Costa Rica Attractions and Things to Do

Costa Rica attractions include Mayan ruins, zip lining in rain forests and white water rafting on the Pacuare, Reventazon, Corobici, Sarapiqui, Naranjo or Savegre rivers.

The country has devoted 27 percent of the total land area to 20 natural parks and eight biological reserves. creating boundless opportunities such as hiking, rafting, canopying and rain forest tours.


The moment can be terrifying -- standing on a platform hanging from a tree 100 feet in the air, having a local hook your harness to a wire overhead and jumping forward into a glide that takes you over the wire dozens of yards to the next tree.

Facilities for nature trails and canopying include Puerto Viejo Botanical Garden, Samasati Biological Preserve and Yoga Center, and Terraventura Canopy (Rio Carbon valley).


Puerto Limon is capital of the Limon province and the main port for western Caribbean cruises.

It is not focused on tourism in part because the main tourist attractions for cruise visitors are located elsewhere in the country.

However, visitors who spend time in the city will see colorful open air market places and should go to the center of town for the main market.

Another attraction is the Parque Vargas in the east end of town facing the Caribbean.

The best time to visit Puerto Limon is around Columbus Day for the annual carnival Dia de las Culturas.


This Costa Rican national park was mainly set up to protect nesting grounds of sea turtles.

Although those ancient reptiles are often seen on the beach, the park is just as good for spotting rain forest animals such as sloths, caimans (a type of small alligator), toucans, parrots, iguanas, and even jaguars that feed on nesting sea turtles.


Cahuita National Park was created to protect Costa Rica’s biggest coral reef. It is located 42 km south of Puerto Limon in Limon province.

The best time to visit the park is during March, April, September and October when rainfall is lower. The park is a humid tropical zone forest.

Only a small part of the park is on land; the rest covers a much greater area of ocean and marine life.

Cauita is popular because snorkeling and scuba diving, the park’s white sand beaches and clear waters that are ideal for swimming.


The park includes the largest indoor nocturnal frog exhibit in the world, butterfly garden, reptile vivarium, hummingbird garden, a tram ride through the rainforest canopy, walking trails through the primary rainforest and a waterfall, along with panoramic views of La Amistad International Park.


This part of the coast ranges from the San Juan River to Limon city. The Caribbean coastal city and cruise port of Limon city is the tourism center for this region and for much of the country.

According to historical documents, in 1502 Christopher Columbus landed in Costa Rica at the place known as Puerto Limon.

The city's old quarter has the characteristics of a historical center and is currently under urban renovation with restoration of buildings and a pedestrian walkway from Parque Vargas to the market.

Other activities in the North Caribbean region include green turtles nesting on Tortuguero National Park and sport fishing at Barra del Colorado National Wild Life Refugee.


This region goes from Limon to the Panama border. It offers beaches, natural resources and culture in Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Gandoca Manzanillo.

High quality beaches allows adventure and natural history activities which definitely compliment with culture, gastronomy and music.

Natural attractions include reefs; multicolor beaches with black, yellow and gray sand; forest and coastal vegetation.

Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve offer natural beauty and conservation.


Puerto Viejo has come into its own as one of the most popular destinations for tourism on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

It’s especially popular among young backpackers traveling through Latin America.

They come to Puerto Viejo to learn how to surf, meet other travelers, visit nearby jungles, and for lack of a better word, “party”.

However, despite some rumors to the contrary, they aren’t the only tourists that flock to Puerto Viejo.


Costa Rica is one of the few if not the only Caribbean destination to promote rappelling down trees, waterfalls, cliffs and mountains as a recreational activity.

Various tour operators provide adventure packages that include rappelling as part of the package.


White water rafting with class II-V rapids is available on the Pacuare, Reventazon, Corobici, Sarapiqui, Naranjo or Savegre rivers.