20 Things To Do In Costa Rica
There’s a saying in Costa Rica. ‘Pura Vida – Pure life’
Beyond the words, the meaning lives in the hearts of Costa Rica’s people and the soul of the country; it is a way of living that values health, community, and harmony with our environment. There’s a reason Costa Rica is recognized as one of the happiest and most sustainable countries on earth.
Travellers have long been attracted to Costa Rica, seeking tropical biodiversity, a vibrant wellness culture, and consistent surf. The style here encourages visitors to slow down and reconnect with themselves and with nature.
We have been hosting Yoga Teacher Trainings and retreats in Costa Rica for over a decade. This land holds a special place in our hearts, and we know just how powerful traveling in Costa Rica can be; the luscious landscapes, abundant beauty, and thriving fauna and flora bring us back to the reconnection of the unity of all life every time we visit.
Whether you’re joining one of our upcoming Costa Rica trainings or just looking for advice on where to go and what to do, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of our top things to do after Your Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica while you’re here!
Why Visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a relatively small country with outsized appeal; more than a quarter of the nation’s land is reserved for conservation and it is renowned for its natural abundance and thriving ecosystems.
Costa Rica boasts a variety of habitats, flora, fauna and wildlife, from tropical rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and vibrant cities. There’s something for everyone in Costa Rica. In addition to adventure and relaxation, Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s five “Blue Zones” in the Nicoya Peninsula, where residents often live past 100 thanks to balanced diets, active lifestyles and strong social bonds.
For travellers seeking wellness, yoga and surf, Costa Rica offers world‑class retreat centres, consistent Pacific swells and a cultural ethos of pura vida (pure life). It truly embodies a nation of life, soul, community, and natural living, offering an enlightening insight into alternative ways of living.
Costa Rica offers an authentic opportunity not only to connect to nature but to reconnect to yourself which is why many choose Costa Rica for a yoga teacher training as a destination for spiritual immersions like Yoga Teacher Trainings.
Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Costa Rica is well developed for tourism, yet there are some things to consider when planning your travels:
Pack light and be mobile
Costa Rica has a varied climate depending on the month and season. The dry season is from November to mid-April, and the green season or rainy season is from May to November. Pack light layers that wash and dry easily, and offer protection from the sun and insects.
Things like sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic first aid needs can be found easily in most areas; however, be sure to pack any necessary medications and prescriptions. If you’re planning to fly nationally, bear in mind that local airlines and tour operators have weight restrictions, so the more you bring, the more you may need to pay.
Moving around
Costa Rica offers numerous areas to explore, and its vastness means that moving between regions will require some logistical planning to make the most of your trip. Depending on the length of your journey, you may choose to stay in one region, or if you’re planning to move around the country, consider your options:
One popular and budget-friendly option is public shuttles. Companies like Tropical Tours offer shuttles, and Caribe shuttles offer services between most regions. These can be a great option if you’re looking to meet fellow travellers and if you’re happy moving at a slower pace.
If you prefer to go at your own pace renting a car is a great and accessible option. when renting a car, consider using a GPS and ensuring the vehicle has the required safety equipment.
The final and quickest option would be to take national flights; various companies such as Sansa Airlines and Costa Rica Green Airways offer flights between regions. Bear in mind that these often have weight restrictions for luggage.
Footwear
Bring sandals for the beach and sturdy sneakers or boots for hiking. If you plan serious trekking, consider heavier‑duty shoes.
Language
Many Costa Ricans speak English, but the official language is Spanish. Brush up on basic phrases or use a translation app.
Safety
Costa Rica is generally safe, but like any destination, practise common-sense precautions and follow local guidance. When exploring, keep valuables close, carry your backpack in front of you, and avoid walking in isolated or poorly lit areas.
San Jose & Jacó
Immerse yourself in San Jose’s culture
Most international flights arrive at San José Airport, making the capital a natural first stop. From here, you can easily branch out to coastal regions or explore lush inland forests. The city offers organised tours that give insight into Costa Rican life, and many day trips depart from San José to volcanic sites, coffee plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Don’t miss the National Theater, the Museum of Contemporary Art & Design, San José Central Market, the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the National Museum. Food lovers should try a culinary tour to sample local flavours.
