{"id":44976,"date":"2019-03-15T17:00:58","date_gmt":"2019-03-16T00:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=44976"},"modified":"2021-04-05T20:45:35","modified_gmt":"2021-04-06T03:45:35","slug":"costa-rica-adventure-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/costa-rica-adventure-travel-guide","title":{"rendered":"Costa Rica Adventure Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica\u2014the land of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">la pura vida<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014has a lot to offer. Whether you\u2019re seeking adrenaline-fueled adventure, or good-old rest and relaxation, the land of the pure life does not disappoint.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the promise of white-sand beaches, rain-soaked jungles and thrilling outdoor adventure is calling you, this guide will highlight the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#why-visit\">Why Visit Costa Rica?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-sites\">The Top Destinations in Costa Rica<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#top-outdoor\">The Top Outdoor Activities in Costa Rica <\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to\">How to Plan Your Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_45008\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45008\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45008\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_112918_1748.jpg?resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"Travelers on an REI Adventures trip share their excitement. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45008\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Travelers share the excitement of a canyoning excursion.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Costa Rica appeals to outdoor, wellness and wildlife enthusiasts, its culture certainly adds to the country\u2019s charm. Costa Rica is essentially a melting pot, blending Spanish, African, Chinese, Jewish, Lebanese and Italian cultures with those of its indigenous peoples, including the Bribr\u00ed, Cab\u00e9car, Maleku, Teribe, Boruca, Ng\u00e4be, Huetar and Chorotega groups.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The result? A land filled with vibrant artistic expression, such as creole swing dance, Lim\u00f3n calypso, and traditional Chorotega ceramics, not to mention festivals and flavorful cuisine.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><br \/><a name=\"why-visit\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Visit Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As Costa Rica travel continues to <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ticotimes.net\/2019\/02\/07\/international-tourism-costa-rica-to-rise-2018\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gain in popularity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the country is devoted to keeping environmental conservation as a top priority. The small country is within the top 20 of the world\u2019s richest countries when it comes to biodiversity, which is quite impressive when you consider its size. In fact, nearly 500,000 species of fauna and flora, representing approximately 5 percent of the Earth\u2019s biodiversity, can be found within the country\u2019s 19,730 square miles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica\u2019s dedication to the environment is so strong that it declared its goal of becoming the world\u2019s first decarbonized country by launching \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/unfccc.int\/news\/costa-rica-commits-to-fully-decarbonize-by-2050\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d earlier this year.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45007\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45007\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45007\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/FCO_101917_15318.jpg?resize=1024%2C680\" alt=\"A narrow strip of jungle-clad land pierces tropical-blue waters. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45007\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A country of rich biodiversity, Costa Rica is a thrill to explore on both land and sea.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Decarbonization is a commitment of Costa Rica with current and future generations. It means transforming the development model to a sustainable one, free of fossil fuels, that improves the country&#8217;s competitiveness and the quality of life of people,\u201d said Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, the country&#8217;s minister of environment and energy, in a speech at the government\u2019s initiative launch in February 2019.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe goal is to be a country with net zero emissions by 2050,\u201d he added. \u201cThese transformations are not new to the country; we have done it before. We are a tropical country that stopped deforestation and tripled our per capita income, which generates 99 percent of our electricity from renewable sources.\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to America\u2019s National Park Service, Costa Rica\u2019s<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sinac.go.cr\/EN-US\/conozca\/Pages\/default.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> National System of Conservation Areas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, established in 1998, already preserves about 26 percent of the country\u2019s land mass, including its volcanoes, beaches, and myriad forests and jungles.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><br \/><a name=\"top-sites\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Top Travel Destinations in Costa Rica<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica is divided into seven regions, each with its own unique personality and offerings. Before choosing which region to visit, it\u2019s best to consider what experiences you\u2019d like to have during your trip. It is possible to travel from one region to the next, but it is important to consider that travel takes time, and it may be best to not pack too much into your Costa Rica visit. Remember, when in Costa Rica, do as the Ticos (locals) do, and embrace la pura vida.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Guanacaste<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the northwest of Costa Rica, along the Pacific Ocean, lies Guanacaste. In addition to its 400 miles of coastline, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/guanacaste.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guanacaste<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/santarosa.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santa Rosa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/rincon.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rincon de la Vieja<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> national parks are found here. Within the 70,000 acres that comprise Guanacaste National Park, which is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area and a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/928\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UNESCO World Heritage site<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are the Orosi and Cacao volcanoes. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though a national park, the roads within Guanacaste are unpaved and difficult to travel; the park is mainly visited by <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">researchers and students<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As such, all visits to Guanacaste National Park must be coordinated through Santa Rosa National Park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santa Rosa National Park is easier to visit. