Top Things To Do In Costa Rica: 10 Bucket List Highlights

Planning your first trip to Costa Rica?
From misty cloud forests and cascading waterfalls to ziplining, hot springs, and dreamy beaches, this guide covers the top 10 things to do in Costa Rica for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and first-time visitors.

After spending 14 days exploring the best of Costa Rica, I’ve narrowed it down to my most unforgettable experiences that every nature lover and adventure seeker should include on their itinerary.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or peaceful sunsets, this guide will help you build your dream Costa Rica adventure.

Want a full day-by-day breakdown?
💡 Check out my full guide: Ultimate 12-Day Costa Rica Itinerary for Adventure and Relaxation

Tucked into the rainforest near Arenal, this 75-meter cascade is straight out of a postcard. The hike involves descending 500 steep steps to a vibrant turquoise plunge pool, perfect for cooling off after the climb.

If you’re planning to swim, try to visit during dry weather! The pool is often closed during or after rain due to safety concerns.

🏠Want to stay nearby? Check out my favorite accommodations in the area: Unforgettable Places to Stay in Costa Rica: Best Hotels, Resorts & Airbnbs to book now

Here is where I purchased my advanced skip-the-line tickets: La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Costa Rica’s wild side – especially if you go while the river is high! The Tenorio River features Class III–IV rapids, lush jungle scenery, and even a small waterfall drop for adrenaline seekers.

🌊Tip: Pack water shoes (not flip flops) and a GoPro if you want footage on the water! Here is the guide I used if you need help packing: Costa Rica Packing List: 2025 Travel Essentials

Here is my recommended tour! Our guides were amazing and pointed out tons of wildlife along the way: Tenorio River White Water Rafting

Arenal’s geothermal energy fuels dozens of natural hot springs. Whether you choose the luxurious Tabacón or the budget-friendly EcoTermales, you’re in for a tranquil soak. We visited both and they were amazing! We spent all night at Tabacón, and could’ve stayed even longer.

Be sure to visit in the late afternoon and stay into the evening when the pools are quieter and more magical under the stars.

💡Tabacón hot springs was definitely worth the splurge if it’s in your budget!

This misty mountaintop forest feels like another world. Stroll among hanging bridges, watch for toucans, sloths, or the illusive quetzal. Or try a night tour to see rare nocturnal animals.

🌿Tip: Bring a light rain jacket and closed-toe shoes — the weather here is much cooler and wetter year-round.

If you are wanting a guided tour here is one that has great reviews, especially for the price: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Tour

Costa Rica is the birthplace of ziplining, and Monteverde is still one of the best places to try it. Soar above the cloud forest on one of the longest ziplines in Latin America for an unforgettable thrill. This is also a surprisingly great way to spot wildlife. On our tour, we saw three sloths (two three-toed and one two-toed) all while flying through the jungle canopy!

We did our tour in La Fortuna and it was ok, but some people we met raved about there tour in Monteverde: Jungle zipline & Tarzan swing with Transfer

Float through the vivid blue water of the Rio Celeste as you twist through jungle curves and gentle rapids. It’s a fun and refreshing way to explore Tenorio Volcano National Park, and an unexpectedly amazing way to spot wildlife. On our tour, we saw howler monkeys, an anteater, a porcupine, plus a variety of fish and even snakes along the riverbanks.

Look at how blue this water was! It was truly a top experience when visiting Costa Rica.

Book it here: Rio Celeste River Tubing

Sloths are Costa Rica’s icons. While you can spot them in the wild around Arenal or Monteverde, sanctuaries offer a chance to see them up close and learn about conservation efforts.

I saw several sloths in the wild during tours and even just walking around, but visiting a couple of animal sanctuaries was truly inspiring. Reading their rescue stories gave me a deeper appreciation for the work being done. It’s a meaningful way to help support wildlife conservation in Costa Rica.

Here is a great option close to San Jose: Animal Rescue Center

Explore lava trails, lush rainforest, and wildlife all around this iconic volcano. Arenal is also a great spot for hanging bridges, waterfalls, and hot springs. We opted to take an ATV ride up to the viewpoint of the volcano which was an awesome way to see the country!

Here is the ATV tour we did, which also included a Maleku Cultural Tour: La Fortuna ATV Adventure

Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is lined with incredible beaches, each offering its own unique vibe. Whether you want to catch your first wave, sip a cocktail under a palm tree, or simply walk barefoot along golden sand, there’s a beach for you. These were my top three beaches:

Playa Coco
Located in the Guanacaste region, Playa Coco is a laid-back beach town with calm waters, local restaurants, and a slower pace. It’s a great place to ease into beach life and enjoy local culture without the party scene of Tamarindo. There was a small surfboard rental shop here as well!

Tamarindo Beach
Lively and popular with surfers, Tamarindo has great beginner waves, a buzzing town, and beautiful sunsets. There are plenty of surf schools, beach bars, and restaurants, making it an easy place to spend a few days. Great if you want to be in the action!

Playa Conchal
Famous for its crushed-shell sand and clear turquoise water, Playa Conchal feels like a tropical dream. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply laying out on one of Costa Rica’s prettiest beaches. However, prepare for a bit of a walk if you’re not staying at one of the resorts out front.

No matter which beach you choose, make time to catch at least one Costa Rican sunset. The sky turns into a painting of pink, gold, and orange, and the beach atmosphere becomes extra magical.

We didn’t try our hand at surfing, but here is a tour with great reviews and local instructors! Tamarindo Surf Lessons

End your Costa Rica adventure in style with a catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast. Most tours include snorkeling, drinks, snacks or a full meal, and plenty of time to relax on deck as the sun sets over the ocean. Whether you’re celebrating the end of a trip or just want to unwind, this is one of the most peaceful and beautiful experiences you can have on the water.

I did a sunset cruise out of Tamarindo and it was the perfect way to wind down the trip! Tamarindo was the perfect place to set sail out of because we spent the morning exploring the town – this was plenty of time for us as I didn’t love the crowds here.

🐬Tip: Book an afternoon departure so you can snorkel in daylight and then watch the sunset from the water with a cocktail in hand. Some tours even include dolphin sightings if you’re lucky!

My recommended tour-the drinks and local lunch was great! Sunset sailing and snorkeling tour

Check out my other Costa Rica posts to get more inspiration and start building you’re Costa Rica Itinerary! These 10 highlights only scratch the surface of what Costa Rica has to offer.