Balance adventure and relaxation in Jacó
Just 1½ hours from San José, Jacó is an easy beach escape. It’s ideal whether you’re stopping over briefly or staying longer. Spend your days surfing gentle, consistent waves (perfect for beginners), visiting beaches, chasing waterfalls, and hiking to viewpoints before dining at one of the town’s top restaurants.
- Surf: Jacó’s steady waves make it a great place to learn. Join a surf camp for lessons and community vibes.
- Waterfalls: A short drive from town is Bijagual; reach its impressive waterfall via an hour‑long hike or on horseback (entry about US $20).
- Miro Mountain viewpoint: Accessible by car, this steep trail rewards you with sweeping views of the city, jungle, and coastline—wear proper shoes!
- Playa Blanca: The only white‑sand beach on the central Pacific, Playa Blanca is worth the short walk through Playa Mantas at low tide. Alternatively, purchase a day pass at Punta Leona Resort for easy access and paddleboard rentals.
Northern Plains: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
Hike Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park protects rainforests, Lake Arenal, and two volcanoes, Arenal and Chato. More than 850 bird species live here, alongside monkeys, deer, and orchids. Today, Arenal Volcano is dormant, allowing visitors to explore trails around its base and through regenerating forest safely.
Entry: US $15 for adults and US $5 for children (6–12)
Opening: daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guides aren’t required, but can enrich your experience with historical and ecological insights. Tours often depart from San José. Guided tours run from San Jose. For information about visiting the volcano without a guide, be sure to check the visitor’s website
Bathe in the hot springs of La Fortuna
After hiking, unwind in geothermal pools. EcoTermales Hot Springs offers five magnesium‑rich pools (temperatures from 90–160 °F) set in lush jungle, with plunge pools and an on‑site restaurant.
Nearby Tabacón Hot Springs and other resorts also offer soothing mineral waters.
Entry – US $44 for adults and US $26 for children (6–12). Tickets include access to towels and lockers.
Opening times: Reservations are required for each of the two sessions: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. To make reservations, visit the official website.
Try your hand at canyoneering
If you’re visiting La Fortuna seeking a little more adventure, Canyoning or Canyoneering is a unique way to experience Costa Rica’s epic natural habitats. La Fortuna offers a stunning base for this adrenaline-filled activity. Canyoneering involves traversing down waterfalls using ropes. Because of the numerous mountains and humid climate in Costa Rica, there is a plethora of waterfalls and canyons to explore.
You can go on a canyoning tour with La Fortuna’s Pure Trek, which has a jaw-dropping waterfall of 200 feet!
Zip Line through Monteverde’s cloud forest
Monteverde’s 35,000‑acre reserve harbours over 100 mammals, 400 birds, and 1,200 amphibians. Guided tours can help you spot wildlife on walking tours, or you can soar above the canopy on a zip‑line. Either way, you’ll literally be walking through the clouds, so be sure to pack plenty of rain gear.
Monteverde Cloud Forest is about a three-hour car ride northwest of San Jose.
Entry: US $25 for adults and US $5 for children (6–12), with additional fees for guided tours.
Opening hours: Admission to the reserve is Open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monteverde is about a three-hour drive from San José. For more information, consult Monteverde’s official website, run by Costa Rica’s Tropical Science Center.
The Pacific Coast
Heading down to the Pacific coast is a beach lover’s delight; the Pacific West Coast of Costa Rica offers miles of palm-fringed white sand beaches and epic surf breaks. The Nicoya and Guanacaste regions provide plenty to explore, as well as some inviting downtime with plenty of beach resorts and Airbnbs on the beach.
Guanacaste region – Surfing and Beaches
Guanacaste Province on the north‑western Pacific coast is a surfer’s paradise. National Geographic calls it a “meteorological sweet spot” where swells from both hemispheres create more surfable days than nearly anywhere else.
Surf and play in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular surf hubs, with beach breaks such as Playa Grande and Playa Negra. It boasts a lively social scene with bars and restaurants, and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy watching nesting sea turtles and local birdlife.
If surfing in Costa Rica is top on your things to do, our other fave surf spots include:
- Playa Guiones – Nosara
- Playa Hermosa – Jaco
- Playa Santa Teresa
- Playa Grande – Montezuma
Tamarindo is a popular tourist destination and a great place to party and meet fellow travellers. Resorts in the area offer a chill yet social vibe perfect for crashing out after a day full of activity.
