Costa Rica Round Trip: Top Sights & Highlights

Need more reasons why you should travel to Costa Rica? No problem! Surfers will find some fantastic spots, off-road enthusiasts will certainly get their money’s worth, and those seeking peace can leave the everyday world behind in the serene silence of the jungle.

Moreover, Costa Rica is the epitome of "Pura Vida" (pure life). These two words are everywhere here.
We’ve gathered the highlights and sights awaiting you in Costa Rica in this post. So get ready for loads of "Pura Vida"!

LAND ATTRACTIONS

1. THE NATIONAL PARKS OF COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is, above all, a land of national parks. Visiting them is a must during any trip to Costa Rica.
Since detailing all our national park visits would make this post too long, we’ve compiled all the information, experiences, and impressions in our post Costa Rica: The Most Beautiful National Parks in the Country.

2. COSTA RICA’S COFFEE & CACAO PLANTATIONS

Attention coffee lovers: Costa Rica is the land of Arabica beans. Due to their great taste and popularity, about 99% of the country’s coffee production is Arabica.
Costa Rica cannot compete in size with other coffee-growing countries, but the yield per hectare is impressive, at about 1620 kg of green coffee beans.

Coffee cultivation is primarily concentrated in the highlands of the country's interior, where the humid and mild climate creates perfect conditions for the slow-growing coffee plants.
This slow ripening process gives the coffee cherries an exceptionally intense flavor. No wonder Costa Rican coffee is considered one of the best in the world!

In addition to large plantations, there are numerous smaller, privately owned coffee farms. One of them is Café Monteverde, located in the highlands of Monteverde/Santa Elena, which we had the pleasure of visiting.

From bush to cup – we had the opportunity to experience the entire process during a private tour, thanks to the off-season.
At various stations, such as harvesting, grinding, or drying, we even got hands-on ourselves. Our guide, Sergio, shared as much of his knowledge about coffee as possible with us.
Beyond that, he gave us deeply personal insights into his life and that of his family. Like most "coffee pickers", he comes from Nicaragua.
Despite the physically demanding work and low wages, he hopes this job will provide a better future for himself and his family.

After an almost 2.5-hour tour, we naturally reached the grand finale – the coffee tasting. Nearly every variety of the freshly brewed coffee had a unique flavor.
Here’s our tip: Are you looking for an original souvenir? Then be sure to buy one or more packs of fresh coffee directly from the farm.
Not only will you take home a delicious reminder of your visit, but you’ll also support the farm at the same time.

In addition to coffee plantations, Costa Rica also has cacao plantations. Due to limited time, we couldn’t take a full cacao tour but gathered relevant information about cacao during our other tours.

3. LA FORTUNA WATERFALL / CATARATA RÍO FORTUNA

To start with – the La Fortuna Waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall we saw in Costa Rica. The waterfall is located just outside of La Fortuna, at the foot of the famous Arenal Volcano.

To reach the waterfall, you have to walk down about 500 steps, which you, of course, will have to climb back up later.
But before you head down, you have a chance to enjoy a breathtaking view from above on the gigantic waterfall in the distance at a lookout point right by the entrance.
‍Even from up here, you can hear the masses of water crashing down 65m below into a pool of clear water.

The waterfall is, as should be expected in Costa Rica, surrounded by lush green jungle.

Once you reach the bottom, a second viewpoint awaits you right in front of the water pool where the waterfall lands – the entire scenery here is simply breathtaking!
But the best part is yet to come: it’s allowed to swim in the waterfall’s pool.

Though to be fair, calling it “swimming” might be an exaggeration. You can scramble over the slippery rocks to then bathe in the water pool.
Due to the strength of the waterfall and the resulting powerful current, it’s nearly impossible to swim.
Additionally, signs clearly warn you not to get too close to the waterfall itself as it would be too dangerous.
But whether you’re swimming or just bathing – the experience is truly phenomenal. The many steps were worth it!

If you feel like relaxing in calmer water after this event, walk along the small paved path to the left of the pool. Here you’ll reach the river Rio Fortuna, fed by the waterfall pool.
You can bathe here quite comfortably with a relatively weak current.

Plan about 2 hours for your stay at the waterfall. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or booked in advance, along with guided Tours, at La Fortuna Waterfall Tickets.
The waterfall is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. A large free parking lot is right across from the entrance.
Food and drinks are allowed throughout the area, so we highly recommend bringing something to drink due to the many stairs and the humid temperatures.

4. LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS NATURE PARK

The La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is home to five stunning waterfalls that cascade into lush gorges on the northeastern side of the Poás Volcano.
The highlight is the La Paz Waterfall, which gives the park its name.

From the entrance, paved trails lead through the park, where you can explore various animal enclosures featuring monkeys, sloths, birds, pumas, as well as a snake and butterfly house.
At the waterfall viewing platforms, you can sometimes get so close that you'll feel a light mist. Since the tour goes downhill, a shuttle bus awaits at the end to take you back to the parking lot.

Plan around 1-2 hours for your visit to the waterfall. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance, and the nature park is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
A large, free parking lot is available right next to the entrance.
Food and drinks are permitted throughout the area, so we recommend bringing water with you due to the many stairs and the humid temperatures.

Looking back, we probably wouldn’t visit the nature park again. The $50 entrance fee per person is quite steep.

Additionally, we found that the best view of the La Paz Waterfall is from the road below the waterfall, which is free of charge. You can find the viewpoint here on: google.maps.

5. THE NAUYACA FALLS

The Nauyaca Falls are located about 16 km from Dominical in the hills. Depending on which entrance you choose, the path to the waterfalls varies in length, but both routes lead through the jungle. Especially during the rainy season, the trails are often muddy and slippery, so sturdy footwear is essential.

We opted for the less touristy entrance in the hinterland, rather than the one directly on the main road.
Although the drive was longer and mostly over dirt roads, the hike to the waterfalls was only about 4 km, and we were almost the only tourists at this entrance.

The hike was along a steep, muddy path due to the rain, making it a challenging journey. Even from a distance, you can hear the Nauyaca Falls.
The upper waterfall cascades down from a height of 45 meters, and a second, tiered waterfall below drops another 20 meters.
In front of both waterfalls is a natural pool, although only the lower one is suitable for swimming, likely only during the dry season.
During our visit, the water was murky and brown from recent rains, so it wasn’t very inviting.

Entrance fee for the Nauyaca Falls is $10 per person without transport. With a shuttle bus, you can ride almost all the way to the waterfalls for $20 per person.
As we were the only tourists at this entrance and found the hike strenuous in the humidity, a ranger kindly drove us back to the entrance for free.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, though card payments are not always available, so bring cash.

Plan at least 2-3 hours for your visit. The falls are open daily from 7 am to 4 pm, and free parking is available near the entrance.

Our tip: If you choose the hinterland entrance, you can walk almost right under the cascading waters of the upper waterfall.

6. HOT SPRINGS IN LA FORTUNA

La Fortuna is not only famous for the Arenal Volcano but also for its natural hot springs warmed by the volcano. These hot springs are a must during your stay in La Fortuna.
The active volcano heats the waters of the Tabacón River near the small town, creating a series of thermal baths along the river.

Entrance fees for these thermal baths aren’t cheap, usually starting at $40. However, they provide a premium spa experience. Whether it’s worth the price is up to you to decide.
Luckily, there’s a way to bathe in the river’s hot springs completely free of charge. For free access, you usually have to trek through a bit of jungle.

The free spot is downstream, below the well-known and pricey Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, right beside the main road. Parking attendants ask for $5 to watch your car.
Though they claim to watch over it, numerous signs warn of potential theft. We recommend only bringing essentials with you to be safe.

You can find the free hot springs in Fortuna here: Google Maps.

Plan for 2-3 hours to relax and enjoy the water.

Many locals bring snacks and drinks to spend a relaxing day with their families.

7. ZIPLINING & CANOPYING

Ziplining, or "canopying" as the locals call it, is just as much a part of Costa Rica as the jungle itself.

Here’s a fun fact: Ziplining, or canopying, is said to have its origins in Costa Rica. In 1979, biologist Donald Perry strung a rope through the jungle trees for research purposes, allowing him to study the treetops up close.
However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the first zipline was opened to tourists in the Cloud Forest.

Today, there are numerous zipline parks in the Monteverde and La Fortuna areas.
Since we didn’t want to miss out on this adventure, we spontaneously booked a zipline canopy tour in La Fortuna through Airbnb.

A minibus took us and our two guides deep into the jungle, where a total of 10 ziplines crisscross the towering trees.
Each of us was fitted with a safety harness around our hips, which was then hooked onto the zipline’s steel cable. After a brief introduction, we were off!
Securely strapped in, we zoomed at high speeds from platform to platform among the treetops, sometimes reaching heights of up to 50 meters.
In addition to the thrill and the fun, the unique perspective of the jungle from above is simply unforgettable!

