5 things to do in Costa Rica - ¡Pura Vida!

Despacio (slow) on the road and in life - Pura Vida, sloth style!

Costa Rica — what a place. I (Eli) went in expecting beaches and jungle, but it turned out to be so much more.

From active volcanoes to stretches of coastline that felt like paradise, without forgetting the coolest animals ever, this country stole my heart in no time. And the Ticos? They’re definitely some of the friendliest, warmest people I’ve ever met. I could have stayed there forever, but here are five things I did that you definitely need to add to your list.

Fly over the canopy

Monteverde

Imagine being up in the air, soaring over the jungle, with nothing between you and the treetops but a zip-line. That’s exactly what I did in Monteverde — the Cloud Forest — and trust me, it’s something you don’t want to miss. You know that feeling when your heart’s racing, but in the best way possible? That’s zip-lining in Costa Rica. I’m talking about racing through the sky at over 100 meters high. The longest zip-line was a full kilometer! And just when I thought I couldn’t get more pumped, I tried the “Tarzan Swing,” which is exactly what it sounds like — you leap into the air, free-falling like a jungle adventurer. Total rush, especially when the guide pushes you because you’re taking way too long to think about it!

Did you know?

Monteverde Cloud Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, sitting at 1,400 meters above sea level and receiving 3,000 mm of rainfall annually. It’s home to over 2,500 plant species, including 420 types of orchids, and shelters 400 species of birds. Despite covering only 0.1% of Costa Rica’s land, it holds 10% of the country’s biodiversity.

Just make sure to book a good travel insurance before you fly like a squirrel monkey! You can get 5% off with our partner HeyMondo.

Whisper to a volcano

Volcanoes are like the earth’s powerhouses, and Costa Rica is full of them.

Arenal

Arenal volcano is super picturesque, your perfect cone-shaped volcano with a bit of smoke at the top! There was no real eruption — menos mal — but it did spit a few time with some smoking and rumbling. It really felt like nature was showing off! Seeing rocks tumble down its slopes was something you don't forget.

But it wasn’t just about watching from afar. I hiked to La Fortuna waterfall and swam in the cool, fish-filled waters below. And after a long day of exploring, nothing beats soaking in Arenal’s natural hot springs.

The next day, I hiked the lava trail and the landscape was unrreal!

Penguin Trampoline tip:

You can splurge a little at Tabacon for the full spa experience, but if you’re on a budget — like me — ask a local about "Tabaconcito." While not as glamourous as Tabacon, it’s a favorite among locals —same warm volcanic waters, minus the price tag.

Experience Pura Vida on a dreamy beach

Costa Rica’s beaches were the cherry on top of an already incredible trip. I traveled from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific, and they couldn’t be more different.

On the Caribbean side, it’s all crystal-clear water and laid-back vibes. The culture is so chill, the food’s got this amazing Jamaican twist, and the whole place just felt easy.

Then I hit the Pacific, and it was all about big waves, surf, yoga and jaw-dropping views.

Get lost in a National Park

Don’t worry, there are no weird polar bears nor Dharma experiments in the Costa Rican jungle! If you love nature. Costa Rica’s national parks are something else.

Tortuguero

I visited a few, but Tortuguero National Park stole the show. Getting there is half the adventure — it’s only accessible by boat. I booked a tour and got to meet really friendly locals — we’re still in touch! Cruising through the jungle at sunrise, we spotted caimans, monkeys, and more birds than we could count. But the real show happened at night. I joined a small group and watched sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. It was pure magic.

Thinking out of the box

In Tortuguero, many local guides were once involved in the illegal turtle egg trade. As conservation efforts took hold, they shifted from harvesting eggs to protecting sea turtles. Today, these former egg collectors lead eco-friendly tours, sharing the magic of turtle nesting while advocating for conservation. ¡Bien hecho, Costa Rica!

To protect the turtles, it’s forbidden to access the beach at night without a guide. But you can go at sunrise and maybe spot a late turtle going back to the sea — like I did! It was one of the most special moments of my life.

Sea turtle returning to the sea after a long, exhausting night

Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is small but mighty. It’s packed with wildlife. I rented a small cabin in the jungle — initially occupied by a bat — and woke up to the sound of howler monkeys — no need for an alarm clock here! They’re LOUD, but it adds to the charm.

Oh, and nearby Cahuita village has a really cool Caribbean vibe. It feels like Jamaica!

At the end of the road, you’ll find Manzanillo, a true paradise on earth. The sloths dictate the pace of life — very relaxing, as you can imagine!

An incredible biodiversity

Costa Rica’s fauna is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity despite covering only 0.03% of its surface. Its varied ecosystems range from rainforests to cloud forests and coastal areas. You’ll find over 500,000 species, including 250 mammals like jaguars, sloths, and all kind of monkeys, more than 900 bird species, including the quetzal, as well as reptiles and amphibians, boasting species like the green iguana and the red-eyed tree frog.

Manuel Antonio

The beaches, the jungle, the capuchin monkeys — everything you’ve heard about Manuel Antonio National Park is true. Just watch out for the raccoons; they’re sneaky little picnic thieves!

Next time I visit Costa Rica, I’d love to visit the remote Corcovado National Park!

Eat like a rey — or reina

Now, let’s talk food. Casado is a local specialty you’ll find everywhere. Picture juicy grilled chicken, rice, beans, fried plantains (so good), and a fresh salad all on one plate. For breakfast, I was usually served gallo pinto, a hearty mix of rice and beans.

And let’s not forget the coffee. Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world, hands down.

Cheesewise (it’s important!), you’ll find good cheese around Monteverde. In the 1950s, a group of Quakers — cuáqueros — from the U.S., drawn by Costa Rica’s peaceful nature, settled in Monteverde after refusing to fight in the Korean War. They established dairy farms but were deeply committed to preserving the natural environment. Their efforts helped protect the area’s cloud forests, eventually leading to the creation of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

And my favorite dessert was cajetas de coco!

Here’s the playlist to get you into the ambiance:

There’s so much more I could say about Costa Rica, but honestly, the best part of the trip was just being there — embracing the pura vida, slowing down — despacioooo — meeting the super friendly Ticos and soaking in everything this unique country has to offer. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or both, Costa Rica’s got you covered.

So, when are you going? Because I’m already planning my return.