The Best Oudoor Adventures In Costa Rica

Are you in need of an escape to a tropical paradise, filled with adventure and natural beauty? Look no further than Costa Rica! This small Central American country is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, including rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes. But it’s not just the scenery that draws visitors to Costa Rica – it’s also the incredible outdoor activities on offer. From zip lining through the jungle canopy to white-water rafting down roaring rivers, there’s no shortage of thrilling adventures to be had right here with Tripio. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best outdoor activities to experience on your vacation in Costa Rica. You will be sure to want to add these to your custom itinerary on the Tripio app and if you selected adventure high then they are sure to appear in your Tripio custom top 10 list.

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Zip Lining Through Costa Rica’s Rainforest

Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash

One of the most popular activities in Costa Rica is zip lining. It’s an exhilarating way to see the country’s lush rainforests from a new perspective. There are several zip lining tours available, ranging from short and easy to long and challenging. Imagine soaring above the trees, feeling the rush of the wind in your hair, and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget! On the Tripio app, we have several ziplines to choose from including Selvatura Park and Diamante’s which is home to The Longest Superman Style Zip Line!

In Selvatura Park you can find the best activities in Monteverde and Costa Rica. In one place you can enjoy a Canopy Tour, Hanging Bridges, Butterfly Garden, Reptile and Amphibian Exhibition, Insect Exhibition, Hummingbird Garden, restaurant and store of Memories Come and discover adventure and nature at Selvatura Park.

Diamante’s Costa Rica zip line course is a must-do experience offering the longest ride times and featuring a nearly mile-long ocean view line Superman-style. Also included is a 30-foot free fall Quick Jump. The dual lines let guests share their experiences with their families and friends, riding side by side.

Hanging Bridges In Costa Rica

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Mistico Park is a Wildlife Reserve that offers a connection with nature through the Hanging Bridges trail, submerged in a tropical rain forest, at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. The park has unique naturalism activities, guided tours by the Hanging Bridges trail, Self-guided Tour, Bird Watching, and Night Walks. In the adventure section it offers an exclusive Canyoning tour in a natural canyon formed at the base of the Volcano and submerged in the tropical forest, and a horseback ride through the slopes of private property, until reaching the highest point and viewpoint of the Volcano.

6 Hanging Bridges Hike

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Boquete Tree Trek Mountain Resort offers a wonderful 2.8 mile hike that takes you on a circuit of 6 hanging bridges. Bask in the beauty of Río Cristal private forest reserve. Let the experienced guide navigate the way through the forest and across these incredible bridges. The shortest suspension/ hanging bridge is 230 feet long while the longest is nearly 450 feet long. The trek is considered challenging and fun. It definitely is a great way to get out and explore nature. Kids 6 years and older can participate.

Surfing: Tamarindo

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Costa Rica is also known for its incredible surfing spots. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s a wave out there for you. Some of the best beaches for surfing include Tamarindo, Jaco, and Santa Teresa. Take a lesson from a local instructor or rent a board and hit the waves on your own. Not only is surfing a fun way to get active, but it’s also a great way to connect with nature and the ocean.

Beaches- Playa Minas

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Nestled along the stunning Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Playa Minas is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. This secluded beach is the perfect spot for those seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and lush green foliage, Playa Minas is a true tropical paradise.

But it’s not just the beauty of the beach that makes it so special – it’s also the incredible outdoor activities on offer. You can try their hand at surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkeling, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery. And for those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore, with stunning ocean views around every corner.

Rafting The Pacuare River

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If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, white-water rafting is the way to go. The rivers in Costa Rica are some of the best in the world for rafting, with rapids ranging from Class II to Class V. The Pacuare River is particularly popular, with its beautiful scenery and challenging rapids. You’ll get a workout as you paddle through the rapids, and the thrill of conquering each one will be a rush like no other. Again on the Tripio app we offer a few different rafting experiences to suit individual preferences so download the Tripio app now and start creating your next dream vacation.

Hiking: Arenal Volcano

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Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. From rainforests to volcanoes to beaches, there’s a trail out there for everyone. Some of the most popular hikes include hiking near Arenal Volcano, into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and through the Corcovado National Park. Make sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray, and get ready for a workout with a view!

The Arenal Volcano is currently in a resting phase. Up until recently, it was the country’s most active volcano with an average of 41 eruptions per day! At Arenal, you’ll have access to the rainforest, waterfalls, a volcano, the country’s largest lake, and a diverse selection of eco-friendly hotels, hot springs, zip lines, hanging bridges, white water rafting, It’s no surprise that Arenal is a must-visit destination in Costa Rica. While you cannot hike up the volcano itself, there are several other hikes and activities to get amazing views of or even get you close enough to the volcano.

