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Costa Rica.
If mother nature could show off what she’s really capable of, she would take you to Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, this small spec of ‘Rich Coast’ has such a variety of landscapes that a tour to Costa Rica can feel like a montage. From verdant rainforests teeming with exquisite wildlife, to smouldering volcanoes poking through the clouds to sleepy, palm-lined, pristine beaches fringing the dreamy coast line. Trek through the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest searching for the sacred quetzal. Snorkel amongst the nutrient-rich coral reefs on the beaches of paradise, and if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, take the longest zip line in the world through the Santa Elena Jungle. Costa Rica is the perfect holiday destination for wildlife lovers, adrenaline chasers and sun worshippers alike.
Click on the link here to read our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica. Â
Group tours to Costa Rica
Group tours are suitable for both couples, groups and singles alike. We are experts in group tours to Costa Rica, with a total of 13 different itineraries. Our tours are modular with the longest tour taking 49 days, passing through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama. Tours often include the opportunity to use local transport to get you from A to B, with longer journeys in a private transfer. Flight and boat journeys will also be included depending on which tour you have joined. Travelling to Costa Rica on a group tour is a great way to see the diversity of the country without the hassle and expense of going it alone. Solo adventurers are also made welcome. Talk to your tour provider about any additional requirements, such as a single room.Â
Read our guide to group tours.Â
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G Adventures host fantastic tours curated for solo travellers –click on the link here to find out more.Â
Top 12 places to visit in Costa Rica
1. Arenal Volcano National Park
Undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica, is visiting the protected area of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Famous for its steaming hot springs and it’s perfectly symmetrical towering centerpiece – the Arenal Volcano. This adventure capital of Costa Rica has a bountiful selection of activities including hikes through the verdant rainforest, white-water rafting, fishing, horseback riding and caving.
2. Playa Samara
Definitely among Costa Rica’s most postcard-perfect beaches, Playa Samara is the ideal family beach destination. Gently rolling waves lapping the soft, powdery beach whilst listening to the lively buzz of people is holiday perfection. Playa Samara is one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica and with good reason too. The chilled yet buzzing vibe of the towns restaurants, trendy boutiques and beach side bars are a big draw, as well as the forever abundant wildlife in the tropical forest borders. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling right from the shore.
3. La Fortuna Waterfall
One of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica is swimming in the La Fortuna Waterfall. Hike the wooden trails among the leafy jungle to uncover the 200 ft drop of the crashing waterfall, cascading into the emerald green pool below. Walk the labyrinth of precarious hanging bridges on foot or take the trail on horseback. Whilst walking through pasture and rainforest, keep an eye out for toucans and monkeys! It’s also the perfect spot to set up a picnic along the rocky shoreline or if you don’t fancy that, there’s also a nice restaurant in the area.
4. Cloud forests in Monteverde & Santa Elena
Hiking the hazy mist of cloud forest in the Monteverde reserve and listening to the exhilarating sounds of rare bird calls is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. Walk along the famous suspension bridge with moisture-rich foliage encroaching on every side. One of the largest biological reserves on the planet has over 100 mammal species, 400 bird species and 1200 amphibians and reptiles, which call this forest home. People come here to search for rare wildlife such as the resplendent quetzal, pumas, ocelots, margays and jaguarundis. Monteverde is also home to the longest zip wire in the world – one of the top highlights of Costa Rica.
5. Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Situated on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast, the highlight of this protected wilderness is undoubtedly experiencing the endangered turtles nesting along the secluded shoreline. Night-time guided walks are a popular activity, and if you’re lucky you might get the chance to watch newly hatched turtles scramble their way to sea. Weave your way through the dense jungle, kayaking through canals and searching for rare wildlife like the noisy howler-monkeys, green macaws and even the elusive jaguars.
6. Puerto Viejo
The laid back beach town of Puerto Viejo on the southeastern coast, is one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica. This small spot is the quintessential Caribbean town, brimming with culture. Picture reggae beats, vibrantly coloured buildings and coconut everything! Even though this is a small destination, it’s definitely not one to be sniffed at. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, a booming beach-side nightlife and a relaxed vibe, it’s becoming more and more popular every year. For the perfect beach break, check out the calm and quiet Playa Negra, the impeccable surf breaks of Playa Cocles, and the palm-fringed paradise of Playa Punta Uva.
7. Cahuita National Park
Visiting Cahuita National Park is a highlight on many itinerary tours to Costa Rica, especially for sea life lovers. The coral reef close to the shore is an underwater tapestry of colour. The crystal blue waters reveal manta rays, sharks and sea urchins of every colour. Snorkelling in these waters must be done with a guide in a bid to preserve and protect the coral. And if the sea life doesn’t hold your interest, explore the forgotten shipwrecks that lie on the shallow beds, cannons flanking either side protecting what could be long-forgotten treasure! And the land is just as spectacular! Watch out for sloths, pacas and northern tamanduas.
8. Mal Pais and Santa Teresa
Visit the surfers paradise of Santa Teresa to soak up some rays and hit the waves! The impeccable and consistent swells attract surfers all year round, eager to catch that perfect break. And whilst you’re not riding the waves, it’s the ideal location to try out some yoga or taste lip-smacking, Costa Rican food from the myriad of restaurants lining the beach. The nearby sleepy fishing town of Malpais offers an entirely different vibe with rocky coves and monkey-laden dense forests encroaching onto the white, sandy beaches. This area offers up the perfect opportunity to relax and get back to basics on your adventurous tour to Costa Rica. Santa Teresa didn’t even get electricity until the mid 1990s!
9. Poas Volcano
One the best day trips from San Jose is seeing the active volcano with its bright blue sulfur lakes. Located in one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, this is definitely not one to be missed. When the pressure reaches just the right amount of force, you can see the geyers rocket steam up to 820 feet high! At almost a mile across, this is the largest crater in the world, so don’t worry, you won’t get sprayed too heavily! The trek to Poas Volcano is an experience in itself. Work your way through the twists and turns of the unforgiving forest, listening to hummingbirds, flycatchers and if you’re lucky the mythical quetzal.
10. White water rafting in Turrialba
Turrialba is arguably one of the best places in the world for white water rafting. Drifting along the mighty Pacuare River with steep canyon waterfalls plunging into the water below, dense jungle flanking the river on either side. Adrenaline pumping, hearts racing, you’re thrashing your way through 11 sections of intense rapids before reaching the calm waters at the end where you can finally take in and appreciate the natural beauty of the area after your unforgettable white water rafting experience.
11. Cerro Chirripo
Climbing Cerro Chirripo, the tallest mountain in Costa Rica will give you some of the best views of the country. Making the arduous journey to the top will be met with an incredible panoramic shot of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean sea. The trek is around 20 km and passes through a variety of cloud forests and paramos. Upon reaching the top, you can see the incredible landscape of the country, green valleys and sparkling lakes. There are many hikes to choose from depending on your level of expertise and fitness, and can take anything from 1 day to 4 days to reach the summit.
12. Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is consistently voted as one of the must-see places in Costa Rica. The park encompasses rugged, lush green rainforests, vibrant coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches. Famous for its vast array of flora and fauna, it is home to rare species like the three-toed sloths and white-faced monkeys.
The region also boasts some of the world’s top beaches. Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio beaches are about a 30-minute walk from the park. Altogether is the perfect paradise pit-stop.
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