Costa Rica encompasses a wealth of biodiversity, a stunning variety of landscapes and ecosystems (from tropical rainforest to mountains to offshore reefs), and some of the friendliest people on the planet.
With that in mind, unique experiences are easy to come by in Costa Rica. Here are our Favorite 5.
Explore the Country’s Biodiversity
Home to more than half a million species — nearly 4% of the total estimated species in the world — Costa Rica is one of the best places on the planet to explore nature’s flora and fauna. One-quarter of its land area is protected in national parks and reserves, and these places contain an astounding variety of ecosystems, including tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest, cloud forest, mangrove forest, Atlantic and Pacific coastline, and miles and miles of offshore reefs.
To see the most plentiful and rarest wildlife, hit up Corcovado, Tortuguero, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Pack those binoculars and fins; there’s nature to experience in every pocket of this compact country.
Soak in Hot Springs
Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Costa Rica contains more than a dozen volcanoes, both active and inactive. The most famous is Arenal, whose conical beauty and former status as one of the most active volcanoes in the world spawned a thriving tourism industry in its environs and, subsequently, an array of hot springs resorts of varying degrees of luxury.
Arenal stopped spewing in 2010 and has since become dormant, but it’s still amazing to look at while soaking in a hot springs pool, tropical cocktail in hand.
Get Up Close with a Sloth
In rural parts of Costa Rica, it’s not that uncommon to come across a sloth making its way oh-so-slowly across a road. Good Samaritans may even set up human barricades to make sure a crossing sloth isn’t hit by a car.
If you don’t have time to wait around a country road for a sloth to cross, you can make your way to the Sloth Sanctuary on the southern Caribbean coast, about 30 minutes south of Limón. (Via Interbus, take the route called Limón/Cahuita/Hone Creek/Puerto Viejo, and stop at Aviarios del Caribe/Sloth Sanctuary. There will be a yellow sloth-crossing sign at the bus stop near the sanctuary gate.) The organization is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of rescued sloths and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see baby sloths at the sanctuary — there are few things in this world cuter than baby sloths.
See a Whale’s Tail from the Whale’s Tail
The stunning and aptly named Ballena National Marine Park (ballena means “whale” in Spanish), on Costa Rica’s southwestern Pacific coast, is a well-known humpback whale hangout and home to a sandbar formation called the Tómbolo (in English referred to as the “Whale’s Tail”).
At low tide, from the air, the unique formation looks like a perfect whale’s tail, and sea-gazers can walk out to the sandbar for a potential glimpse of a real humpback’s tail. The park sits between Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita, so even without whales on-scene, your views will be fantastic.
Rafting through Tropical Rainforest
For adventure lovers, Costa Rica’s Pacuare River ranks as one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world.
Imagine barreling through Class III and IV rapids while surrounded by lush, pristine rainforests. Float through a steep canyon draped with tropical flora, and witness gorgeous waterfall after waterfall as they cascade into the river.
Whenever you choose to go, the water will be warm. And the adventure will be a memory you’ll carry with you forever.
Bonus Pick: Walk through the Clouds
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve contains six hanging rope bridges that span the canyons and drainages, allowing visitors to explore the upper level of the rainforest. Breathtaking views await, including Arenal Volcano, depending on which bridge you select. Biologists predict about 90 percent of all organisms in a rainforest are found in the Cloud Forest canopy. And since the fruit and seeds are high in the trees, that’s where much of the wildlife is as well. Additionally, travelers will find an abundance of unique flora, including 1400 different species of orchids, believe it or not. Do not miss the opportunity to trek across a rope bridge for awe-inspiring views and wildlife sightings you will never, ever forget.