Today is Cinco de Mayo and although I am not ethnically Hispanic, I do know a little bit of Spanish. In university I did a study abroad program in Costa Rica. It is one of the safest Latin American countries and the most nature ridden. I loved my study abroad experience in Costa Rica and wanted to share some of the places that we explored while there. Visiting Costa Rica probably made me the most adventurous I’ve ever been in my life, from white water rafting to zip lining, the experience was overall incredible. After three years, I still say the country’s tagline ‘Pura Vida’, which means pure life.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
The most famous waterfall in Costa Rica, visitors often stop to snap shot while on their way to Arenal, but don’t just drive past it! Make sure to take the beautiful nature hike to the waterfall, which is known to be one of San Jose’s best hiking spot. Along with being a hiking spot that leads to a cascading waterfall, also enjoy the animal sanctuary within the gardens!
La Fortuna
Located about 3-4 hours from San Jose, this is the epicenter of adventure in the Americas. From hiking, whitewater rafting, zip lining, canopying, kayaking, etc. There is something to do for everyone!
White Water Rafting
White water rafting is an unforgettably extreme experience. Guides and safety equipment are part of the package, and most tours give you the opportunity to stop for refreshments and a swim. Depending on the season, you may encounter rapids between classes 1 and 4.
Baldi Hot Springs
Enjoy this hot springs after your adventures in La Fortuna. This hot springs is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, San Carlos. The heat of the volcano is how it funnels its perfect pools. The soothing springs is a great way to unwind and relax your muscles after all your Costa Rican adventures!
Puntarenas Montezuma
Cloud Forest Zip Lining
In Puntarenas Montezuma go for an adventurous cloud forest zip line experience. Claimed to be the largest cloud forest zip line in Latin America. Soar high through the clouds, literally, and scream through the trees on the Tarzan swing at the end of the line.
Bioluminescence Kayaking
See the plankton glow in the dark as you paddle away from shore in a kayak…at night! This natural wonder is absolutely stunning and a rare experience only in certain parts of the world. It can only be found in unique areas in a few countries in the world like; Puerto Rico, Thailand, Tasmania and to our delight Costa Rica.
Sloth Sanctuary
The world’s first sloth-only facility that houses injured, orphaned, and abandoned sloths. Tours of the facility are offered to the public but don’t expect to be able to hold or touch a sloth. An amusing experience at that especially if you capture the three-toed sloths that has a facial coloring making it seem like they are smiling.
Mercado Central – Cartago Fruit Market
Offering a huge variety of exotic agricultural products at excellent prices. Just a few blocks up is a beautiful Basílica you can visit called Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.
Caribbean – Province of Limon
A highlight of the trip where we experienced the Caribbean culture – off the beaten path. Less developed than its Pacific counterpart, but home to incredible warm beaches, nature reserves, and lush lands. I highly recommend renting a bike while out there to explore the 125 mile stretch.
Parque Diversiones – DR. Roberto Ortiz Brenes Recreational Park
An amusement park located in San Jose, now I know nothing can top the list above including white water rafting, kayaking, zip lining, etc. but this is worth a mention, if you are an adrenaline junkie and on the last day in Costa Rica want a little more.
Don’t let the howler Tico monkey’s hold you back for an adventure of a lifetime!
Check out my Instagram as I throwback to some of my photos from my time in Costa Rica. Also stay tuned for some more travel post on the blog!
Enjoy visiting Costa Rica!!
Next time I’m in Costa Rica, I’m doing the Sloth Sanctuary for sure! They are so cute. I did a 7 mile volcano hike when I was there that had several waterfalls and a couple of hot springs. I wish I could remember the name of it.
Costa Rica posee sitios realmente increíbles dignos de una portada de revista. ❤
What an amazing list of adventure! Costa Rica seems like a great destination with everything!
Now that I’ve visited Iguazu Falls in Brazil, it has ruined any other visit to any waterfall anywhere else in the world, because they all pale by comparison, which is a little bit sad.
I’d never really noticed why sloths seemed so endearing … thanks for pointing out about their facial colouring, I hadn’t noticed that before. They’re beautiful creatures aren’t they!
Costa Rica looks like an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! I’d so love to visit the waterfall gardens + go whitewater rafting! Bioluminescence kayaking is definitely on my travel bucket list too! <3
The waterfalls 🙂 I love waterfalls and they are making me even more eager to make it to Costa Rica. and that Sloth, I mean how cute was he!
I love Costa Rica because of all the activities it offers! I can’t wait to revisit – especially after reading this post!
Wow I love the photos, it looks amazing! I haven’t been there yet but would love to go one day!
You sold Costa Rica to me at those waterfall pictures. I LOVE waterfalls!
Wow! Those waterfall are beautifulll and omg!! It’s my dream to see sloths. Definitely saving it for when I do visit.
This looked like a holiday filled with adventure! I especially love the waterfall pictures and I can just imagine how heavenly those waters must be!
Wow, this is a nice adventure packed holiday! Zip-lining, rafting , waterfalls hoping, hot spring… you didn’t go to Costa Rica to relax did you??? I would love to do any of these activities, especially visiting the sloth sanctuary.
I have been thinking of visiting central and southern America recently, since reading your post, it has made me want to go more, I love the idea of the hot springs yes please.
La Paz was so unique! I’m so glad you loved it too!
Hot springs, waterfalls and ziplining? I’M SOLD!
I have always wanted to go to Coast Rica I hope that the travel bans get lifted soon and we can all resume these adventures!
I never made it to Central America but I’m dying to go!!! One of the highest ranking things on my bucket list is to see sloths haha. Didn’t know about the zip lining, I’ll add that to my list 🙂
What a beautiful place! Nature, animals and thrilling activities?! I would love to si Costa Rica someday.
Waterfalls, Ziplines, Jungle, and sloths? Sign me up! Such a beautiful place and it sounds like you had a blast. I guess I’ll be adding Costa Rica to my traveling list.
This looks amazing. My husband and I want to go, but had to postpone a trip due to the pandemic.