The 15 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica

After spending three weeks traveling around the Central Valley, Northern Plain, and Paquera, I sat down and thought about which moments I enjoyed the most. From that, here are my recommended 15 things to do in Costa Rica around those 3 regions.

La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano are, of course, must-see places. But less conspicuous bucket-list items like a cup of Lolo Mora’s vanilla ice cream from downtown San José or an afternoon chillin’ at Café La Mancha will refill your soul just as much!

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Table of Contents

Things to Do in Costa Rica

The following things I’m going to list out are either in San José or scattered along the west side of Costa Rica only–in La Fortuna and Arenal area, and on the south side of Nicoya Peninsula.

This country really has so much to offer. Unless your trip is over a month long, one visit is certainly not enough. I can’t wait to go back and explore the rest myself!

Ready to start planning? Take these quick recommendations to save you time!

Book Cheap Flights: I use Expedia to find the best flight deals.
Trip-Planning Template: Grab the Spreadsheet Template I use to plan my trip FOR FREE.
Insurance: Protect yourself on the trip with My Go-to Travel Insurance.
Stay Connected: Get cheap data while keeping your number with these Costa Rica eSIMs!
Find Tours & Activities: Find the best things to do conveniently on GetYourGuide and Viator.

Infinity pool overlooking lush greenery and a vibrant tropical landscape in Costa Rica, with palm trees, colorful flowers, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky. A serene view showcasing one of the relaxing things to do in Costa Rica, perfect for unwinding in nature.

1) Soak in the hot springs of La Fortuna

Starting off in La Fortuna Costa Rica, my absolute favorite town in the country so far. From the colorful little town area itself to the hot spring resorts and the variety of wildlife tours available, it’s such an exciting spot!

Packed with volcanoes, Costa Rica is so famous for its hot springs because the geothermal activity in the ground naturally heats these pools. These hot springs help relieve stress, clean your skin, and relax your muscles.

You can either visit one of the natural pools or stay at one of the hot spring resorts. I stayed at Paradise Hot Springs and loved every minute of it!

A serene natural hot spring surrounded by dense tropical foliage in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. A rocky formation with small waterfalls and vibrant greenery sits at the center of the pool, offering a peaceful and relaxing experience. Perfect for immersing in Costa Rica's lush environment and geothermal wonders. — *The view from my underwater sunbed at the Paradise Hot Springs Resort in La Fortuna*

2) Swim in the pool of La Fortuna Waterfall

Another must-do in La Fortuna is to visit the waterfall! Catarata Río Fortuna sits at the base of a dormant volcano, which means you’ll be hiking down into the valley and back up.

The waterfall drops from about 75 meters at a speed of 300 kph (187 mph), so swimming anywhere near it is forbidden. But you can definitely swim in the pool if you keep your distance, so bring a swimsuit!

Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Admission: US$18
Address: La Fortuna Waterfall – Alajuela Province, San Carlos, Costa Rica

3) Hike the Arenal Volcano

While we’re still in La Fortuna, make sure not to miss out on hiking the Arenal Volcano! The Arenal is ACTIVE. It last exploded in 1968, only 54 years ago at the time of writing. And no one knows when it will decide to have another round of fun…

The trail is strangely beautiful, riddled with both wildflowers and black volcanic rocks. If you search well, maybe you’ll find tiny pieces of volcanic gems and diamonds along the way. I did!

Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: US$15
Address: Mirador el Silencio – F7MC+W37, 142, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos

4) Take a walking tour of San José

This bustling capital city is so much more than buildings and traffic. Each building, monument, park, or even sign has its own history. And to walk by them without knowing would be a real shame.

I did my walking tour with Urban Tours. The guide was very knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable for me. I also happened to be the only one on my tour slot. Hah!

5) Try Lolo Mora’s vanilla ice cream

While you’re still downtown San José, stop by the Central Market and look for Lolo Mora Ice Cream Palor, pictures below.