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in its dry tropical forest (nearly six rain-free months annually) and superlative wildlife viewing opportunities, from white-tailed deer to howler and white-faced monkeys to the Olive Ridley sea turtles that nest on the park\u2019s two beaches, Naranjo and Nancite. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45032\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45032\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45032\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_112918_1086.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A woman is obviously stoked as she rappels in front of a lush, flowing waterfall. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45032\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ever dreamed of rappelling down a waterfall? On this trip, you can.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smaller than the other two parks, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is inland and has its own volcano too. Although hiking is a main attraction here, the hot springs, waterfalls and impressive variety of wildlife shine brightly as well. The inland areas of the Guanacaste region are also popular for outdoor adventure, including zip-line tours through the treetops, whitewater rafting and river tubing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Puntarenas<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just south of Guanacaste is the Puntarenas region, which is blessed with a coastline dotted by small islands. A superb one to visit is Cocos Island National Park, which has been designated a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/820\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UNESCO World Natural Heritage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> site because of its rich marine life. How rich? The waters that surround the island are home to 600 species of marine mollusks, 300 species of fish and 32 species of coral.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From sea level, Puntarenas stretches inwards and upwards to Monteverde, home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, both incredibly rich in biodiversity, including colorful frogs and birds. <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/carara.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carara National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is here, too, and encompasses the only transitional forest in the Central Pacific. Plus, its close proximity to San Jose\u0301 makes the park an easy daytrip from the city.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Northern Plains<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The smoke you may spot rising from the landscape in Costa Rica\u2019s Northern Plains region is likely coming from the Arenal Volcano.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45021\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45021\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45021\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Lasso_100812_0049.jpg?resize=1024%2C671\" alt=\"A still-active Arenal Volcano sends wisps of smoke into the sky.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"671\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45021\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A still-active Arenal Volcano sends wisps of smoke into the sky.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active since July 1968, the volcano dominates <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/arenal.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arenal Volcano National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which provides a wide variety of activities for adventure travelers to enjoy, such as hiking, kayaking, kite surfing, whitewater rafting and rappelling down waterfalls. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Central Valley<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">San Jose\u0301, the capital of Costa Rica, lies within the Central Valley; many of the country\u2019s most popular museums are found here. Blend cultural experiences with your outdoor adventures by visiting the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/museosdelbancocentral.org\/en\/about-the-museums\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gold Museum<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.museodeljadeins.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Museo del Jade<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.museocostarica.go.cr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Museo Nacional de Costa Rica<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re traveling with children, there\u2019s also the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/museo.museocr.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Museo de los Ni\u00f1os<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Children\u2019s Museum) in San Jose\u0301 to keep the little ones entertained, especially if it rains during your trip.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, the outdoors beckons in the Central Valley, too. At the northern end, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/brauliomap.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Braulio Carrillo National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is set between the Po\u00e1s and Iraz\u00fa volcanoes and is one of Costa Rica\u2019s largest protected areas. Barva and Cacho Negro volcanoes rise within the park. With the higher elevation comes lower temperatures, so be sure to pack warm layers if you visit.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Central and South Pacific<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adjacent to the Central Valley, but on the coastline, is the Central Pacific, and here we find another Costa Rica favorite, <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/manuel.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manuel Antonio National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A glimpse into the park reveals its appeal: The white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and lush vegetation seemingly call out, just like the birds teeming in the trees. Aside from the park, several of the country\u2019s most-visited cities are in the Central Pacific region, too, including Quepos, Jac\u00f3 and Puntarenas. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the coastline south to find the aptly-named South Pacific region. Here, beaches are the main focus, with plenty of protected areas to explore. <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sinac.go.cr\/EN-US\/ac\/acosa\/pnmb\/Pages\/default.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marino Ballena National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one such area, known for its iconic protrusion of land\u2014shaped like a whale tail\u2014that reaches into the ocean. This is a great place to look for humpback whales.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45000\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45000\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_120318_2662.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A traveler on an REI Adventures trip surfs a wave. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45000\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Great surfing can be found in many parts of Costa Rica!<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/corcovadomap.