Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the top destinations in the world. Within this small country, you’ll find waterfalls, national parks, surf towns, volcanoes and wildlife-filled regions. As a result, this Costa Rica bucket list highlights experiences worth adding to your Costa Rica bucket list. It also fits almost every type of traveler.

With that in mind, there are certain experiences that truly stand out and are worth planning your trip around. In this post we’ve gathered our favorite Costa Rica bucket list experiences based on firsthand travel throughout the country. From classic activities like ziplining and surfing to exploring national parks and remote natural areas, this list highlights the experiences that best represent what Costa Rica is all about.

To give a realistic picture, this bucket list is built from our own time traveling across different regions of Costa Rica, exploring both well-known destinations and lesser-visited areas. The experiences included combine adventure activities, natural highlights and cultural moments that give a realistic picture of what it’s really like to travel in Costa Rica. Whether you’re creating a full itinerary or simply looking for inspiration, this Costa Rica bucket list will help you decide what to prioritize during your trip.

SURF THE PACIFIC OR CARIBBEAN COAST

One of the most iconic experiences in Costa Rica is surfing. With both a Pacific and Caribbean coastline, there are options for all skill levels. The Pacific Coast is the most popular for surfing and is known for consistent waves and wide range of surf towns. Places like Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Jacó and Dominical have reliable conditions, surf schools and plenty of options for board rental.

The Caribbean Coast, especially around Puerto Viejo, has a different surf vibe with warmer water and are less crowded. While it’s mostly known for stronger waves during certain times of the year, there are also spots suitable for beginners when the conditions are right.

Surf schools and rentals are easy to find in most surf towns and prices can vary depending on location and season. It’s a good idea to ask around locally and read recent reviews before booking to find an option that matches your travel style and budget.

RELAX IN NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

Another top experience and one of the best ways to slow down while traveling in Costa Rica is visiting natural hot springs. Many of the country’s hot springs are located near volcanic areas, with Arenal Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja and the Tabacón region being some of the most well-known places to experience them. The water is naturally heated by volcanic activity and flows into pools with different temperatures.

There are both resorts and local hot spring centers that offer day passes, making it easy to visit even if you’re not staying on-site. Furthermore, the surroundings often include forests, rivers and wildlife, which adds to the overall experience and makes it a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.

POPULAR HOT SPRINGS WITH DAY PASSES

• Tabacón Hot Springs – Arenal
• Baldi Hot Springs – Arenal
• EcoTermales Fortuna – Arenal
• Los Lagos Hot Springs – Arenal
• Hacienda Guachipelín Hot Springs – Rincón de la Vieja

If you prefer something more low-key, budget-friendly or even free, Costa Rica also has smaller, lesser-known hot springs that are less developed and far less crowded. These options are ideal if you’re looking for a quieter and more local experience while still enjoying one of the country’s most relaxing natural attractions.

FREE OR LOW-COST NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

• Río Chollín – near Tabacón, Arenal
• El Choyin – Arenal area
• Santa Teresa Hot Springs – Rincón de la Vieja
• Free river hot springs near Bagaces (local spots)

Travel tip:
Always check local conditions and water levels before visiting free hot springs, especially during the rainy season.

EXPLORE COSTA RICA ON AN ATV: RENT OR JOIN A TOUR

ATV riding is a great way to explore Costa Rica off the main roads and discover areas that are otherwise hard to reach. Across destinations like Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Jacó, Nosara and Manuel Antonio, you’ll find plenty of options for both ATV rentals and guided tours.

Most ATV tours last a few hours. They take you through a mix of jungle trails, river crossings, rural villages and agricultural areas such as coffee or palm plantations. In addition, many tours include stops at viewpoints or waterfalls, adding variety to the ride. Alternatively, renting an ATV on your own lets you explore at your own pace. Guided tours are also a great option if you want local insight and access to lesser-known routes safely.

Whether you choose to ride independently or join a tour, ATV riding offers a different perspective on Costa Rica. It’s also an exciting way to experience the country’s landscapes and everyday life outside the more touristy areas.

