What to do and see in Costa Rica: The Best Places and Tips

January 4, 2018 Rebbecca Marino

Costa Rica from Central America region, is best know for Beaches. Discover best things to do in Costa Rica with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Costa Rica

1. Playa Manuel Antonio

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, 6 kms south of Quepos, Manuel Antonio 195-6350, Costa Rica +506 2777 5185
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Playa Manuel Antonio

One of Costa Rica's most popular Beaches, Playa Manuel Antonio frequently hosts parties and festivals, and it is an ideal destination for avid surfers.

Reviewed By brodarte - Toluca, Mexico

On the south side of the Beaches that are within the Manuel Antonio park. Waters on this side of the park are very calm and perfect for swimming with younger kids. The nature surrounding this place makes it an even better attraction. Much less crowded than the public beach at Espadilla probably due to the fact that you need to pay $16.00 to access it. Kids under 12 enter free of charge. Remember to bring your own water or drinks. You are allowed to bring in small highly recommended.

2. Samara-Carrillo Info Center

Beach St. | Inside Lo Que Hay Restaurant, Playa Samara, Costa Rica +506 2656 2424
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 620 reviews

Samara-Carrillo Info Center

We are a free information center for residents and tourists of Samara & Carrillo and surrounding area. Our services extend from directions or bus schedules to recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, attractions, tours, transportation and events as well as what is happening in the community this week. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to promote your event or business. Thank you, Brenda Be Happy, Have Fun!

Reviewed By hazey27 - ny

Brenda at the info center was outstanding. She helped me plan the perfect vacation for our group of 8. She clued me into renting the best villa ever - overlooking the Pacific with plenty of room - and caretakers to look after us. She organized the best tours for zip lining, sunset/snorkel cruise, and gave me invaluable info on everything there is to do in the Samara-Carrillo area (and beyond!) She was quick to respond, and very accommodating, even setting up a ride to the airport for my brother. Our villa was in a remote area, but Brenda got us the tour pick-ups with no problems. I am so thankful to Brenda for all her expert advise. Our vacation would not have been half as wonderful without her help. I can't wait for our next visit to your beautiful country. Thank you for everything!!!

3. Naturalist Michael Araya Flores

Quepos, Costa Rica +506 8824 3500
Excellent
97%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 172 reviews

Naturalist Michael Araya Flores

Hiking tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, Rainmaker tour and Carara National Park. This tours are 100% naturalist.

Reviewed By Helen F

Our group of 5 spent an incredible morning with Michael in Manuel Antonio National Park. We were on a Windstar cruise that stopped in Quepos and we hired Michael to guide us through the park, which is just a few miles from Quepos. Michael picked us up at the marina early on a Sunday morning and drove us to the park. We were able to skip the long line of people waiting to buy entrance tickets, which in and of itself was a great start to the day! Michael was able to spot birds, bats, insects, and animals that we'd never be able to see on our own. He had a high-powered scope with him that he would set up so we could see all of the amazing flora and fauna in the park. Michael clearly has a passion for his work. He is extremely knowledgeable, as well as incredibly friendly and personable, We walked for a couple of hours through the park, stopping frequently to examine sloths, butterflies, bats, frogs, iguanas, monkeys, and assorted other species. We reached a beautiful beach after awhile and ate the snacks and drank the water that Michael provided us. If you want to swim, be sure to wear your bathing suit under your hiking clothes or bring a suit to change into. The walk back to the park entrance was by a different route and faster because we didn't stop as often. Wear good hiking shoes and be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. I highly recommend choosing Michael as your private guide through Manuel Antonio National Park. You will be glad you did.

4. Nature Observatorio

El Arbol road 2 km North, Manzanillo 70403, Costa Rica +506 8628 2663
Excellent
98%
Good
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Satisfactory
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5 based on 166 reviews

Nature Observatorio

Nature Observatorio is a beautiful treehouse suspended 25 meters up on a tree in the middle of the jungle in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge at the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Enjoy wonderful nature hike through primary forest, exercise yourself climbing up the tree with ropes, and sleep up on the tree in the middle on the jungle. This is not just your ordinary accommodation. We are offering the ultimate 3-in-1 Costa Rica Tour Adventure: 1. Hike through real prime rainforest. Watch wildlife in its real natural habitat and listen to the sounds and whispers of the nature. 2. Climb 25 meters (8 stories) high up the tree. Use our safe climbing technique to hoist yourselves up to Nature Observatorio. 3. Spend a night up on the tree in the middle of the jungle. Enjoy one of the most memorable nights of your life and feel like Tarzan and Jane. To prepare yourselves for the adventure we suggest to read Frequently Asked Questions on our website.

Reviewed By Milada K - Bratislava, Slovakia

Peter and his project of treehouse close to Manzanillo are simple awesome. Peter is a very knowledgeable person, his eyes see all tiny animals, he is an experienced hiker and traveller and his project of treehouse took my breath away. One of the best things I have ever seen in my life. The views from the Observatory are breath-taking, you can experience real jungle, listening to all the noises made by monkeys, birds, etc ... And also the way how you get up to the treehouse is super interesting, bit adrenaline. I loved it. Highly recommended!

