The Ultimate Costa Rica Bucket List

Costa Rica is filled with breathtaking national parks, tropical beaches, adrenaline-packed adventures, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. From hiking through the jungle, to white water rafting, to meeting unique animals, there are certainly many bucket list worthy things to do in Costa Rica.

Continue reading to discover some amazing adventures to add to your Costa Rica bucket list!

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The Ultimate Costa Rica Bucket List

Walk Across Long Hanging Bridges Through the Clouds

If you are afraid of heights, this can definitely be a scary experience. But, walking overtop the jungle canopies is an incredible experience. As you walk across the hanging bridges it will be a bit wobbly, but it is safe! You will see such extraordinary views as you reach the centre of the bridges, overlooking miles of treetops. There are many parks that have many bridges along a route to check out, especially around La Fortuna.

Zip Line Through the Jungle Canopies

Another adventure that can be daunting for those afraid of hikes, but is it ever an exhilarating experience! La Fortuna also has many parks that have zip-lining routes, where you can hike through the jungle and zip line from place to place.

Admire the Blue Tones of Rio Celeste On a Hike Through Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park offers scenic trails at low intensity. One of the biggest highlights is Rio Celeste – a river boasting bright blue colours with a gorgeous waterfall. The reason for the blue colour is quite interesting, and you can read more about it here.

Spot Wild Monkeys

Monkeys are really neat to find in their natural habitat. Most of us have seen monkeys in zoos, but it is much more exciting spotting them in the wild. As you wander through one of the many incredible parks in Costa Rica, you are bound to hear monkeys around and will likely spot one throughout your hikes. Now, it’s important to note that wild monkeys are not nice at all. While nice to admire from afar, do not try to approach them!

Go White Water Rafting Down the Pacuare River

Now, this activity is certainly not for the faint of heart! But, it was one of the most incredible things that I’ve ever done! When you go white water rafting in Costa Rica, I would definitely suggest doing so along the Pacuare River. Here, you will be able to experience rafting down class 2-4 rapids! Prior to heading out on the water, you will receive safety gear and detailed instructions on how to paddle and what to do under different scenarios. It is definitely an exciting adventure to add to your Costa Rica bucket list.

Stay Overnight in a Tree House in the Jungle

It’s no secret that the Costa Rican jungles are breathtakingly beautiful. A great way to experience the jungle is to stay in tree house accommodations! There are plenty of tree houses on Airbnbs for a range of budgets, nestled into the jungle with stunning views. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the jungle and having your coffee with stunning views!

Observe Turtles Nesting

An incredible site to see is turtles nesting in Tortuguero National Park. This park is a major nesting site for Green Sea, Leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles. Between February to October, you can experience mass numbers of turtles coming ashore to nest. It is quite the unique experience!

Learn How to Surf

As there are numerous tropical beaches in Costa Rica, you bet there are some great surfing spots! One of the most popular surfing destinations in Costa Rica, Playa Tamarindo, is great spot for beginners. Here, you can take classes or rent boards to experience what Costa Rica has to offer for surfing!

Visit a Coffee Plantation

I’ve always been a fan of Costa Rican coffee. Throughout Costa Rica, there are many affordable tours available to experience how coffee is made on the plantations. You will learn about the plants, how they are harvested and roasted, and all about the different kinds of coffee. Typically, you will also be able to taste!

Meet a Sloth

I find sloths fascinating animals as they are really adorable and are nature’s slowest creatures. Costa Rica is home to two different species of sloths, which can be spotted from time to time in the jungles, or at rehabilitation centres. They can definitely be difficult to spot in the wild, so heading out with a guide will increase your chances of spotting one!

Hike Through Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park is home to incredible hiking trails, volcanoes, hot springs, and a beautiful lake. The trails have varying intensities, but all offer an amazing jungle experience. The park has many exciting adventures, from volcano hikes to hanging bridges, and hot springs!

Go Scuba Diving

One of the top adventures that I recommend to people is Scuba Diving. Swimming through the coral and alongside tropical fish is one of my favourite things I’ve ever done. There are a few awesome dive spots in Costa Rica, including Cocos Island and Caño Island. If you are looking to just try diving once, you can take a “Discover Diving” course at a dive shop where you learn how to dive in a pool, and then head out to the open water!

Indulge in Plantains and Gallo Pinto

When I was in Costa Rica, I consumed so many plantains and dishes of Gallo Pinto that I had cravings when I got home! Gallo Pinto is a rice and beans dish, served with every meal, including breakfast. Plantains are served in a variety of ways – my favourite was fried plantains. Definitely a couple dishes to try and add to your Costa Rica bucket list!

Relax in Natural Hot Springs

After a long hike and action-filled day, opt to relax in one of the many natural hot springs throughout Costa Rica. Some are nestled into busy resorts, but the best experience is to find the ones just outside of town, nestled in the jungle.

Adventure Through La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Nearby San José is the stunning La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Here lies an animal sanctuary where you can get close to Toucans and Sloths, along with a variety of interesting jungle animals. The grounds offer scenic walks through many waterfalls, nestled into the jungle.

What is on your Costa Rica bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

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