Hiking: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

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This green oasis is the pride and joy of ecotourism in Costa Rica. With cloud cover that hangs at the canopy, the cloud forest is fascinatingly different from the tropical rainforests that are spread across so much of Costa Rica. A day trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest is a chance to cool down and explore the unique beauty and diversity of the Cloud Forest. There are so many ways to explore this area and are several hikes you can take along with floating walkways to cross. You can enjoy all the nature and wildlife that lives in this preserve.

Hiking: Corcovado National Park

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The San Pedrillo Beach Trail is a 1.9-mile loop trail in Parque Nacional Corcovado. You will gain nearly 300 feet of elevation on this trail. As you traverse through the trees and foliage, you will encounter an array of birds and other wildlife. The path can be slippery and steep in places so watch your step and wear shoes with good grip. There are some stunning views of the beach that will take your breath away.

Hiking: La Fortuna Waterfall

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If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding hiking adventure in Costa Rica, look no further than La Fortuna waterfall. Located near the charming town of La Fortuna, this stunning waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the area, and for good reason.

The hike to La Fortuna waterfall is approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) each way, with an elevation gain of around 500 feet (150 meters). While this may sound steep, the trail is well-maintained and offers plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the gorgeous views along the way.

As you hike through the lush rainforest, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of rushing water and tropical birds. And when you finally reach the waterfall, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sight – a towering cascade of water plunging 200 feet (60 meters) into a crystal-clear pool below.

But the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. You can take a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the pool, or even brave the chilly spray of the waterfall itself. For those looking for an even bigger adrenaline rush, there’s also the option to go canyoning or rappelling down the waterfall.

Wildlife Watching: Sloths

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Costa Rica is home to some of the most diverse and vibrant wildlife in the world, with over 500,000 species residing within its borders. From the lush rainforests to the sparkling coastline, there’s no shortage of opportunities to spot these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.

Macaws

Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

Macaws – Known for their vibrant colors and impressive wingspans, macaws are a common sight in many of Costa Rica’s national parks and wildlife refuges. Some of the best places to spot macaws include the Carara National Park and the Osa Peninsula.

Toucans

Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

Toucans – With their distinctive beaks and colorful plumage, toucans are another iconic bird species in Costa Rica. These birds can be found throughout the country, particularly in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Corcovado National Park.

Monkeys

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Monkeys – Costa Rica is home to four species of monkeys: howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel. These playful primates can be seen swinging through the trees in many of the country’s national parks and wildlife refuges, including Manuel Antonio and Corcovado.

No matter what type of wildlife you’re hoping to see in Costa Rica, there’s no shortage of incredible opportunities to witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitats. So pack your binoculars and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Now let’s talk about sea turtles!

Ostional Nacional Wildlife Refuge

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The Ostional Wildlife Refuge was created in 1984 to protect the area from poachers stealing the sea turtle eggs. This makes this National Wildlife Refuge a very important Sea Turtle Conservation project. But what makes Ostional Beach so special is the size of the “arrivals”. They are truly massive and at its peak, there are so many turtles it is almost impossible to walk on the beach! As a result, the first eggs often end up being trampled by the following turtles.

For this reason it is legal for locals to collect some of the eggs. Local guides offer early morning tours so you can see the turtles hatch and watch the little ones make their way to the sea. The afternoon and night tours focus on the arrival of the turtles at the nesting beach. However, during the rainy season you will be able to see turtles at any time of the day. Always be respectful when visiting the turtle nesting ground and listen to the guides’ instructions.

Horseback Riding

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For a more leisurely outdoor adventure, consider going horseback riding. There are several ranches and stables throughout the country that offer guided tours through the countryside. You’ll get to see Costa Rica’s beautiful landscapes from a different perspective, and enjoy a relaxing ride through the countryside or along the pristine beaches. It’s a great activity for families or couples looking for a romantic adventure.

Canyoning

Photo by Han-Hsing Tu on Unsplash

Canyoning is a thrilling adventure that combines rappelling, climbing, and swimming. Costa Rica’s lush rainforests and waterfalls make it an ideal destination for canyoning. The Lost Canyon, located near the Arenal Volcano, is one of the most popular canyoning spots in the country. You’ll rappel down waterfalls, swim through pools, and climb up rock faces, all while surrounded by stunning scenery.

In conclusion, Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for adventurous travelers looking to experience the natural beauty and adrenaline-fueled activities of Central America. From soaring through the treetops on a zip line to exploring the depths of a lush rainforest, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. And with friendly locals, delicious food, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many visitors fall in love with this amazing country. So pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the best of what Costa Rica has to offer!

Interested in more of central America, check out: The Best Of Panama

and Belize: A Thrilling Adventure Haven

-Sarah, Tripio Guru

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