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Things to do in Costa Rica our favorites
Volcano hot springs, cloud forest bridges, surf lessons and sloth spotting. Start with our top 10, then browse by what you love or where you’re staying.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
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The top 10
The experiences we send every first-timer to, with where to go and the best time of year.
01
Soak in Arenal’s volcano hot springs
Where: La Fortuna · Best time: Year-round
Thermal rivers and resort pools at the foot of Arenal Volcano.
02
Walk the cloud forest hanging bridges
Where: Monteverde, La Fortuna · Best time: Dec to Apr for clear views
Treetop bridges where you spot birds, monkeys and misty views.
03
Spot sloths in Manuel Antonio
Where: Manuel Antonio · Best time: Go at opening, 7 am
Book a guide with a scope. You’ll see three times more wildlife.
04
Zip line over the rainforest
Where: Monteverde, La Fortuna, Guanacaste · Best time: Year-round
Costa Rica invented the canopy tour. Superman cables included.
05
Raft a white water river
Where: Sarapiquí, Pacuare, Balsa · Best time: Jun to Nov for bigger rapids
From gentle Class II floats to Class IV thrills on the Pacuare.
06
Chase waterfalls
Where: Rio Celeste, La Fortuna, Nauyaca · Best time: Dry season for blue water
Swimmable falls, turquoise rivers and short jungle hikes.
07
Watch sea turtles nest
Where: Tortuguero, Ostional · Best time: Jul to Oct (green turtles)
A guided night tour on the beach. Unforgettable and ethical.
08
Go whale watching
Where: Uvita, Drake Bay · Best time: Jul to Oct and Dec to Mar
Humpbacks visit from both hemispheres, so seasons come twice.
09
Take a surf lesson
Where: Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Nosara · Best time: Year-round
Warm water and beginner beaches all along the Pacific.
10
Tour a coffee and chocolate farm
Where: Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo · Best time: Harvest Nov to Feb
Bean to cup (and cacao to bar), with plenty of tasting.
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Things to do by town
When to go
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific beaches & sunshine | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
| Whale watching (Uvita) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||
| Turtle nesting (Tortuguero) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||
| Bigger rafting rapids | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||
| Caribbean coast at its best | ● | ● | ||||||||||
| Coffee harvest tours | ● | ● | ● | ● |
● = best time. Green season (May to November) means lush forests, fewer crowds and lower prices. Plan tours for the morning, when it’s usually sunny.
Our readers’ most-booked tours
Free cancellation on most tours. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
La Fortuna
Sloth watching tour
Monteverde
Cloud forest night tour
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio guided park tour
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