When Costa Rica pops into your mind, what’s the first feeling you get? For some, it’s the pull of a hammock under the palms, toes digging into warm sand while the sound of the waves lulls you into a rare stillness. For others, it’s the magnetic call of adventure—the promise of winding jungle trails, river rapids, or that rush of adrenaline as you soar over emerald canopies.
The beauty of Costa Rica is that it doesn’t ask you to choose. Here, you can start your morning with yoga on the beach, trek through cloud forests in the afternoon, and end the day with a sunset cocktail while scarlet macaws streak across the sky. This is a destination that makes space for all the sides of you—the one that craves rest, the one that thrives on wonder, and the one that loves a good thrill.
So the real question is: What do you want most from this trip?
Here are eight experiences that showcase the very best of Costa Rica—and a few ways to imagine yourself inside them.
Hike Through Volcanoes and Cloud Forests
Imagine walking through a world where every step feels alive. Steam curls from the ground near a volcano’s slope, and the air smells faintly of earth and heat. A few days later, you’re in a cloud forest, the mist hanging low like a veil, moss dripping from branches overhead. It feels otherworldly, like you’ve stepped inside nature’s cathedral.
Trails here range from gentle strolls to challenging climbs, so the pace is always yours to set. With a guide by your side, the forest reveals its secrets: a sloth camouflaged against a tree, the flash of a quetzal in flight, the hum of unseen insects in the canopy above. Hiking in Costa Rica isn’t just exercise—it’s a portal into the soul of the country.
Ride the Waves
There’s something deeply freeing about standing at the edge of the ocean, board in hand, as waves roll in one after the other. Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise, but it isn’t reserved for the pros. Warm waters, consistent waves, and a welcoming surf culture make it just as perfect for beginners.
On the Pacific coast, think golden beaches backed by lively towns where surfboards lean against every café wall. On the Caribbean side, the rhythm slows, reggae drifts on the breeze, and locals share their favorite breaks with a smile. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of catching the perfect wave or just testing your balance for the first time, surfing here feels like you’re part of something bigger—the ocean reminding you to let go, ride it out, and laugh when you fall.
Dive Beneath the Surface
Slip beneath the surface and the world changes. Sunlight dances through clear blue water, illuminating schools of neon fish that scatter like glitter. Sea turtles glide past with a grace that makes you forget time altogether. In the distance, a manta ray moves like a shadow with wings.
With over 7,000 marine species, Costa Rica’s waters are alive with color and motion. Snorkel straight from the shore and discover reefs just steps away, or take a boat to hidden coves where dolphins play alongside you. If you’re a diver, the sites range from easy drifts perfect for beginners to advanced dives where sharks and larger pelagics appear out of the blue. No matter your comfort level, the underwater world here will remind you of just how vast and miraculous this planet really is.
Photo by Outward Bound Costa Rica on Unsplash
Chase the Rapids
The river winds through dense jungle, sunlight piercing the canopy in streaks of gold. You’re perched on the edge of the raft, paddle in hand, heart pounding as the guide calls, “Forward!” The raft dips, spins, and suddenly you’re flying through whitewater, laughter and adrenaline spilling into the air.
Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is as exhilarating as it is beautiful. Some rivers are gentle, perfect for families and first-timers, while others surge with the kind of rapids thrill-seekers dream about. Between the splashes and the rush, there are quiet moments too: floating past waterfalls, spotting toucans overhead, or simply letting the river carry you forward. It’s adventure, yes—but it’s also connection. To the people you share the raft with, to the raw energy of the jungle, and to yourself, fully alive in the moment.
Stand in the Mist of Waterfalls
You hear them before you see them—a low rumble that grows louder until, suddenly, the trees part and a wall of water crashes before you. The mist cools your skin. Rainbows flicker in and out as the sunlight catches the spray.
Costa Rica is dotted with waterfalls, each one unique. Some require a short hike, others a challenging climb, but all are worth the effort. A few invite you in with natural pools at their base, perfect for a refreshing swim. Others are best admired from a distance, letting you take in their sheer power. Whether you reach them on your own, with a guide, or as part of a day trip, waterfalls here feel like nature’s way of reminding you to pause… and just take it all in.
Fly Through the Canopy
The first line is short, meant to ease you in. Harness clipped, helmet snug, you push off the platform. For a second, your stomach flips—but then, you’re gliding. The forest floor drops away, rivers snake below, and your perspective shifts. The jungle you walked through now stretches endlessly beneath your feet.
Each zip line gets a little longer, a little faster, until you’re flying over valleys and ridges with the wind in your face and nothing but green in every direction. For adrenaline lovers, this is pure joy. For others, it’s a chance to see the world differently—to literally change your vantage point. Either way, the canopy leaves its mark.
Pause for the Birds
At dawn, the forest comes alive with sound. The call of a toucan echoes in the distance, while hummingbirds dart so quickly they seem like sparks of light. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the rainbow flash of a resplendent quetzal—one of the most sought-after sightings for birders around the world.
Costa Rica is home to more than 900 species, making every walk an opportunity for discovery. Birdwatching here isn’t only for the dedicated enthusiasts who plan entire itineraries around it (though many do). It’s for anyone who’s willing to pause, lift their gaze, and notice the details. Bring binoculars if you like—but sometimes the magic is in the unexpected moments, when beauty flutters past and reminds you to stay present.
And That’s Just the Beginning
Costa Rica isn’t just a destination—it’s an invitation. To slow down, to play, to reconnect with yourself in ways you didn’t even realize you needed. These eight experiences are a starting point, but the real magic happens in how they’re woven together: a morning hike followed by an afternoon surf lesson, a day of rafting capped with a quiet evening watching the sun melt into the horizon.
The right trip isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing what matters most to you, and trusting that the details are cared for. That’s where I come in. My role is to help you cut through the overwhelm and design a journey that balances adventure with ease, wonder with rest.
✨ When you’re ready, let’s talk about what you want most from Costa Rica—and craft a trip that feels as effortless as it is unforgettable.
