From ethereal cloud forests, magnificent coastlines, active volcanoes and lush rainforests, Costa Rica’s diversity inspires wonder and a spirit of discovery. Limiting the best resorts in Costa Rica is a difficult task, but we have done our best to condense the places into easily digestible guidebooks, where all the sights, sounds and adventures await us.
Costa Rica is home to numerous cultural sites and museums that give an insight into its history. Here are some adventurous activities that you will find exciting and give an insight into the real Costa Rica.
Cahuita National Park
Established in 1982, Cahuita National Park is one of the best free child-friendly activities in Costa Rica. Everyone’s favorite price is zero dollars, and you can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions for children in the park. Curi Cancha Reserve is an educational, child-friendly, private wildlife reserve in central Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, a beautiful landscape that comprises 5% of the planet’s biodiversity, is one of the top five blue zones and is considered one of the happiest countries on earth. Tourists from all over the world are an attraction, but Costa Rica has much more to offer than just Costa Ricans calling themselves Ticos or Tica. The only thing more beautiful than Costa Rica is to be a Tica and to live there.
San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose is the heart of Costa Rica, home to half of the country’s 4.9 million people. San Jose, Costa Rica, is often forgotten as a destination in Costa Rica itself. On the way in and out of the country, however, San Jose will likely discourage you from taking the beautiful route to other destinations like Monteverde.
Some call San Jose a working-class city and compare it to cities like Glasgow or Chicago. It’s one of those cities that won’t thrill you until you’ve got your feet on the ground, but it’s easy to appreciate its modest mix of tradition, grit and culture.
Located in the Central Valley, San Jose combines ancient and modern elements without losing its unique Costa Rican traditions. Due to its location in the central valley of Costa Rica, it is an ideal base camp for discovering the country.
When you visit Costa Rica you focus a lot on nature and nature, and I think that San Jose is the only place to learn about the history of the country. When I think of city tours, San Jose (free or paid) is my first choice for activities in San Jose.
San Jose is home to many great museums that give an insight into the history, culture and politics of Costa Rica. The National Theatre (Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica) is one of the most prestigious buildings in San José. The Costa Rican’s beautiful National Theatre is located on the south side of Plaza La Cultura in San Jose, one of the most notable buildings in the city and a must for art and architecture lovers.
National Theatre of Costa Rica
The beautiful National Theatre of Costa Rica was built in 1897 in a neoclassical style and includes an elaborate marble lobby and an auditorium decorated with paintings depicting life in Costa Rica in the 19th century. The National Museum of Costa Rica is situated in the old Bellavista fortress, built in 1917 and used as a military barracks.
Costa Rica’s Independence Day
Costa Rica gained independence from Spain in 1821 as the rest of Central America on the same day. The national celebration starts with parades, traditional dancers and street parties and culminates in the arrival of the Freedom Torch (Cartago) delivered from Nicaragua and relayed to runners in Costa Rica who stop and sing the national anthem. National day in honor of the patron saint of Costa Rica, La Negrita. The dating app Benaughty has rated this amung the most fun things you can do on a date in Costa Rica.
Tamarindo Beach
Costa Rica has over 200 volcanic formations and has a number of hot springs and mud baths. Last but not least, Tamarindo is on our list of fun activities in Costa Rica. TamarINDO (Guanacaste) is a large and well developed seaside resort known for its ecotourism and surfing.
Visiting Tamarindo Beach should be top of your list of fun things to do in Costa Rica with the kids. Costa Rica Backpackers – Costa Rica Backpackers are an inexpensive option in the center of San Jose. Read more here about a great 1-week trip to Costa Rica that takes you from San Jose to Jaco, Manuel, Antonio and UVita.
Gulf of Papagayo
Located on Culebra Bay on the Gulf of Papagayo, it offers stunning ocean views and its own beach. It is one of the best hotels in La Fortuna for families but also ideal for couples, weddings and honeymoons. Located in a secluded area of the Gulf, you can enjoy an intimate honeymoon in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is world famous for miles of beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and a rich biodiversity and offers its visitors an unparalleled holiday destination. The country is home to several active volcanoes, large protected areas of jungle with unique wildlife and offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide variety of exciting activities.