If you’re not afraid of heights, this one-of-a-kind experience is a must.

Sturdy shoes are required for ziplining/canopying. We also recommend bringing a camera or smartphone with a wrist strap and wearing clothing that can get dirty. Why?
Because monkeys also enjoy playing on the ziplines, they sometimes relieve themselves on the cable.
When you slide down, it could leave a few small splashes on your shirt, which unfortunately might be hard to wash out.
It sounds gross, but don’t worry—the splashes are minimal and barely noticeable.

The prices and duration of ziplining tours vary by provider. Our tour lasted a little over an hour and cost $30 per person.
Thanks to the off-season, we had the entire park and the two guides to ourselves.

Here is an overview of some of the larger, though pricier, zipline parks around La Fortuna & Monteverde:

• Selvatura Park Monteverde
• Sky Adventures Monteverde Park
• 100% Aventura Monteverde
• Sky Adventures Arenal Park
• Arenal Mundo Aventura Park

8. MÍSTICO ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES IN LA FORTUNA

If you’re already in La Fortuna and don’t suffer from a fear of heights, consider taking the Hanging Bridges Tour at Místico Arenal.
In high-up walkways and hanging bridges, stretching a total of 574 meters, you can cross through the jungle with incredible views.
The 3.2-kilometer trail is well-maintained and mostly paved, allowing you to explore the forest over about 2.5 hours.

At the entrance, guides are ready to introduce you to the fascinating nature and wildlife of the Mistico Arenal. Plan to spend between 2 to 3 hours exploring the area.
‍
You can purchase your ticket in advance online via the following link: Tour at Mistico Arenal. The Hanging Bridges are open daily from 6:00 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entry at 3:00 pm.

9. NOT A HIGHLIGHT: THE CAPITAL SAN JOSÉ

We were advised several times that San José, with a population of about 340,000, is not particularly worth visiting.
Nevertheless, we wanted to see the capital for ourselves and set aside half a day to explore before our departure.
After 3.5 weeks in Costa Rica, we were accustomed to the abundant nature, small towns and villages, secluded jungle lodges, and the relatively few people.
Entering San José was a bit of a culture shock, and it took us some time to get used to the bustling city atmosphere again.

Initially, we drove around the city and then continued exploring on foot. But, to be honest, we weren’t won over by San José.
You might feel differently during your trip, but our conclusion was: Costa Rica has so many beautiful sights, but unfortunately, San José is not one of them.

WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES

1. WHITEWATER RAFTING IN COSTA RICA’S RIVERS

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular destinations for whitewater rafting. The wild rivers with rapids of varying difficulty provide ideal conditions year-round.
Add in the warm water and stunning landscapes, and rafting becomes a truly unique experience.
The Rio Sarapiquí and Rio Pacuare are two of the most popular rivers for rafting in Costa Rica.

The Rio Sarapiquí has two difficulty levels: the lower part is perfect for beginners and families (Class II-III), while the upper part offers ideal conditions for adrenaline junkies (Class IV).
The Rio Pacuare, on the other hand, offers rapids ranging from Class III to IV, depending on the season. Since we stayed close to the Rio Sarapiquí, we chose this river for our adventure.
And, just so you know, you’ll definitely get wet on either river.

Before the ride, we were equipped with helmets, life jackets, and paddles. Our guide explained the seating positions in the raft and how to respond to his commands in case someone fell into the water. Then, with a cheerful “Pura Vida”, we set off! An additional guide in a rescue kayak accompanied us, ready to assist if anyone went overboard.

In addition to the fun of rafting, we also had plenty of time to enjoy the stunning scenery along the riverbanks.
Since we were already soaked to the skin during the ride, our guide playfully tossed us into the water at a calm spot, where we could let the gentle current carry us along.

We opted for a half-day tour, which lasted about 4 hours and cost $50 per person. The regular price is around $65 per person, but some accommodations near the river offer a discount if you’re staying there. We booked our tour and lodging through Epic Adventures Inc Costa Rica.

For your rafting adventure, bring swimwear, clothes that can get wet, closed-toe shoes that can get wet, sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof camera.

