Known as the adventure capital of the Americas, Costa Rica has plenty to entertain if you’re looking for an adventure holiday. With a steady temperature all year round, you don’t have to worry about getting to cold if you’re more of a t-shirt and shorts explorer (although do check for the rainy season!).

Costa Rica is a beautiful country, with picturesque beaches, tropical jungles and rainforests, nature hikes, and an array of different wildlife that will make it a trip to remember. To make the most of your visit, you need to plan in some adventures and some of our favourites are below.

Ziplining above the cloud forests of Monteverde

A great experience for any thrill seeker, ziplining through the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must on your Costa Rican trip. With points up to 100m high and 750m long, you’ll see the forest from a variety of vantage points and experience it in a special way you would never be able to from the ground.

The forest is home to hundreds of different species of birds, mammals, butterflies, insects and plants, and is an incredible example of how rainforests are important to keep these species alive and protect the ecosystem.

The clouds are formed by winds blowing in from the coast that collide with the mountain range, resulting in condensation mists that form the clouds. Because of this, we recommend taking your waterproofs!

Extreme hiking through the jungles of Manuel Antonio

You could easily spend days in the Manuel Antonio National Park, but we recommend an organised hike to make the most of your time and experience all the fantastic sights the park has to offer. With hikes on the ground and raised platforms, you can experience the park the way you want to. The Park was created in 1972 to protect the Costa Rican jungle ecosystem, and is home to 109 species of animals, 350 species of birds, and hundreds of species of tropical plants.

If you’re up to it you can also take a night hike, which is a 4 hours experience where you’ll get to see the nocturnal species up close and personal.

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the park after your hike, including some beautiful beaches and calm swimming areas.

Explore the Venado Caves

Explore the beautiful Vendao Caves in the Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can experience nature in its most raw and unspoiled form. The 2,700 metres stretch of caves is home to waterfalls, rivers, fossils, caverns and various subterranean creatures that live down below.

Pack a spare pair of clothes and/or waterproofs so you can enjoy the experience without worrying about getting dirty (hats and shoes are typically provided – but check when you book!). There are some tight spots on the tour, so you may want to avoid if you are claustrophobic.

Visit the Arenal Volcano

There is more than just visiting the volcano when you visit Arenal Volcano National Park. As we mentioned above, exploring the caves is a must but you can also take in the beautiful sights of the volcano itself that has been in a resting state since October 2010, having spent years regularly spewing lava, gas and ash in its active state.

You can also sign up for a hike through the rainforest, or join a canopy or rappelling tour. Round of your day with a visit to the hot springs and go home feeling fulfilled and relaxed.

There is of course a risk with any tour involving a volcano as it may become active again, so do your research and go with a provider you trust that has an evacuation plan in place.

Kayaking in La Fortuna

If you enjoy the thrill of the water then kayaking, or canoeing, is a must on your trip. Another trip in Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna lake is another stunning piece of Costa Rican nature that you need to experience for yourself. Suitable for all levels, there are instructors on hand to teach you the basic kayaking techniques so you can enjoy your time on the water and take in the unique views of the volcano that you won’t get on land.

Of course, you’ll need to get around and the best way is by rented car. We have a wide range of cars available for rent in Costa Rica from fun city run arounds, to sensible family hatchbacks, and large cars to fit the whole family plus luggage.