Rica transport travellers to a different world. Across the country’s landscape—a quarter of which is protected nature reserves—humans find themselves outnumbered by animals, including monkeys, sloths and parrots. Gargantuan plants shroud trails through the rainforest and vapour clings to the air in mountaintop cloud forests. Volcanic steam heats the sky above, plus natural pools below.
And when you travel to Costa Rica, your tourism dollars support a country that prioritizes sustainability. The majority of the nation’s energy comes from renewable resources and it’s on a mission to become completely carbon-neutral by 2050. So, you can enjoy a forest bath, surf session, farm-to-table meal or hike in tropical paradise with the knowledge it will all be here for years to come—and for your next nature escape.
Here are nine experiences to seek out on your trip, with photos to give you a mental head start on all the beauty and tranquility.
Tour a chocolate or coffee farm
Rich, volcanic soil, high-altitude crops, ample rainfall and a balmy climate make Costa Rica a natural leader in both coffee and chocolate production. Consistent with the country's commitment to sustainability, many growers employ responsible practices, like companion planting (growing a variety of crops near one another—a more sustainable alternative to monoculture, or single-crop farming) and shade growing (planting crops under intact forest canopy rather than on deforested land).
Beyond enjoying eco-friendly treats during their Costa Rica vacations, travellers can gain a deeper understanding of the history, farming practices and processes behind these exceptional beans with hands-on experiences. Coffee lovers can embark on a plantation tour, tracing the journey from field to mug, potentially interwoven with cultural and historical elements as well. Chocolate fans can go so far as to sleep amid the cacao trees at a number of chocolate farms that double as eco-lodges—giving the words "sweet dreams" a whole new meaning. Many of these outfits, like Finca La Amistad Cacao Lodge (pictured above) also offer guided tours of the farms and chocolate-making workshops.
Watch a traditional dance or cultural performance
Folkloric dance has a central place in Costa Rica's cultural traditions. One of the country's most beloved—the unofficial national dance, according to many—is Punto Guanacasteco. In this dance (pictured above) women twirl their skirts (known locally as golas) as men wave their scarves in a flamboyant show representing flirtation and courtship. As the name implies, the dance originated in the Guanacaste region, but you may see it performed in theatres and at festivals around the country.
If your visit is timed for New Year's Eve, you stand the chance to catch the Danza de los Diablitos. Performed by the native Boruca tribe as part of an annual festival running the evening of Dec. 30 through Jan. 2, the marathon-style dance spans all days of festivities. Marked by elaborate costumes and masks, dancers either represent the Boruca people (those wearing diablo or devil masks) or Spanish colonists (a single dancer cloaked in a bull costume). The intense dance (new dancers periodically tap in as the diablitos and as the bull to keep the energy high) finds the Boruca people victorious, symbolizing the preservation of their culture despite past and present threats. The festival takes place in Puntarenas Province on the Boruca reservation, and respectful guests are welcome to attend. To see mask-making demonstrations or take tours of the village throughout the rest of the year, advance reservations are required. Learn more about rural tourism in Costa Rica here.
Go surfing
Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the world, but you don't have to be in competition form to enjoy the sport here. At beaches all around the country, surf schools are ready to lend their boards and their experienced instructors so that even novices can feel the thrill of riding the swells. The beach in Tamarindo, on the northwest Pacific coast, often has gentle waves, and its lively town offers plenty of great dining and drinking spots for when you're not chasing the perfect ride.
Further south, Nosara's Playa Guiones is another consistently exciting surf spot, and it's especially good for beginners during the dry season (mid-December to May) when waves are smaller. When you're not on the beach, the surrounding town offers a chill atmosphere and a number of restaurants serving everything from pizza to barbecue to fresh local cuisine.
Sample farm-fresh cuisine and smoothies
Speaking of food, Costa Rica's generally reflects the country's famous pura vida (that is, "pure life") mantra. Authentic local fare is fresh, simple and colourful, often utilizing just-picked fruits and vegetables, fresh-caught seafood and meats from nearby ranches.
Deliciously uncomplicated gallo pinto is the national dish and a common breakfast food; it's composed of white rice and black beans mixed with finely chopped cilantro and other bright vegetables. Other satisfying staples include hearty soups and stews (olla de carne, which translates to "pot of meat," is a comfort-food favourite), tangy ceviches (fresh-chopped veggies and fish "cooked" in lime juice, often served with tortilla chips) and nourishing casado (platters featuring cabbage salad, plantains, tortillas, rice, beans and a variety of proteins, all served on a banana leaf).
