By Leah Still
Exciting Things to Do in Costa Rica
With its tropical climate, active volcanoes, colorful wildlife, lush rain forests and miles of soft sand and warm water, Costa Rica can be anything you want it to be. Adventure junkie? Between hiking, surfing and zip-lining, you'll have plenty to do. Looking to escape? Bring a good read and chill out in a
beach side hammock. Chances are, you'll do a little of both. Read on for an unforgettable Central American experience.
Learn to surf
The entrance to the Mal Pais Surf Camp
Mal Pais, on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a haven for surfers of many levels. There are surf breaks up and down the Pacific coast, with everything from baby foam to giant waves, but the Mal Pais Surf Camp, which offers private and shared accommodation, has top-notch surf instructors as well as good food and a laid-back atmosphere.
Mal Pais, +506 264 000 31, www.malpaissurfcamp.com
Hike to a waterfall
The Montezuma Waterfall
The hike to the Montezuma Waterfall, just outside the colorful town of Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a fairly gentle journey uphill through a river. It doesn't take long (about half an hour), and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful pool that's great for a dip. Walk just past the Hotel la Cascada to find the start of the trail.
Baldi Hot Springs
Baldi Hot Springs, Arenal
Just below the Arenal Volcano, you can relax your aching muscles at the Baldi Hot Springs.This lush, steaming resort has pools that range in temperature from cool to very hot, plus a swim-up bar and water slide.You'll feel relaxed, pampered and ready to tackle the rain forest after an evening at Baldi.
www.arenal.net/baldi-hot-springs
Zip line
Zip line canopy tour, Monteverde
Move through the trees on a zip line canopy tour just like the Costa Rican monkeys. Selvatura Park offers you the chance to fly through the air on 15 separate cables while you get an exhilarating bird's-eye view of the forest below.
Monteverde, +506 2645 5020, www.selvatura.com
Hanging bridges
Hanging bridge in the rain forest, Monteverde
If the zip line is a little out of your league on the adventure front, opt for a less-scary but still thrilling walk along the hanging bridges at Selvatura Park. You'll be able to see all that the rain forest in Monteverde has to offer (tall trees, fabulous flora, birds, bugs and, if you're lucky, monkeys) at your own pace.
Monteverde, +506 2645 5020, www.selvatura.com
Watch the sunset
The sun sets at Playa Negra beach, Costa Rica
After your afternoon of surf lessons, sun-bathing, swimming and siestas, find a patch of sand and get ready to end your day with a brilliant sunset. Make sure you're facing the Pacific side-you'll get a breathtaking farewell to the sun.
About the Author:
Leah Still has written about travel, fashion and home design since 2003. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "SKI" magazine, Southernaccents.com and Gusto.com. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and broadens her education with both domestic and international travel.
Photo Credits:
By Leah Still
