There are many things to do while visiting Costa Rica.

Here are some popular activities and attractions:

  1. Explore National Parks: Costa Rica has over 30 national parks, each with its unique wildlife, plant life, and geological features. The parks offer a variety of activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife watching.
  2. Relax on Beaches: Costa Rica has miles of stunning beaches, both on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Visitors can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach.
  3. Zip-line Through the Canopy: Costa Rica is known for its adventurous activities, and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy is one of the most popular. Several companies offer zip-line tours throughout the country.
  4. Visit Volcanoes: Costa Rica has several active and dormant volcanoes that can be explored. Visitors can hike around the base of the volcanoes, observe wildlife, and even visit hot springs.
  5. Experience Local Culture: Costa Rica has a rich and vibrant culture, influenced by its indigenous roots, Spanish colonialism, and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Visitors can experience local traditions and cuisine, visit museums and art galleries, and attend cultural events.
  6. Go Wildlife Watching: Costa Rica is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, toucans, and parrots. Visitors can take guided tours to observe these animals in their natural habitats.
  7. Relax in Hot Springs: Costa Rica has many natural hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a day of adventure.

Food and Culture

Beaches and Surfing

Natural Adventures & Landmarks

Costa Rica’s National Parks cover a wide range of ecosystems, from rainforests and cloud forests to beaches and coral reefs. Here is a list of all the parks, along with a brief description of their cover areas:

Things to do in Costa Rica - Frequently Common Questions

Costa Rica is an excellent destination for birdwatching, with over 900 bird species recorded in the country. The best time for birdwatching in Costa Rica is from December to April, which is the dry season when many bird species are breeding and nesting. During this time, the country’s many national parks and wildlife reserves offer excellent opportunities to spot a wide variety of bird species.

However, it’s important to note that Costa Rica’s diverse bird populations can be observed year-round. During the rainy season (May to November), many species are still active and visible, and the lush green forests provide a beautiful backdrop for birdwatching. Some species, such as migratory birds from North America, are also present in the country during the wet season.

Ultimately, the best time for birdwatching in Costa Rica depends on the individual’s preferences and goals. If you’re interested in observing specific bird species, it’s a good idea to research the best time of year for those species and plan your trip accordingly.

Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise, with some of the best waves and beaches in the world. Here are some of the top beaches in Costa Rica for surfing:

  1. Playa Grande: Located in Guanacaste province, Playa Grande is a beautiful beach with consistent waves that are ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
  2. Jaco Beach: Jaco is a popular destination for surfers of all levels, with a long stretch of beach that offers a variety of breaks, including some challenging reef breaks.
  3. Tamarindo: This is another popular destination in Guanacaste province, with a long, sandy beach that offers both beginner and advanced breaks. Tamarindo is also known for its lively nightlife and restaurants.
  4. Pavones: Located on the southern Pacific coast, Pavones is famous for having one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world, which can sometimes provide rides of over a minute.
  5. Santa Teresa: This is a beautiful beach located on the Nicoya Peninsula that is known for its consistent waves and laid-back surf culture. It’s a popular destination for both surfers and backpackers.
  6. Nosara: This is another beach on the Nicoya Peninsula that offers consistent waves for surfers of all levels. It’s also known for its yoga retreats and wellness centers.
  7. Dominical: Located in the Southern Pacific region, Dominical is a popular destination for experienced surfers, with strong waves that can reach up to 10 feet.

    8. These are just a few examples of the many great beaches for surfing in Costa Rica. With its warm water, consistent waves, and stunning scenery, Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for surfers of all levels.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and unique wildlife. Here are some of the top sights and activities to experience during your visit:

  1. Arenal Volcano: This active volcano is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Visitors can hike in the surrounding national park, soak in hot springs, and go ziplining or white-water rafting.
  2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Located in the central highlands, this misty forest is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, and insects, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Visitors can go on guided hikes, zipline through the canopy, and learn about conservation efforts.
  3. Manuel Antonio National Park: This small but stunning national park on the Pacific coast has white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Snorkeling and surfing are popular activities here.
  4. Tortuguero National Park: Accessible only by boat or plane, this remote park on the Caribbean coast is a prime nesting site for green sea turtles. Visitors can take guided tours to see the turtles, as well as monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
  5. Corcovado National Park: This rugged park on the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Hiking, birdwatching, and camping are popular activities here.
  6. Nicoya Peninsula: This long, narrow peninsula on the Pacific coast is known for its beautiful beaches, surf spots, and laid-back vibe. Popular towns to visit include Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa.
  7. San José: Costa Rica’s capital city has a lively arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as excellent restaurants and nightlife. The National Theater and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum are both must-sees.

