Top activities for Costa Rica

Another fact about Costa Rica is that more than 25% of the land’s territory was turned into National Parks, Reserves and Protected Areas in order to preserve the country’s natural beauty. Despite its rather small size in comparison with many other Latin and Central American countries, Costa Rica is home to an incredibly rich plethora of natural biodiversity. More than 5% of the world’s fauna and flora are found here and many researchers consider Costa Rica a ‘Paradise on Earth’. 'Pura Vida' is the country’s motto. It means much more than just ‘pure life’ as it is in fact a life style in itself that most Costa Ricans embrace: a life style of tranquillity, of happiness found in simple things and of satisfaction with the bare necessities. Whether you are surfing or sunbathing on a beach, hiking in solitude or dancing in the cities, Costa Rica will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Costa Rica

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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Top Spots for all Things Creative

Indulge your senses in art galleries, museums, and experience the cultural side of {{area}}

Art & Culture

When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Taste This 

Eat & drink your way through {{area}}

Food & Drinks

Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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The Grass is Always Greener 

Explore the outdoors in and around {{area}}

Nature

Lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trail! We’ve organized the top nature walks and hikes in {{area}} for all the outdoor lovers looking to go the limits. There are plenty of routes you can choose from - all offering you stunning views that make each step even more worth it.

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Get Outdoors

Explore walks & hikes in {{area}}

Hiking

All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

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See it to Believe it

Find the best viewpoints, monuments, and hidden gems in {{area}}

Sightseeing

Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

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Best places for all ages

Bring the whole family to kid friendly spots in {{area}}

Family Fun

Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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Best places to seek thrills

Go on an Adventure in and around {{area}}

Adventure

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Read up on the best this awesome country has to offer

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For travellers who want to explore more

Most travellers arrive in San José and leave to the main attractions from the capital city, which is indeed very well connected to the rest of the country. The capital city is very international due to the mild climate and great weather all year long which attract tourists and locals at any time. Most of the buildings in San José are rather recent, especially when compared to other Central American cities, which gives a nice and modern vibe to this city. Despite the city-life vibe that may be breath in San José, the province’s territory is vastly occupied by natural parks, volcanoes and reserves and it makes it an area very interesting for both adventure seekers and nature lovers.

San José

Even if this province is quite densely populated and a large portion of its territory is dedicated to agriculture (vegetables, pineapples, bananas, sugar cane and coffee, among others, are the main products that get exported), it still hosts a great number of natural species, such as the many orchid varieties found in the Southern part of the country and the many capuchin monkeys. This Costa Rican province is home to two of the country’s most active volcanoes: Poás and Arenal. The first one is among the most acid volcanoes on the planet, making it impossible for any form of life (plants or animals) to survive in its proximity. The second one has been dormant since 2010 but before, it was very active and mostly devastating. Both volcanoes, the city Alajuela and the rest of nature in this region attract many tourists to the Alajuela province every year and the government is financing many projects for gathering even more travellers into this province.

Alajuela

The colonial architecture and history of this province, both visible in the cities, their buildings and in the numerous museums, is a very tangible and well preserved trace of modern history. The Cartago province is home to the Irazú Volcano, an active volcano that has erupted multiple times even in the past recent years. This huge volcano (from which top both the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean can be seen, on clear days) attracts many tourists and it is a source of captivating legends, told by the locals and written in many novels and children’s books.

Cartago

Most of the people live in the capital city, Heredia which is home to many colonial buildings and sites, created when the region became known and the cultivation of coffee began. Travellers tend to enjoy this area because of the many natural attractions such as the Barva inactive volcano and lagoon which is home to a large number of animal species and plants, as well as La Paz garden with some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the continent. ‘Pura Vida’ is the national motto that is often shared among the locals here and that, in fact, reflects well the chill-out attitude Costa Ricans and travellers in Heredia share.

Heredia

In the past decades, Puntarenas was a booming area in Costa Rica: it was a great fishing spot, an important port and the economy was thriving. Because of the market competition, the situation has now changed but it is still the province where you can enjoy the great and authentic local cuisine. Seafood is the main food to be found here and it is the most fresh and delicious of the country. Many local vendors often jam the streets of the cities and towns, especially when the catch was very productive. Local traditions such as the Carnival in February are kept at their very best. Puntarenas has a truly rare authentic vibe which travellers are only able to feel and appreciate once they take the time to get to know the area and hear the many stories and anecdotes that the locals so warmly share with foreigners.

Puntarenas

Named after the national tree of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste or Monkey-ear tree, this province is home to a very peculiar and rather rare dry tropical forest, dense rain forest with many animal species and more than 250 species of birds. Scientists believe that many secrets are still kept by this region: the countless pink, black and white beaches (among the most beautiful ones in the country), constantly new-found flora and fauna species, the many nesting animals (such as birds, turtles and many insects) that every year come back to the Guanacaste’s shores are only some of the fenomenos that are still mysterious for the scientists. But this exotic and tropical destination has much more to offer than a pure holiday vibe: having been part of Nicaragua for a long time, Guanacaste has a very specific culture and vibe, pretty unique that may be felt by the travellers who take the time for exploring and venturing the many off-the-beaten path places.

Guanacaste

What most travellers expect from this province never translates into disappointment: the image of a tropical paradise with turquoise water, white sand, coconut trees and clear sky is often a regular view for the people visiting this part of the world. The Limon province is also the most culturally diverse area in Costa Rica because of the tourism industry and the large port situated in the city of Limon. Boats filled with fruits, vegetables, flowers and food-processed goods arrive and leave the province of Limon on a regular basis, creating many business opportunities and employment in the area. The many sailors and merchants that still today populate this province might be the ones who firstly spread stories of pirates, hidden treasures and sea creatures… stories still alive and told today alongside many legends which the locals are always willing to share.

Limón

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Costa Rica

Get inspired with these travel stories

Read up on the best this awesome country has to offer

Top activities for Costa Rica

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