30 Things to Do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica, famous for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and “Pura Vida” lifestyle, often appears as a destination requiring significant spending for eco-lodges and adventure tours. However, embracing the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this Central American gem doesn’t have to break the bank; there are countless incredible free things to do in Costa Rica. Savvy travelers can easily find ways to experience the country’s biodiversity and charm without spending a Colón.
This guide highlights 30 specific activities and sights across Costa Rica that you can enjoy entirely free of charge. From lounging on pristine sands and spotting exotic wildlife to exploring charming towns and witnessing natural wonders, prepare to discover the rich experiences awaiting you. Let’s explore the best free adventures Costa Rica has to offer.
Bask on Stunning Beaches
Manuel Antonio Beach (Public Section): Enjoy the beautiful white sand and calm waters just outside the main entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. The public beach area offers a gorgeous setting for swimming and sunbathing.
Santa Teresa Beach Exploration: Walk the long stretches of light sand beach famous for its consistent surf breaks. Enjoy the bohemian vibe and watch surfers catch waves in this popular Nicoya Peninsula town.
Montezuma Beach Relaxation: Discover the picturesque beaches near the waterfall town of Montezuma. Relax on the sand, explore rocky tide pools, or walk towards nearby secluded coves.
Tamarindo Beach Sunset: Stroll along the bustling beach of Tamarindo, a popular surfing and tourist hub. Stick around for the often spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Playa Conchal Shell Beach Walk: Visit the unique beach made famous by its ground-up seashells instead of sand. Access is typically via the neighboring Playa Brasilito, offering a beautiful walk to reach Conchal.
Playa Samara Swimming: Enjoy the calm, protected bay of Playa Samara, ideal for swimming and family relaxation. Its gentle waves and wide sandy beach make it a laid-back favorite.
Puerto Viejo Coast Beaches: Explore the distinct beaches along the Caribbean coast near Puerto Viejo, such as Playa Cocles (surfing watching) or the calmer waters of Punta Uva. Enjoy the unique Afro-Caribbean culture and scenery.
Dominical Surf Watching: Visit the powerful beach break at Dominical on the southern Pacific coast. Watch experienced surfers tackle the strong waves from the safety of the shore.
Spot Wildlife Wonders
Sloth Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled looking up into the trees, especially Cecropia trees, in many coastal and forested areas. Spotting these slow-moving creatures in their natural habitat near roads or park edges is a thrilling free experience.
Monkey Watching: Listen for rustling leaves and watch for troops of howler monkeys or playful capuchins. They are often visible along roadsides, near beach areas, or in trees bordering towns like Manuel Antonio or Montezuma.
Bird Watching Everywhere: Bring binoculars (or just use keen eyes!) as Costa Rica is a birding paradise. Spot colorful toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, and countless other species in parks, gardens, and even near your accommodation.
Iguana Gazing: Look for large green and black iguanas basking in the sun along riverbanks, on tree branches, or even crossing roads. They are common sights throughout the warmer regions of the country.
Gecko and Lizard Spotting: Pay attention to walls, ceilings, and forest floors to see various smaller lizards and geckos. They are abundant and fascinating to observe going about their daily lives.
Butterfly Watching: Admire the incredible diversity of butterflies, including the stunning Blue Morpho. Look for them flitting through gardens, forest edges, and sunny clearings across the country.
Explore Lush Nature and Trails
Cloud Forest Atmosphere (Roadsides): Drive or walk along public roads near Monteverde or San Gerardo de Dota. Experience the cool, misty air and unique vegetation of the cloud forest environment without paying park entrance fees.
Hike Near Arenal Volcano (Outside Park): Explore public roads and unofficial trails around the Arenal area. Enjoy views of the iconic volcano and the surrounding rainforest landscape from accessible locations.
Beach Trail Walks: Discover pathways connecting different beaches or leading to viewpoints along the coast. Trails near towns like Montezuma or Santa Teresa offer scenic coastal walks.
Rio Celeste Blue Water (View Downstream): While the main park access costs money, sometimes sections of rivers downstream from volcanic areas exhibit unique coloring. Explore accessible riverbanks safely and respectfully away from park boundaries.
Swim in Local River Spots: Ask locals about safe and accessible natural swimming holes in rivers away from major tourist attractions. Always check water safety and access rules before swimming.
Admire Volcanoes from Afar
Arenal Volcano Viewpoints: Enjoy stunning views of the iconic conical Arenal Volcano from the town of La Fortuna or various roadside pull-offs. Clear days offer picture-perfect photo opportunities.
Poás Volcano View (Distance): On exceptionally clear days, it might be possible to catch a distant glimpse of Poás Volcano from higher elevations in the Central Valley. Views are not guaranteed due to frequent cloud cover.
Irazú & Turrialba Volcano Views (Distance): Similarly, distant views of Irazú or Turrialba volcanoes might be possible from surrounding towns or high points in the Cartago region on clear days. Check visibility before making a special trip.
Discover Local Towns and Culture
La Fortuna Town Stroll: Wander through the pleasant town square and streets of La Fortuna. Enjoy the backdrop of Arenal Volcano and browse the local shops and restaurants.
Puerto Viejo Town Exploration: Soak up the unique Caribbean vibe walking through Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Admire the colorful buildings, browse local crafts, and experience the laid-back Rasta culture.
Liberia Historic Center Walk: Explore the “White City” known for its colonial-era whitewashed buildings in Guanacaste. Stroll through the central park and admire the historic architecture.
Visit Local Churches: Step inside (respectfully) local Catholic churches found in nearly every town square. Admire the architecture, artwork, and peaceful atmosphere.
Browse Local Markets: Visit a town’s central market (mercado central) like the one in San Jose or smaller local farmers’ markets (ferias). Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and browse local produce and goods, even without buying.
People Watch in Town Squares: Relax on a bench in the central park (parque central) found in most Costa Rican towns. Observe daily life, watch children play, and soak up the local community feel.
Admire Oxcarts in Sarchi: Visit the town famous for its brightly painted oxcarts (carretas). While workshops may charge for tours, you can often see examples of this traditional craft displayed publicly around the town.
Tarcoles River Crocodile Bridge: Stop safely at the designated bridge over the Tarcoles River on the Pacific coast route. Look down to see the massive American crocodiles basking on the riverbanks below – viewing is free and impressive.
