If an adventurous vacation destination is what you are seeking, then look no further than Costa Rica. As someone who’s experienced the thrill of Costa Rica firsthand, I can confidently say it’s a dream destination for any adventurous traveler! During our trip, we visited the La Fortuna/Arenal and Manuel Antonio regions both offered various activities and excursions to go on (when we weren’t relaxing by the pool of course!) Arenal is a few hours north of San Jose, and Manuel Antonio is on the Central Pacific Coast.
Costa Rica is a paradise for adventurous travelers, offering an unparalleled mix of thrilling activities and breathtaking natural landscapes. From surfing world-class waves along its stunning coastlines to navigating exhilarating white-water rapids in lush rainforests, the country caters to every thrill-seeker’s desires. For a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, soak in the natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano or embark on a wildlife-watching expedition through one of the many national parks. With its diverse range of activities and stunning environments, Costa Rica provides the perfect backdrop for those seeking both high-energy adventures and serene natural escapes.
If you are still in the early planning stages of your trip, check out my blog post on where we stayed in La Fortuna.
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15 adventurous things to do in Costa Rica:
La Fortuna Waterfall
On our last morning in La Fortuna, we woke up early and headed to the La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the most popular natural attractions in the area. It is completely surrounded by lush rainforest in the Arenal Volcano National Park and has a height of over 230 feet.
Tips for visiting La Fortuna Waterfall:
- Arrive at the trailhead EARLY, and when I say early I mean before they open (depending on how busy the season is.) We did this and ended up being the first in line to enter once it opened up. We practically ran down the 530 steps to the base of the waterfall and had a good 15 minutes or so to enjoy it (and snap some people-free photos!) before anyone else made it down. This was great and I’m so glad we did this because it is typically packed with people swimming by mid-day. Don’t worry if you can’t go early, it is worth a visit either way and a Skip The Line Pass like this one will allow you to get to the waterfall faster.
- Pack a towel and swimsuit. You can swim at the base of the waterfall which is the most relaxing part!
- Bring water shoes. We wore our hiking boots down and then switched to our beloved water shoes for climbing the rocks and going into the water. I wouldn’t recommend doing this barefoot as it is very slippery and could be dangerous.
- Be prepared for the hike. What goes down must come back up, and it is definitely a different experience on the way back up those steps, but totally worth it!
Skip The Line Pass: A great way to purchase your admission ahead of time and skip the line.
Guided La Fortuna Waterfall: While we did this on our own with the Skip The Line Pass above, there are options such as this one if you would prefer a guided experience.
Zip-lining Through The Rainforest
Nothing beats zip-lining, especially through the rainforest. I have zip-lined in many different places, and this experience was hands down the most exciting of all! The cables were as tall as 300 feet and over 1,900 feet long. There was also an optional Tarzan swing at the end. The views were unbelievable, and our guides even took professional photos and videos of us throughout the experience. This was great since it can be difficult to do that once you’re up there. Since it is in the rainforest, you can occasionally expect some rain like we had, but we hardly noticed while under the cover of the canopies.
Our zip-lining excursion was a combo experience with horseback riding and an authentic Costa Rican lunch with a view. It also included roundtrip transportation to and from our hotel, and the driver was so nice! He even stopped to show us a baby sloth and its mother in the area.
You can book our exact experience here:
Arenal Zip-lining and Horseback Riding Combo
If you are just interested in zip-lining without horseback riding, here is another option:
Horseback Riding To The Arenal Volcano
Our horseback riding experience ended up being one of our favorite parts of the entire trip! After zip-lining we rode horses all the way to a viewpoint of the Arenal Volcano. It was such a fun experience and I really enjoyed our guides throughout both activities. Our horseback riding excursion was a combo experience with zip-lining. It also included roundtrip transportation to and from our hotel which they even took us to lunch during. I could not recommend this one enough!
You can book our exact experience here:
Arenal Zip-lining and Horseback Riding Combo
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park was one of our first stops during our Costa Rica trip and something I was the most excited about! Mistico is a large park in La Fortuna with tons of hanging bridges to cross over as you hike through the thick rainforest. The longest hanging bridge is over 368 feet long and the tallest is approximately 150 feet off the ground.
We ended up doing a self-guided visit throughout the park which allowed us to go at our own pace as we crossed all the bridges and enjoyed the views, but if you want to see a lot of wildlife I recommend booking a guided tour such as this one.
Sunset Sailing
A sunset cruise on the Pacific Ocean is an unforgettable and must-do experience in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! There are quite a few options to choose from varying in price range and accommodations. Most cruises set sail from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, and it is an easy area for cabs to get to from most resorts. You can choose from a catamaran cruise or a more unique option like we did; sailing on the Brisa Elegante sailboat.