They only sell ONE flavor, vanilla cinnamon. And there’s a reason why they’re that confident about it. It tastes SO GOOD! You don’t want to miss this one!

Either take a scoop to go, or find a seat and have the ice cream on top of their blended juice selections.

Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Address: Mercado Central, San José, Paso De La Vaca, 10102

A colorful hand-painted sign for Refresquería Las Delicias, successors of Lolo Mora, advertising traditional ice cream made in a sorbetera since 1901. The sign features vibrant images of fruits like pineapple, guava, and bananas alongside an ice cream dish, and includes a phone number (21-81-27). A glimpse of a green exit sign ('Salida') is visible in the corner. — *The colorful sign above the Lolo Mora Ice Cream shop*

A bustling ice cream shop in Costa Rica, featuring employees in yellow uniforms and blue aprons serving customers at a counter. The shop, identified as Lolo Mora, has vibrant signage advertising sorbet and traditional ice creams, with menu options displayed above the counter. Customers of all ages enjoy their treats in the lively, colorful environment. — *The always bustling Lolo Mora*

6) Go snorkeling at Tortuga Island

If you’re going to Costa Rica, then you must love nature! Take it a step further by hanging out with marine life off the coast of Tortuga Island for an hour or two. Either book a tour with my favorite people at Bahia Rica or check out one of the selections from Viator below.

7) Dive around the shipwrecks of the Santa Catalina Islands

If you’re an avid diver, the Tortuga Island and Montezuma area are also home to 3 famous shipwrecks that you can dive into. The Caroline Star, the Colonel Alfonso Monge, and the Franklin Chang Diaz.

I don’t dive myself, but I’ve heard the best things, and I bet they’re a sight to behold.

8) Take the bioluminescence tour in Paquera

After spending the day chilling around Tortuga Island, what’s a better way to end it than taking advantage of the dark and watching bioluminescent glitter on your hands and feet?

There’s an option at Bahia Rica that lets you combine your experience snorkeling on Isla Tortuga with kayaking in bioluminescence as well.

A mesmerizing display of bioluminescent water in Paquera, Costa Rica, glowing in vibrant blue against the darkness of night. The faint streaks and shimmering patches showcase the natural phenomenon caused by microscopic organisms, offering a magical experience unique to this tropical destination. — *The glittery nighttime magic of bioluminescence, taken via my iPhone.*

9) Visit the National Theater

From the outside, this unsuspecting building is almost just like any other in San José. But as soon as you step inside, everything screams elegance, even the way their tours are given.

The guides dress up and act like people from old-time Costa Rica, and they tell all the stories while staying in character!

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Admission: US$8
Address: 1, San José Province, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica

The Costa Rica National Theater — *The elegance inside the National Theater’s interior almost feels more like Europe than Central America.*

10) Take a coffee tour with Britt

Did you know that Costa Rica is like the Italy of the Americas in terms of coffee? For decades, they’ve planted and produced gourmet coffee for people all over the world. The high altitude and mostly volcanic soil yield harder coffee beans, which means a much more even roast.

And why does it have to be the Britt Coffee Tour?

Well… after producing gourmet coffee for exports while leaving the locals to make do with what they have, Britt stepped up to be the first producer of gourmet Costa Rica coffee FOR Costa Ricans. Starting in 1995, and still going strong!

Hours: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:15 PM daily
Address: Britt Coffee Tour – Heredia Province, DE, Costa Rica

11) Visit the Toucan Rescue Ranch

If you’re an animal lover, this experience is for you! Unlike a generic zoo, this ranch was first established to help save injured and abandoned Toucans, then they’ve expanded it to include other species of wildlife as well. Yes, sloths too…

Every animal that arrives at the Rescue Ranch is nurtured until they’re healed. Then they will go through a training program that prepares them for the wild, from elementary through university. Isn’t that cute?

And if they fail any of these levels, meaning they’ll be in danger if set free, they will become a permanent resident of the ranch.

