Things to Do in Costa Rica: 8 Hidden Gems You’ll Love
Costa Rica is a treasure trove of natural wonders and thrilling adventures waiting to be discovered. While many travelers stick to the well-known attractions, the real magic happens when you venture beyond the typical tourist trail. If you’re searching for authentic things to do in Costa Rica that will create unforgettable memories, you’ve come to the right place.
This stunning Central American paradise offers far more than just beautiful beaches and rainforests. From heart-pumping adventures to peaceful wildlife encounters, these eight hidden gems will show you a side of Costa Rica that most visitors never experience. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, these carefully selected activities will transform your trip into something truly extraordinary.
1. La Fortuna: Waterfall, Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Tour
Your Costa Rican adventure begins in La Fortuna, where nature’s raw power meets pure relaxation. This incredible combo tour is one of the most rewarding things to do in Costa Rica, offering you three spectacular experiences in a single day.
Start your journey at the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall, where a 230-foot cascade plunges into a pristine swimming hole. The hike down to the base takes about 15 minutes, but the crystal-clear waters and dramatic scenery make every step worthwhile. Don’t forget your camera – this is Instagram gold waiting to happen.
Next, you’ll witness the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most active and photographed volcanoes. Even when it’s not erupting, the perfectly cone-shaped peak creates an awe-inspiring backdrop that will leave you speechless. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the volcano’s history and its impact on the local ecosystem.
The day concludes with a soak in natural hot springs, where mineral-rich waters heated by underground volcanic activity provide the perfect way to unwind. As you relax in the warm pools surrounded by lush rainforest, you’ll understand why this combination ranks among the top things to do in Costa Rica.
What to Bring: Swimwear, towels, waterproof camera, and comfortable hiking shoes

2. La Fortuna: Arenal Rafting Balsa River Class 2 & 3 Rafting
This isn’t your typical tourist rafting trip. The Balsa River features Class 2 and 3 rapids that provide just the right amount of excitement without being too intimidating for beginners. As you navigate through the churning waters, you’ll be surrounded by dense rainforest where howler monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds make regular appearances.
What makes this experience truly special is the untouched wilderness surrounding the river. Unlike more commercialized rafting destinations, the Balsa River maintains its wild character, giving you an authentic taste of Costa Rica’s natural power. Your experienced guides will point out wildlife along the banks while ensuring your safety through every twist and turn.
The rapids vary in intensity, giving you moments of pure adrenaline followed by calmer stretches where you can catch your breath and soak in the incredible scenery. It’s this perfect balance that makes Balsa River rafting one of the most memorable things to do in Costa Rica.
What to Bring: Quick-dry clothes, secure footwear, and a waterproof bag for valuables

3. Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour
When the sun sets in Monteverde, the cloud forest transforms into a completely different world. This night walking tour reveals some of the most fascinating things to do in Costa Rica after dark, when nocturnal creatures emerge from their hiding places.
The kinkajou, a adorable honey-colored mammal related to raccoons, becomes your star attraction during this magical evening adventure. These elusive creatures are rarely seen during the day, making this nighttime encounter truly special. Your expert guide uses red-filtered flashlights to spot wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.
But kinkajous aren’t the only stars of the show. As you quietly walk through the misty forest trails, you’ll encounter sleeping birds, active frogs, nocturnal insects, and if you’re lucky, the occasional sloth slowly making its way through the canopy. The sounds of the night forest create an enchanting soundtrack that you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
This experience offers a completely different perspective on Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. While day tours show you the forest’s daytime residents, the night tour reveals the secret lives of creatures that most visitors never see. It’s easily one of the most unique things to do in Costa Rica for wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but dry season offers clearer paths
Duration: 2-3 hours
What to Bring: Dark clothing, closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, and a sense of wonder

4. Uvita: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip with Drinks & Snacks
The waters off Uvita hold one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets: some of the most spectacular marine wildlife encounters in Central America. This whale and dolphin watching tour is among the most awe-inspiring things to do in Costa Rica, especially during migration seasons.
From July to November and December to April, humpback whales from both northern and southern hemispheres visit these warm Pacific waters to breed and give birth. Watching a 40-ton whale breach the surface just meters from your boat is an experience that will give you chills and stay with you forever.
But whales aren’t the only marine superstars you’ll encounter. Bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, and pilot whales are frequently spotted year-round, often approaching boats out of curiosity. The playful dolphins love to surf the boat’s wake, creating magical moments that feel like personal performances just for you.
Your knowledgeable captain and naturalist guide will position the boat at optimal viewing spots while respecting wildlife protection guidelines. Between sightings, you’ll enjoy refreshing drinks and local snacks while taking in the stunning coastline views. The famous Whale’s Tail formation at Uvita Beach provides a perfect backdrop for this unforgettable marine adventure.
Best Time to Visit: July-November and December-April for whales; year-round for dolphins
Duration: 3-4 hours
What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, camera with good zoom, and motion sickness medication if needed

5. San José: Tortuga Island Tour with Snorkeling and Lunch
Don’t let anyone tell you that San José is just a transit city. This Tortuga Island day trip proves that some of the best things to do in Costa Rica start right from the capital. This full-day adventure combines scenic boat travel, pristine beaches, and incredible snorkeling in one perfect package.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive to the Gulf of Nicoya, where you’ll board a comfortable boat for the trip to Tortuga Island. The boat ride itself is part of the adventure, offering stunning views of Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline and opportunities to spot dolphins and sea birds.
Tortuga Island, also known as Isla Tortuga, is a slice of paradise with white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island remains relatively undeveloped, maintaining its natural beauty and providing the perfect escape from city life. This is where you’ll understand why Costa Rica is famous for its incredible natural diversity.
The snorkeling here is absolutely phenomenal. The protected waters around the island teem with colorful tropical fish, rays, and if you’re lucky, sea turtles. Even if you’re new to snorkeling, the calm, clear waters make it easy to explore the underwater world. A delicious beachside lunch featuring local specialties completes this perfect day trip.
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December-April) for calmest waters
Duration: Full day (10-12 hours including transport)
What to Bring: Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling gear (or rent on-site), and an appetite for adventure

