Top Ten Most Popular Things to do in Costa Rica
There are more things to do in Costa Rica than you'll likely have
days for. These are the most popular.
Canopy tours
Whether it's a zip-line thrill ride, gondola, or naturalist educational
trip through the treetops, canopy tours have exploded in popularity
in the past decade.
Coffee tours
Before it was overtaken by tourism, coffee was the driving force
of Costa Rica's economy. A tour of a coffee farm and processing
facility is a great way to satisfy your curiosity about the source
of your morning cuppa and get an introduction to Tico history
and culture.
Surfing & Windsurfing
Costa Rica's breaks are world renowned, and rightly so. Inland,
Lake Arenal has constantly balmy water (66 to 71 °F, 19-21 °C),
average wind speeds of 24 mph (40 kph), and an exquisite setting
for windsurfers. Rental equipment and lessons for both types
of board sport are available.
Volcano Watching
Arenal is the premier destination with its lava flows, fire belching,
and rolling smoking boulders, but Poás and Irazú have
their attractions as well.
Nature Cruise
The canals of Tortuguero, wetlands of Caño Negro, and mangroves
of the Damas estuary adjacent to Manuel Antonio are the most popular
places to sit back relax and let the boatman be your guide to bird
and wildlife spotting.
Whitewater
As you might suspect in a country covered in rain forest that rises
from one ocean to 12,000 feet and drops back to sea level in
the space of 70 miles, whitewater abounds in Costa Rica. Trips
cater to all ability levels and interests.
Beach
Sunning, swimming, surfing, sailing, scuba, snorkeling, and that's
just the S's. Beach lovers might think that Christopher Columbus
had them in mind when he dubbed this (or did he?) the land of
the "Rich Coast".
Nature Walk
This catchall category covers everything from a walk on a paved
path to multi-night treks up the bed of a river to prime jaguar
country. Most visitors to Costa Rica spend at least some time
hiking through the rain and cloud forests or along the beaches.
Hot Springs
There are hundreds of hotsprings in this volcanic land and a couple
of them have spawned spas. If you want to relax your tired muscles
(or have a masseur relax them for you) hit the natural pools,
then spend a night at Tabacón resort.
Waterfalls
Rainforests, mountains, and canyons add up to countless waterfalls
and you can enjoy anything from walk up viewing platforms a few
yards from a restaurant to strenuous hikes into secluded skinny-dipping
pools.
Bird Watching
Everyone becomes an amateur birder as soon as they land in Costa
Rica. You can't help but notice the remarkable colors, calls
and plumage, and you'll find plenty of serious bird watchers
and qualified guides to fill you in on the habits and natural
history of the species you see.
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