What this lush rainforested Central American country lacks in square footage it makes up for in adrenaline and activities. Embrace the Pura Vida way and explore all the feel-good beaches, volcanoes, jungles and exotic wildlife.
Here are our top picks for fun in Costa Rica:
Surf and Stay
Gravity Haus partner property the Gilded Iguana is the original Costa Rica surfing hotel
designed by surfers, for surfers. Adventure travelers come for direct access to the region’s most famous beach, Playa Guiones, and stay to experience the most consistent surf breaks in the world, a relaxing yoga retreat and incredible mountain biking. The best part? Gravity Haus members enjoy up to 50 percent off stays!
Raft the Jungle
Costa Rica surfing and whitewater rafting are out of this world. Paddle and float through tropical landscapes and volcanic mountain ranges while you maneuver warm world-famous whitewater. Stop to hike to waterfalls along the way and spot spider monkeys and rare quetzal birds. Take a family-friendly safari float on the Corobici River for a tranquil birdwatching adventure or tackle class III and IV rapids on the top-rated emerald Pacuare River.
Explore Volcanoes and Beyond
Watch the spectacular Arenal volcano erupt on a daily basis. Visit Poas Volcano to view a huge geyser and pop into one of the nearby hot springs for a zenned-out spa session. One of the most popular nature reserves in the country, the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a must experience and home to one of the most unique unspoiled habitats on Earth. Make your way to Corcovado National Park for a secluded look at what National Geographic calls “the most biologically intense place on Earth.”
Chase Waterfalls
Throughout Costa Rica’s national parks and forests, you’ll find dramatic cascading waterfalls. Map out some jaw dropping hikes that end with a cool dip into waterfall-fed tropical pools. Local favorites include the 230-foot plummeting La Fortuna Waterfall and surrounding hot springs and the Rio Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park where turquoise waters run through a lush rainforest. Tour the La Paz Waterfall Gardens to take in the privately owned ecological attraction’s five waterfalls and more than 100 species of rescued animals.
Go Kayaking
Many Costa Rican habitats are best experienced by boat. Rent a kayak and silently glide through untouched mangroves and canals in Tortuguero National Park. Talk to the monkeys, sloths and exotic birds with a naturalist guide leading the way. The wetlands of Cano Negro are another treasured eco destination.
Take a Canopy Tour
Whiz through the dense rainforest air on an exhilarating canopy tour. The adventure sport, also known as ziplining, originated here and affords some otherworldly vistas. Harness up, step off the platform and fly over treetops on strong steel cables, zipping from ancient tree to ancient tree. Soar through Monteverde on a cloud canopy tour to catch glimpses of more than 500 species of animals.
SEND THE PURA VIDA LIFESTYLE
Our Haus Partner, The Gilded Iguana is the original surfer spot in Nosara, a long-time destination for an international community of surfers seeking an off-the-grid escape. At this Nosara beach hotel, surfers of all ages and experience levels calibrate their equilibrium on the waves off one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Guiones. Learn more & book Gilded Iguana here or head to the Gravity Haus app to apply your member discount with 1-click. Not a member? Join Gravity Haus today!
