Things to do in Costa Rica

Best Things to do in Costa Rica

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Costa Rica? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 2308 activities in Costa Rica, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 358, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Costa Rica in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Guide to Things to Do in Costa Rica

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country where you get a bit of everything, including rainforests, volcanoes, and long coastlines. It’s simple to see why people talk about the variety here. You can walk through a national park in the morning and end your day at the beach. That’s the charm of exploring the many things to do in Costa Rica.

The main sights stand out straight away. Arenal Volcano gives you the classic postcard view, Manuel Antonio National Park shows off the wildlife, and Monteverde Cloud Forest adds that cooler, misty feel. These are just some of the well-known Costa Rica tourist attractions you’ll hear about when planning a trip.

What makes Costa Rica easy to enjoy is the balance. You don’t have to pick between adventure or relaxation, as you can have both in the same trip. With so many things to do in Costa Rica, you’ll always find something that fits your pace.

Unique Experiences

Here are a couple of experiences that feel worth carving into your memory:

La Fortuna Eden Chocolate Tour

If you’re curious about things to do in Costa Rica that connect you with local flavours, you can join a chocolate tour in La Fortuna. You can walk through a cacao farm, see how the beans are roasted, and make your own chocolate treats. It’s a simple way to taste a piece of the country.

• Where: La Fortuna
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,500
• Timing: Slots available from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the duration being 1 hour 45 minutes
• When to Visit: March to November for full cacao seasons and fewer crowds

3-Hour ATV Jungle Waterfall Adventure

For a more active option, you can ride an ATV through rainforest trails near Jaco. The path takes you over streams and mud tracks before stopping at a small waterfall where you can cool off. It’s one of the fun things to do in Costa Rica if you like mixing nature with adventure.

• Where: Jaco region
• Pricing: It starts from INR 8,500
• Timing: Slots available at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM (Duration: 3 hours approx.)
• When to Visit: December to April if you want drier trails; but even in August, you’ll get green jungle, fewer people, and still a thrill

Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner from La Fortuna

You can explore the rainforest after dark on a guided night walk. Frogs, insects, and nocturnal animals are easier to spot at this time, and the tour ends with a simple Costa Rican dinner. It’s one of the things to do in Costa Rica that shows a quieter side of the country.

• Where: La Fortuna
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,400
• Timing: Starts around 5:00 PM, duration is about 4 hours
• When to Visit: June to October

Top Attractions

Arenal Volcano National Park

If you're curious about things to do in Costa Rica with a mix of nature and raw power, you can head to Arenal Volcano National Park. You can walk through forest paths that lead up close to the volcano’s slopes and breathe in the fresh scent of rain-drenched earth. It’s a grounded way to feel how wild this place is.

• Where: Arenal region
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,400 per person (approx entry + guide)
• Timing: Tours head out around 8:00 AM and go for about 2 hours 30 minutes
• When to Visit: Weekdays between March and May for clearer views and less heat

La Fortuna Waterfall

You can step into a lush gorge and catch the white curtain of La Fortuna Waterfall. It’s dramatic, refreshing, and one of the best things to do in Costa Rica when you want to feel amidst nature.

• Where: Near La Fortuna, Alajuela Province
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,600 per person (approx admission)
• Timing: Open from 07:30 AM to 04:00 PM; the walk down takes about 10 minutes and climbing back up takes about 20 minutes
• When to Visit: Early mornings between June and August

Manuel Antonio National Park

If tropical forests by the sea sound good, you can head to Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s one of the most famous Costa Rica tourist attractions, with short trails, white-sand beaches, and wildlife that might wander close.

• Where: Quepos, Central Pacific coast
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,800 per person (est. including park fee and guide)
• Timing: Park open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; guided tours last about 2 to 3 hours
• When to Visit: January to April for drier weather and easier wildlife spotting

Sightseeing Tours

Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour

You can spend your day walking under the rainforest canopy at the base of Arenal Volcano, then wind down in natural hot springs. It’s one of the most immersive things to do in Costa Rica, grounding you in both nature and calm.

• Where: La Fortuna
• Pricing: It starts from INR 12,800 per person
• Timing: About 4 hours
• When to Visit: February to May for clearer skies and gentler weather

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour

You can book a short walk through Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide spotting sloths, monkeys, and coastal trails. It’s one of the things to do in Costa Rica that brings wildlife and shoreline together in a neat walk.