All around Costa Rica, trees and plants hang heavy with fruits like pineapple, papaya, coconut, mango and banana. You can buy these directly from farmers at local fruit stands, or enjoy them expertly blended into a batido (Spanish for "smoothie"), as prepared by any number of juice bars. For an extra boost, ask for a superfood mix-in like chia seeds, maca powder or dragon fruit.
Swim at a waterfall
A visit to at least one of Costa Rica's picturesque waterfalls is more than envy-inducing material for your Instagram feed; many of these falls feature natural pools that make refreshing swim spots. The Blue Falls in the Alajuela Province is just one example of a Costa Rican waterfall experience that has it all—well-maintained hiking trails, views of surrounding mountains and volcanoes plus access to 10 waterfalls, many of them with swimmable pools. As the name implies, the water at the foot of many of these falls glows an ethereal blue, thanks to presence of minerals that wash in from nearby volcanoes. Note that a guide is required to tour these falls.
For an even more falls-filled day, you can buy a ticket that combines access to the Blue Falls and to 80-metre-high Catara del Toro Waterfall, about 40 miles south (and just 11 miles outside the capital San Jose). While Catara del Toro doesn't allow swimming for safety reasons, the hike and show-stopping views of the pounding falls are more than worth the trip. (As with any natural attraction, you should always check current conditions before you visit.)
Spot wildlife
Costa Rica's abundance of opportunities for respectful wildlife viewing is a draw for many travellers. You likely won't have to go far out of your way to spot varied plant and animal life here; the small country is home to 5% of the world's biodiversity (despite occupying only .03% of its landmass) and it's widely held (though difficult to confirm) that Costa Rica is home to more monkeys than people.
Still, if you want to maximize your chances of spotting native inhabitants like sloths, toucans, macaws and howler monkeys, it makes sense to spend time in one of Costa Rica's protected nature preserves. Manuel Antonio National Park set on the coast in San Jose Province is a popular and accessible place for easy trail hikes and swims at gorgeous beaches. Corcovado National Park on the less-travelled Osa Peninsula is an exceptional preserve for more rugged nature experiences in old-growth wet forests, cloud forest, mangrove swamps and a variety of other pristine ecosystems. Of course, these are just two examples out of the 29 national parks spread across Costa Rica's landscape, all of which are home to a wide variety of intriguing plants and animals. Tip: Advance reservations are required to visit many of Costa Rica's national parks; be sure to plan ahead.
Go phoneless
While it can be tempting to document and share a play-by-play account of the staggering natural beauty you'll find all across Costa Rica, resisting the urge to capture every spectacular vista through your cell phone lens opens up the chance to be fully present amid all the wonder.
Indeed, the mental health effects of disconnecting in nature have become so sought after, some tour providers have begun offering Costa Rica digital detox retreats where Wi-Fi and screen time are replaced with small-group horseback rides, mindful-eating meals, nature walks and engaging history tours. (A means of emergency communication is typically available; check directly with tour operators for details.)
Take an open-air yoga class
Whether you're a devotee of Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga or Bikram—or even if all those terms sound foreign to you—Costa Rica is an ideal place to deepen (or begin) your practice. You'll find myriad yoga studios around San Jose and in towns all along the Pacific Coast. There are even a variety of resorts that cater primarily to yogis.
Even if yoga certification or achieving a perfect scorpion pose are not your primary vacation goals, many Costa Rica resorts offer yoga classes for any skill level. Choose one set on the beach or in the forest to further enhance your sense of wellbeing.
Soak in a hot spring
Given the number of opportunities at your disposal, one could make the argument that a Costa Rica trip is not complete without a soak in a hot spring. Indeed, the country boasts dozens of such pools, whose high mineral content and naturally toasty temperatures attract travellers seeking the purported healing effects of the nutrient-rich waters—or simple relaxation.
If you're ready for your own soothing forest bath, the Tabacón Hot Springs are some of Costa Rica's most celebrated. Heated to over 120 degrees by nearby Arenal Volcano, these springs are surrounded by lush tropical forest. The resort that manages access to the springs also hosts a luxurious spa, for those looking to take unwind time to the next level.
There's even a family-friendly option among Costa Rica's top geothermal pools: Baldi Hot Springs. A day pass at this resort gives visitors access to 25 pools and a massive whirlpool (it accommodates up to 60 guests). What kids love about it, though, is its splash pad and collection of thrilling water slides.