15 reasons to go to Costa Rica (and the Must-Dos you can't skip)

If you've been scrolling through travel photos of misty volcanoes, howler monkeys swinging through the canopy, and beaches where the jungle meets the sea, chances are Costa Rica has already made its way onto your bucket list. And honestly? It deserves the hype.

At Pura Vida Traveling, we've helped backpackers, families, and solo travelers plan trips all over this tiny but mighty country, and we can say with confidence: there is no single "right" way to experience Costa Rica. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, surf breaks, or just a slower pace of life, this country delivers.

In this guide, we're breaking down the best reasons to go to Costa Rica, plus the must-do experiences that should be on every itinerary — no matter your travel style or budget.

Why Costa Rica deserves a spot on your travel list?

1. It packs an entire world into one small country

Costa Rica is roughly the size of West Virginia, yet it contains rainforests, active volcanoes, cloud forests, dry tropical forests, and two coastlines — Pacific and Caribbean — each with a completely different vibe. You can wake up on a black-sand Caribbean beach and, after a few hours of driving, be soaking in hot springs at the base of a volcano. Few destinations offer this much variety in such a compact footprint.

2. The biodiversity is almost unbelievable

Covering just 0.03% of the planet's surface, Costa Rica is home to nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity. Sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans, capuchin monkeys, and over 130 species of hummingbirds call this country home. For nature lovers and photographers, it's basically a living, breathing nature documentary — no zoom lens required (though we still recommend bringing one).

3. Pura Vida isn't just a phrase — It's a way of life

"Pura Vida" literally translates to "pure life," but locals use it as a greeting, a farewell, a philosophy, and everything in between. It reflects a laid-back, grateful, present-moment mindset that visitors often say changes how they see their own lives once they get home. Spend a week here and you'll understand why it's more than a tourism slogan.

4. It's one of the safest countries in Latin America

Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the more stable and peaceful countries in the region, which is a big reason it's such a popular choice for solo travelers and families alike. The country abolished its military back in 1948 and has since funneled resources into education, healthcare, and conservation instead.

5. Adventure around every corner

Whitewater rafting, zip-lining through the canopy, volcano hikes, surfing, ATV tours, canyoning — if it gets your adrenaline pumping, Costa Rica probably offers it. Adventure tourism is practically the national pastime, and infrastructure for it is well developed even in smaller towns.

6. World-Class beaches on two coasts

The Pacific side brings you surf towns like Santa Teresa and Tamarindo, laid-back fishing villages, and dramatic sunsets. The Caribbean side offers a completely different rhythm — reggae beats, Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and calmer, jungle-lined shores around Puerto Viejo. You genuinely get two coastlines' worth of personality in one trip.

7. Sustainability isn't a buzzword here

Costa Rica generates the vast majority of its electricity from renewable sources and has set ambitious decarbonization goals. National parks and protected areas cover roughly a quarter of the country. Eco-lodges, community-run reserves, and conservation projects are everywhere, so travelers who care about their footprint have plenty of responsible options.

8. The coffee is some of the best in the world

Costa Rica's volcanic soil and high-altitude microclimates produce coffee that's beloved by roasters worldwide. Touring a family-run finca in the Central Valley or near Monteverde, watching beans go from cherry to cup, is a simple pleasure that ends up being a trip highlight for a lot of our travelers.

9. Wildlife encounters feel genuinely wild

Unlike destinations where "wildlife tourism" means a fenced enclosure, much of what you'll see in Costa Rica is completely wild — sloths in the trees above your hotel pool, monkeys raiding fruit stands, sea turtles nesting on the very beach you're staying on. It's unscripted, and that's what makes it special.

10. Something for every kind of traveler

Backpackers can hostel-hop and bus their way around on a shoestring budget. Families can base themselves in kid-friendly towns like La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio with easy access to gentle hikes and wildlife walks. Solo travelers will find an established backpacker circuit with plenty of built-in social opportunities. Couples looking for a splurge can find boutique eco-lodges tucked into the jungle. Costa Rica flexes to fit almost any travel style.

