Costa Rica is an amazing place full of natural beauty, culture and wildlife. I shouldn't need to convince you to make Costa Rica your next destination but if you need a little push here it is...
You can visit and hike around an active volcano, just be sure to pack lots of water. The best trail is the 1968 Lava Trail.
More about the best hiking trail at Arenal Volcano here
And make sure you wake up for a sunrise at least once – the red sky illuminating the volcano is quite a site to see.
Plan your Lake Arenal trip here.
Costa Rica is full of incredible natural landscapes, including the 'Whales Tail', which is formed from two opposing currents.
Tips on visiting Mario Ballena Park here.
The post card perfect beaches in Costa Ballena will stun you...
Plan your trip to Costa Ballena here.
...and so will the jungles that abruptly end with beautiful beaches.
This is a private beach on La Cusinga's property - full review here.
Wildlife is everywhere and easy to spot.
But I encourage you to also visit (and donate to) a sanctuary like Alturas. Not only can you see sloths, anteaters and other animals up close while they are being rehabilitated, but you are also helping and supporting the animals that are injured many times due to tourism.
More about visiting sanctuaries in Costa Rica here.
There are rock beaches that are perfect for relaxing if you don’t mind baking in the sun...
...and natural swimming holes which are a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Sunsets over the beach are short but stunning. Seriously, blink and you may miss it.
And sunsets in the jungle are just as nice if not better.
Costa Rica is full of amazing natural moments that you will wander into while hiking.
The luxury hotels are nestled perfectly within nature.
More about my stay at Oxygen here
Staying somewhere with infinity pool views is a must.
Or a Jacuzzi view will do as well.
More about my stay at Rafiki here
If you love to chase waterfalls you will adore Costa Rica. Some hotels have natural waterfalls right on their property.
This is a waterfall at Oxygen Jungle Villas – more on my stay here.
You can also visit private land and pay a small fee to see their amazing waterfalls.
Best waterfalls in Costa Rica here.
Hiking attire = a bathing suit and boots.
This waterfall is one of the 4 waterfalls at Viento Fresco waterfalls which make the perfect stop on the drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde.
Exact directions to Viento Fresco Waterfall here
Most major cities have their own named waterfall. This is La Fortuna and is a powerful waterfall near Volcano Arenal.
More on what to do in Arenal here.
And how to visit La Fortuna waterfall here.
Oh and one of Costa Rica's waterfalls is a ridiculous perfect shade of blue. Best part is that is completely natural - no photoshop here.
How to visit Rio Celeste Waterfall here.
If walking over a blue river isn’t on your bucket list you should add it now.
More about visiting Tenorio Volcano National Park here.
Honestly, in Costa Rica you can bird watch from anywhere – including many hotels. This is specifically Rafiki, which was the best place I stayed for viewing birds.
You can find out more about my stay at Rafiki Safari Lodge here
Also, you can horseback ride in basically any town.
The drive up to Monteverde will take your breath away – it could be the small, extremely windy dirt road that wraps around the mountain or the stunning view…
More about driving to Monteverde here
Exploring the many hanging bridges of Monteverde while literally in the clouds will astonish you. There are a few to choose from but I found Selvatura to be the best.
Here is my full rundown of the differences between Selvatura and Sky Adventures.
Or here are the Best things to do in Monteverde.
Be careful looking down though – it’s a long way to the river.
But, most importantly, indulge in the pura vida life that encompasses Costa Rica and take it all in. There is honestly no place like it
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