Costa Rica Attractions

Top Things to Do in Costa Rica

Things to Do in Costa Rica


Top Attractions in Costa Rica

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • wanderlust
    88 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm torn about this waterfall. It was definitely pretty, but it was highly overpriced. That's probably a result of it being right near La Fortuna and easy for a lot of tourists to get to. The walk to the waterfall is easy (just a lot of stairs). I liked doing it and viewing the falls, but if you're on a tight budget, there are other waterfalls that are also really pretty that are more budget friendly. Also we went during a time with a lot of rain so swimming was not an option. There was so much water coming over the falls it looked cool!!
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul S
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a great tour! Better than I expected after being persuaded to go by my girlfriend. Mario was SUPER informative and a great tour guide answer so many questions. Very interactive tour as well which I did not expect for a coffee tour. Great experience. Would recommend especially with Mario!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
    Written 30 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Katie V
    San Ramon, CA15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see... William is great tour guide! He showed us all around.. pointed out various things in trees and bushes that we’d never would’ve seen had he not😉 Highly recommend!
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tulu
    34 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went with a tour. There is a lot of walking but I saw monkeys with babies, sloth with baby and lizards. I would have preferred to not get a tour and go at my pace. More time on the beaches with snacks and chillax would have worked. Do go but without a rush. Costa Rica is wonderful!
    Written 25 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Radiohead319
    Olveston, UK163 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a brilliant, relaxing and educational tour of their animal sanctuary. We learned all about how they rehabilitate the animals that come to them, and why some that have been raised as pets cannot be rehabilitated. A really engaging presentation style which was pitched just right for adults and children.

    I don't think they are big enough to accept coach tours, so this tour is with just a few people, so no crowding to see the animals. Lovely gardens too. Paths are level with loose stone - so mostly suitable for wheelchairs and baby buggies, except the odd patch where stone is deeper/looser.

    A really lovely trip. Although it seems expensive I think overall it was good value compared to other tours, plus it is supporting a great project
    Written 4 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • carol
    Weare, NH25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A trip to Costa Rica is not complete without a visit to La Fortuna, Arenal, and the hot springs. La Fortuna is a hopping tourist town with an abundance of shops and restaurants. Arenal stands above it all smoking majestically and pumping out prodigious amounts of hot water, which a variety of resorts divert into their facilities. We visited Ecotermales Fortuna in the evening for a tasty buffet dinner before exploring the variety of hot spring pools. We met some nice people during our soak and emerged totally relaxed.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • amdgriggs
    Sheffield, UK1,594 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The national park entrance is impressive and there’s a fair amount of information there - & a striking-looking observation platform to ascend. As so often though you just know you’d see much more with a guide. We spotted a sloth up a tree - pointed out by other visitors - lots of leaf cutter ants marching in columns across the main trail, and jaguar prints down on the beach - again pointed out by another visitor. The park is mainly here an attractive but fairly narrow strip of forest behind the beach and especially as this was on only day 2 of our 2-week tour we were pretty sure we were missing a lot of what keener eyes would spot. Get a guide, if you can.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ailton007
    Seattle, WA937 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a private guide and spent 3-4 hours walking the reserve, always on the lookout for mainly birds, and the elusive resplendent quetzal. Our guide was very patient, spotted some really cool birds incl. hummingbird nests, lessons motmot to name a few. And, we came across 3 different spots to see the quetzal! Park wasn't too crowded, this is a temperate rainforest at higher elevation so very pleasant and not too hot. Even just walking here without the animals has a very calming effect, thoroughly enjoyable so definitely go!
    Written 11 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • amdgriggs
    Sheffield, UK1,594 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The glowing reviews are absolutely right: this place is a gem and the hour-long tour is both informative and fun. Hard to believe the amount of gold leaf! - and it’s great to be able to see much of the restoration taking place. The video about the auditorium floor, which can all be raised and lowered, is just one remarkable element. Listen out for the explanation for the separate entrance for those with tickets for the third circle top…! Highly recommended (& don’t miss the chance to have an excellent coffee & some equally excellent food in the wonderful theatre cafe next door - a timeless gem).
    Written 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cory C
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visibility is by chance. We visited January 17th, 2024 and could see maybe 100 feet (so we could not see anything.) Just bad luck. We were also unprepared for the gale force winds and chill from being literally in the mist of the clouds. I failed to find a good source for weather forecasting at the park and suffered the consequences. The hike to the main viewing area is short, not steep (IMO) and on wide paved surfaces (which were quite wet but not unreasonably slippery, YMMV). We also took the short extra hike to the overlook of the inactive crater, Laguna Botos and could see; nothing. We took the alternate hiking path back down to the nature center and even it was paved (just a bit narrower.) We got tickets online ahead of time for $15 plus 13% tax each. I don't think it really matters what time you select for your pass. We were several hours later than the time listed on our passes and had no problem entering (it may have helped that we had a local driver/guide, but I can't say for sure.) We were there maybe an hour. Might have spent more time there if the weather/visibility had cooperated. This was the 2nd stop of our Doka Coffee Plantation/Poas Volcano/La Paz Waterfall Gardens tour day. Started in San Jose and ended in La Fortuna.
    Written 13 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle H
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is a hikers dream! The waterfall was beyond beautiful! Lots of people, but that’s to be expected at a place that beautiful! The hike was easy enough for a young one, and our teens. Definitely take your time and enjoy all the wildlife and scenery. Don’t miss this when in Costa Rica.
    Written 6 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kevin T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing experience! We saw many more animals and birds than I anticipated. William and Jason were knowledgeable and friendly and all around expert guides.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.