Costa Rica Vacation Ideas That'll Appeal to Your Adventurous Side
Haven't been to Costa Rica? Be prepared to be blown away by this Central American country's breathtaking landscape of active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls - little wonder it was named one of the world's 30 best places to visit by U.S. News & World Report. Known as an eco-adventurer's paradise, you can spend your days zip lining, hiking, and white-water rafting, but don't worry - it's not all about working up a sweat. There are plenty of deserted beaches to simply sit back in a hammock and bliss out.
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is Costa Rica's most famous attraction, and offers just about every eco-adventure you can imagine, from whitewater rafting and hiking amid old lava beds to canopy tours through the rainforest. Afterward, reward yourself with a soak in volcano-fed natural hot springs.
See Sloths and Scarlet Macaws
Get those binocs ready, because Corcovado National Park is known for its stellar bird-watching. In fact, the park has the largest concentration of scarlet macaws in the world. While on the trails, also keep an eye out for three-toed sloths, tapirs, and squirrel monkeys.
Take a Dip in Playa Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica has some pretty sweet beaches, including crescent-shaped Playa Manuel Antonio and the lesser-known Playa Espadilla Sur in Manuel Antonio National Park. Another top strand is Playa Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula, which is popular with surfers.
Tour the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
You'll likely be flying in and out of the capital of San José, so while you're there take a tour of the neoclassical National Theatre of Costa Rica, marvel at the bling in the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and pick up last-minute souvenirs at the National Artisan Market.
Soak in Mineral-Rich Hot Springs
Rooms at The Springs Resort & Spa overlook Arenal Volcano, but the real draw are the natural mineral-rich hot springs pools. There are also five restaurants - including the popular Ginger Sushi - and a wildlife sanctuary on premises.
Dine in Grano de Oro Restaurant
One of San José's top restaurants is Grano de Oro, just outside the city center. French-born chef Francis Canal puts his spin on local Costa Rican ingredients, such as local sea bass breaded with toasted macadamias, and pork tenderloin in a mango chutney.
Zip Line Though the Jungle
Costa Rica is known for incredible zip-line tours, which can found throughout the country. The Witch's Rock canopy tour on the Papagayo peninsula is where you can slide along a series of zip lines suspended above valleys and treetops in the jungle.
Play a Round of Seaside Golf
If you want a little luxury with your eco-adventure, book a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica on the Papagayo peninsula, recently named one of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets by GQ. Villas feature private plunge pools and should you get the urge to play a round of golf, there's an on-site 18-hole Arnold Palmer course.
Watch the Sunset at La Luna Restaurant
Located atop the Gaia Hotel is the open-air La Luna, with jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean. Start out in its Ambar Lounge, which offers a fun happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m., then settle in to dishes like coconut-crusted mahi-mahi as the sun does its thing.
Overnight in a Luxurious Villa
Casa Chameleon Hotel is an adults-only hideaway in the high-end resort development of Las Catalinas on the Guanacaste coast. Spend your days zip lining in the rainforest and surfing in the Pacific, but you'll want to be back by sunset to take in the dreamy views from the infinity pool and your luxury villa.
Read More:
Looking to Book a Trip? These Are the Top Resorts in Costa Rica
The Most Romantic Getaways on the Beach and in the Mountains
The 50 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World - Start Planning a Trip!
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