Incredible Things To Do When Visiting Costa Rica
By AMANDA FINN
This national park is easily Costa Rica's most diverse, with over 200 bird species, 100 species of mammals, and the country's most beautiful beaches.
Manuel Antonio Park
Book a tour with a professional guide beforehand, and ensure they have a spotting scope so you can see and photograph even the teeniest creature from far away.
Costa Rica is rife with winding rivers and Class II and III (easy to moderate) rapids readily available. Savegre is a particular favorite for beginners.
Whitewater Rafting
An established guide or tour company will help make you feel safe. In a life jacket and a helmet, you will be well-equipped to handle whatever the water throws at you.
Ziplining Superman-style (horizontal) over a rainforest canopy could be one of the most exhilarating things you've ever done.
Rainforest Zipline
These ziplines provide a bird's eye view of the Costa Rican rainforest from the security of a taut line. Bring or rent a GoPro with a helmet attachment to capture the sights.
Natural thermal baths (that don't smell sulfuric) are fed by the underground activity of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and are perfect for unwinding or hanging out.
Hot Springs
There are free springs, which are more like gentle, thermal rivers. El Choyin and El Salto are free to visit but can be challenging to find without a guide.
For a more spa-like experience and the ultimate relaxation, day passes are available for the world's largest thermal bath, Baldi Hot Springs.
Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's most well-known and active volcano, but there are also five other actives and dozens of dormant or extinct volcanoes.
Volcanoes
While Arenal is a cone volcano, the other active ones are caldera volcanoes, so they are cratered inward, often filled with water and consistent steam.
Places like Poás Volcano have toxic fumes created by the caldera that can cause dizziness, so you may only have limited time there once you arrive.