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Corcovado National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is found in the South Pacific region, too, and is the largest of Costa Rica&#8217;s parks at more than 103,000 acres. From the beach, the park meanders through lagoons, marshland, mangrove swamps and rivers as it reaches into a low-altitude cloud forest. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Caribbean<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other side of the country is the Caribbean region, an area that covers more than 5,000 square miles, of which 200 miles is coastline. In addition to <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/cahuita.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cahuita<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/tortuguero.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tortuguero<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> national parks and the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/barradelcolorado.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the city of Puerto Lim\u00f3n (or simply Lim\u00f3n) is also found within the Caribbean region. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Culturally, this area of Costa Rica is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, which can be seen, heard and tasted in the Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Gandoca-Manzanillo areas to the south.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><br \/><a name=\"top-outdoor\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Top Outdoor Activities in Costa Rica<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Hiking<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re a novice who\u2019s lacing up boots for the first time, or an accomplished thru-hiker, there are plenty of opportunities throughout Costa Rica for hikers of all experience levels, in all types of landscapes, from coastlines to waterfalls to mangrove swamps to cloud forests.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45012\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45012\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45012\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Lasso_100912_0211.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"Hikers on an REI Adventures tour enjoy the grand aesthetic of Arenal Volcano National Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45012\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hikers enjoy the grand aesthetic of Arenal Volcano National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiking paths and trails within the country\u2019s national parks are easily accessible for the most part, and you may encounter hanging bridges to link trails together. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re ready to take your hiking to a different level\u2014literally\u2014go underground and try cave hiking in the Venado Caverns in Arenal Volcano National Park. Or go to new heights and hike the highest peak in Central America, topping out at 12,500 feet atop Cerro (Mount) Chirrip\u00f3 in the Talamanca Mountain Range within <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/chirripo.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chirrip\u00f3<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A note: Although not required, the Costa Rica Tourism Board suggests hiking with an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">expert tour guide<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to \u201clearn the secrets of the flora and fauna.\u201d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Diving and Snorkeling <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its hundreds of miles of coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, not to mention its many rivers and volcanic lakes, there are plenty of places to enjoy the water in Costa Rica. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dive in\u2014with a snorkel or scuba tank\u2014and view the undersea world in <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.costaricabureau.com\/nationalparks\/cahuita.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cahuita National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you\u2019ll find one of Costa Rica\u2019s most important coral reefs. Here more than 120 species of fish and 40 species of crustaceans can be spotted. For even more aquatic adventure below the surface, be sure to check out <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sinac.go.cr\/EN-US\/ac\/acosa\/pnmb\/Pages\/default.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marino Ballena National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Whitewater Rafting and Paddling<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thrill of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whitewater rafting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is found on the Rio Pacuare, the longest river in Costa Rica, and the most popular. While paddling the river, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including Capuchin monkeys, toucans and sloths. More whitewater rafting opportunities are found along the Sarapiqu\u00ed and Savegre rivers, as well as in Guanacaste. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45001\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45001\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45001\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_112818_3855.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"An REI Adventures rafting group plows through a standing wave. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45001\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A rafting group plows through a standing wave on the Rio Pacuare.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a slower pace, hop into a canoe or kayak. Some of the spots considered great for paddling are Lake Arenal within Arenal Volcano National Park, R\u00edo Corobic\u00ed and R\u00edo Pacuare. Or take to the open waters and go sea kayaking. Experienced sea kayakers will delight in paddling in the Pacific Ocean; top spots are the islands off of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Puntarenas, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">around the horn of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nicoya Peninsula, just off of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nicoyapeninsula.com\/caboblanco\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Costa Rica\u2019s first national park, established in <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1963. Another sea-kayaking spot to consider is along the coastline of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sinac.go.cr\/EN-US\/ac\/acopac\/pnma\/Pages\/default.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Manuel Antonio National Park<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Surfing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica beckons experienced surfers as well as novices who are ready to catch a wave. Surf spots can be found in four regions throughout the country\u2014the Caribbean coast, the Northern Pacific coast, the Southern Pacific coast and the Central Pacific coast. Of the four areas, the greatest density of surf spots are found on the Pacific coast, and more specifically, in the Guanacaste region; Tamarindo Beach is considered the country\u2019s surfing mecca.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other top Costa Rican surfing beaches along the Pacific Ocean include Hermosa Beach, considered to have some of the most consistent waves in the world; and Pavones Beach, with waves that go on for more than half a mile. Experienced surfers will want to travel to the Caribbean side and catch the strong breaks with massive tubes at Puerto Viejo, also known as Salsa Brava.