    8. These are just a few of the many amazing sights and experiences that Costa Rica has to offer. Whether you’re interested in adventure, wildlife, or relaxation, you’re sure to find something to love in this beautiful country.

Costa Rican cuisine is known for its fresh, tropical flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients. Here are some of the most popular dishes and ingredients that you can find in Costa Rica:

  1. Gallo Pinto: This is the national dish of Costa Rica, a simple but delicious mix of rice and black beans, usually served for breakfast with eggs, sour cream, and tortillas.
  2. Casado: This is a traditional Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish).
  3. Ceviche: This dish consists of fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and mixed with vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and cilantro.
  4. Sopa Negra: A black bean soup made with garlic, onions, and peppers, usually served with a hard-boiled egg and rice.
  5. Arroz con Pollo: Chicken and rice cooked together in a flavorful broth with vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers.
  6. Chifrijo: A popular appetizer made with rice, beans, pork, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips.
  7. Plantains: A staple ingredient in Costa Rican cuisine, plantains are a type of banana that is usually fried or mashed and served as a side dish.
  8. Coffee: Costa Rican coffee is world-famous for its rich, smooth flavor and is an important export crop for the country.
  9. Guaro: This is a popular local liquor made from sugar cane and often used as a base for cocktails.

    10. These are just a few examples of the delicious foods and flavors that you can enjoy in Costa Rica. The country’s cuisine is diverse and influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean cultures, so there’s something for every taste.

The most common breakfast food in Costa Rica is “Gallo Pinto,” which is considered the national dish of the country. Gallo Pinto is a simple but delicious mix of rice and black beans that is typically served with eggs, sour cream, and corn tortillas. It is a hearty and nutritious breakfast that is popular throughout the country and is often served with a side of fresh fruit, such as papaya, mango, or pineapple.

Other popular breakfast items in Costa Rica include “Huevos Rancheros,” which are eggs cooked with tomato sauce, onions, and chili peppers, and “Tostadas,” which are crispy corn tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and salsa. Costa Ricans also love to drink coffee with their breakfast, as the country is famous for producing some of the best coffee in the world.

Costa Rica is known for many things, but here are three of its most famous:

  1. Biodiversity: Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with a rich variety of plant and animal species. The country is home to over 500,000 species, including over 850 species of birds, 200 species of mammals, and over 1,200 species of butterflies.
  2. Ecotourism: With its stunning natural beauty and commitment to environmental protection, Costa Rica is a world leader in ecotourism. The country has a wide range of national parks, reserves, and protected areas that attract visitors from around the world who are interested in experiencing the country’s natural wonders.
  3. Pura Vida: “Pura Vida” is a popular saying in Costa Rica that translates to “pure life” in English. The phrase represents the country’s laid-back, friendly, and optimistic culture, which emphasizes enjoying life to the fullest and being grateful for what you have. It’s a symbol of Costa Rica’s unique identity and a reflection of the country’s warm and welcoming people.

While it’s possible to see and do a lot in seven days in Costa Rica, it really depends on your travel style and what you hope to experience during your trip. If you’re looking to explore just one or two areas of the country in-depth, such as the Arenal Volcano or Manuel Antonio National Park, seven days could be enough. However, if you’re hoping to see a variety of different areas and attractions, you may want to plan for a longer trip.

To make the most of your seven days in Costa Rica, it’s important to prioritize the activities and attractions that interest you the most and focus on those. You may want to consider booking guided tours or transportation to save time and maximize your experience.

Ultimately, the length of your trip depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re limited on time and can only spare seven days for your Costa Rica trip, make the most of it by planning your itinerary carefully and focusing on the activities and attractions that interest you the most.