From Beaches to Jungles: 20+ Best Costa Rica Day Trips (From 11+ Professional Travelers)
Let’s face it, everyone has Costa Rica Day Trips on their bucket list; but what better trips to choose from than the ones recommended by 11+ pro travelers!
Here’s some of their favorite trips, costs, some sustainable tips and quick tips. Enjoy!
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Costa Rica Travel Resources Key
All resources on our site are shared to fuel and inspire you to be able to confidently, courageously, and sustainably explore this beautiful world. Here are some resources for before and after your trip!
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of the most beautiful area within Costa Rica has to be Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s spread along beaches and lush rainforest throughout. Not to mention a plethora of wildlife like monkeys, birds mammals, and even reptiles. It’s filled with liveliness and color. It’s something to be experienced for sure! Plus, it’s under $20 (₡10,276.80) per person.
I’d recommend spending a whole day here as different wildlife will emerge and there’s plenty to do. But be sure to buy tickets in advance because they are limited. Also, no single use plastics are allowed in the park, so be sure to keep that in mind when buying and bringing water. Additionally, no snacks are allowed in the park because many of the animals steal and end up eating it.
With being just an hour drive from Uvita and about a 3-hour drive from San Jose, it’s fairly accessible. Plus, the neighboring town has lots of delicious food and little shops to peruse. I’m sure that you’ll find something delicious and see some amazing wildlife!
playas gemelas Beach
Located with Manuel Antonio, but this one is glowing blue, and it’s absolutely beautiful! Although not as soft as Puerto Escondido, it’s much smaller but also less packed full of people usually.
Not to mention, there are some spots alongside the rocks that have little pools for swimming and seclusion. But be sure that you’ve got some water shoes to protect your feet from the rocks because this is a bit more rocky than Puerto Escondido.
The cost for this beach is already included in the overall price for going to Manuel Antonio National Park, no need to pay extra to visit or soak here. So be sure to bring the beach necessities and make a splash!
Puerto Escondido
Another beach located with Manuel Antonio, Puerto Escondido is incredibly popular for a reason, the sand is unbelievably soft! The earlier in the day the better, for less of a crowd.
Plus, there are lots of trees to rest under to avoid getting burned or for family to gather. Not to mention, there’s a restroom for changing, washing, and freshening up.
The cost for this beach is also already included in the overall price for going to Manuel Antonio National Park, no need to pay extra to visit or swim. So, dive in!
Nauyaca Waterfalls
If you’re going to attend the Envision Festival or visit Uvita, then this waterfall is fairly close by too. It’s just up the mountain a little. It’s totally worth it!
Something that you may have noticed is that I’d shared is that there are multiple waterfalls. One is a bit more for admiring from afar, and then the other is a bit more enjoyable to swim to as well as around. The one that’s better for observing flows down to create, the other below. Both are ridiculously impressive!
One of the better parts of this waterfall adventure is that there are a couple different ways to get there, whether that be by hiking or by a ride. They’ve got 4×4 cars to bring you straight to it. In all honesty, I’d tried both ways. I’d hiked there and rode back. Of course, the ride does cost money and so does the entrance. For hiking there and then getting driven back it’s about $28ish and for getting driven both ways it’s about $38. The two different ways to get tickets is either by driving there or even booking online through their direct site.
Soon enough, you’ll see the beauty and all that comes with it!
Ecotermales Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip in Costa Rica, be sure to check out one of the best things to do in La Fortuna, its natural hot springs!
La Fortuna is nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano, which looms 5,358 feet (1633.11 meters) over the town. Besides providing epic views in the town, the volcano’s geothermal energy feeds the hot springs you can find around town.
Most of the hot springs are now commercialized and owned by private resorts or parks, meaning you’ll either need to stay at those facilities or purchase a day pass to access these steamy pools.