When I first came across the sunset sail we booked, I knew it was the one for us! The sailboat, onboard drinks, dinner, and activities made it a complete experience. I even had the opportunity to try out paddle boarding for the first time ever while we were anchored for a swimming break. I highly recommend booking a sunset sail when visiting the Manuel Antonio.
Book the exact sunset sailing experience we did here: Cruising on a 100′ Wooden Sail Ship
Manual Antonio National Park
Costa Rica is famous for wildlife spotting, and there is no better place to do it than at Manuel Antonio National Park. We went on a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park and I am so glad we did! The park is located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast near Quepos and is home to many types of wildlife and tropical plants.
We booked our tour through the resort we stayed at, and you can also find a very similar linked below. I highly suggest opting for a guided tour for this so you don’t need to worry about the entry process into the park and your guide ensures you see as much wildlife as possible when you are there! The guides are professionals at spotting the different monkeys, sloths, snakes, birds, and more due to spending every day in the park. We would not have seen even a fourth of the wildlife if we had visited without a guide. You can check out my full blog post about top tips for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park for more details on this.
You can book a guided experience: Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Tour
Surfing
Costa Rica’s diverse coastline is a surfer’s dream, offering world-class waves and picturesque settings along both the Pacific and Caribbean Seas. Whether you’re catching your first wave or seeking advanced challenges, Costa Rica’s warm waters and consistent swells make it a top surfing spot destination year-round.
River Rafting
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, embark on a river rafting journey through Costa Rica’s exhilarating white-water rapids. Navigate through lush rainforests, past stunning waterfalls, and tackle thrilling rapids while soaking in the spectacular natural scenery. Costa Rica’s river rafting experiences are perfect for those seeking an adventurous and scenic water activity.
Hot Springs
Relax and rejuvenate in Costa Rica’s natural hot springs, a soothing experience set against stunning volcanic backdrops. The Arenal Volcano area is famous for its thermal springs, where you can unwind in mineral-rich waters surrounded by lush jungle. Options range from luxurious resort hot springs to natural riverside pools.
Sea Turtle Spotting
Witness one of nature’s most magical spectacles by observing sea turtles nesting on Costa Rica’s pristine beaches. The country is renowned for its important nesting sites, such as Tortuguero National Park and Playa Grande. From July to October, you can join guided tours to see these majestic creatures as they lay their eggs or hatchlings make their way to the sea. This unforgettable experience allows you to connect with the natural world and contribute to conservation efforts.
De La Vieja National Park
Explore the dramatic landscapes of Parque Nacional Volcán Rincón de la Vieja, a captivating destination known for its geothermal activity and rich biodiversity. Hike through volcanic terrain to witness bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant volcanic craters. The park also offers opportunities for spotting diverse wildlife and exploring lush cloud forests.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Tenorio Volcano National Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including the strikingly blue Río Celeste. Hike through lush rainforest trails to reach this surreal, turquoise river, which is colored by volcanic minerals. The park’s trails also lead to the impressive Tenorio Volcano and various waterfalls, offering a range of scenic and adventurous opportunities.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering the chance to witness sea turtles nesting on its pristine beaches. Navigate the park’s network of canals by boat to observe diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is a remote and unspoiled gem on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, known for its incredible biodiversity and rugged beauty. Hike through dense rainforests, explore pristine beaches, and encounter rare wildlife such as jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Corcovado offers some of the most rewarding and off-the-beaten-path adventures in Costa Rica.
Exploring Volcanic Landscapes
Costa Rica’s dramatic volcanic landscapes offer a range of thrilling adventures. Trek through the steaming craters of Arenal Volcano, soak in natural hot springs, or hike the trails of Poás Volcano for stunning views of its massive crater. Each volcano offers unique geological features and opportunities for exploration, making them a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts. The combination of volcanic activity and lush surroundings creates a fascinating and dynamic environment to explore.
What Is Costa Rica Best Known For?
Costa Rica is best known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. This Central American paradise spans over 19,000 square miles and is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean Seas. The country’s lush rainforests and diverse wildlife make it a prime destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel. Visitors can experience the thrill of seeing a sea turtles nesting on pristine shores, zip-lining through canopies, or surfing some of the best surfing spots in the world. Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, encapsulated in the local motto “Pura Vida,” highlights its role as a leader in green tourism. Whether exploring volcanic landscapes, lounging on idyllic beaches, or immersing yourself in vibrant local culture, Costa Rica offers an unforgettable experience.
There truly are endless opportunities for adventure in Costa Rica! It is the perfect destination when you want a vacation that is both relaxing and exciting. If you are interested in more resources to help plan your trip check out my other blog posts, and you can follow me on Instagram at @sierrainthecity.
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