5. Tarantulas Way

Rio Suarez frente Parque National, Cahuita, Costa Rica +506 8720 3253
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 77 reviews

Tarantulas Way

Visit the tarantulas way with me together at night to explore the rain forest from Cahuita. Bird-eating spiders, frogs, bats and many insects with warranty. Listen the night sounds of nature on a leisurely stroll through a Zoo without fences. This is certainly an exciting and enjoyable experience for your vacation.

Reviewed By bonnie M

Cris is definitely dedicated to the fauna of this area. We saw six eyelash vipers, bullet ants and many tarantulas. a truly memorable night walk. I didn't give him 5 stars because I'm a little concerned that he does these walks most nights and allows guests to shine lights and flash cameras into the eyes of these night creatures. This seems dangerous to me as he must often find the same ones each night. Even a red-eyed tree frog was awakened by our group from his nightly slumber. Most night walks I've been on did not allow flash cameras and with modern cameras it shouldn't be necessary.

6. Pura Aventura

Hda La Norma, El Guapote, Tamarindo 5000, Costa Rica +506 8883 5703
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 668 reviews

Pura Aventura

Zip lining, horseback riding and mountain biking in a gorgeous 1.400 acres of natural resources..... Primary and secondary forest, rivers, Waterfalls, lagoons, pastures and ocean views... Monkeys, iguanas, birds, butterflies are some of the animals you might seeGreat and safe zip lining with 11 cables, an hanging bridge and a rappel , fly above the trees top for over 2km, longest cable 560meters.Ride our beautiful, strong and well tamed horses in a working ranch, different options including cows herding....Go for a ride on our mountain bikes, 13km trail mostly downhill.

Reviewed By madjack247 - ojai

We were all impressed with this company. The 4 young men who ran the zip line were very professional. Their equipment looked to be in top condition. Never did I feel fearful of falling to the forest floor. They had 11 ziplines, Though I was...MoreThank you so much for choosing us and for taking the time to write the review. Our guides love their job and safety is always first for us!

7. Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park

Route 126 | 200 Meters North Of The Cemetery, La Virgen 123321, Costa Rica +506 2761 0801
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 373 reviews

Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park

This BBC Wildlife Magazine and National Geographic published destination offers a 2 hour guided tour by the owners. $40 per person. Tour start times: 8am, 10am, 1pm, 3pm. Reservation required. Free Coffee.

Reviewed By Craig M - Charlestown, Rhode Island

We arrived and Dave was walking down the path to show us two pair of Scarlet Macaws that were in the front nut trees and it only got better from there. Saw 4 Poison Dart Frogs and at least 30 different bird types and a...MoreCraig it was great fun meeting you and the family. Thanks for taking the time to write this review and rank us as an excellent stop while in CR. Thanks so much for your support. Your friends Dave & Dave.

8. El Toledo Coffee Tour

Atenas 20504, Costa Rica +506 2446 2056
Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 290 reviews

El Toledo Coffee Tour

We are a sustainable organic coffee farm. We have been using sustainably organic practices for over fourteen years. Today we are happy to consider ourselves environmentalists first, and coffee farmers second.

Reviewed By Cosmobobkat - Philippines

This place is great! It’s secluded but can easily find on Waze. Such knowledgeable farmers; I’m so happy they allowed us to see into their ways of farming. Walking around the farm and seeing the biodiversity was so much fun! Highly recommend this tour! Also we signed up for the lunch and I’m so glad we did; it was mucho delicioso!! :)

Bv. Villalobos | Osa Peninsula, Sierpe 60503, Costa Rica 50688971678
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
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Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 104 reviews

Kokopelli

Reviewed By molbee - Ann Arbor, Michigan

An unbelievable experience. Jeremiah the captain and Kenner the guide were fantastic. We saw a croc, boa constrictor, howler monkeys and many birds. Also saw a group of capuchins attack and devour a squirrel monkey. Totally worth the money.

10. Toucan Rescue Ranch

San Isidro, Costa Rica +506 2268 4041
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 163 reviews

Toucan Rescue Ranch

Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) focuses on the care, rehabilitation and study of Costa Rican toucans and other wildlife. We receive and care for confiscated, sick and injured wildlife from government agencies. TRR gives animals a loving home with the goal of providing appropriate medical treatment, rehabilitation and then, when possible, returning wildlife back to its natural environment. The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licensed Costa Rican wildlife rescue facility and a 501(c)3 charitable organization in the United States (EIN: 80-0516453).

Reviewed By GRM59 - Cheyenne, Wyoming

Amazing rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife. We loved the "Coffee With the Slothies" morning tour. It was delightful to see the sloths up close and learn how they are rehabilitated so they can hopefully be returned to their own habitat. The other animals were also interesting and our guide explained the work that goes into caring for them. Highly recommended!

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