2. SURFING IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica is often called the Hawaii of Latin America. Endless waves, tides that produce various wave heights, and warm water make this a surfing paradise for beginners and pros alike.
Plus, Costa Rica offers an exotic, remote vibe compared to other popular surfing destinations like Bali or Portugal.
Overcrowded beaches and intense competition for waves are happily absent here.

Some of the most popular surf spots in Costa Rica include Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Samara, Dominical, and Puerto Viejo. And for good reason!
Our personal favorites are Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, where both the surf conditions and the surroundings were simply fantastic. We would go back in a heartbeat. For advanced surfers, just grab your board or rent one from one of the many surf shops (between $20-$35 per day), head to the beach, and search for your own perfect wave. 
For beginners, head to one of the numerous surf schools and get lessons from a pro.

Most schools offer private and group lessons. Private lessons generally cost between $80-$100 per person, while group lessons are around $45-$60 per person.
Lessons typically last 2-4 hours, depending on your physical fitness. To ensure a spot on your chosen day, it’s best to book the lesson the day before.
Some beaches are challenging for beginners at high tide, so the surf school will tell you the best time to come.

If one lesson isn’t enough, you also have the option to learn to surf in one of the many surf camps throughout Costa Rica.
Since the water is warm everywhere, you won’t need much more than a bikini or swim trunks.
To protect yourself from the intense sun, especially around midday, we recommend wearing a surf shirt or a long-sleeved swimsuit, along with SPF 50 sunscreen or zinc-based sunblock.

Our tip: In the popular surf spots mentioned, advanced surfers often gather daily to catch the last rays of the day riding the waves.
Just before sunset, crowds gather to enjoy the beautiful evening atmosphere and watch the surfers until nightfall. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

3. DIVING & SNORKELING IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica's breathtaking wildlife isn’t just above ground – it also extends underwater. The Pacific coast is particularly rich in biodiversity, though there are plenty of snorkeling and diving spots along the Caribbean coast as well, where you can enjoy warm waters between 24°C – 30°C year-round.
Many dive schools are available locally, providing equipment for certified divers or lessons for beginners.

One of the most famous dive and snorkel spots is located off the coast of the Osa Peninsula – Isla del Caño.
Just 3 km² in size, this island ranks as Costa Rica’s second-best diving location after Cocos Island.
To reach Isla del Caño, located in a biological reserve, you’ll need to take a 45-minute boat ride into the Pacific.
In the steep coastal waters around Isla del Caño, you’ll encounter a fascinating coral landscape and may observe dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles, trumpetfish, and various ray species while diving or snorkeling.

These trips typically last a full day and are offered from Quepos down to Drake Bay. Depending on the location’s distance and the number of dives, the cost ranges from $95 to $130 per person for snorkeling and $125 to $180 for diving, which includes equipment and lunch onboard.

The Cocos Islands (Isla del Coco) are considered one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, renowned for their large number of hammerhead sharks and over 300 different fish species. However, they are located more than 500 km from the mainland, and the boat trip takes around 36 hours. As a result, visiting is only possible as part of a multi-day diving safari.

For snorkelers, popular beach spots include Playa Sámara on the Pacific, Playa Blanca in Cahuita National Park, and Playa Manzanillo on the Caribbean side, where you can float peacefully and observe a wide array of colorful marine life.

4. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF COSTA RICA

Costa Rica, with over 1,200 km of coastline, offers countless postcard-worthy beaches that impress not only with their length but also with their predominantly untouched beauty.
Many stretches of beach are often deserted, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings in peace. During our trip, we didn’t come across a single crowded beach.

Be sure to plan several beach days during your stay, as it would be a shame not to give the many stunning beaches the attention they deserve.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most beautiful beaches we visited – each one is special in its own way.

OUR TIP FOR A PERFECT BEACH DAY

Since Costa Rica’s beaches are largely unspoiled, don’t forget to pack towels, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and a hat for sun protection.

THIS POST WASN'T ENOUGH FOR YOU? LOOKING FOR MORE TIPS, INSPIRATION, AND MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUR TRIP TO COSTA RICA? THEN MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR FOLLOWING POSTS:

• Costa Rica Adventure/ 3-Week Road Trip – Our Route, Tips & Highlights
• Costa Rica: Tips & General Information for Your Dream Trip
• Costa Rica: The Most Beautiful National Parks in the Country

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• The Right Travel Adapter for Costa Rica
• The Best Travel Guides for Costa Rica
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Costa Rica

‍

Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.