In Costa Rica, there’s an endless variety of experiences along the beaten path, but today we’re sharing the most unique things to do in Costa Rica you might not think of!
Of course, visits to the Arenal Volcano or Manuel Antonio Park are a given. But we know you’ve already heard of them. In this list, we ditch all the top things to do in Costa Rica and bring you some of the more unusual ones. Things like spelunking in the Venado Caves, visiting mansion ruins, and discovering the world’s largest labyrinth.
Unique Things to Do in Costa Rica: Adventure Activities
These are some of the coolest things to do in Costa Rica, from incredible places to uncommon wildlife.
Don’t forget to check out some unique places to stay in Costa Rica to go with these unique experiences.
Gravity Falls Water Jumping Tour
Based in La Fortuna, the Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping and Rappelling tour is one of the most adventurous things to do in Arenal! The classic package includes rappelling, jumping, hiking, and climbing for the ultimate adrenaline boost. Other packages include rafting, biking, and zipping, so you can experience the exciting Arenal landscapes your way!
Go White Water Rafting
White water rafting is one of the fun ways to experience Costa Rica. And the good news? You can do it from various locations in places like La Fortuna, La Pacuare, and Manuel Antonio. Here are some of the top white water rafting tours nationwide!
Venture into the Venado Caves
Escape the world and get underground in the six million-year-old Venado Caves in La Fortuna. Many entrance fees and tours include flashlights, boots, and helmets so you can make the most of your explorations (and stay safe).
There are also more tours from La Fortuna that include hotel pickup and drop-off and a more in-depth experience. It’s ideal to wear hiking boots and bring knee pads, an extra change of clothes, insect repellent, and a towel.
These are some of the most spectacular caves in the world to explore. So if this adventure is up your alley, you won’t regret checking out these ancient caves.
Unique Things to Do in Costa Rica: Culture & History
Re-Discover the Mysterious Diquis Spheres
Dating back to 500-1500 AD settlements, the Disquís Spheres are a collection of spherical rocks, some as wide as 2 meters. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, their purpose is unknown to this day. But the spheres are a must-visit for those interested in ancient civilizations. You can visit the spheres at Museo Finca 6 in Costa Ballena.
Visit the San Lucas Island Prison and View the Graffiti
The San Lucas Island Prison Graffiti Tour is one of the most unique experiences in Costa Rica for dark tourists. Only available by tour, it takes a 40-minute boat ride in the Gulf of Nicoya to visit the isolated prison. You’ll see the graphic wall art, isolation chambers, and prison grounds, all while learning about the horrific conditions prisoners faced.
Tour the National Theatre of San Jose
Here’s one of the more unique things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica: tour of the National Theatre! Entry is cheap, and guided tours are offered throughout the day. If you’re in San Jose waiting to depart or spending a few days before traveling the rest of Costa Rica, be sure to visit this historical (and architecturally luxurious) site.
Visit the Jade Museum
The Jade Museum is home to the largest pre-Colombian jade collection in the world! There are over 7,000 incredible pieces and artifacts in this museum made of this beautiful stone. If you’re a history and culture lover, this is one of the unique things to do in San Jose, especially on a rainy day.
Go on a Food Tour
While most tourists in Costa Rica get to know the country through nature, the food is one thing I miss too! And while in San José to get to know Costa Rican culture through food: go on a food tour!
Food tours are incredible, as you can try many different dishes that comprise a nation’s cuisine, and the Costa Rican food tours are no different.
There are quite a few different options too! Try all kinds of fruits and local snacks on this tour. Or indulge in an experience that includes a full dinner and cultural tour.
Wander the Empty Hall of the Sanatario Durán
Located in Cartago, visiting the Sanatario Durán is one of the more unusual things to do in Costa Rica, reserved for the brave! The location, which once served the mentally ill, today stands empty, tempting visitors to stroll through the empty hallways and see what mysteries (or horrors) they might find. Rumor has it this place is haunted, so be warned!
Go on a Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica is famous for its chocolate, so if you love chocolate, it’s necessary to head off on a tour of all the varieties and then choose some to take home! There are a variety of chocolate tour experiences differing by location, such as Puerto Viejo or La Fortuna, so regardless of where you go, you can find a tour to fit your travel plans.
Puerto Viejo is particularly one of the top places to enjoy chocolate in Costa Rica, as it’s the heart of the cacao industry on the Caribbean side.
Go on an Organic Pineapple Farm Tour
Costa Rica has a wealth of fruit due to its tropical climate. At the Organic Paradise Tour of a pineapple farm in La Virgen de Sarapiquí, you’ll get to taste the rich fruits of labor and learn about the cultivation process. If you’re a fruit lover (especially a pineapple lover!), this is one of the most unique experiences in Costa Rica.
