Costa Rica is a distinctive and varied travel destination with a lush rainforest paradise and a variety of wildlife, adventure opportunities, and outdoor encounters. It’s the ideal place to get your heart racing with an adventurous activity and then take it easy and immerse yourself in nature, whether at an eco-retreat, on the beach, in the rainforest, beneath a waterfall, or with a dip in some thermal hot springs.
A wanderlust? Let’s look at the complete travel guide, including what to do, where to stay, and what to eat!
Best Hotels to Stay in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is dotted with some of the greatest and coziest hotels. If you need help determining where to stay, read below.
Best-in-Town Places to Eat
Dining here is an adventure in and of itself because of the lively food scene replete with distinctive flavor characteristics. Some of the top places to eat are:
- La Criollita, San Jose
- Restaurante Grano de Oro, San Jose
- La Pecora Nera Ristorante
- Restaurante Exotica, Ojochal
Fun things to do in Costa Rica
The country offers plenty of tourist spots and fun things to do. Let’s find out what’s waiting for you.
1- Ziplining

In Costa Rica, ziplining is an absolute must. Costa Rica is world-famous for its long cables and breathtaking views. Take advantage of the opportunity to soar over the jungle. Monteverde, La Fortuna, and Guanacaste are the best locations for ziplining here.
2- Visit Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano Park, located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, is one of the country’s best places to view volcanoes. The Arenal Volcano, a cone-shaped peak with massive ash columns frequently spilling from the crater, is the area’s main draw. View the magnificent views of Arenal Lake and hike to the waterfalls and old lava flows.
3- Explore Tamarindo

Check out Tamarindo if you’re seeking a fantastic destination in Costa Rica. With its calm waves along Tamarindo Beach, this beach town is renowned for its great surfing conditions, and it’s the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the sunshine. You won’t have to travel far to have a good time because Tamarindo has many fantastic bars and eateries.
4- Enjoy Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Costa Rica offers excellent scuba diving and snorkeling because it borders the Pacific and Caribbean seas. So, if you enjoy the ocean, you must go snorkeling or scuba diving in Costa Rica. Divers might be drawn away from the underwater beauty by sightings of big animals such as whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and the occasional humpback whale.
5- Private Boating Tour in the Gulf of Papagayo

One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful locations is the Gulf of Papagayo on the north Pacific coast. The Papagayo Gulf, which is made up of a lot of little bays, features a lot of white sand beaches that can only be reached by boat and fantastic snorkeling locations. So a private boat excursion is the greatest way to enjoy the Gulf of Papagayo.
Takeaways
Costa Rica will always win your heart when it comes to its amazing food, rich culture, and hip nightlife. To truly enjoy the experience, try the amazing and fun activities mentioned above.