Top 10 Ecotourism Activities in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American country known for its rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes. It is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Ecotourism in Costa Rica is one of the main attractions that draws tourists yearly due to the activities that will make the visit memorable and enjoyable.

In this article, we will examine the top 10 ecotourism activities in Costa Rica. This will include where to visit, activities or things to do, and some insights into the experience.

Top 10 Ecotourism Activities in Costa Rica

1. Exploring Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is currently the largest park in Costa Rica. It is known for its dense forests and wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.

While in the park, you can engage in activities like hiking, kayaking, and boat tours.

Hiking

The La Leona trail is a good hiking spot since you get to go through the dense forest where you will encounter some wildlife in their natural habitats.

The trail is 12 kilometres long, but there are shorter trails for families. Another great hiking spot in Corcovado National Park is San Pedrillo. What makes San Pedrillo unique is the waterfalls, rivers, and beaches that blend well with the sunset.

Compared to the La Leona trail, San Pedrillo is a 6-kilometre trail. It has a great view of some of the oldest trees in the park.

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the biodiversity of Corcovado National Park. Going kayaking means you get to have fun and enjoy a part of the Osa Peninsula.

Corcovado is known for its commitment to eco-friendly tourism, with efforts from conservation organisations and the government to conserve the park’s natural environment.

To make the most of your visit, consider joining a guided tour. You will get advice and tips from experienced guides as you move together. Plus, they know the best trails to take for an unforgettable experience.

2. Zip-lining Through the Canopy

The best part about zip-lining in Costa Rica is the green forests that look wonderful from above. This activity is a must-try for people who need to engage in something fun and yet still daring.

Many reputable companies offer zipline tours in various locations, with safety measures put in place alongside experienced guides.

Some of the most recommended, based on reviews from travellers on TripAdvisor, are:

Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour

This is the longest twin zip line in Central America at over 4,300 feet. Linda S., a TripAdvisor member who has experienced this tour, commended the guides and also enjoyed the trip. There are many other good reviews from visitors.

The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde

This is another zip-line tour with good reviews you can check out. Aside from starting your trip with a zipline tour over the canopy, you can also embark on a Tarzan swing free-fall if you are up for it.

3. Whale Watching in Marino Ballena National Park

Marino Ballena National Park is a national park in Costa Rica that was created as a safe area for humpback whale migration. This is one of the best places to go whale watching in the world.

The migration usually takes place from December to April and from July to October, which are the best times for tourists to visit. The goal of this migration for the whales is to breed and give birth.

You get to see these whales up close and in their numbers. Aside from whales, there are also several types of dolphins present in the water.

Other wonderful animals to see in Marino Ballena National Park are spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish, and mackerel.

4. Visiting Arenal Volcano

If you have always wanted to see a volcano, then Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica is the best place to be. The volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks.

Although the volcano is the main attraction, the main focus is the surrounding natural hot springs. The hot springs are ideal for relaxing after a hike.

5. Bird Watching in Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a reserve that is completely made up of cloud forest, also called a water forest. This isn’t due to the presence of a low-level cloud cover at the canopy level.

This forest gets roughly 70,000 visitors yearly; this number makes it even more ideal to visit. Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, and many other reptilian and amphibian species.

It also has a high number of plants, which are over 2,500 species, some of which are positioned in a single place.

The atmosphere here is suitable for birdwatching, and since there are different bird species present, the possibilities are endless. Some of the birds to watch out for are the Emerald Toucanet, resplendent quetzal, Violet Sabrewing, and others.

You can join a guided bird-watching tour to increase your chances of spotting rare species. This is a good idea since guides have telescopes and the ability to mimic bird calls.

6. Turtle Nesting Tours in Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is an adventure destination in Costa Rica, and the only accessible way to get to the park is by air or boat.

Green turtles nest along the beaches of Tortuguero National Park, and this is a great sight to behold. If you are a fan of turtles, this is a fun way to see them in their numbers.

Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the world. You get to watch them lay their eggs on the beach, which is an entirely new experience for many travellers.

The best time to see turtles nesting is at night, but the best time to visit is from July to October. For the most fun, you can opt for the guided night tours.

7. Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park

There is much wildlife and nature to explore at Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is famous for its beaches and diverse wildlife, which include sloths.

You can spend the morning hiking through the trails, where you might encounter spider monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Then during the day, you can relax on one of the pristine beaches in the park.

It is important to note that the park is open every day except Tuesdays. While they are also open for holidays like Christmas, Easter, and others, if it falls on a Tuesday, then they will be closed.

8. Rafting on the Pacuare River

Why should you visit the Pacuare River? The answer is simple: Pacuare is a top tourist destination for whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, and riverboarding in Costa Rica.

The rainforests around the river island are home to different wildlife such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, birds, and many others. You get to spot some of these animals as you go on your rafting adventure in the river.

For those who are not so familiar with rafting, the Pacuare River rapids range from class II to IV, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

Many companies that offer rafting tours in Costa Rica are committed to preserving the river’s natural beauty, so it is a win for the environment.

9. Coffee Plantation Tours

If you love coffee, then you should consider visiting a coffee plantation in Costa Rica. Some coffee plantation tours offer tasting.

The places with the largest coffee plantations in Costa Rica are San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia, Puntarenas, and Cartago. You also get to learn about the country’s rich coffee culture and the entire coffee plantation process.

Many coffee plantations in Costa Rica practice sustainable farming methods that focus on reducing their environmental impact and supporting local communities.

10. Snorkelling and Diving in Cahuita National Park

Another fun ecotourism activity to try in Costa Rica is snorkelling and diving in Cahuita National Park. Cahuita is a national park that consists of land and marine areas.

Visitors are allowed to snorkel in the protected marine area, which is also a good place to sight sea turtles. While in the water, you get to see at least 35 species of corals, crustaceans, and different fish species.

In order to protect the coral reefs, it is important to follow the safety rules while snorkelling and diving. The guides in Cahuita are dedicated to conservation and will provide guidelines to make your adventure fun.

Conclusion

Costa Rica is a travel destination that is full of natural spots and wildlife. You now have an idea of some of the top 10 ecotourism activities in Costa Rica.

If you are planning to visit Costa Rica and you intend to take part in nature-rich activities, then this is for you.

In summary, the 10 best ecotourism activities in Costa Rica are exploring Corcovado National Park, zip-lining through the canopy, visiting Arenal Volcano, turtle nesting tours in Tortuguero National Park, exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, and rafting on the Pacuare River.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Costa Rica for ecotourism?

If you want to engage in outdoor activities, then the best time to visit Costa Rica for ecotourism is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. Another great time to visit is during the rainy season from May to August if you want to enjoy more of the water.

Are ecotourism activities in Costa Rica family-friendly?

Yes, many ecotourism activities in Costa Rica are family-friendly. All members of the family can engage in activities like guided nature walks, bird watching, and visiting national parks.

What should I pack for an ecotourism trip to Costa Rica?

The list of things to pack will depend on your list of activities. Some of these must-pack items are lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.