What to do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country that has been populated for 10,000 years. Its first settlers didn’t leave a footprint quite as obvious as in other parts of Central America such as the Andes or Mesoamerica, but if this country is famous for anything, it’s its nature. In fact, Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity! If you’re packing your bags for a trip to Costa Rica and you’re not sure what to do while you’re there, Civitatis has got you covered with some of the best activities and must-see places so that you don’t miss a thing.

Dense jungle, beaches, waterfalls, the Caribbean, the Pacific… The country of pura vida has it all!

Wild nature

To experience the unspoiled nature of Costa Rica’s rainforests, there is no better way than on a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. In this jungle you can find everything from ‘lechoso’ trees, rain trees and lemonwood trees to beaches and lagoons. The mangrove area alone, home to red, white and black mangroves, is spread across 18 hectares. While strolling through the jungle, you might also spot marmosets and capuchin monkeys – so keep your eyes peeled!

A volcanic wonder

An acid lagoon and three craters make the Poás volcano one of the must-see places in Costa Rica. This colossal mountain reaches a towering altitude of nearly 8,900 feet (over 2,700 meters), which positions it as one of the great summits of the country and of the world. Not to mention, the lake nestled in one of the eyes of the volcano has an etheral turquoise color that would be hard for anyone to forget. But be careful, don’t get too close! The temperature of this aquifer is usually between 20 °C and 50 °C.

Diving at Caño Island

Lovers of the water won’t be able to resist a diving activity on Caño Island. This biological reserve has five unique coral platforms that reach up to 4.2 hectares. Apart from being home to remarkable underwater flora, it won’t be difficult to spot dolphins, moray eels, sea turtles, sharks and whales in these Atlantic waters. But the most interesting thing? Pre-Columbian carved stone spheres have been found on the island, but despite all the research, their purpose remains unknown.

San José from above

The capital of Costa Rica, San José, is a metropolis of more than 3 million people located in the Central Valley. Colonial buildings, pre-Columbian ruins and traditions come together in this city. After exploring all the nooks and crannies of this great city, an ideal option is a dinner at an altitude more than 5,700 feet at the Ram Luna restaurant. This gastronomic experience is paired with a lively party atmosphere and traditional dances accompanied by the marimba and saxophone.

Local gastronomy

Still not sure what to do in Costa Rica? Joining a food tour through Manuel Antonio is a great option for even the most refined palates. Due to its customs and mix of cultures, Costa Rican food is a mixture of Indigenous, Latin American, Asian & Mediterranean flavors. Travel the world through its culture and history with some of its most famous dishes such as gallo pinto, ceviche, tamales and picadillo de papa. Bon appétit!

Searching for sloths

Of the thousands of things to do in this tropical country, sloth watching is one of the most popular activities among tourists from all over the world. Watching the world’s slowest mammal while it sleeps, eats or hangs from the branches is a true privilege. Join in and learn all kinds of interesting facts: did you know that sloths are actually fantastic swimmers?

Cloud forests

Some places are so full of natural beauty that they just leave you speechless, and that is exactly the reaction of those who visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This oasis of 10,500 hectares of tropical rainforest is home to a total of 878 species of flora and hundreds of amphibians, mammals, birds and reptiles. The biological reserve was established in 1972 by the Tropical Science Center, true pioneers in a progressive conservation model.

Coffee & chocolate

A coffee & chocolate tour in Arenal can be a perfect alternative for your getaway to Costa Rica. The history of coffee dates back to 1776 when the first seeds arrived from the Antilles and then people like Feliz Velarde and Mariano Montealegre promoted its cultivation. Over the years it has become a very distinguished product included in the list of Protected Geographical Indications.

The country’s climate and soil have helped goods like chocolate gain worldwide recognition. The care in its cultivation and maturation are vital in achieving excellent quality. Did you know that for chocolate to be considered high quality it must have 60% cocoa? If you’re not sure how to spend your trip to Costa Rica, discovering all there is to know about these products is a great option!