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10 Things to Do in Costa Rica for First Time Visitors

Costa Rica is a beautiful Central American country that offers an amazing experience regardless of what your personal preferences are in relation to the type of vacation you enjoy. No matter whether you are getting away to relax, to spend time in a different culture, or to try some daring new activities, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your time in this wonderful country. If this is your first time visiting Costa Rica, then here are just ten of the things you should try to include in your vacation.

1. Find Luxury Accommodation

Costa Rica has a fantastic choice of hotels and villas in which you can stay, from budget options to luxurious accommodation. If you are willing to stretch the budget, then staying in a luxury hotel will make your visit even more special. Two of the best options are Oxygen Jungle Villas and The Springs Resort & Spa at Arena.

2. Sample the Costa Rican Cuisine

Staying in a new destination is a great opportunity to sample some cuisine that you have never tried before and Costa Rican food is very unique. Many of the restaurants in tourist areas offer traditional Costa Rican dishes on their menus and these are often made using fresh local ingredients. Some dishes to try during your stay are tamales, black bean soup, olla de carne, and Casado.

3. Climb the Volcanoes

Costa Rica is famous for its volcanoes and these are important natural landmarks in this country. You can climb most of them as they have various hiking trails over diverse terrain. Hiking up the volcanoes is a great way to see the natural beauty of the country, get up close and personal with the wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views. Some of the top volcanoes to visit include Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Irazu Volcano, and Tenorio Volcano.

4. Visit the National Parks

Many parts of Costa Rica are absolutely stunning and the best way to admire everything on offer in this country is to visit the national parks. Many of these contain areas of rainforest, mountains, and waterfalls. Some to visit during your stay include Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Corcovado National Park, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

5. Relax on the Beach

For many people, an ideal vacation is one where they can simply relax in a beautiful setting away from the stresses and strains of day-to-day life. While visiting Costa Rica, the best way to do this is to spend time on one of the many amazing beaches. Two of the prettiest are Playas del Coco and Samara Beach.

6. Go Scuba Diving in the Golfo Dulce

Scuba diving is a popular activity among those that visit this country as the clear blue waters surround Costa Rica are home to many fascinating creatures. One of the best areas to enjoy this activity is the Golfo Dulce. Experienced divers can explore the waters alone but there are qualified instructors available for scuba diving novices.

7. Tour the Museums

Finding out about the history and culture of the place they are visiting is the highlight of any trip for some people. A visit to the country’s museum is the best way to do this and two of the best are Museo del Jade Marco Fidel Tristan Castro and Museo Nacional de Costa Rica.

8. Try New Outdoor Pursuits

The diverse terrain of Costa Rica makes it the perfect playground for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Some of the activities you might like to try while you are in this country include diving, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, hiking, cycling horse riding, zip wires, jungle canopy walks, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and white water rafting.

9. Enjoy the Nightlife

The urban areas of Costa Rica have a vibrant nightlife, and this is something you should take advantage of in the evenings. There are small bars for enjoying a quiet drink and large nightclubs if you prefer a livelier environment.

10. Watch a Theatrical Performance

An alternative way to spend your evenings is to take in a performance at one of the theatres in Costa Rica. The main theatres in Costa Rica are Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, and Teatro Espressivo. Each of these has a jam-packed schedule with performances of different genres throughout the year.

Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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