Must-do in Costa Rica: the experiences you shouldn't skip

Once you've decided Costa Rica is calling your name, the next question is what to actually put on your itinerary. Here are the must-do experiences we recommend to nearly every traveler who works with us.

1. Soak in the Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna is home to the iconic (though currently dormant) Arenal Volcano, and the surrounding area is dotted with natural and man-made hot springs heated by geothermal activity. Spend a day hiking around the volcano's base, then unwind in mineral-rich thermal waters as the sun sets behind the cone.

2. Walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde's cloud forest is unlike anywhere else in the country — cooler, mistier, and dripping with orchids and moss. Walking the suspended hanging bridges puts you at canopy level, where quetzals and howler monkeys are often spotted. If you're feeling brave, this is also one of the best places in the country to zip-line.

3. Spot wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is small compared to some of Costa Rica's other parks, but it packs in an enormous concentration of wildlife along with postcard-worthy beaches. Sloths, white-faced capuchins, and squirrel monkeys are almost guaranteed sightings, and the trails lead directly to swimmable coves.

4. See sea turtles nest in Tortuguero

Nicknamed the "Costa Rican Amazon," Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or small plane, which keeps it wonderfully undeveloped. Depending on the season, you can watch green sea turtles or leatherbacks nest right on the beach — a genuinely humbling experience.

5. Learn to surf on the Pacific Coast

Whether you're a total beginner in Jaco or a seasoned surfer chasing the famous breaks of Santa Teresa and Pavones, Costa Rica's Pacific coast has consistent, warm-water surf year-round. Surf schools here are affordable and beginner-friendly, making this a must-do even if you've never stood on a board.

6. Raft the Pacuare River

Regularly ranked among the best whitewater rivers in the world, the Pacuare River winds through untouched rainforest gorges. Multi-day rafting trips combine adrenaline with overnight stays at riverside eco-lodges, making it one of the most memorable adventures you can have in the country.

7. Hike Corcovado National Park

Called "the most biologically intense place on Earth" by National Geographic, Corcovado on the remote Osa Peninsula is where serious wildlife lovers head. Tapirs, scarlet macaws, and even elusive jaguars

roam this park, best explored with a certified local guide.

8. Visit a Coffee Farm

A short trip outside San José or up in the highlands near Monteverde puts you on a working coffee farm, where you'll learn the full process from harvest to roast — and, of course, taste the results.

9. Relax in Puerto Viejo's Caribbean Vibe

For a change of pace from the Pacific side, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers a laid-back, reggae-infused atmosphere, incredible Caribbean-Creole food, and beaches perfect for both surfing and lounging.

10. Zip-Line through the Rainforest Canopy

Costa Rica basically invented modern zip-lining as a tourist activity, and there's a reason it's still one of the most requested experiences by our travelers. Whether in Monteverde, La Fortuna, or the Pacific coast, soaring above the treetops gives you a totally different perspective on the jungle below.

Practical tips for planning your trip

Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the most popular, especially for beach time and hiking, while the "green season" (May to November) brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices — with just a bit more rain to work around.

Getting around: Costa Rica's roads and distances can be deceiving; a 100-kilometer drive might take three hours depending on terrain and weather. Domestic flights, shared shuttles, and private transportation all make sense depending on your route and budget — this is exactly the kind of logistics we help travelers sort out every day at Pura Vida Traveling.

Where to base yourself: Rather than trying to see everything, most travelers do best picking 3–4 regions (say, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and a beach town) and moving between them at a relaxed pace, rather than packing the whole country into one frantic loop.

Ready to start planning?

With active volcanoes, cloud forests, two very different coastlines, and wildlife you simply won't find anywhere else, it's easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with Costa Rica — often after just one trip. The reasons to go to Costa Rica are nearly endless, and once you're here, the list of must-dos will only grow.

Whether you're backpacking on a budget, traveling with kids, or heading out solo, Pura Vida Traveling can help you build the right itinerary, book unforgettable tours, and arrange reliable transportation between every stop. Browse our guides, check out our tour packages, and let's start planning your pura vida adventure today.