Costa Rica is famous for its waves. But it would be a big mistake to reduce this country to surfing. Here, every region tells a different story. Volcanic mountains, lush jungles, crystal-clear waterfalls and incredible wildlife: adventure lurks around every corner. It’s a destination where you can hike through the forest in the morning and swim in a waterfall in the afternoon.
Find out all about it in our comprehensive guide to surfing in Costa Rica.
Explore the national parks
It’s impossible to visit Costa Rica without discovering its national parks. They cover more than a quarter of the country and offer total immersion in nature.
- Manuel Antonio: renowned for its wild beaches and jungle trails. Here, howler monkeys, sloths and iguanas can be seen at almost every turn.
- Corcovado: more isolated and wilder. Considered one of the world’s richest ecosystems, it is home to scarlet macaws, tapirs, anteaters and even the occasional jaguar.
These parks are much more than tourist attractions. They represent the green soul of the country.
Discovering volcanoes
Then it’s off to the mountains. Costa Rica is home to a dozen active volcanoes. Some can be explored on foot, while others require real trekking.
- Arenal: probably the best known. Its perfect cone dominates the region, and the natural hot springs provide the perfect place to relax after a hard day’s work.
- Rincón de la Vieja: more discreet but fascinating. Here, the landscape alternates between fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, dry forests and waterfalls.
Each volcano reveals a different atmosphere, between raw power and breathtaking scenery.
Bathing at the foot of the waterfalls
Costa Rica is also the kingdom of waterfalls. And the good news is that many of them are accessible to travellers.
At La Fortuna, the 70-metre waterfall impresses with its sheer force. The water flows into a turquoise pool, perfect for a refreshing swim. Further on, in Montezuma, several waterfalls hidden in the heart of the jungle invite you to plunge into natural pools.
These moments stand in stark contrast to the energy of the beaches. But they are just as exotic.
Observing wildlife
Indeed, Costa Rica is an animal sanctuary. Everywhere, life expresses itself. You can hear monkeys, see birds and come across sloths sleeping on branches.
- Sea turtles: they come to lay their eggs in Tortuguero and Ostional. An unforgettable nocturnal spectacle.
- Tropical birds: over 900 species, including the mythical resplendent quetzal.
- Small mammals: capuchin monkeys, coatis and sloths punctuate daily life.
To observe this fauna is to understand why Costa Rica is often dubbed “the land of biodiversity”.
Wellness and yoga
And the country is not just about adventure. It has also become a global benchmark for wellness.
In Nosara and Santa Teresa, the atmosphere is different. Quieter, more bohemian. Here you’ll find yoga retreats, meditation courses and stays combining surfing and healthy eating. It’s the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Experience the thrills
Finally, for adrenaline-seekers, Costa Rica is a huge playground.
- Rafting: the rivers of the central valley offer rapids for all levels.
- Tyroliennes: flying over the canopy offers unique sensations and a breathtaking view of the jungle.
- Diving: around Coco Island or on the Pacific coast, the seabed offers spectacular encounters with manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
So every day can alternate between relaxation and adventure.
Costa Rica isn’t just a destination for surfers. It’s a multi-faceted country. Wild and soothing, adventurous and relaxing, it seduces with its diversity. Travelling here means accepting to be surprised every day.
And after Costa Rica?
If you still have time, there’s nothing to stop you from pushing things a little further.
- To the north, Nicaragua. Volcanoes as far as the eye can see, Granada with its colorful alleyways, and the islands of the lake that give the impression that time has stood still.
- To the south, Panama. The San Blas archipelago, Caribbean beaches and a more urban, mixed-race atmosphere than in neighboring Panama.
- And further afield, there’s Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Less visited, but each with its own treasures.
Costa Rica can be a trip in itself. But it can also be the starting point for a grand tour of Central America.