Book a Tour: Toucan Rescue Ranch Official Website
Address: Off of Route 112 near downtown San Josecito, Heredia, San Josecito, Costa Rica

A sloth with a pink flower in its mouth, hanging upside down inside its home at the Toucan Rescue Ranch — *How cute is this guy?!*

12) Zipline at the Monteverde Cloud Forest

This is something I wish I had time for on my trip, and it came highly recommended by my classmates at the Spanish school. It’s the next time for me!

Monteverde Cloud Forest is exactly what it’s called. You walk into a lush, green forest enveloped in low-hanging clouds. It will feel like stepping into heaven. It’s also home to the countless famous hanging bridges of Costa Rica.

The opportunities are ample here. You can take a zipline tour, a bird-watching tour, a sloth-watching tour, or even a hanging-bridges tour. Don’t be like me, visit Monteverde!

13) Visit the Museum of Jade

No, it is not an entire museum with JUST pieces of jade! It’s named that way due to the influence jade had on the pre-Columbian Costa Rican culture. This item is not to be missed by my fellow lovers of slow travel.

There is a LOT of jade here indeed, but the point of this museum is to showcase the indigenous way of life and how it evolved. And they’ve done an amazing job! There are 4 floors of gorgeous exhibition rooms, each with its own theme.

Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Admission: US$16
Address: 13 bis, y, Av. Central, San José Province, San José

One of the marvelous exhibitions on the Costa Rican history at the Museum of Jade in San José — *La Noche or “The Night” is one of the themed exhibition rooms at the Museum of Jade.*

14) Visit Cartago

Only less than an hours’ drive southeast of San José is Cartago, the former capital city of the country. Standing and booming with trade from 1563 until 1823, it’s packed full of beautiful architecture and rich with history for you to explore

The most famous attraction (but not the only one…) is the Basilica of Los Angeles.

15) Take a chill afternoon at La Mancha

No, it’s not just your average café! First off, because we’re in Costa Rica, you’re guaranteed to have the best-tasting coffee in the Americas. Secondly, their pastries are to die for. And lastly, it’s hidden INSIDE a building, in this cutest little courtyard in the middle of the bustling San José.

You can barely hear the traffic outside when you’re in here, and the vibe will give you the break you’d never expect in the middle of a capital city!

Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Address: Avenidas central y primera, C. 1, San José Province, San José, El Carmen, 10101

Café La Mancha, situated inside a European building with a central courtyard in San José — *I mean… look at that decor…*

Are you convinced to visit Costa Rica yet?

To Help You in Costa Rica

Learn a little bit about the local Pura Vida culture and some Spanish travel phrases before you arrive.

To make your inter-city travel experiences better, I have guides on driving around the country and taking the ferry across the Nicoya Gulf.

Common Questions

What are some unique activities to do in Costa Rica?

You can explore the waterfalls of the Northern Plain, like Río Celeste or La Fortuna. For a different perspective, consider a ferry ride across the Nicoya Gulf to the beaches and Islands of Paquera. The Caribbean Coast also boasts the amazing town of Limón and the Tortuguero National Park.

How should I tip for services in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, a service tax of 10% is commonly included in bills at restaurants, tours, and hotels. While it’s not mandatory to tip beyond this, additional gratuities are always appreciated, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Sales tax is typically 13%, so you might see this reflected in pricing as well!

What is the best way to carry money in Costa Rica?

The US Dollar is widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas. I’d say having around $300 in cash per person for a week is good enough, complemented by credit cards for additional expenses. However, in more remote areas, cash is king, so be prepared accordingly.

What should I pack for a trip to Costa Rica?

Prioritize clothes that dry quickly. Essentials include closed-toe hiking sandals or sturdy walking shoes, plenty of sunscreens, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, a hat, and a swimsuit. If traveling during the rainy season, don’t forget a waterproof jacket and a backpack rain cover.