• Where: Quepos/Central Pacific
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,500 per person
• Timing: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes; slots available at 7:00 AM and 1:30 AM
• When to Visit: December to April, when the weather is dry and animals are easier to spot

Arenal Full-Day Combo: Hanging Bridges, Waterfall & Hot Springs

You can take a long, full-day trip that hits three corners: hanging bridges, a waterfall, and steamy hot springs. It’s one of the things to do in Costa Rica if you want a full balance of jungle, water, and warmth in a single go.

• Where: Arenal region
• Pricing: It starts from INR 16,700 per person
• Timing: About 14 hours total; tour starts at 6:30 AM
• When to Visit: March to June for calmer trails, or September to November if you prefer richer greenery and fewer tourists

Day Trips

Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose

You can head to the Pacific coast for forest trails and white-sand coves in one sweep. It’s one of Costa Rica top things to do when you want beaches and wildlife in the same day. If you decide to stay over in Quepos, the sunset walk by the water turns into one of the best things to do in Costa Rica at night as well. This day out keeps things relaxed and gives you time to just be by the sea.

• Where: San Jose pickup, drive to Manuel Antonio National Park
• Pricing: It starts from INR 15,500 per person.
• Timing: Pickups start at 5:30 AM; the tour lasts about 12 hours.
• When to Visit: December to April for the dry season, or May to July if you prefer greener trails and lighter midday crowds.

Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation

You can make a clean circuit in the Central Valley: a coffee stop, crater views, and a string of waterfalls under cool cloud-forest air. It lines up neatly with the kind of things to do in Costa Rica that feel varied without being rushed. The day moves at an easy pace, with time to walk and time to look.

• Where: San Jose pickup, Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and a coffee plantation.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 15,800 per person.
• Timing: Start time 7:30 AM; the tour lasts about 9 hours.
• When to Visit: January to April for clearer crater views; August to October if you like greener slopes and steady waterfall flow.

Boat Tours

Palo Verde Boat Safari + Coffee & Culture – Wildlife & Flavor

You can float down the Tempisque River and see crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and birds in their natural habitat. After, you can relax with a Costa Rican lunch and coffee, plus stop at a spot showing local pottery. It’s one of the things to do in Costa Rica that blends wildlife, culture, and a slow pace into a solid day.

• Where: Pick up from the Guanacaste area
• Pricing: It starts from INR 12,000 per person
• Timing: Starts at 7 AM; 6 to 7 hours total
• When to Visit: December to April for the dry season

Palo Verde Natural Park Boat Tour

You can take a shorter cruise of 2 to 3 hours along the river in a covered boat while spotting crocodiles, birds, and monkeys. It's one of the Costa Rica top things to do when you want a see the wetlands without giving up your whole day.

• Where: Ortega or nearby riverside meeting point
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,000 per person
• Timing: About 2 to 3 hours; Slots available at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM
• When to Visit: February to April for better wildlife visibility and calm water conditions

Getting Around

Getting around Costa Rica is part of the experience. It’s easy enough once you know your options.

• Buses: You can take public buses that connect towns and cities. They’re reliable for reaching many Costa Rica tourist attractions.
• Shuttles: You can use shared or private shuttles for faster point-to-point trips. They’re a straightforward way to cover ground between popular spots.
• Car hire: You can rent a car if you prefer flexibility. A 4X4 is useful for mountain roads or during rainy months.
• Taxis: Easy to find in towns and useful for short trips, especially at night.
• Cycling and walking: You can cycle in flatter regions or coastal areas, and many towns are walkable, making it easy to slow down between stops.

Traveller Tips

• You can pack light layers because mornings can be cool and afternoons warm, especially if you’re moving between beaches and mountains. It helps you stay comfortable while exploring the many Things to do in Costa Rica.
• You can carry small notes for local buses, food stalls, and park entry. Cards are common, but small shops prefer cash.
• You can plan early starts. Wildlife is most active in the morning, and many tours head out then, so you see more and avoid midday heat.
• You can keep a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated matters with outdoor activities, and it also reduces plastic waste.