Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Things to do - general

Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.

Active pursuits include golfing, surfing, and hiking or taking a zip-line canopy tour through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a mist-covered sanctuary for animals and rare plants, particularly orchids. Other options include viewing endangered sea turtles as they nest in Tortuguero National Park, touring coffee plantations, visiting the sheltered beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, and soaking in hot springs near the base of Arenal, an active volcano. Costa Rica is also known for its eco-lodges, hotels that seek to minimize their effect on the surrounding natural environment.

Country Central America
Languages spokenSpanish
Currency usedDollars

Sports & nature

Costa Rica is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. There are miles of unspoiled beaches to see, rainforests and cloud forests to learn about, world-class whitewater rafting and canoeing, fiery volcanoes and hot springs, and heart-stopping encounters with exotic wildlife and colorful tropical birds at every turn.

Sports and nature image

Nightlife info

  • Night Tours (countrywide): Night tours are offered at most rainforest and cloud forest destinations throughout the country.
  • San Pedro (San José): This is San José's university district, and at night its streets are filled with students strolling among a variety of bars and cafes.
  • Tamarindo (Guanacaste): open-mic nights and the clubby dance vibes.
  • Puerto Viejo: This small beach town on the southern end of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is one of the most active after-dark scenes in the country. Hot Rocks and the Lazy Mon take turns as the major dance-and-party spot, but there are several other happening places, as well as a few after-hours beach bonfires and jam sessions.
Nightlife image

Culture and history info

Costa Rica’s original inhabitants were predominantly hunter-gatherers, who never developed urbanized civilizations like the Aztecs and Maya in present-day Mexico and Guatemala. The diseases brought into the country by the Europeans wiped out most of the indigenous peoples. Those who were left were largely absorbed into the Spanish population, although there are still a few very small tribes to be found in the country.

Culture and history image

Unfortunately there are no accommodations at this location at the moment.

Unfortunately there are no tour offers at this location at the moment.

Unfortunately there are no cruise offers at this location at the moment.

Unfortunately there are no car rental offers at this location at the moment.