Things to Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica protects more than a quarter of its land and holds around 5% of the planet’s known species in a country smaller than Scotland. Sloths, toucans, volcanoes, cloud forest and two coastlines are all within a few hours of each other.

Our placements are based around San Ramón de Alajuela in the Central Valley, with conservation projects on the Osa Peninsula and the Pacific coast — putting the country’s best national parks within reach.

The best things to do in Costa Rica

1. Arenal and La Fortuna

A near-perfect volcanic cone above a lake, with the town of La Fortuna at its base. Natural hot springs fed by the volcano, the La Fortuna waterfall, hanging bridges through the rainforest canopy and some of the country’s best wildlife spotting at dawn.

2. Monteverde cloud forest

Forest permanently wrapped in mist, walked on suspension bridges through the canopy. It is the classic place to look for the resplendent quetzal, and the reserve’s guided night walks reveal a completely different set of animals.

3. Manuel Antonio

A small national park where rainforest meets white beach, and the easiest place in the country to see sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys at close range. Go at opening time — it is popular and the animals are most active early.

4. The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado

National Geographic once called it the most biologically intense place on earth. Corcovado is genuine wilderness — tapirs, scarlet macaws, all four Costa Rican monkey species and, with luck, a glimpse of a big cat. Guided entry only, and worth the effort.

5. Pacific beaches and surf

Playa Ario, Santa Teresa and Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula deliver consistent surf, yoga and sunsets. Tamarindo is the busiest and easiest to learn in. On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo is a completely different culture — Afro-Caribbean, slower, with reef snorkelling.

6. Turtle nesting

Costa Rica is one of the world’s great turtle destinations. Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast has green turtles nesting roughly July to October; Pacific beaches host olive ridley arribadas, when thousands come ashore together. Several of our conservation projects work directly on nesting beaches.

When to visit Costa Rica

The dry season (December to April) has the most reliable sunshine and is peak season. The green season (May to November) brings afternoon rain, dramatically lower prices, lush forest and better wildlife activity — September and October are wettest on the Pacific but the best months on the Caribbean side.

Getting around

Public buses reach almost everywhere cheaply but slowly; shared shuttle services between tourist towns cost more and save hours. Renting a car gives the most freedom, though a 4×4 is worth it in the green season and some roads are rough. Domestic flights cut the long haul to the Osa Peninsula.

Seeing Costa Rica as a volunteer

Central Valley placements sit within a few hours of both coasts and most national parks. Our Costa Rica placements are based in San Ramón de Alajuela, include accommodation, meals, airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, and leave evenings and weekends free — which is exactly when most of this list gets ticked off. See volunteer programs in Costa Rica for live prices and dates, or read our complete guide to volunteering in Costa Rica for costs, visas and safety.

Costa Rica travel FAQs

Is Costa Rica expensive?

More than its neighbours. Eating at local sodas rather than tourist restaurants, using public buses and travelling in the green season all cut costs substantially — and your placement fee already covers accommodation and meals.

Do I need Spanish in Costa Rica?

Not to get by — tourism areas are used to English speakers. Away from them, basic Spanish makes a real difference, and Costa Rica’s clear accent makes it a good place to learn.

When is the best time to see turtles?

It depends on the coast and species: green turtles at Tortuguero roughly July to October, and olive ridley arribadas on Pacific beaches in the second half of the year. Our conservation projects can tell you what is nesting during your dates.

Is Costa Rica safe?

It is one of Latin America’s safest countries. Petty theft from beaches and parked cars is the main risk — never leave valuables unattended. Volunteers have vetted accommodation and a 24/7 coordinator.

Photo: Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)