An Adventure Traveler's Guide To Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a rush of adrenaline, some heart-pounding moments, and the giant smile that follows a flush of excitement. Costa Rica has a wide variety of adventure activities available all over the country for all different types of thrill seekers. Embarking on one or multiple tours is a great way to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country from rainforests and cloud forests to waterfalls and coral reefs.

Canopy zip line tour

Zip lining is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica. This thrilling activity offers a completely unique view of the rainforest; a bird’s eye view. Long cables take you through the canopy from platform to platform. This completely safe and professionally guided activity is an excellent tour for the whole family. Some of the best zip line tours are Arenal Reserve, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and the San Luis Canopy tour. There are zip line canopy tours offered all around the country, though.

White water rafting

Waterfall and canyon rappelling

Waterfall and canyon rappelling is not for the faint of heart. However, it is a truly unique way to become completely enveloped in the rainforest. Rappelling magnificent waterfalls and down deep canyons to the lush and verdant forest floor will be an experience like no other. The tour will be a mix of hiking and rappelling alongside an experienced guide who will have a great wealth of knowledge about the local flora and fauna. There are breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls all around the country.

Sailing

The Costa Rica Sailing Center in Playa Portero in Guanancaste is a must for adventurers. The location is absolutely perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, snorkeling and, of course, sailing. There are sailing lessons available for all different levels and boats for rent for those who already know how to sail and just want to set out to sea. There are often bonfires on the beach for sunset and live music, karaoke, bingo nights, and other family friendly events varied throughout the week. The restaurant offers some delicious, locally-inspired dishes and the beers are always icy. This place has it all for someone who is looking to spend an active (or relaxing) day on the water.

Surfing

Costa Rica is synonymous with surfing. Costa Rica has both world-class waves and gentle beginner breaks. There seems to be a surf shop, school, or camp on every corner, which makes it a breeze to rent a board, book a lesson, and start shredding. Tamarindo is one of the most popular places to go to learn how to surf. SALT (Surf As Life Therapy) Surf School and Tours is one of the best programs for beginners and more advanced surfers alike. If you are new to the sport, it is very important to learn safety and surf etiquette first in order to ensure a safe (for everyone in the water) and enjoyable experience.

Diving

What’s beneath the surface in Costa Rica is often as beautiful as what’s above. Costa Rica is bursting with thriving rock and coral reefs, abundant marine wildlife, such as sea turtles and stingrays, and a vast collection of tropical fish. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and snuba diving tours are available around the country on both the Caribbean and Pacific side. The Catalina Islands, Bat Islands, Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, and Cocos Island are some of the most famous dive sites in Costa Rica.

Horseback riding

What better way to explore the countryside, mountainous jungles, and beaches than by horseback? Pretty much anywhere that you go in Costa Rica there will be a horseback riding tour available. It is a great way to experience firsthand the vast beauty of the country at a pace where you can really take it all in. Oftentimes, guides will be bilingual and knowledgable about the local surroundings, both natural and culturally. Most Costa Ricans take very good care of their horses, but avoid tours where horses look emaciated, dehydrated, and dirty, as this is a sign of a bad operation.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.