6. From La Fortuna: Canyoning & Rappelling Waterfalls in Arenal
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, canyoning and rappelling down waterfalls in Arenal offers some of the most thrilling things to do in Costa Rica. This adventure sport combines technical skill, natural beauty, and pure excitement in ways that will challenge and reward you.
The experience begins with a comprehensive safety briefing and equipment fitting. Professional guides ensure you’re comfortable with the techniques before you begin your descent down the canyon walls. The equipment is top-quality, and safety is the absolute priority throughout the entire adventure.
What makes this experience truly extraordinary is rappelling directly down active waterfalls. Feel the power of cascading water as you control your descent down rock faces carved by thousands of years of flowing water. The combination of mist, rainforest sounds, and the physical challenge creates an almost meditative state of focus and exhilaration.
Between rappelling sections, you’ll hike through pristine rainforest where your guides point out medicinal plants, exotic birds, and other wildlife. The canyon environment supports unique ecosystems that you won’t see anywhere else, making this both an adventure and an educational experience.
Each rappel presents different challenges and rewards. Some descents take you behind waterfalls for spectacular photo opportunities, while others offer panoramic views of the Arenal region. It’s this variety that makes canyoning one of the most memorable things to do in Costa Rica.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but dry season offers better weather conditions
Duration: Half day (5-6 hours)
What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes with good grip, clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and courage for an unforgettable adventure

7. San José: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
The Central Market, or Mercado Central, has been the beating heart of San José since 1880. This isn’t a tourist market – it’s where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the maze of stalls, introducing you to vendors who’ve been working there for generations.
The real magic happens when you start tasting. Sample exotic tropical fruits you’ve never heard of, sip traditional Costa Rican coffee prepared the way locals love it, and try authentic dishes like gallo pinto and casados. Each bite tells a story about Costa Rican culture, history, and the incredible biodiversity that makes this cuisine so unique.
Beyond the food, you’ll discover traditional crafts, medicinal herbs, and everyday items that reveal how Costa Ricans really live. Your guide shares stories about the market’s history, local customs, and the role this bustling hub plays in daily life. It’s cultural immersion at its finest and one of the most authentic things to do in Costa Rica.
The tour also includes visits to nearby historic sites and hidden gems that most tourists never discover. You’ll gain insights into San José’s architecture, street art, and urban culture that will completely change your perspective on Costa Rica’s capital city.
Best Time to Visit: Morning hours (9-11 AM) when the market is most active
Duration: 3-4 hours
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, small bills for purchases, and an open mind for new flavors

8. Manuel Antonio Park: Guided Walking Tour with a Naturalist
Manuel Antonio may be small, but it packs an enormous variety of wildlife into its boundaries. With a professional naturalist guide, you’ll spot animals and learn about ecosystems that you’d completely miss on your own. The guides carry high-powered telescopes and have eagle eyes for finding camouflaged creatures.
Three-toed sloths move so slowly through the canopy that they’re nearly impossible to spot without expert help. Colorful poison dart frogs hide among the leaf litter, while troops of white-faced capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys create entertainment in the treetops. Your guide will position the telescope perfectly so you can see these amazing creatures up close.
But the wildlife is just part of the story. Your naturalist will explain the complex relationships between plants and animals, the park’s conservation efforts, and how this tiny protected area supports such incredible biodiversity. You’ll learn to identify bird calls, understand animal behavior, and appreciate the delicate balance that keeps this ecosystem thriving.
The tour concludes at one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, where white sand meets clear blue Pacific waters. After your educational jungle walk, you can relax on the beach and reflect on the incredible natural world you’ve just explored.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) for most active wildlife
Duration: 3-4 hours
What to Bring: Binoculars (if you have them), comfortable walking shoes, water, and patience for the best wildlife spotting

Making the Most of Your Costa Rican Adventure
These eight hidden gems represent just a fraction of the incredible things to do in Costa Rica, but they’ll give you authentic experiences that go far beyond typical tourist activities. Each adventure offers a different perspective on this remarkable country’s natural beauty, wildlife, and culture.
Planning your itinerary around these diverse experiences ensures you’ll see multiple sides of Costa Rica – from adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful wildlife encounters, from cultural immersion to pristine natural environments. The key is allowing enough time in each location to truly appreciate what makes each experience special.
Remember that Costa Rica’s weather and wildlife are unpredictable, which is part of the magic. Embrace the unexpected moments – the sudden rain shower that brings out colorful frogs, the dolphin pod that appears during your boat trip, or the sloth that decides to move just as you’re watching.
Costa Rica rewards travelers who venture beyond the obvious attractions. These eight hidden gems will show you why this small Central American country captures the hearts of everyone who visits. From the volcanic landscapes of Arenal to the marine wonders of the Pacific coast, from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the bustling markets of San José, you’ll discover that the best things to do in Costa Rica are often the ones that aren’t in every guidebook.
Your Costa Rican adventure awaits – choose the experiences that call to your sense of adventure, and prepare for memories that will last a lifetime.