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Wildlife Viewing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part of what attracts so many people to Costa Rica is the opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat, whether in the air, on the land or in the sea. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the Guanacaste Conservation Area, in addition to spotting the various monkey species that call the region home, astute watchers may be able to spot tapirs, sloths and even jaguars as they migrate through the park toward the Cacao Volcano.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica offers prime birding, with ample opportunities to add myriad species to your life list. In fact, an estimated 900 bird species can be spotted throughout the country, with only about a half-dozen endemic to Costa Rica.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45009\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45009\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45009\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/CRX_052617_001.jpg?resize=1024%2C701\" alt=\"A colorful tropical bird sits on a small branch. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"701\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45009\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Costa Rica&#8217;s tropical habitats make the country one of the top birding destinations in the world.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, the country has an established Costa Rican Bird Route, which is composed of 12 regional sites where enthusiasts can spot and identify the 900 species that call the country home, as well as about 220 species that migrate through seasonally. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good place to start is in Arenal Volcano National Park, which boasts 75 percent of the country\u2019s bird population, and in Monteverde, keep an eye out for the colorful quetzal. Another top birding spot is Cerro de la Muerte, or the Mountain of Death, one of the highest peaks within the country. For a glimpse of the scarlet macaw, visit Carara National Park.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During whale-watching season (mid-July through October and December through March), humpback whales migrate to Marino Ballena National Park to nurse their young, providing terrific opportunities for whale watching from the park\u2019s beaches. Spotted and bottlenose dolphins may also be seen, as well as manta rays.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the largest green sea turtle nesting beaches in the Western Hemisphere is found in Tortuguero National Park, on the Caribbean side. The beaches here are heavily protected to conserve the greens, as well as leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles. Join a guided tour and, if you\u2019re lucky, watch the turtles lay their eggs in the moonlight.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wherever you travel in Costa Rica, as a rule of thumb, be sure to keep an eye on the treetops in search of the monkeys and sloths that make their homes high above the ground. A terrific spot to see some of each is Manuel Antonio National Park.<\/span><br \/><a name=\"how-to\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Plan Your Trip<br \/><\/span><b><\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Best Time to Visit Costa Rica<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica\u2019s location on the skinny part of the Central America isthmus gives it two distinct sides: the Pacific and the Caribbean. Each has its own weather patterns, but generally, the best time to visit Costa Rica is December through April.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the Pacific side, the dry season is traditionally December through March, with March being the driest and hottest month. The rainy season runs May through October, with September and October usually the rainiest months. April and November are considered transition months, bridging the two seasons. <\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45006\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45006\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45006\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_112818_2578-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"The Rio Pacuare offers sublime whitewater and a rich world of natural beauty.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45006\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The rivers of Costa Rica offer white water and a rich world of natural beauty.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, there isn\u2019t a well-defined dry season, since rainfall accumulates in what could be considered the driest months. Rather, travelers can experience two relatively dry periods\u2014the first during February and March, and the second during September and October. The rainiest month in this region is December.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What to Pack<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With its varying seasons from the Pacific to the Caribbean, not to mention its towering mountain ranges and sandy beaches that each foster their own microclimates, it\u2019s important to consider what to pack before boarding your flight to Costa Rica. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Year-round average temperatures vary from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, and at higher elevations, temps can dip into the low 40s to high 50s. Layers are always a good idea, as is raingear if you\u2019re visiting during the rainy season or heading to the rain forest. Solid hiking shoes are a good bet, as well as water shoes for undertaking amphibious adventures. Speaking of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">agua<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the water temperature on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts pretty much holds steady at 84 degrees year-round.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"line-height: 1.09091;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coming and Going<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When booking flights to Costa Rica, there are two airports from which to choose: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sjoairport.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juan Santamari\u0301a International Airport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in San Jose\u0301, the capital city which is in the middle of the country; and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lircr.com\/?lang=en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daniel Oduber International Airport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Liberia, which is in the northwest. Whichever you choose, U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to carry a valid passport, as well as proof of arrival and departure tickets. There is an exit tax of $29 that must be paid in order to depart the country.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, English is also widely spoken. Similarly, the official national currency is the Costa Rican col\u00f3n (CRC), though U.S. dollars are widely accepted, as are credit cards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Eat and Drink<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to eating and drinking, you\u2019ll find plenty of options to keep you satiated in Costa Rica, from five-star dining to sodas (small restaurants) to local markets such as the Mercado Central (Central Market) in San Jose\u0301, the largest and oldest in the city.