Luckily, there are options for all budgets. For example, you can find a free hot spring, tucked in the jungle, right outside of the much bougier Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa. A good middle-of-the-road option is the Ecotermales Hot Springs, an upscale stand-alone facility that offers a half-day pass that costs around $50 USD (₡25,693.32) per person. Alternatively, the most luxurious options, like the aforementioned Tabacon or The Springs, which will cost about $100 (₡51,386.65) per person for a day pass.
While enjoying the toasty temperatures, the hot springs in La Fortuna are also an excellent place to enjoy the town’s lush jungle environment. In fact, don’t be surprised if you spot sloths, toucans, or howler monkeys in the treetops overhead!
By: Jessica Schmit (UprootedTraveler.com)
World of Science Museum
The World Of Science Museum is an odd, yet fascinating place. It’s filled to the brim with dinosaur statues, bones, stones, wildlife displays, and event artifacts. Each hallway offers a new set of displays to view and exhibits to behold. From adorable, mystical, beautiful, to downright creepy, it’s a thrill to peruse.
One thing I’d learned from asking the staff is that all the pieces placed in the museum were actually donated. As a vegan, I was a little shook by some displays, but after finding out that most of the wildlife had already passed away naturally or from illnesses and then displayed for the science, I’d felt a bit more settled.
It’s incredibly affordable at just about $8-12 (₡4,109-6,164.80) for a visitor vs. half price for a local. Have fun, be open-minded, and stay curious! Science isn’t always pretty, but it sure can be interesting!
Catarata Del Toro
Catara del Toro. one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica, makes an excellent day trip, either from La Fortuna or San Jose. This 270 foot (82.29 meters) waterfall spills out of an ancient volcanic crater and down a cliffside, streaked with vibrant orange hues.
To reach the volcano, the waterfall is located deep within a lush bowl, surrounded by enormous ferns that look straight out of a Jurassic Park, that you’ll need to hike into. The trail is only about one mile (1.60 km) (one-way) through the lush jungle, but involves climbing down a series of steep stairs (389, to be exact!). Of course, you’ll need to climb back up the stairs once you’re done at the waterfall so make sure you bring plenty of water.
This trail will lead you straight to the base of this incredible waterfall. While you unfortunately can’t swim in the water here, due to the strong current, there’s always a strong cool mist blowing from the cascade that feels awesome under the Costa Rican sun.
You can visit Catarata del Toro on its own or explore the rest of the ecological reserve that it’s in, which includes several other beautiful waterfalls, including the famed Blue Falls of Costa Rica, and Poza Azul, a stunning turquoise pool. If you only want to visit one of the waterfalls (either the Blue Falls or Catarata del Toro), admission will run you about $15 (₡7,707.61) per person or, to access the entire ecological reserve, it will instead cost about $25 (₡12,846.01) per person.
This ecological reserve is located in the teeny town of Bajos del Toro, located between San Jose and La Fortuna, making this an excellent pit stop if you’re driving from one of the cities to the other.
By: Jessica Schmit (UprootedTraveler.com)
Whale Tail / Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Although from this photo or from the side view, it’s not as easily visible but when viewing from up above, the beach extends out and looks like a full on tail! It can have the appearance by the very tips of the extended parts of the beach both flail out like a tail would. Hence, giving it the name Whale Tail.
For some extra clarity, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena is Costa Rica’s National Park, and then Whale Tail is just a portion of it. Beautifully enough, this National Park is known to be a bit of a sanctuary and protected area for whales. So you just may see some!
Similar to the museum, it’s decently affordable, being around just $8-$120 (₡4,110-61,654.38) per person. There’s also showers, locker (bring your own lock), and bathroom that you’ll pass by as you enter.
TIP: To lessen your exposure to the sun and get less burned, try walking within the brush and under the trees to the tip of the ocean as much as you can, and avoid going during peak sun hours of 12-3pm. Enjoy!
Uvita Beach & Market
Each Saturday local vendors, artisans, and farmers gather to sell their produce, textiles, signs, jewelry, souvenirs, and more!
