Exploration doesn’t need to be exhausting, and Costa Rica has much to offer for those who want to recharge and enjoy the country at a leisurely pace. Whether you choose a sunset cruise, an aerial tram, a walk through the rainforest on a suspension bridge, or an afternoon soaking in a volcanic hot spring, there are many relaxing ways to experience Costa Rica’s diverse beauty. Many hotels also offer a variety of creative and traditional spa treatments, and the country’s pristine beaches are some of the best in the world for a quiet afternoon of exploration and reflection.
16 Things to Do
Take a hike to see some of the natural wonders hidden in the Montezuma forest. You’ll cross aerial bridges and swim in waterfall pools.
3 hrs
From $26Set amidst a rainforest near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacón Hot Springs are a fantastic place to unwind. Tabacón was one of the first hot springs resorts in the Arenal region.
4 hrs
From $82Set amidst a rainforest near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacón Hot Springs are a fantastic place to unwind. Tabacón was one of the first hot springs resorts in the Arenal region.
12 hrs
From $93Take an adventurous, all-inclusive tour of the gorgeous coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunity for spotting wildlife as well as relaxing in the natural beauty of Tortuga Island. This is an all-day tour—your boat departs at 9 AM from Montezuma and returns at 4 PM.
7 hrs
From $67On this boating trip, you’ll depart from the Nicoya Peninsula to see Tortuga Island. Peer over the hulle of the boat for the chance to see marine wildlife swimming past. You’ll also have the chance to try snorkeling and explore the island on your own.
6 hrs
From $67Vandará offers an array of relaxing services on their grounds that harness all the relaxing powers of the Costa Rican landscape. This half-day tour includes lunch at the restaurant.
5 hrs
From $41Head off for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and swimming on this tour. You’ll sail up the coast from Playa Flamingo and explore some of the Nicoya Peninsula’s most beautiful coastal areas.
4 hrs
From $88The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing silently past beautiful bays and sandy beaches.
4 hrs
From $74Bask in the tranquility of natural hot springs with a tropical cocktail in hand and the Arenal Volcano in plain view at the Baldi Hot Springs. This tropical oasis features 25 different pools, the temperatures increasing as you go up in elevation.
4 hrs
From $37Get your morning started off right with this 4-hour visit to the Tabacón Hot Springs. These springs offer the very best of the tropical landscape — its fertile grounds bloom with profusions of tropical plants. The warm pools are naturally heated, drawing their warmth from the underground magma from the active Arenal Volcano.
4 hrs
From $72The Titoku Hot Springs are located 5.5 km from La Fortuna downtown and about 15km from the Arenal Volcano National Park. The facilities are brand new and are part of the Arenal Kioro Hotel and Resort but are located on a separate property than the hotel.
3 hrs
From $30On this 2-hour cruise you’ll get to see the sun set over the Arenal Lake. Along the way you’ll learn about your surroundings from a knowledgeable guide as you snack on wine and cheese.
3 hrs
From $102The Sky Tram smoothly ascends along a cloud forest ridge through the canopy. This is a relaxing tour – all you have to do is sit back and admire the view. You have the option to pause over areas of the rainforest that you'd like to observe for a little longer.
1 hr
From $49This tour offers travelers the chance to soak in hot springs, see the Arenal Volcano, and shop for crafts in the town of Sarchí — all within a single day. The tour departs from San José in the morning and returns late in the evening.
15 hrs
From $177Spend a tranquil day exploring the charming town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica — home of the Arenal recreational area. You’ll get to mingle with friendly people; sample delicious local cuisine; enjoy plenty of views of Arenal Volcano, and top off your adventures with a soak in Tabacon Hot Springs. Get ready for a fun-filled day that ends in utter relaxation.
14 hrs
From $160This one-day tour offers travelers a chance to shop for handicrafts, soak in hot springs, and enjoy beautiful views of the Arenal Volcano. This tour leaves from San José and visits Sarchí, Arenal, and the Baldi Hot Springs.
11 hrs
From $156- Elliot H.
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