Come to Costa Rica to discover magnificent landscapes, endless outdoor activities and creatures great and small. This smallish Central American country has a world of adventure, from water sports and mountain hikes to watching wildlife in the rainforest and birds in the cloud forest. Known for its beaches and biodiversity, Costa Rica’s diverse terrain is full of waterfalls, hot springs and volcanoes. When you’re ready to take a break from outdoor activities, there are tree houses to sleep in, meals to relish and cities to explore.
With so much to see and do, you probably don’t want to rush your Costa Rica visit. If you can, give yourself at least a week, so you’ll have plenty of time to do a jungle lagoon cruise, explore a volcano, hit the beach or glide through the tree canopy on a zipline.
1. Fly through the clouds in Santa Elena
There are zip-line courses all around the country, some of which will brag about being higher, faster or longer than others. However, a Santa Elena canopy tour is extra special.
The Costa Rica canopy craze started here, but more importantly, there’s something fantastic about soaring over the treetops with the clouds swirling all around you. Take in the misty magic of the cloud forest, supercharged with an adrenaline rush.
Planning tip: When zip-lining check your operator’s safety procedures before committing. It’s also okay to change your mind when you’re there.
2. Raft into the Pacuare Lodge
The Pacuare Lodge is a gorgeous, luxurious facility surrounded by dense rainforest and little else. The only road in is not a road at all, but rather a river: the namesake Río Pacuare. Here is a case where the journey rivals the destination, as you travel to the lodge by white-water rafting over Class III–IV rapids on this world-famous river.
The roar of the rapids, the spectacular scenery and the thrill of the ride make for a fantastic adventure – and you’re just getting started. Once at the lodge, you’ll enjoy sumptuous accommodations, incredibly satisfying meals, super-attentive service and a roster of activities before rafting back out again.
Planning tip: Pacuare Lodge packages include transportation to and from San José, but you can also have them deliver you anywhere on the Caribbean Coast.
3. Ride the waves
Surfers in the know plan their entire vacation around the wild and wonderful waves on the Costa Rican coastlines….
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