Due to its unique topography and its tropical climate, Costa Rica is a haven for wildlife. The country lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and has two mountain ranges that run through nearly the entire length of the country. The dense forests, sprawling beaches and large national parks are estimated to be home to more than 500,000 animal species, making it a dream destination for biologists and eco-tourists alike!
If you’re wondering when’s the right time to go, there are two seasons in Costa Rica: the dry season and the green season. The green season is very lush, but the weather is more unpredictable as heavy rainfalls could be expected on any given day. The dry season that runs from November to April should guarantee mostly sunny days, but you may see fewer flowers. November and early December are the best time to visit, as it’s the shoulder season when flowers start blooming, trees are green, and the weather is mostly dry. But regardless of when you choose to go, you’ll see lots of wildlife year-round in Costa Rica.
The country has put key measures in place to protect its wildlife, and you’ll find plenty of ecolodges and other eco-friendly accommodations, all offering a wide range of unforgettable sights and activities. Here are 10 outdoor activity ideas for your next adventure in Costa Rica:
1. Hike through the jungle and spot wildlife
There are 3 main kinds of forests in Costa Rica:
- Rainforests, which are lush, wet, and warm, making them the perfect habitat for complex and rich ecosystems. While they cover only 6% of our planet, they represent about 51% of Costa Rica’s territory.
- Cloud forests, which are always humid due to their high elevation. They’re located in the highest parts of mountains or volcanoes, where you can get the illusion of living in the clouds. They constitute only 1% of the world’s forest area, but Costa Rica’s cloud forests contribute 2.5% of Earth’s biodiversity!
- Tropical dry forests, which tend to be dryer and thus less lush than their counterparts, making them ideal for spotting wildlife, such as monkeys and sloths.
Wherever you’re staying, there will most likely be a trail onsite or nearby. I recommend doing a mix of self-guided and toured hikes. I saw a lot of wildlife wandering on my own, including howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, iguanas, frogs, and toads, but you can see even more with a local guide who knows their surroundings. They’ll take you off the beaten path and show you natural wonders you wouldn’t have suspected were there. You’ll also learn more about the ecosystems. Another fun idea is to go for a guided night walk in the forest. You’ll be able to hear all the critters perched in the trees after sunset and see shiny eyes staring at you every time you look up. Maybe skip this one if you’re easily spooked in the dark!
2. Explore a wildlife reserve
While monkeys and lizards are common sights in Costa Rica, some critters like sloths, armadillos, or tapirs are harder to spot unless you go deeper in the jungle. Research the different regions carefully if you wish to see a specific animal, then pick the type of excursion that suits your adventure level.
Some companies offer tour packages that include a trek far off the beaten path for a few days where you’ll be fully immersed in nature. While the idea sounds great on paper, ask yourself if you’re willing to sleep in the middle of the jungle for a few nights with minimal comfort, knowing that insects and snakes are outside your tent, or inside of it! I came close to heading out on a similar trek during my last trip, but realized upon reflection that I wanted a more comfortable adventure. Maybe next time!
There are many other ways to experience the wildlife in Costa Rica. For example, you can opt for a one-day visit in a wildlife centre. Diamante Eco Adventure Park is one of the most popular. Located in Guanacaste, this animal sanctuary is “one of the finest Wildlife Education Centers in Costa Rica”. You’re guaranteed to see sloths and jaguars, and your money is going towards supporting rescued animals. Plus, you’ll get to meet a national celebrity: Lucy the sloth! She’s not the only sloth resident, but she’s the most famous. I remember her face was featured everywhere, from airport terminals to roadside billboards, to promote the park.
3. Volunteer for the animals
Another way to spend time around animals, while doing a good deed, is to volunteer. As you can imagine, there are many opportunities to support conservation efforts in Costa Rica. While donations are always useful, it’s also fulfilling to donate some of your time. You can learn a lot, meet the locals, and create a unique travel memory. I visited Verdiazul, an organization that protects turtle eggs in Playa Junquillal. Costa Rica is a nesting ground for 6 out of the 7 endangered turtle species in the world. Due to habitat loss caused by human activities such as fishing and tourism, and the decline of sea grass beds, about 61 percent of the world’s 356 turtle species are threatened or extinct, according to the University of California. While I didn’t get to see turtles, I met a group of devoted individuals and learned about the instrumental work that long-term volunteers do in the area. They also told me how important it is to avoid tours that guarantee seeing and interacting with turtles, as those can seriously disrupt their natural habitat and chances of survival.
4. Go bird watching
Costa Rica is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 900 resident bird species and millions of birds migrating through the natural corridor between South and North America. Two of the most renowned are the keel-billed toucan and the scarlet macaw. But there are also many smaller kinds that are just as colourful and worth your attention. La Selva Biological Station is one of the most exciting places to go bird watching, as more than half the species of birds in the country either live there or migrate through the area at some point of the year. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in the North of the country is another prime location for birders. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a rare resplendent quetzal; one of the world’s most beautiful birds, according to experts. If neither of these reserves work for your itinerary, there are countless other bird watching spots in Costa Rica, so don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
5. Taste locally grown coffee and chocolate
Costa Ricans take their coffee seriously. The country’s diverse geography and tropical climate are optimal for growing the best beans. Visit a plantation or sign up for a coffee-tasting class to learn about the local beans. I did the latter, and the first thing I was told is that Costa Rica is the only country in the world where it’s illegal to produce any coffee other than 100% Arabica. Since Arabica was the first type of coffee ever grown in the country and it has a better reputation, Robusta was banned in the 1980s. I also learned that the altitude and the growing environment have a significant impact on the flavour.
