Top 5 adventure activities in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a thrill seeker's dream. With so many diverse ecosystems and terrains, it is the perfect adventure playground. With hiking, horse riding, snorkelling, rafting, zip lining, and surfing, there really is something for everyone. With so much variety on offer, we’ve helped you out and narrowed down our top five adventure activities to help you get out and explore the country’s natural wonders...

If you would like to find out more about Costa Rica, speak to one of the Latin America experts today on 020 7622 1116 and hear all about their first hand experiences.

1. Experience the Sky Tram and Trek

The Sky Tram and Trek is an experience which can be enjoyed in both Arenal and Monteverde and is the ultimate zip-lining experience. The tour starts by riding on an open-air gondola to the heights of the rainforest, where you will be dropped off at an observation area for the most amazing views. From here, you ride down on a zip-line track stretching across canyons and in between treetops. It’s the most thrilling experience and our top thing to do while in Costa Rica.

2. Go white water rafting

Wherever you are in Costa Rica, you will be within easy reach of some exhilarating white water rafting. The country is dissected by a chain of rivers, which range from soft and relaxing grade II-III rapids, to world-class thrilling grade IV-V rapids. As well as providing a heart-pounding experience, it’s the perfect way to see the country, immerse yourself in nature and spot a wide variety of river-based wildlife. The Pacuare River is ranked as one of the top five rivers in the world to go white water rafting, with 18 miles of class III and IV rapids and some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Costa Rica.

3. Hike a volcano

Costa Rica has 110 volcanoes, of which five remain active. Most of them allow access for visitors, and on some you can even reach the main crater, where you can peer deep inside. Arenal Volcano is the country’s best-known; we recommend taking a hike along the base of the volcano, allowing you to explore the lava flows and soak up the extraordinary views. Poas Volcano in the Central Valley has the second largest crater in the world (two and a half kilometres in diameter), which can be viewed from an observation platform.

4. Try out surfing

With the Caribbean Sea to its east and Pacific Ocean to its west, Costa Rica is a legendary surfing destination. The country has a really extensive coastline, offering a huge number of breaks to seek out. It’s a year-round surfing destination blessed with a tropical climate. The Pacific coast attracts the highest number of surfers, and with waves suitable for the most skilled surfer to the first-timer, it offers something for every level. We believe the best places to catch the waves are Tamarindo, Malpais, Playa Negra and Nosara, to name just a few.

5. Kayak through mangroves and pristine river systems

A kayaking adventure in Costa Rica is the best way to explore the rainforest and experience the magic of nature. Glide along in your kayak and hear the forest come alive with the noises of birds and wildlife, observe a myriad of species along the riverbanks and look up to see the rainforest canopy looming above. Our favourite places to take to the waters in a kayak are in Tortuguero National Park and the mangroves of the Esquinas River in Golfo Dulce.