Hike to the Massive Hand at La Chimba Coffee Farm
If you want a bit more nature before leaving Costa Rica from San Jose, check out La Chimba Coffee Farm. The hiking trail leads to a giant hand overlooking the mountains that is extremely Instagram-friendly and amazing to photograph.
There are two trails. The easier one takes about 40 minutes, while the more difficult one takes about an hour. You can also take a tour of the coffee farm.
Unique Things to Do in Costa Rica: Nature & Wildlife
Go on a Nocturnal Frog Safari
The ultimate tour for frog lovers is here in La Fortuna! If you have ever wanted to do a guided tour to learn about dozens of unique rainforest frog species not only in the daytime but at night, keep reading.
This frog tour includes flashlights and an expert guide showing you how to spot special frog species in their nocturnal world.
The natural world’s life changes from day to night, so it is quite an experience to see who is out there. You won’t only get to experience the frogs but also other insects and reptiles that are active in the dark.
Take the Aerial Tram at Braulio Carrillo Parque Rainforest
You’ve probably heard of the hanging bridges in Costa Rica’s parks, but in Braulio Carrillo National Park, you’ll find something unusual to do – an Aerial Rainforest Tram. The tram will take you to multiple levels of the park for a convenient and unique park experience. You can view the jungle from above ground while relaxing in an open-air aerial tram. It’s perfect if you want a break from hiking but still want to be surrounded by nature.
Walk through the World’s Largest Labyrinth at La Senda
A visit to the world’s largest almost 2-mile cactus labyrinth has to be one of the most unusual things to do in Costa Rica. Nestled in the La Senda Wellness Center in Guanacaste, you can book a visit to experience a natural yet man-made marvel and explore a beautiful and calming space at the same time.
Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Located an hour and a half outside of San Jose, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens are a treat to experience. The cost ranges from $40 to $75 (for foreign children and adults), but it’s well worth it.
In addition to five beautiful waterfalls cascading above each other along 4 different levels, the site includes a nature park where you can see jungle cats, butterflies, monkeys, and snakes. It’s a perfect place near San Jose to experience nature and wildlife.
Take a Mud Bath
Reap the benefits of Mother Nature and dip into some mud! There are various destinations in Costa Rica to experience mud baths, including national parks such as Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rincón National Park. They say mud has medicinal properties that are good for your skin, so soak up some natural skincare while you can!
Get an Amazing View on the Poas Volcano Hike
Did you know that Costa Rica has volcanoes to hike? Geology fans will love visiting Poas Volcano, which is reachable on a day trip tour from San José. Only a short hike, the volcano crater view is well worth the effort to plan a trip there.
Many people choose to visit this unique view by renting a car or taking an organized day trip that includes lots of wildlife and a guide.
If you decide to go on your own, be sure to book your entry time on the national park website as there is a limited amount of spaces.
Tour the Jaguar Rescue Center
The Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is one of the most impactful and fun things to do in Costa Rica that involve local wildlife. The center rehabilitates monkeys, birds, sloths, and more animals awaiting release back into the wild. They offer public and private tours, and your contribution supports the care of the very animals you’ll get to visit!
Rio Celeste & Tenorio National Park
I’m honestly shocked I haven’t talked about Rio Celeste yet because it’s one of the most unique natural sights in Costa Rica. The water in this river is an absolutely unreal bright blue color thanks to a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals. It looks like someone dumped blue paint in the water, but nope, that’s just nature doing its thing.
The hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to see Rio Celeste waterfall is about 4 miles round trip and takes most people 2–3 hours. It can get muddy (like, really muddy), so wear good hiking shoes you don’t mind getting trashed. Heck, sometimes people even need to rent knee-high boots.
The waterfall view is incredible, but honestly the whole hike is beautiful — you’re walking through lush rainforest the entire way. Just don’t get in the water — swimming isn’t allowed because they’re protecting the ecosystem.
Visit the Biodiverse Corcovado National Park
One of the most biodiverse parks on the planet on Costa Rica’s Southwest coast, it’s well worth a visit to the Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula while visiting Costa Rica.
Enjoy the ocean, hiking, and the park’s endless range of life. There are also organized tours that will take you to the park’s more secret and secluded beaches and trails! Tours leave from Drake Bay, an untouched Costa Rican beach paradise that is truly a hidden gem of the country.
View Both Oceans at Once at Chirripo National Park
One reason visiting Chirripo National Park is one of the most unique things to do in Costa Rica is because you can view both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from its peak (on a clear day, of course!). The park is located in the mountains of Cordillera de Talamanca, and hiking this national park, you’ll enjoy spectacular bird watching and amazing natural formations.
