Things To Do

Hiking

This is one of those activities that you will be able to participate in all over Costa Rica. There are many amazing trails and roads to explore during your adventure, some areas will have guides that can lead you, or printed out instructions, or maybe you will end up exploring completely on your own. Either way, you will have the opportunity to spy exotic birds, active animals, and lush foliage along the way. For the day hiker who wants to see a bit of everything, we suggest Manuel Antonio National Park. For the hiker who wants to invest a bit more time, we suggest Chirripo, the highest peak in all of Costa Rica, or Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula. These two areas provide very different scenery but both provide the venue for a couple day adventure hike, are more demanding, and require reservations. Of course all of the national parks will offer wonderful hikes, each with their own charm.

Surfing  

Whether you are an experienced surfer or you want to gain the experience of learning how to surf, we suggest Mal Pais, in the Nicoya Peninsula. The waves are sworn to be consistent and the town is sworn to be not too overly touristy. Additionally, you can head to Montezuma at the southernmost point of the Peninsula, or up towards the famous surfer town of Tamarindo, in Guanacaste. Jaco is told to be a great surf spot, but unfortunately, we haven’t heard any other redeeming qualities about the town, so we are not quick to send people off to Jaco. If, however, you are headed in that direction, slip on down to Manuel Antonio, where the surfing sure looks inviting. I have also heard that Puerto Viejo, south of Limon on the Carribean Coast, holds some beautiful waves off the white and black sand beaches. Lessons and rentals are generally available in any area that has surfing, so if you didn’t bring your own equipment, or are ready to learn, have no fear, the opportunity awaits!

Snorkeling

Even if you have a fear of fish that none of your friends will ever understand, I would definitely suggest checking out the wildlife under the sea while you are here on your visit. Cahuita National Park houses the largest living coral reef off the coast of Costa Rica, and it is magnificent. The Carribean coast provides clear and calm water, which allows for better visibility and more enjoyment. While you are there, you could pop down to Bocas del Toro, Panama where snorkeling allows you to swim with a variety of marine life, in crystal blue waters. Another great place to snorkel is in the Reserva Biologica Isla del Cano; this is located about 20 km from the Bahia Drake, off the Osa Peninsula. It provides extremely warm and clean water and a wide variety of marine life.

The canopy tour

Is an adventure in the sky. Although it was originally created to give visitors a closer look at the wildlife living with the canopy of the rain forest, it has evolved a bit. Don’t get me wrong, you will still have the ability to see those sweet faced animals that you have been dying to see, but, as canopy tours have evolved from simply being hoisted up to a platform high above the ground, to including zipping down lines from one platform to the other, some time the adrenaline takes over and you forget to look around. There are canopy tours located throughout the country, some of the most popular in Monteverde, Fortuna, Iguana Park near Orotina, Rincon de la Vieja, and Bahia Drake of the Osa Peninsula but we rate the local version here in Orosi in the top  4. Wherever you choose to participate in one of these high wire adventures, please make sure to choose a company that has a strong history of safety.

Bungee jumping

Now personally, I have never had this desire, but I have found that people are often times on a mission to accomplish tasks that they would never normally do, while traveling. Jumping off bridges and bouncing around while dangling from the bridge, seems to be one of these activities. With that in mind, bungee jumping is becoming increasingly popular in Costa Rica as the scenery from the top of the bridge is breathtaking, as if you weren’t going to have your breath taken anyway, it is generally less expensive than in other countries, and provides the same safety measures and history as other companies. The best part about this activity is that it takes place not too far outside of San Jose, and therefore provides a great get away from the city.

White water rafting

If you are a white water rafting fan, you have come to the right place. Costa Rica offers a wide range of rivers, spanning from a calm, nature float, to the wild rapids of glorious white water. The Pacuare river is rated the 5th best river in the world for its variety in rapids, scenery, and opportunities to do other activities, such as receive massages from waterfalls and swim in their lagunas. You can choose a half, full, or multi day trip, according to your preferences. There are many rivers and many companies to choose from, we like Lee from Loco’s rafting, based out of Turrialba. He offers a beautiful tour complete with safety trained and experienced guides, a delicious lunch, and an experience that you will remember for a very long while.