Reconnect in Nosara
Nosara pairs jungle and beach perfectly. Chillier than Tamarindo, it draws both surfers and yogis. Surf at Playa Guiones or Playa Pelada, and nourish your mind at Bodhi Tree, one of Costa Rica’s premier yoga centres offering classes, meditation, sound healing, and an eco café.
Bodhi Tree is one of Costa Rica’s best-established yoga centers, offering Yoga, meditation, sound healing, and wellness services. With multiple shalas embedded in the dense jungle, it provides a moment to ground and connect with Costa Rica’s abundance through your practice. You can also nourish yourself at their eco cafe before you leave!
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica – Wellness, Connection and Nature
The Nicoya Peninsula is known for longevity. Resorts like Nantipa in Santa Teresa combine Blue Zone principles with ocean therapy and yoga; guests can volunteer at turtle hatcheries, hike rainforests, and enjoy local cuisine. Expect white‑sand beaches, boutique shops, lively restaurants, and epic sunsets. Day trips include guided tours to the Curu Wildlife Refuge and kayaking in bioluminescent waters.
Catch the Sunset in Santa Teresa
In the last few years, Santa Teresa has become a hub for digital nomads seeking a sun-kissed work & surf life balance. It offers a place to chill, work, and play with stretches of white sand beaches, a variety of restaurants, boutique shops, and arguably the peninsula’s most pristine sunset spots.
If you’re looking for a place to settle, Santa Teresa offers a comfortable place to chill amongst the thriving expat community.
Discover Curu Wildlife Refuge
If you’re exploring the Nicoya Peninsula, plan a day at Curú National Wildlife Refuge, just 30 minutes from Paquera. The 1,496-hectare reserve protects tropical forest, mangroves,, and grasslands and boasts 17 hiking trails where you might spot white-tailed deer, armadillos, iguanas, and three species of monkeys. Bird‑watchers will be thrilled by the 232 species recorded here. The Finca de los Monos trail is a favourite for spotting birds and small mammals.
Curú also offers kayak tours, snorkelling, trips to Isla Tortuga, and night excursions to experience bioluminescence – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beaches like Playa Curú, Playa Poza Colorada,, and Playa Quesera provide sheltered swimming.
Important details: The refuge is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; entry costs about US $13 for foreign visitors and includes access to showers, restrooms,, and trails withh guided tours into the protected areas of the Curu Refuge.
Swim with Turtles in Isla Tortuga
The incredible wildlife of Costa Rica extends far beyond the land, revealing a whole world of underwater life waiting to be discovered. Off the Nicoya coast, Isla Tortuga is home to sea turtles, tropical fish, inspiring coral reefs, and peaceful reef T sharks. Takeake a day trip to the island that effortlessly combines snorkeling, wildlife watching, and relaxing on the pristine beaches.
Go ATV-ing in Mal Pais
For adre,naline seekers, Mal País offers ATV trails through rugged landscapes. Some tours pair ATV rides with zip‑lining, adding another layer of adventure. Some tours combine ATV-ing with other activities such as ziplining.
Chase waterfalls in Montezuma
At the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, laid‑back Montezuma feels worlds away from busier towns. Hike to its beautiful waterfall and take a dip, or soar above the canopy on a zip‑line tour. You can also arrange snorkelling trips to nearby Tortuga Island, where crystal‑clear waters teem with marine life.
Osa Peninsula – Wild Nature and Spirituality
On the South Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula shelters Corcovado National Park, often called the “most biologically intense place on Earth.” Although we don’t provide a direct citation here, travellers come for dense rainforests, secluded beaches, and wildlife sightings (scarlet macaws, tapirs, and occasionally jaguars). Eco‑lodges offer yoga decks, wellness programs, and guided hikes, blending spirituality with nature.
Explore Corcovado National Park
Corcovado is teeming with life: over 300 bird species, 140 mammals, 40 fish, and more than 100 amphibians. Permits are required and usually obtained through tour operators. Admission is US $15 for adults and US $5 for children (ages 2–12), and the park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arrive early to maximize wildlife sightings, and pack rain gear, sturdy shoes,, and insect repellent. The nearest towns—Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez, and Carate—provide lodging and transport options.