The market is tucked behind some other local businesses and directly across from the soccer field, but along the beach. The roads can be a bit difficult to drive on that isn’t a 4×4 because of the potholes, and the possibility of getting stuck in the sand. So, try parking along the street and walking through. It’s off Costanera Sur Road, down a small road. Follow the other tourists and locals walking or visiting.
Generally the market is open from 8:00 am till 1:00 pm, during the summer months it can get a bit hot, so be sure to come prepared. Check out this article on prepping for the heat!
PS: Be sure to bring local currency in cash, as the vendors don’t usually accept card.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Another excellent day trip in Costa Rica is to the stunning waterfall, Rio Celeste [ https://findloveandtravel.com/rio-celeste-waterfall-costa-rica/ ]. It is easily one of the most well-known waterfalls in Costa Rica with its Gatorade Blue color. Rio Celeste is very popular day trip from La Fortuna, and the Liberia area. If you don’t want to drive, you will find many tours that can bring you here.
I can attest that this waterfall is really as blue as the pictures seem to be, and it is due to a chemical reaction in the water. However, if you’re unlucky, heavy rains may give the appearance of muddy water.
The waterfall is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is full of lush rainforest. The trail is traversed on the two-mile out-and-back hike. Although generally simple, the hike is frequently muddy. Having waterproof shoes/boots is worth it.
When arriving, the cost is approximately $13 USD (₡6,680.57), and you should keep some extra colones for the parking attendant. They are not “official,” but a tip is expected.
On the hike, there is also a good chance of even spotting some wildlife, which is why I love this hike. Bird lovers may even get to witness rare tucans.
Make sure to practice “leave no trace” when visiting. There are no trash cans throughout the hike, so please preserve its beauty.
By: Samantha Oppenheimer (Find Love and Travel)
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is one of the best day trips in Costa Rica. This wildlife-rich area is one of the best places in Central America to see baby turtles hatch in the sand before scuttling into the sea. This is the most popular reason to visit Tortuguero, and it takes place mostly during September and October. Unfortunately, I missed this, having visited in May. But Tortuguero still had a lot to see and was probably my favorite place to visit in the country.
I did three types of activities here.
Firstly, a boat tour of the local river and mangroves. A guide took us around and we saw creatures such as caimans (similar to crocodiles if you aren’t familiar with them), many birds and spiders the size of an adult human’s hand!
Then a solo trek through the jungle which led to encounters with monkeys, crabs, leaf-cutter ants and agoutis – a giant rodent similar to the capybara.
Finally came a night trek with a professional guide. He showed us sloths, toucans, toads, and the most iconic creature in the Costa Rican jungle: the red-eyed tree frog.
The daytime trek which I did alone was free. The mangrove and night tours cost a combined £50 (US$63) (₡32,375.96). Getting to Tortuguero cost around £10 (US$12) (₡6,168.27) from capital San Jose, and a cheap hostel room cost less than £9 (US$11) (₡5,654.24) per night if you decide to stay longer than a day.
Tortuguero is one of the best places in Costa Rica, which is the most popular and one of the safest countries in Central America. So don’t miss out on this wonderful place!
By: Alex (Adventure Every Country)
Envision Festival
The Envision Festival is a spiritual festival where people from all over the world gather to celebrate, dance, attend classes, admire art, spin fire at the beach, explore the wonders of Costa Rica and more!
Although it’s a 7-day festival, it’s an amazing experience that I still want to mention within this article. It takes place in the city of Uvita, a few hours from the airport along the southwest coast of Costa Rica.
The festival proudly stands for sustainability, spirituality, health, music, movement, education, and art. As well as sharing that their main focuses are to be o much more than a festival; they are a celebration, message, and a movement. Well, I felt all of those when I was there, do you feel ready to experience it?
Jaco Beach
Jaco, a vibrant beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, offers natural beauty and lively activities. One unique aspect is its proximity to several national parks, perfect for exploring diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. On an average budget, expect to spend around $50-$100 per day, including accommodation, food, and activities.
