Your Activities in Costa Rica

Imagenes Tropicales will arrange any desired activity and propose the best option to suit your personal itinerary. See our list below to get an overview of the various activity options you have in Costa Rica.

Hiking
Horseback Riding
Hot Springs
Mountain Biking

Activities Overview

Beach Holidays

The main reason why Costa Rica is not your typical beach resort destination is that there are so many things to do in the inland. But with all-year-round swimming temperatures and countless sand beaches you can just as well indulge in Costa Rican beach life for a couple of weeks.

On the Caribbean coast fabulous tropical beaches are located in the southern part.

Great beaches on the Pacific side run all the way from south to north, on a coastal line with two peninsulas.

Hot Springs

Relax in volcanically heated thermal waters!

The most popular are the thermal baths around Arenal Volcano. Borinquen at Rincón de la Vieja is another option we recommend.

Click here for booking

Hiking and Backpacking

Most national parks have well-maintained trails. Inform yourself on the quality of trails before and do not wander off by yourself if you are not familiar with the area. To hire park rangers or guides is strongly advised (contact us).

Some parks, however – as Corcovado, Monteverde and Santa Rosa – have excellent trail systems. If you are interested in biology, park guides can provide you with helpful information.

Visit our National Parks section for further information!

Idea:

Contact us for specific information. Costa Rica is a hiker’s paradise and we can arrange anything for you: from day tours through the jungle to mountain treks to climbing the country’s highest peak (Chirripó) or even crossing the country from Pacific to Caribbean. Everything is possible!

Horseback Riding

Because of its well tempered and small sized horses, everyone loves to sit on a horseback in Central America! We are experienced riders and know the best routes in the country and promote the best riding farms of Costa Rica.

Ask us about exciting rides through secondary forests, country crossings or easy routes for beginners.

White Water Rafting

Costa Rica is a fabulous country for white water rafting! Tropical temperatures assure warm water. Intact nature provides beautiful settings for this activity. And the experienced local river guides are great to paddle with. Franck, our local manager in San José, has been a rafting guide for years. He handpicks the best rafting suppliers and personally verifies their quality and safety.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is allowed in some national parks: Palo Verde, Peñas Blancas, Ballena and Lomas Barbudal have untraveled dirt roads you can ride your bike on.

A great, scenic downhill trip can be undertaken from the Los Santos area (Santa Maria de Dota) down to the Pacific coast at Quepos/Manuel Antonio.

Don’t forget to bring tools and spare parts with you.

Idea:

Bike down from the area of San Gerardo de Dota (“Los Santos”) to the Pacific Ocean at Manuel Antonio. See the vegetation change as you pass from mountainous areas the ocean’s tropical climate. Wonderful outlooks and only downhill!

(Sea) Kayak & Canoe

On the Atlantic the best kayak opportunities can be found on the Tortuguero canal. On the Pacific, the Nicoya Peninsula and the Golfo Dulce region are the best spots. However, as tides can be rather tough one should have experience in dealing with tides and weather predictions. Places like Tamarindo are also good for beginners, as kayaks can be rented right in town (e.g. Hotel Capitan Suizo) and you will get some advice on the tides.

Ask us for more Information about the Best Kayak Locations!

Idea:

Paddle through the canals of Tortuguero and discover the wildlife independently!

Explore mangrove rivers and ride the surf with a sea kayak in Tamarindo!

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Costa Rica’s two coral reefs are located off the Caribbean cost, at Cahuita National Park and at Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Ideas:

We recommend a beach stay around Puerto Viejo to snorkel. Alternatively, Isla Tortuga around Malpaís is a good option.

If you are a diver do not miss out on Isla del Caño’s abundant sealife! The plankton is so plentiful that the area attracts an incredible amount of fish species. This diving spot is well known all over Central America!

Surfing

Costa Rica is world famous for its year-round surfing opportunities. Because there are great swells on the Caribbean as well as the Pacific side you will never have to miss out on waves! There are several possibilities to try out this sport for beginners as well. Ask us for more information.