If, like me, you like both chocolate and coffee, you can also visit a cocoa farm. Cocoa has many health benefits – if consumed unsweetened and in moderation – such as providing antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats. It’s also a staple in our kitchens to make all sorts of delicious treats. As common as it is, I only discovered a few years ago what a cocoa fruit looks like. It made me realize how uninformed and disconnected I was from the food that’s in my fridge. You’ll learn everything you need to know about chocolate on site, and the locally made chocolate bars make for prefect travel gifts for your loved ones, as they fit in every suitcase.
6. Learn about flowers and medicinal plants
Costa Rica is not only home to countless animal species, but it is also abundant in stunning exotic flowers with over 9,000 recorded species! Some can only be found in Costa Rica. The beautiful Guaria Moradas Orchid is the national flower; there are more than 1,500 species of orchid in the country. It often adorns altars during Easter and is believed to bring good fortune and luck as well as promote family harmony, peace, and love.
Some of those flowers, along with 300 species of medicinal plants, are often used by locals as natural remedies for their health benefits. For example, the torch ginger flower is used to facilitate digestion and to boost the immune system, while the noni, also known as cheese fruit, is a liver and cardiovascular tonic that helps to regulate blood sugar levels and relieve skin irritations. There are botanical gardens throughout the country where you can admire and learn more about them. You might even see them in the wild if you visit the right spots.
7. Walk among butterflies
Another activity that will add some colour to your trip is visiting butterfly sanctuaries. There are over 1,500 butterfly species and 12,000 moth species in Costa Rica, which represent 18% of the world’s population! The Blue Morpho is the most popular as it’s one of the biggest. It’s recognizable by its vivid blue colours and large wings. One of the best places to spot this blue giant, along with other species, is the Arenal Butterfly Garden. The park is family-run and puts great effort in supporting the conservation of endangered species and protecting natural ecosystems.
8. Set sail for a boat tour in the mangrove forests
Mangroves are salt tolerant trees that grow where freshwater streams and rivers meet the sea. They’re one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems as more than one third of the planet’s mangrove area has disappeared in the last four decades due to climate change. I did a boat tour through the estuaries of Tamarindo, and it was by far one of the most memorable moments of my trip. The scenery was breathtaking, and I saw a lot of monkeys and tropical birds, as well as big crocodiles in the water. The only thing separating the mangrove river, where those big reptiles live and Tamarindo’s beach, where hundreds of people swim everyday, is an invisible barrier created by the movements of the water. Our guide told us that crocodiles don’t like swimming where there are waves, so they naturally stop where the river meets the ocean. When I went for a dip at the beach after the tour, I couldn’t avoid the thought of a crocodile snatching my legs…
9. Dive and explore the underwater landscapes
Costa Rica means ‘Rich Coast’ which is fitting, as the country is surrounded by water. There are diving sites for all levels. Snorkelers can stay by the shore where they’ll be rewarded with the sight of beautiful reef beds and colourful fish. Advanced divers might encounter manta rays and white tip reef sharks, and could even see a humpback whale if they’re lucky! You can also hire a boat to explore the shores of Costa Rica’s islands for diving, such as Cocos Island if you want to see hammerhead sharks. If you’re scuba diving or free diving over 40 metres, remember to add Sports & Activity Coverage to your travel insurance to ensure you’re protected in every situation.
10. Bathe in hot springs
During my last trip to Costa Rica, I stayed at Rio Perdido, a breathtaking ecolodge in the tropical forest of the Guanacaste region. You can read more about my stay and what makes this ecolodge special by reading 8 Must-visit Eco-friendly accommodations From Around the Globe. There’s a geothermal river on the grounds of the ecolodge where guests can swim and enjoy complimentary mud masks brought from a nearby volcano.
Besides being a great site for butterflies as previously mentioned, the Arenal Volcano National Park is home to spectacular landscapes, making it the perfect stop for all sorts of outdoor adventures. Due to the region’s geothermal activity, there are many natural hot springs in the area. One of the best spots to enjoy a warm bath is Eco Thermales Hot Spring. At this eco sustainable family-run business, you can try four different pools of hypo-thermal magnesia-filled waters with different temperatures, where you can relax in a gorgeous environment. To meet their sustainability standards and ensure guests fully enjoy the idyllic atmosphere, only 100 visitors are allowed at a time, so make sure you book ahead!
I hope you’re now inspired to choose Costa Rica as your next travel destination.
Remember to pack the right travel insurance for your adventures, and to bring sunblock and strong mosquito repellent. I forgot to apply repellent once after a dip in the river, and I got covered in bites within minutes.
I hope you have a fantastic trip exploring the beautiful natural landscapes of Costa Rica, and that you make a lot of furry friends along the way!
Safe travels,
Thomas