A standout feature of Jaco is its commitment to sustainability. Many businesses use eco-friendly practices, such as composting, recycling, and supporting local conservation efforts. One quirky highlight is the option to join beach clean-up events, where you can help protect the beautiful coastline while meeting like-minded travellers.
I personally loved Jaco for its surf culture. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, the waves here are fantastic. There’s a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to relax, and the sunsets over the Pacific are truly mesmerising. Also, the many opportunities to go out and party have been amazing, Jaco offers plenty of options to choose from, from nightclubs, bars that stay open late and bonfires at the beach.
Apart from surfing, Jaco offers a range of activities outside the town like zip-lining, ATV tours, and horseback riding, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure or want to chill by the sea, Jaco’s charm and energy make it a must-visit destination in Costa Rica.
By: Victoria (Guide Your Travel)
Poas Volcano National Park / Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano, located a short ride away from the capital of Costa Rica, isn’t your everyday mountainous terrain – it’s a live volcano! Visiting Poás is like stepping onto another planet, with its otherworldly landscapes and the mesmerizing, sulfurous blue lagoon that winks at you from the crater’s depths (if you are in luck and not got the crater covered by clouds).
Entry fees are about $15 USD (₡7,706.08) for international visitors, and you are allowed a maximum of 30 minutes inside the park along with a local guide, due to volcanic activity.
Beside that I’d recommend setting aside around $50-$100 (₡25,686-₡51,373.87) for the day, considering transportation and those irresistible local cuisines nearby.
The park is big on conservation, so they limit the number of visitors per day. Booking in advance is your golden ticket to this eco-friendly approach. It maintains the serene beauty of the place while giving back to Mother Nature by not overwhelming her.
Now, for the cherry on top – what set Poás apart for me? Besides the breathtaking views that could easily outshine any Instagram filter, it’s the eerie tranquility amidst the volcanic whispers. It’s a reminder of Earth’s fiery heart beating beneath our feet.
Why did I personally like it? Maybe it’s the thrill-seeker in me, or perhaps it’s the spellbinding beauty that silences the world’s noise, leaving you in a bubble of awe. Poás isn’t just a visit; it’s an experience, a profound connection with nature that leaves a lasting impression on your soul.
And hey, who can resist bragging about standing on the edge of one of the world’s most accessible volcanic craters? Not this adventurer!
By: Giorgy (Sabiduri)
Mistico Hanging & Suspension Bridge In Arenal volcano national park
Located in Arenal, Costa Rica, a short drive from La Fortuna is one of the top adventure parks in Costa Rica, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.
With a total of 16 bridges through the forests, including suspension bridges, fixed bridges and accessible pathways, Mistico offers visitors a token Costa Rican experience.
Walk along the 2 mile (3.21 km) trail at your own pace or through a guided tour. Look out for the spider monkeys and abundance of wildlife species that make Mistico Park home.
For a deeper understanding of the park, consider one of Mistico’s specialized tours. The natural history tours, twilight or night tours and Arenal bird watching tours are among the different options offered. Tours are offered in English, Spanish and French, catering to a number of different visitors.
Mistico Hanging Bridges is committed to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint through a number of endeavours; including, planting and restoring the rainforest and protecting the park’s biodiversity (sloths, bare-naked umbrella bird).
General admission costs $32 (₡16,441.41), with tours costing anywhere from $48-$60 USD (₡24,662-₡30,822.18). Children under 10 years old are FREE! Tickets should be purchased in advance in order to secure your spot.
Dress appropriately for the weather. You can expect humid temperatures, wear lightweight, moisture-wicking attire. Note that closed toe shoes are required to explore the park safely.
On top of the gorgeous vegetation and intriguing wildlife, Mistico Park hosts one of the most gorgeous views of Arenal Volcano, the perfect treat for your eyes after your hike and my favorite view.
