By Amanda Smith, Guest Writer
Costa Rica is known for its gorgeous sunsets and wildly unique biodiversity and it has something to offer everyone. The country is exquisite and trips there are unforgettable experiences. Nature is lush and abundant and adventure is there to greet you at every turn.
After the civil war ended in 1948 Costa Rica eradicated their standing military and has lived in peace since. The government was able to use the extra funding to pour into education and arts thus feeding the country’s culture. It is popular for its laid-back vibes, impressive sustainability, incredible coffee, and top notch waves.
The Drifty Guide To San Jose
For many, San Jose is only where your plane lands. But there's more to San Jose than the airport. Coffee, cigars, and awesome food sum up an awesome, yet complicated city. Here are the top things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica.
By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
Take a Hike
There are 28 national parks in Costa Rica, and each one is as amazing as the next. Most parks offer guided tours with professional naturalists, this is a great way to gain knowledge on the incredibly diverse ecosystem. The guides are passionate and excited about their jobs and can point out things that you would normally never think to look out for.
Arenal Volcano National Park is a must-see. It is one of the more popular hiking destinations so it can be crowded at time. The massive park offers a lot: almost 1,000 different species of birds, old lava beds, hot springs, waterfalls, so on. It’s best to go on a clear day if you are wanting clear views of the volcano. If you want to escape the crowds, Barva Volcano near San Jose is visited mainly by locals and doesn’t see much tourist traffic.
It is off the beaten path so you will need a decent vehicle or a four wheeler to get to the trail. It is a pretty challenging hike but has remarkable views.
Read More: Arenal Volcano National Park: A Majestic Volcano in the Rainforest
Fiesta at a Feria
Costa Rica is rich with fresh, organic produce. The country’s location gives it has favorable farming conditions and close to 10% of the land is dedicated to agriculture. Most towns host a farmer’s market, or feria, where vendors can sell their goods. This is where most locals and expats do their shopping. Ferias are where you can find farm-fresh fruits, meats and cheeses. They are perfect places to immerse yourself in the culture. Definitely visit a market and use it as an opportunity to support local farmers and talk to locals.
Feria Verde de Aranjuez is a lovely place to spend a Saturday morning in San Jose. The market is a beautiful blend of locals, expats and travellers from all over. Try some fresh coconut milk with organic strawberries, and be sure to get there early because the best stuff goes fast. The Tamarindo is great a market held close to Northwest coast. Here you can take a relaxing stroll and take in the music, participate in a yoga class, or sample wine.
The artisan bread and pastries are delectable and pair well with the organic coffee. There are also plenty of artists selling interesting jewelry and crafts.
Read More: Feria Verde de Aranjuez
Invest In Ecotourism
Costa Rica sets the bar for sustainability and ecotourism, which is why ecolodges are so popular. Ecolodges are built to blend seamlessly with their surroundings and are typically placed in trees high above the rainforest. These are ideal places to stay If you want to unplug from civilization and get closer to nature.
Ecolodges combine luxury with sustainability and are a dream to stay in. They range from affordable treehouses to more extravagant bungalows equipped with full kitchens and spas. Go a step further and sleep in an airplane, propped in a tree at the Hotel Costa Verde.
Read More: The Best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica That You Can Actually Afford
Go Kayaking At Night
Have an absolutely magical experience and go see the bioluminescent beaches. Bioluminescent beaches are only located in 5 places in the world and Costa Rica is one of the top spots. Bahia Rica Adventures have been around a while and offer unforgettable tours.
Read More: A Liquid Sky Of Blue Stars – Bioluminescence In Costa Rica
Give Back
If you want to give back, there are plenty of wildlife conservations all around the country. Help save the turtles by volunteering with the hardworking individuals at Osa Conservations. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is also a great place to educate yourself or volunteer.
Read More: Volunteer Vacation: Best Voluntourism Experiences in Costa Rica
Check Out The Theatre Scene
Costa Rica’s love of theatre runs deep and if something that is taken very seriously. The government promotes the arts and the nation even includes drama in their school curriculum. The theatre scene here is rich and abundant. The first theatre in Costa Rica was built by using the taxes collected on each sack of coffee exported in the 19th century. 122 years later, the remarkable National Theatre still stands proud in San Jose.
The building’s impressive architecture is enough of a reason to pay a visit. You can also grab a cup of coffee and catch a free show, offered once a week around lunch. Another impressive venue to see is the Melico Salazar Theatre, also in San Jose. Located close to the National Theatre and built in the 20’s, Melico Theatre is a great place to see a variety of performances. Enjoy a delicious dinner in the city then go watch an opera or orchestra.
Read More: Theater in Costa Rica
Catch Some Waves
Being one of the top surfing spots in the world, Costa Rica is heaven for surfers or all levels. Thanks to its location, waves available pretty much year round and the water is always warm. The Caribbean Coast serves up some of the biggest “professional-grade” waves but its season isn’t as long. The Pacific Coast’s waves are more consistent and vary on size from north to south.
Nosara is a wonderful town to visit and prime spot for beginner surfers. The waves tend to be mild enough for newbies, and there are surf camps and schools available for those that want to take it up a notch and learn more.
For intermediate surfers, Pavones is known for its long, left-hand waves and is in a remote location. If you get tired of surfing, the black sand beaches here are ideal for sunbathing and you can ride horseback through the neighboring rain forest and along the coast.
Read More: Costa Rica Surf Reports & Cams
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Drink World Class Coffee
Coffee beans were first brought to Costa Rica in 1720 and about 100 years later, the country became a pioneer in developing the coffee industry. Its volcanic soil is teeming with nutrients and ideal conditions for growing coffee.The quality is supreme and has been prestigiously recognized. There are even laws in place to restrict types of coffee grown. It’s serious stuff.
Cafeoteca is a charming coffee shop located in San Jose. They carry about 23 different types of coffee from eight separate regions and have a knowledgeable staff. They also offer delicious food and is a cozy nooks to curl up with a book if you get stuck in the country’s rainy season. Grab a bag of beans to bring home as a souvenir.
Coffee plantations typically offer farm tours and can advise on the best way to brew coffee. Doka Estate is near San Jose and is one of the largest farms in Costa Rica. The tour guides will walk you through quaint gardens and stunning waterfalls along the property.
Read More: Almost Every Coffee Plantation Tour In Costa Rica
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Wander Through Must See Towns
Costa Rica has plenty of thriving large cities and ideal destinations, it can be difficult deciding where to visit first. The country may seem small but travelling from point A to point B typically takes longer than expected. Travellers can easily rent a car to get around, and that is the preferred transportation mode for most tourists.
Though, be warned the roads are known for being less than ideal. If you don’t have a lot of time, a quicker way to travel is to take a domestic flight. San Jose, the country’s capital, is a cultural gold mine. The city is home to plenty of museums like the Gold Museum and National Art Museum. There is also a great place to try some excellent local cuisine at Restaurante Silvestre or grab a beer at Trilogy Pubs and Friends.
Monteverde, located in Northern Costa Rica, is a unique location and offers plenty of adventurous activities for visitors. Popular for its Cloud Forest, take a zipline or go on a skywalk to get a bird’s eye view of the rainforest, if you aren’t afraid of heights.
Read More: The Most Underrated Towns and Cities to Visit in Costa Rica
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