things to do
Costa Rica Land Activities
From scenic hiking trails to world-class golf courses, Costa Rica is home to incredible natural wonders and an endless number of unforgettable land adventures.
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Experience
Explore Costa Rica's Charm Through Unforgettable Land Adventures
Did you know that Costa Rica is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots? With over 25% of its land under protection and more than 500,000 species throughout the country, Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems — from tropical rainforests and cloud forests to stunning beaches and active volcanoes — set an incredible backdrop for thrilling land adventures and memorable experiences of all kinds.
Activities
Costa Rica Land Adventures
Discover the top land adventures that await in Costa Rica. From challenging hiking and biking trails to laid-back activites like golf and birding — there’s an adventure to be had for everyone in Costa Rica.
tours
Discover Land-Based Tours and Guided Experiences
Guided tours are the easiest way to embark on unforgettable land adventures in Costa Rica. With round-trip transportation to and from your vacation rental, an experienced guide, and other inclusions, like delicious meals and access to hidden local spots, your guided tour is bound to be one of your favorite Costa Rica experiences — guaranteed!
From guided hikes to stunning waterfalls, horseback riding excursions on the beach, birdwatching tours in majestic cloud forests, and ziplining canopy tours, we offer a range of guided tours that depart directly from your vacation rental hosted by Special Places of Costa Rica. With varying tour lengths, thrill levels, and prices, it’s easy to choose an option that matches your interests, budget, and itinerary.
Explore
Top Costa Rica Attractions to Pair with Land Activites
National Parks
National Parks
From stunning beaches and howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast to tropical rainforests and turtle nesting sites in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica's national parks provide the perfect backdrop for nearly all kinds of land adventures.
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Volcanoes
Volcanoes
The unique volcanic landscapes near Arenal Volcano and Rincón de la Vieja Volcano are ideal for a range of land activites, from adventurous hikes and mountain biking trails to rejuvenating mud baths and wildlife spotting.
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Waterfalls
Waterfalls
A trip to Costa Rica isn't complete without chasing waterfalls! Towering waterfalls in Costa Rica, such as La Fortuna Waterfall, Rio Celeste Waterfall, and La Leona Waterfall, are popular spots for rappelling, and many are only accessible via guided hikes or horseback rides.
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Cloud Forests
Cloud Forests
Cloud forests are incredibly rare, covering less than 1% of the world's land, and are home to unique plant and wildlife species. Costa Rica's cloud forests — including Monteverde Cloud Forest — are known for world-class birdwatching and other land adventures, like ziplining and canopy tours.
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Beaches
Beaches
Ocean adventures might come to mind when thinking of Costa Rica's beaches. However, each shoreline offers a different opportunity for land adventures, from relaxing horseback rides and beachfront yoga classes to thrilling ATV tours and ocean-meets-rainforest ziplining experiences.
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Hot Springs
Hot Springs
From scenic zipline tours and horseback rides to rejuvenating mud baths and spa experiences, Costa Rica's hot springs are not only beautiful and relaxing, but also provide an unforgettable backdrop for some of the best land activities in Costa Rica!
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Blog
Visit Costa Rica: Travel Inspiration, Local Guides & Travel Tips
Getting ready to head to Costa Rica? Get the inside scoop on how to plan the best adventures to explore Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes from our latest posts.
Costa Rica’s mountains feature diverse volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and rich wildlife, offering unforgettable hiking, birdwatching, and scenic adventures.
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Playa Flamingo in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province offers a serene escape where golden beaches, ocean waves, and yoga retreats foster self-discovery, inner peace, and connection with nature.
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Golfing near Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, offers an unforgettable experience blending world-class courses with breathtaking landscapes, where ocean breezes and tropical birds enhance every swing.
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Costa Rica is full of stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems that make it possible to offer visitors a variety of hiking spots that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a nature walk, hiking tours in Costa Rica have the potential to satisfy all your preferences.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
About Costa Rica Land Adventures
While Costa Rica offers a range of land activites to cater to all interests and thrill levels, hiking in national parks, birdwatching and wildlife spotting, and ziplining through rainforests and cloud forests are some of the most popular land activites in Costa Rica.
Yes, it’s generally recommended to book tours for land activities in Costa Rica in advance, especially during peak season (December to April) or in popular locations or national parks, such as ziplining in Monteverde Cloud Forest or hiking near Arenal Volcano. Booking tours early will ensure you can secure an ideal date and time, and prices are often lower than for last-minute bookings.
Many of Costa Rica’s land activites are suitable for beginners. While some land adventures, such as challenging mountain biking trails or waterfall rappelling tours, are best suited for travelers with a sense of adventure, many popular activites, like hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and birdwatching, can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages and skill levels.
Different land activites in Costa Rica require different attire and gear. For example, hiking tours will require sturdy boots and sun protection, but mud baths will require swimwear. Before heading out, reach out to your tour provider to ensure you come prepared and dressed well for your upcoming adventure.
Guided tours are always worth the cost for land adventures in Costa Rica. Most guided tours include round-trip transportation, an experienced guide, and local tips or insider access, which can make exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations less stressful and more enjoyable.
Determining whether an activity in Costa Rica is best for families or couples depends on several factors, including the personal interests of each person and the age of each family member. However, families traveling with kids generally enjoy land activites such as hiking, birdwatching, and ziplining. Thrill-seeking couples might enjoy rappelling or ATV rides, while those looking for a laid-back experience might prefer golfing or horseback riding.
