Best Adventure Activities to Try in Costa Rica

With its stunning white sand beaches, warm azure water, lush tropical jungle and majestic volcanoes, Costa Rica is a dream destination for many a traveler. Whether looking for true relaxation laying in the sun or adventure hiking in the forest, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Adventure travelers will revel in the number of opportunities available at their fingertips on their Costa Rica vacation, from hiking and trekking to river rafting and biking. Here is a breakdown of where these activities can be found in the country.

Hiking & Trekking: there are countless opportunities for all walkers in this magical country. Whether you prefer easy one day trips or extended hikes across some of the most beautiful national parks, everything is possible. Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja is teeming with hiking opportunities. A great day trip there is to the fumaroles and tropical beaches. Other beautiful hikes can be found on the magnificent beaches of Parque Nacional Cahuita or the cloud forests of Monteverde. For multi-day hikes, Parque Nacional Corcovado offers the best options with its spectacular wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Diving: what Costa Rica offers to all divers is glistening warm waters filled with marine wildlife. What more could you ask for? However, visibility is not the best because of silk and plankton, which explain why Costa Rica is not such a big diving destination. However, conditions are great for beginner divers with plenty of opportunities to observe massive schools of fish and other exotic marine animals. The best place to dive is off the northern part of the Peninsula de Nicoya, at Playa del Coco. Playa Ocotal, and Playa Hermosa. Another renowned diving spot is at Bahia Drake, where excursions to Isla del Caño and various other sites can be organized. The best site of all in the country is the famous Isla del Coco, located about 500 km south west of mainland Costa Rica. Plethora of coral, crustacean, dolphin species and much more can be observed under the warm, turquoise waters here.

River Rafting: only true adventurers are brave enough to try to tame the roaring waters of Costa Rica’s central mountains. From June to October, rivers are at their wildest and offer great river rafting opportunities. The country’s savage rivers surrounded by magical scenery make for enchanting river rafting or kayaking experiences for beginners and seasoned alike, with Class II to Class V waters. The most popular river rafting spots are the Pacuare and Reventazon Rivers both found next to the town of Turrialba in the northern lowlands. The Pacuare is considered among one of the world’s top 10 white-water runs. If you don’t have much experience but are looking for some real thrills, drive riding down the Sarapiqui River’s Class III-IV waters in the same area. Another famous river-rafting and kayaking spot is next to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific coast.

This guide to adventures activities in Costa Rica was written by a Costa Rica travel expert at Costa Rica For Less available to help you customize your exciting Costa Rica vacations.

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