19 Things You Need To Do On A Trip To Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country yearning to be explored, a tropical paradise that is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. It is a country that you could spend years getting to know, but if you are just on a short trip, then try and get as many of these 19 experiences as you can ticked off your list!

1. Stay In A Treehouse

Via buzzfeed.com

This unique kind of accommodation puts you high up in the Costa Rican rainforest amongst the plants and wildlife. It is guaranteed to make you feel like a little kid again!

2. Hit The Surf

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Costa Rica has some of the best waves in the world, set against beautifully clean beaches and surprisingly few crowds. If you have never tried surfing before then why not book in for a beginners lesson?

3. Relax In A Jungle Spa

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There are many hot springs and waterfalls in Costa Rica's jungle and many resorts have taken advantage of this setting up beautiful spas that enable you to have a natural spa experience surrounded by stunning flora and fauna.

4. Watch The Incredible Sunsets

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When in Costa Rica, you will be guaranteed to have a brilliant day every day but you won't be able to help yourself from looking forward to the end of the day when the sun goes down and the sky seemingly changes to every colour of the rainbow! Find a good spot, grab a cold beer and enjoy!

5. Take A Yoga Class

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Costa Rica is a popular destination for those looking for a yoga retreat as the countries stunning natural habitat makes for the perfect yoga environment. You don't have to be an expert or have even ever tried yoga before, but connecting with your mind and body on the beach or with the incredible jungle as a backdrop will really relax you on your trip!

6. Check Out The Wildlife

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Costa Rica's unique geography means that there is more different types of habitat squeezed in to its relatively small size than anywhere else in the world. 5% of the worlds biodiversity can be found here and there is an incredible 615 species of wildlife for you to see including monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, ocelots and three-toed sloths.

7. Drink The Local Beer

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The wonderfully refreshing Imperial beer is the perfect tipple to toast in the end of the day.

8. Fly Through The Trees

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Costa Rica was one of the first places in the world where it was possible to zip wire through the tree tops and it has to be the best! You will feel like a bird as you zoom from tree to tree in this unforgettable experience!

9. Get Refreshed With Some Coconut Water On The Beach

Via pinterest.com

For around $1 you can feel fully revitalised with some coconut water that is so fresh you have literally just watched the vendor cut it open and slide in a straw!

10. Enjoy Some Of The Best Diving In The World

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Costa Rica's incredible flora and fauna isn't just reserved to land. The surrounding waters have magnificent corals and marine life just waiting to be explored.

11. Trek Through 'The Most Biologically Intense Place On Earth'

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According to National Geographic, Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park is 'the most biologically intense place on earth'. Treks through the national park can be arranged with experts who may even help you spot a Jaguar or a Cougar!

12. Make The Most Of The Fresh Juicy Fruit

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Delicious local and fresh fruit is everywhere in Costa Rica so there will be no excuses not to get your five a day!

13. Watch Volcano Fireworks!

Via volcano.oregonstate.edu

Costa Rica is home to an impressive five active volcanoes and at night against the black backdrop of the sky they can often create a firework display that not even Disney World can compete with!

14. Find Out How Coffee Is Made

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Coffee is a huge industry in Costa Rica and although the coffee tours are rather touristy, they are still a great experience and you will find out how that cup of coffee you enjoy so much at home makes its way through the production line.

15. Learn To Speak Some Spanish

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Learning a foreign language is an extremely rewarding experience and even if you just take a one hour basic class, the locals will appreciate the words and phrases that you will be able to use to communicate with them!

16. Give Something Back With Some Volunteering

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Much of Costa Rica relies on volunteers to help maintain its beauty and biodiversity. There are many projects that you can get involved with including turtle conservation, coffee projects and even jaguar conservation.

17. White Water Rafting

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On a white water rafting trip not only will you get the thrills of bouncing down rapids at high speeds, you will also get to cruise down calmer waters and see the surrounding largely untouched forests.

18. Birdwatching

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There are many great eco friendly bird watching opportunities in Costa Rica and more than 800 species to see including Scarlet Macaws, Quetzals and Keel-billed Toucans. Even the most avid bird watching fans will not be disappointed!

19. Fishing

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Impress your friends at home with pictures of some of the incredible species of fish that can be found on a fishing trip in Costa Rica!