Caribbean Coast
Tortuguero National Park
“Tortuguero” means “turtle place,” and this park is a key nesting ground for four of the world’s eight marine turtle species. Accessible only by boat or small plane, its rivers and lagoons are also home to the endangered West Indian manatee and countless other creatures. Guided boat tours and hiking trails provide the best access; nesting tours run July–October (March–May for leatherbacks) for about US $20 per person.
To explore the park, you will need to book a tour. You can explore the area via boat on the intricate canal systems or spend the day up close to nature on one of the hiking trails.
Turtle Nesting Tours
One of the most magical activities in Tortuguero National Park is the nesting turtle tour. Four kinds of sea turtles come to the park’s gray sand beaches to lay their eggs. Visit from July to October to witness a nesting event. If you’re lucky, you can also spot leatherback turtles between March and May. Turtle-watching tours happen at night along the beach and can be arranged through the local association of guides for around $20 per person.
Puerto Viejo
Visiting Puerto Viejo should definitely be at the top of your list when considering things to do on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. This picturesque spot has plenty to offer, from diving and snorkeling to horseback riding and surfing. Puerto Viejo is less touristy than other places in Costa Rica,, and you can also organize cultural visits to indigenous villages.
Explore Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park protects Costa Rica’s largest coral reef and features pristine beaches where jungle meets sea. Snorkelling is regulated and requires a guide to protect the reef. The park spans 2,732 land acres and 55,200 marine acres and has hiking trails along the coast.
Entry: donation-based – US$5 suggested – guided tours cost extra.
*There are two entrances: Kelly Station in Cahuita town and Puerto Vargas near Puerto Viejo. Open: daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; arrive early to avoid being turned away later in the afternoon.
Suggested Itinerary
7‑Day Wellness and Surf Itinerary – Central and Pacific Coast
- Days 1–2: Arrive in San José and transfer to the Nicoya Peninsula. Settle into a retreat centre like Blue Spirit or Nantipa for daily yoga, healthy meals, and beach walks. Join a surf lesson at Playa Guiones or Santa Teresa.
- Day 3: Visit a local market, learn about plant‑based cuisine, or volunteer at a turtle hatchery.
- Day 4: Travel to Arenal Volcano. Hike the national park’s trails and end the day soaking in Tabacón Hot Springs.
- Day 5: Journey through the Monteverde Cloud Forest for zip‑lining or canopy walks, and enjoy a farm‑to‑table dinner.
- Day 6-7: Head to Guanacaste’s beaches for another surf session or SUP‑yoga class. Sunset on the beach is the perfect time to reflect.
- Day 7: Return to San José for a cultural tour before departure.
14 ‑Day Deep‑Dive Itinerary
Follow the 7‑day itinerary, then add:
- Day 8: Travel to the Osa Peninsula
- Day 9/10: Explore jungle hikes in Corcovado National Park, then relax at a wellness spa.
- Day 11: enjoy a day exploring the local town, visiting yoga centres & enjoying the amazing seafood on offer.
- Day 12: Take a snorkeling tour at the Marine Reserve on Caro Island.
- Day 13: Return to San Jose, stopping at artisan towns in the Central Valley for souvenirs or visit Jaco for one last beach day.
- Day 14: Depart from San Jose International
What to Pack for Costa Rica
- Lightweight clothing: Pack breathable fabrics and layers that dry quickly. The tourism board recommends packing light and sticking with a carry‑on.
- Footwear: Bring sandals for the beach and sturdy sneakers or hiking boots for rainforest trails.
- Health items: Include necessary medications and copies of prescriptions. Pack insect repellent, reef‑safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a hat.
- Rain gear: A lightweight rain jacket or poncho is useful, especially during the green season (May–November).
- Tech: Bring a power bank, travel adaptor (Costa Rica uses US‑style 110 V outlets), and a translation app if your Spanish is limited.
- Yoga and surf equipment: Many retreats provide mats and boards, but you can bring a travel yoga mat, rashguard, and quick‑dry towel for convenience.
Costa Rica is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Latin American culture with many of the comforts of home.
Visiting Costa Rica, you’ll soon see why we love to return here year after year for our Yoga Teacher Training. For us really, this land really does encompass all that it means to live a authentic, attuned and balanced life, whether you’re planning a short vacay or are looking to stick around for longer, we’re sure that you’ll love it as much as we do.
Pura Vida!
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