Things to do in Costa Rica.

Multiple creators call skipping Arenal a mistake. The Las Coladas trail (2 km, ~1 hour) passes through lava fields and reaches two viewpoints with stunning volcano and lake vistas — easy enough for most fitness levels yet genuinely dramatic.

An adventure park near La Fortuna offering an aerial tram through the rainforest canopy, a high-speed zipline, and hanging bridge hiking trails — creators describe it as a full day of gorgeous views and wildlife.

One of Costa Rica's most famous hot springs resorts, set along a natural thermal river in a lush rainforest. Emma Terra gives an in-depth breakdown of rooms, food, hot springs layout, and whether a day pass or overnight stay is worth the premium price.

A more curated, limited-capacity hot springs experience near Arenal that Emma Terra describes as a relaxed, quieter alternative to larger resorts — ideal for those who prefer a calmer soak.

A large resort-style hot springs complex near Arenal with multiple pools and volcano views. Emma Terra includes it in her full hot springs comparison as the 'big resort energy' pick for those wanting an all-in-one property.

Emma Terra calls this one of the most adrenaline-packed experiences in Costa Rica — rappelling down 200-foot waterfalls, cliff jumping into crystal-clear pools, and swinging through the jungle, all guided by Pure Trek.

A two-hour guided ATV ride through rainforest dirt trails around Arenal, stopping to visit the indigenous Maleku people, enjoy volcano views, and cool off in the Arenal River — described as family-friendly and safe.

Costa Rica's most famous cloud forest reserve, high in the mountains and accessible by shuttle from Santa Elena. Multiple creators highlight it for day-long hiking, extraordinary birdwatching, and the surreal experience of walking through mist-shrouded forest.

A trail network in Monteverde's cloud and transition forests featuring multiple waterfalls connected by hanging bridges that cross rivers, canyons, and dense jungle — Mytanfeet calls it a must for hikers looking for adventure beyond ziplining.

An adventure park in the Monteverde cloud forest offering a famously fast Superman zipline, a tunnel, and an extremely high Tarzan swing — Chris Chrisman warns it's intense enough to make you reconsider before you go.

A 1.5-hour guided farm tour in Monteverde covering coffee, sugar cane, and cacao — Mytanfeet recommends it for travelers interested in Costa Rican food, culture, and agriculture.

The main tourist hub in the Monteverde area, set up around a compact triangle of restaurants, coffee shops, tourist shops, and guesthouses. Aaron's Travel describes it as a pleasant mountain-resort town atmosphere with good coffee and food.

The iconic way to travel between Monteverde and the Arenal area — a bus-boat-bus route (misleadingly marketed as jeep-boat-jeep) that takes 4–5 hours and includes a scenic lake crossing, compared to an 8–9 hour bus ride on the road alternative.

An eco and adventure park near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano offering ziplining, horseback riding, waterslides, hot springs, mud baths, a cultural experience, and lunch. Mytanfeet rates it a fantastic day trip from Tamarindo (2 hours), Papagayo (1.5 hours), or Liberia (50 minutes).

A massive working hacienda near Liberia with a sugar cane plantation, private wildlife reserve, a National Heritage site, brewery, and rum distillery — Mytanfeet highlights it for wildlife, culture, and food tours all in one.

Emma in Costa Rica describes Playa Carrillo, just minutes from the quaint town of Sámara, as one of Costa Rica's best hidden beaches — calm, beautiful, and far less crowded than the big-name destinations.

Costa Rica's most popular Pacific beach town, covered by multiple creators for its surf lessons, restaurants, nightlife, and easy airport access from Liberia. Emma in Costa Rica spent three days exploring food, shopping, and sunset spots.

A laid-back beach 20 minutes from Tamarindo with white sand, consistent surf, and a completely different vibe from busy Tamarindo — Emma in Costa Rica calls it a 'best hidden beach' with a famous beachfront spot.

Costa Rica's most famous national park, consistently cited across creators for its staggering wildlife (monkeys, sloths, toucans), pristine beaches inside the park, and lush rainforest — a cornerstone stop in nearly every creator itinerary.

A lesser-known nature destination near Manuel Antonio spotlighted by The Discoveries Of as a worthwhile off-the-beaten-path stop for visitors looking beyond the national park.

A world-class sport fishing marina in Quepos, highlighted by AboutCostaRica as one of the top things to do in the area, also serving as a hub for tours and waterfront dining.

A pristine Pacific beach in the Quepos area that AboutCostaRica features in their 4K town walk guide as one of the top spots in the Central Pacific region.

Emma in Costa Rica calls this one of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets — a hidden waterfall in the rainforest with lush trails and crystal-clear swimming pools, close enough to be a day trip from the Manuel Antonio area.

A laid-back Caribbean beach town with strong Afro-Caribbean and Rasta culture, jungle-lined beaches, local markets, and a party scene if you want it. Multiple creators highlight the distinct rhythm and soul-warming food that sets it apart from the Pacific side.

Emma in Costa Rica calls it her new favorite place after 24 hours in what she describes as one of Costa Rica's most relaxed beach towns — a destination for travelers seeking pura vida without the tourist crowds.

Just 45 minutes from San Jose, this adventure park offers ziplining, an aerial tram, hiking, and a butterfly garden in the Caribbean-side rainforest — Mytanfeet calls it an awesome day trip from the capital.

The largest and oldest market in San Jose, where Mytanfeet toured favorite food stalls for gallo pinto, casado, ceviche, and caldoza alongside souvenir shops — a taste of authentic Costa Rican city life.

A walkable city just 1 mile from San Jose's international airport, with a charming town center, cultural landmarks, and local atmosphere — AboutCostaRica explores whether it's a hidden gem or tourist trap in a dedicated city walk video.