Planning a Vacation in Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts

With its tropical jungles, pristine beaches, and exotic wildlife, Costa Rica is one of the best vacation destinations for travelers of all ages – and activity levels!  From ziplining to river rafting to snorkeling, adventure activities in Costa Rica are endless. Come along with us as we discover why Costa Rica is considered the most popular vacation spot in Central America and the ultimate getaway for those who want to experience a trip to paradise.

What Makes Costa Rica the Perfect Vacation Destination?

Located in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is the perfect vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as for those who want to relax on the beach. Whether you want to go ziplining in Costa Rica or river rafting on Costa Rica’s Pacuare River, there’s something for everyone! Keep reading to find out why so many travelers have voted Costa Rica as one of the best getaways on the planet.

• The climate: The average temperature in Costa Rica is 85° F throughout the year. Due to its volcanic terrain and range of microclimates, visitors can experience sultry beaches and cool mountain cloud forests, just by traveling a few hours in either direction. And, with so many different eco-climates within one country, you can experience both the dry and rainy seasons during your trip.
• Incredible wildlife: Nearly 30 percent of Costa Rica’s land is dedicated to national parks and wildlife reserves. This means that iconic species such as howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, blue morpho butterflies, three-toed sloths, and humpback whales are easy to spot across the country.
• Adventure tours: Outdoor enthusiasts will be blown away by the sheer number of adventure activities in Costa Rica. Tourists can soar above the jungle while ziplining or explore the ocean waters while snorkeling. Costa Rica has everything from mountain treks to a stroll in the clouds – literally, in one of the country’s many cloud forests!
• Family-friendly fun: Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for family travel. Kids of all ages will enjoy the outdoor activities, like ziplining in Costa Rica, that are available. And, many hotels and resorts cater to family travelers with kid menus, onsite play areas, and special activities designed just for children.
• Natural wonders: This Central American country is one of the only places in the world where you can peer into the depths of an active volcano, relax in thermal hot springs, or go river rafting in Costa Rica’s Pacuare No other country packs such diverse terrain – and amazing natural attractions – in such a small area.

Ziplining in Costa Rica

Ziplining is an outdoor activity where adventurers glide between platforms using a strong steel cable, harness, and a pulley system. It’s a thrilling way to enjoy nature from above, and Costa Rica is one of the best places to go ziplining in the world! Anyone, of any age, can go ziplining. If you want to incorporate the experience into your trip, here are five of the best places to go ziplining in Costa Rica!

River Rafting in Costa Rica’s Pacuare River

One of the most popular activities in Costa Rica, after ziplining, is river rafting. And one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica for this outdoor adventure is the Pacuare River. This river offers adventure seekers an unmatched blend of adrenaline-pumping action and breathtaking natural beauty. If you are planning on river rafting in Costa Rica, the Pacuare River is the best spot to go! Here are the top four items to keep in mind if you brave the rapids of the Pacuare River.

• Depending on when you visit, the rapids can range from moderately difficult to the extreme. The 16-mile “upper” stretch of the river is known for its steady, Class II to IV rapids and is the section that is most rafted. More expert rafters may prefer the more technically demanding 10-mile upper stretch.
• If you want to experience the thrill of the rapids, remember that river levels may be higher than usual during the peak rainy season months (September and October) and schedule your trip to coincide with higher water levels.
• Book a tour with expert river guides to ensure your safety! A tour can last anywhere from five to seven hours, but you will have the benefit of proper safety instruction, suitable gear, expert guidance, and the bonus of a trip photographer to capture memorable souvenirs.
• Pacuare’s pristine rainforest and various micro-climates are home to an impressive selection of wildlife. Some of the more elusive species you may spot along the shoreline include river otters, jaguars, and ocelots. Birders will get a chance to spot chestnut mandible toucans, macaws, motmots, egrets, kingfishers, and herons.

Scuba Diving in an Underwater Paradise

If you want to include some beach-side time during your vacation, there are plenty of activities in Costa Rica that take advantage of the country’s ocean-front view. Scuba diving is one of the more popular activities, and newbie divers can enjoy themselves as much as the most seasoned expert.  Some of the best scuba diving spots in Costa Rica are: Cocos Island, which is known for hammerhead shark sightings; Tortuga Islands, where you can explore shipwrecks and watch sea turtles; Catalina Islands, which is famous for cave diving; the Cano Islands, where you can see manta rays, dolphins, and whales; and Manuel Antonio, where divers of all levels can explore Costa Rica’s underwater world.

Get Ready for An Adventure of A Lifetime in Costa Rica

Whether you want to go ziplining in Costa Rica or river rafting in Costa Rica’s Pacuare River, there are so many activities in Costa Rica to choose from that you may run out of time to try them all! Just make sure to book your trip with a seasoned travel expert that can help you experience the out-of-the-way places that make Costa Rica so special. From the beaches to the mountains – and to everything in between – Costa Rica is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Enjoy!