Located in Central America, Costa Rica is one of the top destinations for vacations, being home to some of the best beaches in the world along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Additionally, it is also well known for its active volcanoes, biodiversity with exotic birds and animals and its capital, San Jose, being home to great cultural institutions such as the Columbian Gold Museum. If you plan to go on vacation to Costa Rica, here are some of the fun things you can get down to while you are there:
1. Visit the Arenal Volcano
Since it erupted in 1968, the Arenal Volcano, located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, has been attracting crowds and visitors to Costa Rica and has become one of the most famous active volcanoes. Arenal is currently believed to be in a resting phase, occasionally spewing rivers of lava flowing down its impressive sides shaped like cones; it is closely monitored to ensure that park visitors are safe. For nature buffs, you can take a hike up the mountain and view more than five hundred different species of birds in the rain forest, and enjoy great views from various observation points. You can also enjoy bathing in the hot springs and water activities like river rafting.
2. Go Horseback Riding
Live a little while in Costa Rica by saddling up to ride a horse, which is a fun way to check out the landscapes and sceneries of the country, and is a wonderful group bonding activity. Nearly every tourist destination in the country offers horse riding, but the best place to do it is in Guanacaste where farmers in the farms rent out their horses for the tours. The cost of the horses could be 35 dollars to 50 depending on how long the tour is and where you go. It is an activity fit for the beach and the mountains alike, to experience the breeze from the ocean and the views from the mountains.
3. Go Zip Lining
Get your adrenaline going while in Costa Rica, which is famous for having the world’s best views from the long cables in their tropical locations. It is a must-do activity while in Costa Rica, and not to worry, if you are afraid of heights there are a variety of levels you can choose from, beginners to the most advanced.
Thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies can enjoy extreme zip lining experiences in Sky Adventures and Aventura in Monterverde, or enjoy the longest ocean view zip line in Guanacaste at Diamante Adventures. The charges can vary from 35 dollars to 75 dollars, depending on the transport arrangements, and is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica.
4. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Also another must-do activity, head on down to the best places to snorkel in Costa Rica such as the Gulf of Papagayo, Isla del Cano, and the Caribbean during certain times of the year. Costa Rica is rife with marine reserves dotted with different species of fish, amphibians, birds and other marine animals, with most of them specific to this part of the worlds.
The best way to experience this is through diving to view these species up close and personal along the Caribbean in the Cahuita National Park, a hidden gem for scuba diving, with experiences for every level. There are training courses for beginners going for $200 to $400, and if you are already a certified diver, sessions can go from $75 to over $200.
5. Waterfall Tours
There are spectacularly exquisite and beautiful waterfalls throughout Costa Rica due to the valleys and rivers, and you can visit them on your own. However, there are some that are not easily accessible, so a tour would be best because it is done by locals who know the best spots and tall waterfalls for the best experience.
Costa Rica is a beautiful gem, with some of the best activities to do that cannot all fit in one list. It offers great experiences for all ages, adventurers, and tight budgets which is guaranteed to give you the experience of a lifetime.