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start the day with a traditional dish of gallo pinto for breakfast; it also happens to be Costa Rica\u2019s national dish\u2014rice and beans, often prepared with red peppers, cilantro and onions for a little kick. Gallo pinto may be served on its own or with eggs, bread and a cup of coffee or juice. Another dish to try is casados, essentially a plate of rice and beans served with meat or fish, salt, fried plantains, cheese and a corn tortilla.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_45014\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-45014\" class=\"size-article_body wp-image-45014\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_112718_0456.jpg?resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"Sifting through one of the country's most important crops, a traveler visits a coffee farm in Costa Rica.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-45014\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sifting through one of the country&#8217;s most important crops, a traveler visits a coffee farm in Costa Rica.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coffee aficionados will certainly want to take advantage of the rich beans harvested and roasted where they are grown. Coffee farm tours, like those at <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/espiritusantocoffeetour.com\/?lang=en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Esp\u00edritu Santo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Alajuela, are also available so that you can learn about the process, from bean to brew.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Where to Stay<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accommodations throughout Costa Rica vary to suit every traveler\u2019s needs and budget, from surf-town hostels to eco-lodges, oceanside all-inclusives, and chains you\u2019ll recognize in the city.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping with the country\u2019s environmental focus, the Costa Rica Tourism Board developed the Certification of Sustainable Tourism (CST) program; this seal of approval acknowledges hotels throughout the country that are sustainable in their operations in regards to natural, cultural and social resource management. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How to Get Around<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rental cars are available at airports and in larger cities across the country. To get your bearings upon arrival, plan to visit the official <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tourist Information Center in downtown San <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jose\u0301<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or at the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lircr.com\/?lang=en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daniel Oduber International Airport<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Liberia. The staff at either can also help you navigate the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitcostarica.com\/en\/costa-rica\/pdf\/bus-itinerary-itinerario-de-buses-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bus system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get you where you need to go. In larger cities, taxis are readily available for quick trips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re short on time and want to squeeze in as much of Costa Rica as you can during your visit, consider flying from one region to the next. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitcostarica.com\/en\/costa-rica\/planning-your-trip\/airlines\/domestic-flights\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airlines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> flying domestically include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aerobell.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aerobell Airlines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with 11 daily flights to destinations throughout the country; and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/flysansa.com\/en\/#.XIaMDGaZP_Q\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sansa Airlines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which serves over a dozen destinations in Costa Rica.<br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>No matter what you choose to do when traveling to Costa Rica, amazing adventure awaits!<\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Costa Rica\u2014the land of la pura vida\u2014has a lot to offer. Whether you\u2019re seeking adrenaline-fueled adventure, or good-old rest and relaxation, the land of the pure life does not disappoint.\u00a0If the promise of white-sand beaches, rain-soaked jungles and thrilling outdoor adventure is calling you, this guide will highlight the following: Why Visit Costa Rica? The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":45003,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[1715,1478,1341,707,1550,349,1704,12,1788],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-44976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-biking","tag-co-op-journal","tag-costa-rica","tag-hiking","tag-international","tag-paddling","tag-surfing","tag-travel","tag-zip-lining"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/costa-rica-adventure-travel-guide","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Costa Rica Adventure Travel Guide","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/costa-rica-adventure-travel-guide","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/costa-rica-adventure-travel-guide"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_120318_2707-e1552503025932.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_120318_2707-e1552503025932.jpg?fit=2800%2C1335"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Beckindale"}],"creator":["Beckindale"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["biking","co-op journal","costa rica","hiking","international","paddling","surfing","travel","zip-lining"],"dateCreated":"2019-03-16T00:00:58Z","datePublished":"2019-03-16T00:00:58Z","dateModified":"2021-04-06T03:45:35Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Costa Rica Adventure Travel Guide\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/costa-rica-adventure-travel-guide\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/costa-rica-adventure-travel-guide\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/03\\\/Harnois_120318_2707-e1552503025932.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2019\\\/03\\\/Harnois_120318_2707-e1552503025932.jpg?fit=2800%2C1335\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Beckindale\"}],\"creator\":[\"Beckindale\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"biking\",\"co-op journal\",\"costa rica\",\"hiking\",\"international\",\"paddling\",\"surfing\",\"travel\",\"zip-lining\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2019-03-16T00:00:58Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-03-16T00:00:58Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-04-06T03:45:35Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/03\/Harnois_120318_2707-e1552503025932.jpg?fit=2800%2C1335","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44976","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44976"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44976\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":168327,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44976\/revisions\/168327"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44976"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=44976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}