ZIPLINING THROUGH THE RAINFOREST

Ziplining, often referred to as canopy tours in Costa Rica, is one of the country’s most popular adventure activities and a classic bucket list experience. At the same time, it’s a unique way to see Costa Rica’s forests and landscapes from above while combining adrenaline with nature. For many travelers, ziplining is their first real introduction to the country’s diverse environments and is easy to fit into almost any itinerary.

WHERE TO GO ZIPLINING IN COSTA RICA

Some of the best places for ziplining in Costa Rica include Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste. Monteverde is well known for its long cables running through cloud forest terrain and for combining ziplining with hanging bridges. In La Fortuna, many canopy tours offer views of Arenal Volcano which adds an extra highlight to the experience. Around Manuel Antonio, zipline tours are located just outside the national park and run through rainforest areas with views toward the Pacific Ocean. Guanacaste offers a different setting where ziplining routes often combine forested hills with wide coastal views.

In addition, many smaller towns across Costa Rica also offer ziplining tours, which can be a good option if you’re looking for a quieter and less crowded experience.

TOURS FOR DIFFERENT TRAVELERS

Ziplining in Costa Rica is suitable for a wide range of travelers. Families and first-time zipliners can choose beginner-friendly tours with shorter and slower lines, while those looking for more excitement can find longer cables and “superman” lines. Most canopy tours include multiple lines, short walks between platforms and experienced guides who can point out wildlife and explain the surrounding environment along the way.

RECOMMENDED ZIPLINE TOURS THROUGHOUT COSTA RICA

Some of the most popular tours include:

• Sky Adventures – La Fortuna (zipline with volcano views and Tarzan swing)
• Selvatura Park – Monteverde (multiple lines and hanging bridges)
• 100% Aventura – Monteverde (family-friendly canopy tour)
• Hacienda Baru – Dominical (jungle-focused canopy tour)
• Vista Los Sueños – Jaco (ocean and jungle zipline)
• Diamante Eco Adventure Park – Guanacaste (zipline plus wildlife sanctuary)

VISIT WATERFALLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Another highlight when traveling Costa Rica is the waterfalls. There are a lot of options and you’ll find them in almost every region of the country. For example, some of the most known waterfalls include La Fortuna Waterfall, Río Celeste, Nauyaca Falls and Llanos de Cortés that each offers a different setting and experience. Visiting waterfalls in different areas lets you enjoy a variety of scenery and spot different kinds of wildlife.

Before visiting waterfalls, keep in mind that access varies. Some are just a short walk away, while others require a longer hike through forested areas. A few have marked trails, stairs or viewpoints, but others are more rugged. Some allow swimming when conditions are safe, so always check local signs and the weather, especially during the rainy season.

TOP WATERFALLS TO VISIT IN COSTA RICA

• La Fortuna Waterfall (Arenal)
• Río Celeste (Tenorio Volcano National Park)
• Nauyaca Falls (Dominical)
• Llanos de Cortés (Liberia)
• La Paz Waterfall (San José area)

GO CANYONING AND RAPPELLING

Canyoning is one of the most adventurous experiences you can have in Costa Rica. It combines hiking, climbing, river crossings and rappelling down waterfalls and it’s a great way to experience the landscapes in action rather than just watch it from a distance. Some of the best places for canyoning are La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano and Bajos del Toro, both known for their dramatic waterfalls and canyon systems.

Most canyoning tours are guided and include all necessary equipment, safety briefings and experienced instructors. Along the way, you’ll rappel down waterfalls, walk through canyons and move through flowing rivers. It’s a very good and fun option if you want to combine physical activity with seeing waterfalls and river canyons up close.

VISIT AN ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER OR WILDLIFE RESERVE

Costa Rica has several animal rescue centers where you can see native wildlife while supporting conservation efforts. Some of the most known include the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo, the Toucan Rescue Ranch near Alajuela and the Sloth Sanctuary near Cahuita.

These centers take care of injured, orphaned or displaced animals, but also work to educate visitors about wildlife and habitat preservation. Visiting one gives you the chance to learn about local species, their behavior and the challenges they face in the wild. Overall, it’s a meaningful way to connect with Costa Rica’s wildlife while contributing to important conservation work.

