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Visitor Activities
Nature
The country's natural attractions, wildlife and reputation for enlightened conservation draw tourists from all
over the world, and the ticos know it. Successive governments have made a real effort to preserve the country's
image as an ecotourism heaven, making  Costa Rica one of the best places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.
Copious rainfall has endowed Costa Rica with an abundance of rivers, but surprisingly, there are very few lakes.
Nearly all the country’s rivers begin in the mountains, where many are frothy white water routes perfect for rafting
and kayaking.
Once those rivers flow into the lowlands, however, they become languid waterways, many of which are lined with
verdant walls of vegetation. Those lowland rivers are excellent routes for small boat trips, which allow passengers
to observe some of the local flora and fauna.
Birdwatching
Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but many people who would never consider the activity
at home quickly have become interested in the country's spectacular avian diversity.
With almost 850 species of birds -more than total of what North America has- packed into an area half the size
of Kentucky, it’s hard not to become enthused about the variety of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa
Rica. And the country’s travel agencies can provide experienced nature guides who make any bird watching expedition
an educational experience.
Golf
Because of its topography, fauna, flora and weather Costa Rica is a golf paradise. There are 3.000 people who practice
this sport and 8 international first class fields in the country. These are:
Cariari Country Club
Costa Rica Country Club
Valle del Sol
Centro Campero Los Reyes
Meliá Conchal
Marriott Los Sueños
Los Defines
Royal Pacific
Horseback Riding
 Opportunities abound to go
horseback riding almost everywhere in Costa Rica, and climbing onto the horse’s back, can be a wonderful way to
spice up your vacation.
The choice of horseback excursions ranges from morning trail rides taking you into the mountains above San Jose,
which brings you back to your hotel in after lunch, up to all-day expeditions through the rain forest.
Cultural Touring
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been
European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the
country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in
everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside
stands.
Diving
Costa Rica's underwater wonders range from
coastal coral reefs to offshore islands. Diving can be great any month of the year. Visibility can vary from 40
to 80 feet the same day on different dives. This is primarily due to the abundance of plankton that thrive in the
tropical waters, and is the principal reason for the varied pelagic marine life that can be seen on each dive.
Swarms of schooling fish, sharks, eagle, manta, and golden rays along with sightings of turtles is synonymous with
Costa Rica diving.
Surfing
Costa Rica already has quite a reputation among surfers, who are drawn there from near and far by the quality and
consistency of its waves. Though the country gets plenty of the big waves that true surf fanatics live for, there
are also days and spots that are perfect for people who have little experience with the sport, or who have been
away from the ocean for a long time, and would like to try it again. This means that whether you're a veteran wave
ripper or a belly-boarding beginner, you can usually find the conditions you need to have a great time.
With 755 miles of coastline on two oceans, Costa Rica has more breaks than you can shake a stick at. The country's
selection of surf spots range from idyllic beach breaks to coral platforms where the water leaps up and tubes like
a miniature Pipeline.
Fishing
Costa Rica is an angler's dream come true. The country's Pacific ports and beach resorts provide access to some
of the best deep sea fishing in the world, while the canals and rivers of the northern Atlantic coast feature world-class
snook and tarpon fishing. Billfish are the country’s major attraction, with abundant sailfish and marlin off the
Pacific coast, but the fishermen also hook plenty of other feisty fighters, such as wahoo and roosterfish. Though
deep sea fishing is the country's forte, chances are also good of fishing in Arenal Lake and the larger rivers
of the Northern Zone, where anglers can fight with small but ornery guapotes, hump-backed fishes known in English
as rainbow basses.
Rafting
Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible for one of the best white water river
choices in the world. Experienced rafting outfitters regularly run about half a dozen of rambunctious rivers, and
those river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, but also allow enjoying gorgeous scenery. Not only do
white water enthusiasts flock Costa Rica, including several Olympic kayaking teams, but every year tens of thousands
of visitors experience here the thrill of rafting for the first time.
Windsurfing
The Trade winds blow across Costa Rica with incredible force and consistency during the dry months, creating windsurfing
conditions in the country’s northwest corner.
The western end of Arenal Lake is one of the world’s premier windsurfing spots, having been compared to Italy’s
Garda Lake and the Columbia River Gorge.
During the dry season, the wind speed averages 33 miles an hour, a speed that only experienced windsurfers can
handle. As the gale increases, the lake’s surface becomes choppy, and expert surfers use the waves to jump high
into the air.
Sea Kayaking
Paddling a kayak on the open ocean can be an exciting way to experience Costa Rica's marine and coastal wonders,
and several companies offer sea kayaking tours along different parts of the Pacific coast. Sea kayaking is much
easier than river kayaking, and people who have never tried this sport before, can make most of the trips.