By: Joanna Neander (Plan Before Land)
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve / Cloud Forest Hike
One of the great things about Costa Rica is its diversity of ecosystems. One of the most unique is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which lies in the northwestern part of Costa Rica on the Tilarán mountain range.
Cloud forests are rare, accounting for only about one percent of global woodlands. As the name suggests, they are best known for their low-hanging clouds, which float just above the forest canopy.
As soon as I heard of the Monteverde reserve, I knew I had to see it. I signed up for a birdwatching tour and a few weeks later was heading up into the mountain jungle.
Entering the cloud forest, the first thing that jumped out at me was the explosion of green. Plants grow on top of each other, pushing outward for the little bit of light that makes it through the canopy and gray mists which blankets the sky.
After acclimating, our group started looking for birds. The Monteverde Reserve hosts 425 bird species. My group spotted several hummingbirds and bright motmots. Eventually, we encountered the rare resplendent quetzal, a magnificent animal with turquoise blue wings and a bright orange chest.
Another highlight was the park’s long suspension bridges, which offer open views across the jungle’s expansive canopy.
The reserve offers a number of options for visiting. You can set out onto the trails yourself by purchasing a day pass or join one of the tours with a park guide. The most expensive is the birdwatching tour, which is still relatively affordable at $85 (₡43,695.24) per person.
Regardless of how you choose to visit, do remember to bring rain gear and good hiking shoes. And consider making a donation to support the park’s conservation and research mission following your visit!
By: Jonathon Kent (Artifacts)
Tenorio Volcano National Park
If you’re looking for a nature-filled day trip, a visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park should be at the top of your list. At the heart of the park lies the majestic Tenorio Volcano, an active stratovolcano surrounded by lush rainforest, but that’s not the main draw for visitors. Many make the trek to the park to see the mesmerizing Rio Celeste waterfall. The waterfall is a stunning shade of blue that almost doesn’t look real. The color is caused by a chemical reaction of sulfur and calcium carbonate, which also makes it a little bit stinky!
The hike to the waterfall is just under 4 miles (6.43 km) round-trip. On your way, you’ll spot a variety of flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. It’s best to do this with a local guide, as they are experts in sighting wildlife that most would pass right by. During our hike, our guide pointed out a poisonous frog hidden in the foliage and a sloth high up in a tree. If you decide to hire a guide or take a small group day trip, you should expect to pay at least $100 (₡51,373.07) per person. Another option for exploring this area and beyond is taking a multi-day small group tour. These are a great way to cover popular spots and places tourists usually don’t venture into and learn about Costa Rica from a local.
No matter which option you choose, always practice leaving no trace, staying on the designated walking paths, and disposing of all waste properly. This is imperative for all of the animals that call these areas home and to ensure future generations can enjoy it as well.
By: Rebecca Gade Sawicki (Veggies Abroad)
El Choyin Hot Springs
A visit to a hot spring like El Choyin Hot Springs on the edge of Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal is one of the most relaxing things you can do as a day trip in Costa Rica. After a long day of hiking or exploring, it can be really nice to unwind in a warm river surrounded by the lush Costa Rican wilderness. If you’re lucky, you might just look up in the trees and see a colorful toucan or macaw.
The best part? It’s (mostly) free. By mostly, I mean that you don’t actually need to pay for parking or to enter the hot springs, but there are attendants who request payment to “watch your car.” Technically you don’t have to pay them, but I thought it was better not to risk it. El Choyin is a section of the river that is fed by natural hot springs, so it is warm without being overly hot. The advantage of it being a river is that many more people can enjoy the water, because you can spread out and have a small area just for yourself or your group.
As a visitor, it’s important to help keep El Choyin clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to pack out all your trash.
By Amber (Amber Everywhere)
Find a new spot that you’re ready to visit? Be sure to save them on your map and save the link to this article to reference later too!
When 12+ professional travelers get together to share these special trips you’re sure to find something amazing! What Costa Rica day trips did you add to your bucket list from this article?
Here’s some great articles to pair with your Costa Rica Day Trips:
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