Unique Things to Do in Costa Rica: Nightlife & Parties
Dance the Night Away at Full Moon Party in Jaco
Hosted by La Escapadita, 20 minutes north of Jaco, going to a full moon party is one of the most fun things to do in Costa Rica. There are other full moon parties along Jaco beach, but the one with La Escapadita is well organized. The official full moon party schedule is laid out months ahead so you can plan accordingly.
Go to a Music Festival
Costa Rica has some fantastic music festivals throughout the year, perhaps the most famous of which is Envision Festival. Envision Festival takes place between the beaches and the jungles of Uvita on the Pacific coast, and involves tons of different live and electronic music as well as countless workshops. Check out my Envision festival guide to learn more.
Unique Things to Do in Costa Rica for FREE!
Lastly, here are some unique things to do in Costa Rica that are totally and completely free. If you are looking for some unusual experiences that don’t break the bank, this is your go-to list.
Visit Cemetery Island during Low Tide
This is another one of the very unusual things to do in Costa Rica for dark tourists—trek to Cemetery Island during the low tides at Cabuya. Aside from a few stray dogs on this island, the only inhabitants here are the dead.
While the gravesite has been active since the 1700s, you’ll notice the graves are well-kept. Be aware of the tidal charts to plan your visit, as you can only walk here when the tide is out. People have gotten stranded, so be sure to give yourself enough buffer time to return to the mainland.
Check out the Genius River Bridge
If you’re seeking truly unique things to do in Costa Rica, look no further than the Genius River Bridge on the Island of Cocos. The area is known to be filled with sharks, which unfortunately means shark poaching is rampant despite regulatory laws.
But the Genius River Bridge is a telling sight for all would-be poachers because it was constructed entirely from confiscated shark poacher gear. Thanks for giving back to the economy, poachers.
Crocodile Viewing at Tarcoles River Bridge (Crocodile Bridge)
On the way to Jaco, you will find what is surely one of the most unique sights in Costa Rica from the Tarcoles River Bridge — lots and lots of crocodiles lying in wait in the brown, murky waters. This is a gem for crocodile watching in the area that has slowly become famous.
The bridge has plenty of space to walk and view all the different crocs from, or you can pay a bit to jump on a boat tour to get closer (but make sure not to overpay here). Luckily, it’s at a distance, so there’s no danger involved. Just park before the bridge and take a walk onto the bridge for a closer view of these reptilian monsters.
Explore the El Miro Ruins
Head towards Quepos from Jaco, and you’ll come across the ruins of El Miro – a mansion with a great view. The foundation for the mansion remains, as it’s believed the owner died before it was completed. But the colorful graffiti that now covers the grounds is quite a unique sight to see, as well as the incredible view from the top platform.
The magnificent ruins offer a top-notch ocean view, and Atlas Oscura has just the guide to get you there.
Wander Parque Francisco Alverado
Parque Francisco Alvarado has its place on the list of the world’s weirdest gardens for a good reason – it’s comprised of acres and acres of intricately shaped bushes. From bush arches to dinosaurs and other creatures, you might feel like you’re stepping into a fairy tale visiting this unique place in Costa Rica.
Located in the small town of Zarcero, the topiary (definition: the art of shrub clipping) gardens will wow you with their artistic shapes. If you’re driving from San Jose to either La Fortuna or Arenal, plan a stop here!
Visit Local Restaurants and Bakeries
This is one of the most fun things to do in Costa Rica that will fill your belly and also keep your wallet full (Costa Rica can be expensive!) Find restaurants that offer casados (lunch plates) or desayunos (breakfast plates) for a fixed price.
You’ll want to go to places with only a Spanish menu, and thankfully, we have Google Translate! And for a cheap and easy on-the-go snack, stop at a bakery for fresh breads stuffed with cheeses, sweets, and other goodies.
Go Sloth Spotting
Costa Rica is famous for its sloth friends, and taking it upon yourself to go sloth spotting is one of the most fun things to do in Costa Rica. On tours, you’re likely to see sloths, but it’s also possible to see sloths just going about your day all around the country. Check out Cahuita National Park or walk along streets lined with jungle vegetation, and you may spot one of these calm creatures. Just keep your eyes out!
Star Gazing
With a focus on immersing ourselves into the natural world in Costa Rica, it’s easy to find opportunities to star gaze at a clear night sky. So especially if you find yourself in the mountains, the jungle, or the beach at night, take advantage of the peaceful starry views. Here are the best places to view the stars in Costa Rica!
Which of these unique activities did you get done? Let us know in the comments below.
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