EXPLORE COSTA RICA’S NATIONAL PARKS

Costa Rica’s national parks are some of the best places to see the country’s forests, volcanoes, rivers and wildlife. For example, Manuel Antonio is known for beaches and wildlife, Corcovado for remote biodiversity, Tortuguero for canals and turtles and Braulio Carrillo for dense rainforest near San José. Learn more about Costa Rica’s must-do activities and top places to visit to plan your perfect trip.

Some parks have short, easy trails, while others can take a full day to explore. A guide can help you spot wildlife like sloths, toucans and howler monkeys along the way. Each park feels different, so choose the ones that best match the experience you want.

VISIT A VOLCANO

Another iconic experience and a must for any bucket list when traveling Costa Rica is visiting a volcano. Costa Rica has both active and dormant volcanoes that visitors can explore, each with its own trails and landscapes.

TOP VOLCANOES TO VISIT IN COSTA RICA

• Arenal
• Poás
• Irazú
• Rincón de la Vieja

Arenal is famous for its perfect cone shape and nearby adventure activities. Meanwhile, Poás is known for its dramatic crater views just a short drive from San José. Irazú is one of the tallest volcanoes in Costa Rica and Rincón de la Vieja combines hiking with waterfalls, hot springs and mud baths. Trails range from easy walks to full-day hikes and local guides can provide insight into volcanic activity, history and the surrounding ecosystems. To make the most of your volcano visits, use our How to Plan a Trip With Google Maps guide to map your routes and optimize your days.

TRY WHITE WATER RAFTING

Another fun experience and one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica’s rivers is white water rafting. Fortunately, there are rivers across the country with different levels of difficulty, so both beginners and more experienced rafters can find a route that works for them. There are multiple guided tours across the country that provide everything you need, including safety equipment and instructions.

TOP RIVERS FOR RAFTING IN COSTA RICA

• Pacuare River
• Sarapiquí River
• Tenorio River
• Reventazón River

EXPLORE MANGROVES BY BOAT OR KAYAK

Costa Rica has multiple mangroves that you can explore by boat or kayak. Each mangrove has a unique ecosystem and places like Tortuguero, Damas Island, and the Osa Peninsula are full of wildlife.

Paddling through these waterways gives you a chance to spot animals up close and enjoy the calm of the forest. At the same time, guided tours help spot wildlife and explain how mangroves protect the coastline and support local ecosystems.

TOP MANGROVES TO EXPLORE IN COSTA RICA

• Tortuguero
• Damas Island
• Osa Peninsula
• Gulf of Nicoya

TAKE A CHOCOLATE TOUR

Costa Rica produces high-quality cocoa, and visiting a chocolate plantation is a great way to learn about it. Tours are available in places like Turrialba, Monteverde and the Central Valley, where you can see the whole process from bean to chocolate bar.

Most tours let you roast beans, make chocolate and taste different varieties along the way. It’s a hands-on, educational experience that shows how chocolate is made in Costa Rica.

GO WHALE WATCHING

The Pacific coast, especially Marino Ballena National Park and the Osa Peninsula, is ideal for spotting humpback whales during their migrations. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most memorable wildlife experiences, often including dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. Guided tours provide binoculars and local knowledge which helps you spot whales and learn about their behavior safely.

TOP WHALE WATCHING SPOTS IN COSTA RICA

• Marino Ballena National Park
• Osa Peninsula
• Gulf of Papagayo

EMBRACE THE PURA VIDA WAY OF LIFE

Experiencing Costa Rica isn’t just about activities, it’s about slowing down and living the “Pura Vida” way. Slow down, sip a coffee, explore a village or relax on the beach. Take your time, appreciate your surroundings and let the countrys relaxed pace shape your day. To enjoy Costa Rica without stress, our How to Save for Vacation guide can help you fund your trip and stick to your budget.

Pura Vida is a mindset that shapes everyday life in Costa Rica. It’s about simplicity, balance and appreciation, and it’s what makes even the smallest moments feel meaningful. By slowing down, you don’t just see Costa Rica, you experience it.