Travel Guide to Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Why Adventurers Love Costa Rica

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Costa Rica essentially invented canopy zip-lining and the country remains the world capital of the activity, with courses strung through cloud forests, over volcanic valleys, and across jungle canyons. But zip-lining is just the start. The country is bookended by the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, both offering excellent surf. The interior is a chain of volcanoes — Arenal, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja — with hot springs, crater lakes, and lava-field hikes. The rivers, particularly the Pacuare and Reventazon, deliver some of the best white-water rafting in the Americas. Add in world-class wildlife (sloths, toucans, monkeys, sea turtles) and a national park system that protects 25% of the country, and Costa Rica is an adventure traveler’s dream.

Top Activities

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• Zip-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest — The original canopy tour, flying through treetops at 1,500m with cloud forest below
• Surf at Santa Teresa and Tamarindo — Pacific coast breaks for all levels, consistent year-round swells
• Raft the Pacuare River — Class III-IV rapids through pristine jungle gorge, one of the top rafting runs in the world
• Hike Arenal Volcano and soak in hot springs — Trail walks on the lava fields with views of the perfect volcanic cone, followed by natural hot springs
• Visit Manuel Antonio National Park — White sand beaches, hiking trails through rainforest, monkeys and sloths everywhere

Where to Stay

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Costa Rica is spread out and each adventure zone has its own base. Monteverde for cloud forest zip-lining and hanging bridges. La Fortuna for Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and Pacuare rafting. Santa Teresa or Tamarindo for Pacific surfing. Manuel Antonio for wildlife and beaches. Budget travelers will find hostels for $10-18/night throughout the country, with La Fortuna and Tamarindo having the most backpacker infrastructure. Mid-range options include eco-lodges and boutique hotels ($40-80/night). Camping is available in some national parks. Moving between zones typically requires half-day bus rides or domestic flights.

Getting to the Adventure Spots

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Shared shuttles (Interbus, Caribe Shuttle) connect the main tourist towns for $30-60 per trip and are the most practical transport for travelers without a car. Public buses are cheap ($5-15) but slow. Renting a 4x4 is ideal if you want maximum flexibility — many roads are unpaved and require clearance, especially in rainy season. Domestic flights with Sansa connect San Jose to Liberia, Tamarindo, and other towns in under an hour. San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport is the main entry point.

Budget Tips

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Eat at sodas (local family restaurants) for $4-6 instead of tourist restaurants. The dry season (December-April) is peak season with higher prices — July offers a mini dry season with lower costs. Book activities directly with local operators rather than through hotels or online aggregators. Cook at hostels where possible — grocery prices are reasonable at local markets. US dollars are widely accepted, but you will get a better deal paying in colones. Many national parks have modest entrance fees ($10-18) and do not require guides.