Costa Rica Attractions
Alajuela Province
Cathedral, Alajuela
This chuch's ornate red dome is the centerpiece of its town square.
Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria, Alajuela
An interesting colonial building houses this museum dedicated to the heroic deeds of Juan Santamaria.
Parque Juan Santamaria, Alajuela
A park dedicated to the national hero who lost his life during the 1856 invasion of Costa Rica by William Walker.
Zoo Ave, Alajuela
While educating the public about local wildlife, this zoo also breeds endangered animals for eventual release to
the wild.
Guanacaste
Barra Honda National Park, Nicoya
This park is best known for its well-preserved limestone caves.
Nicoya Peninsula, Nicoya
Beach
Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Nicoya
Privately owned, this refuge has excellent birding and wildlife watching.
Church of La Ermita La Agonia, Liberia
This church was completed in 1865 and is now a museum.
Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park
This 1,633 meter volcano has been rumbling and spewing since 1969.
Catarata La Fortuna, La Fortuna
This 700-meter waterfall has natural pools for swimming at its base.
Venado Caves, Arenal Volcano National Park
These limestone caves were formed 15-20 million years ago.
La Fortuna Canopy Tour, La Fortuna
A 40-minute horseback ride leads to 4 platforms over the jungle.
Garra de Leon Golf Course, Playa Conchal
Las Baulas National Marine Park, Playa Grande
This park supports the Pacific Ocean's largest nesting colony of leatherback turtles.
Rancho Las Colinas Golf Club, Playa Grande
Limon
Cahuita National Park, Cahuita
This coastal park contains white sandy beaches and coral reefs.
Puerto Viejo Beach, Puerto Viejo
This public beach is popular with surfers.
Cartago
Our Lady of the Angels Basilica (Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles), Cartago
This church is best known for the 1635 appearance of the country's patron saint, the Black Virgin. An annual pilgimage
takes place in August.
Tapanti National Park, Orosi
Only an hour's drive from San Jose, this dense rainforest remains largely obscure.
Osa
Sirena Ranger Station, Corcovado National Park
Tourist/visitor center
Heredia
Cafe Britt Coffee Tour, Heredia
The most popular local brand of coffee is produced at this farm, where you can learn the whole history of coffee.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Heredia
Trails wind through a rainforest filled with birds, butterflies and flowers.
La Fortuna
Catarata La Fortuna, La Fortuna
This 700-meter waterfall has natural pools for swimming at its base.
La Fortuna Canopy Tour, La Fortuna
A 40-minute horseback ride leads to 4 platforms over the jungle.
Puntarenas
Ranario, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Twenty-six species of frogs and toads are collected in terrariums.
Isla Tortuga, Puntarenas
This state-owned island is leased to a Costa Rican family that leads tours.
Reserva Biologica Carara, Puntarenas
A coastal rain forest park.
Canopy Safari, Quepos
A series of platforms 200 feet above the ground provide a good appreciation of the jungle.
San Jose
Parque Zoologico Nacional Simon Bolivar, San Jose
This modest zoo provides an introduction to some of the amazing diversity of the country.
National Theater (Teatro Nacional), San Jose
Since 1897, this elegant theater has been a source of pride.
National Museum (Museo Nacional), San Jose
This 19th-century building contains a well-organized exhibits on Costa Rica's history and culture.
Jade Museum (Museo Nacional del Jade), San Jose
This famous museum houses the world's largest collection of American jade.
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), San Jose
A large collection of indigenous gold art.
Plaza de la Cultura, San Jose
Downtown's main plaza often hosts celebrations, demonstrations, performances, etc.
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, San Jose
30 species of butterflies flutter around this magical garden.
Central Market (Mercado Central), San Jose
This collection of stalls and restaurants contains the country's first ice cream vendor.
Serpentarium, San Jose
A collection of snakes and lizards.
Central Bank (Banco Central), San Jose
This modern bank building is bordered by a popular plaza.
Metropolitan Church (Catedral Metropolitana), San Jose
The interior of this 1871 church is far more interesting than the neoclassic exterior.
Correos de Costa Rica, San Jose
This 1917 building stands out from its bland surroundings.
Central Park (Parque Central), San Jose
A simple square with a gazebo donated by former Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza.
Parque Espana, San Jose
This park is one of the capital's most pleasant spots.
National Park (Parque Nacional), San Jose
This tropical park is popular during the day but best avoided at night.
El Pueblo, San Jose
San Jose's nightlife is concentrated in this complex made to look like an old Spanish village.
Melia Cariari Golf Course, San Jose
This designer championship golf course on the grounds of the Melia Cariari Hotel was Central America’s first. Pro
and amateur events are held here regularly.
Parque La Sabana, San Jose
The city's largest park.
Museo de Arte Costarricense, San Jose
This museum displays works by local artists.
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