6 places to go for Costa Rican adventures

Sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and abundance of outdoor activities, thanks to its protected jungles and diverse terrain. From snorkeling and surfing to ziplining through the forests, there’s adventure at every turn. Below, we round up some of the standout places to visit while you’re there.

Known for its aggressive waves, this popular area is usually packed with skilled surfers and those looking for a lively scene. Grab a spot sand-side and watch the action all afternoon as a spectator, or head over to one of the calmer surrounding beaches like Playa Chiquita or Playa el Chino if you’re looking to embark on your own snorkeling or swimming adventure.

Want to hit the waves yourself? Costa Rica’s coast is packed with surf schools that’ll help you get the hang of it. Try La Muda Surf School, in Tamarindo, where you can rent a board, take lessons, or just watch others partake in the waves. Even advanced surfers will benefit from an afternoon here to improve their skills—and this particular surf school caters to everyone from first-timers to those who have been surfing for years. (Browse Tripadvisor for more surf camp recommendations across the country.)

When you want a break from the beach (does anyone, ever?) head to the jungle. A must visit? Tortuguero, a national park with 77,000 acres of complex jungle terrain. Inside the national park, you can hike to your heart’s content; spot fascinating wildlife like three-toed sloths, poison dart frogs, and spider monkeys; and zipline through the trees. Okay, maybe we do want an excursion away from the beach, after all.

One of the most impressive things about Costa Rica is the vast variety of landscape—you’ll find everything from sandy beaches to jungle to volcanoes. To see the latter, head to Arenal, one of the island’s most impressive active volcanoes. You can hike on the volcano itself to see hardened lava flows, as well as explore the larger region around the national park, which features a 200-foot-tall waterfall and white-water rafting. After adventuring, relax at one of the several natural hot springs nearby—nearly all of them have jaw-dropping natural backdrops that look straight out of Planet Earth.

This remote part of Costa Rica's north Pacific coast offers the perfect mix of luxury and serenity—and some of the most stunning sunsets in the country. Book a room at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo to make the most of it all. You’ll spend your days lounging poolside at the resort, ziplining in the nearby jungle, or exploring the ocean with a snorkel or stand-up paddle board.

City lovers will enjoy a visit into town to absorb some of the vibrant culture of Costa Rica. San Jose has a lot to offer, from boutique hotels and stellar shopping to delicious restaurants. Spend time scoping out the city's architecture and don’t miss out on some of the best coffee the island has to offer. A visit to Mercado Central while you’re there won’t disappoint for a cup of Costa Rican joe paired with local fare.