Post Summary- Things to do in Costa Rica
This blog post is sponsored by TrovaTrip, but all opinions are my own.
In March 2022, I organized my very first International group trip through this awesome company called TrovaTrip. It turned out to be one of the most unforgettable adventures of my life!
For our trip, we chose one of their Costa Rica itineraries which you can check out here. It was packed full of hikes and exploration, with just the right amount of free time to dive into the culture, and soak in local hot springs.
I was blessed with an incredible bunch of ladies who eagerly jumped on board to explore the world with me. From day one, it was like we’d known each other for years! And let’s not forget our fantastic local guide, Ivan – he was basically our Costa Rican expert, showing us the ropes and enlightening us with all sorts of Costa Rican wisdom.
Let’s dive into the 9 best things to do when you visit the stunning country of Costa Rica!
What is TrovaTrip?
Before we dive into the top things to do, let me say this: If you ever get the chance to plan your trip through TrovaTrip, grab it with both hands. They handle all the headaches for you!
TrovaTrip is a group travel platform made for Content Creators and our communities. They partner up with local tour operators and offer amazing itineraries and travel experiences that we get to enjoy!
As the Host, Trova teams up with you to plan the entire journey, ensuring you offer the best possible trip to your community. They take care of everything from hotel arrangements and thrilling excursions to your food choices and transportation – all those things that you usually dread doing.
And as if that’s not enough, they’ve got a local guide to make sure you truly immerse yourself in the local culture.
To host a trip, all you need to do is learn where your community wants to go (they provide a survey to make it easy), plan your trip, invite your audience to join, then book that flight and you’re good to go! I’ve got a handy FAQ section at the end with more details about TrovaTrip.
Alright, enough chit-chat. It’s time to dive into the 9 best things to do when you’re adventuring in the stunning land of Costa Rica!
Map of Things to Do in Costa Rica
9 Epic Things To Do in Costa Rica
1. Hike the Arenal Volcano
One adventure that you have to try is hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park. It is home to the active Arenal Volcano, but don’t worry, the lava’s cooled down, and you can actually hike parts of it.
Our guide was an absolute genius when it came to Costa Rica’s natural wonders and birdlife. He told tales about the stunning landscape and the plants flourishing in the volcano’s vicinity. Not to mention, he had a keen eye for spotting some of the coolest birds that frequent the National Park.
The main trail covers a distance of around 3 miles and involves a climb of about 700 feet in elevation. You’ll journey through a mesmerizing forest, dash up a portion of the volcano, and a stroll through some beautiful gardens on the premises that make every step totally worth it.
New to hiking? Read: 8 Must-Know Tips for Beginner Hikers
2. Soak in Paradise Hot Springs
Okay, who doesn’t love a good, long soak in a natural hot spring? I mean, after a full day of hiking and epic adventures, it’s like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself.
Paradise Hot Springs is nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano. There are about 25 pools to choose from, ranging from “cozy blanket” temps at 93°F to “feelin’ the heat” at 152°F. And, they’ve got “cool-down” pools and a bar, all right there, ready for your enjoyment!
The minerals in these magical waters, paired with those temperatures, are like your body’s personal detox team, zapping away those nasty toxins and supercharging your blood circulation.
After your blissful soak, they have a great restaurant on the premises to treat yourself to a fantastic dinner.
3. Check Out the Rio Celeste Waterfall
I highly recommend including Tenorio National Park on your itinerary for Costa Rica. It’s easily one of the top attractions in the country.
Ever laid eyes on a naturally bright turquoise river going through a park? Tenorio National Park not only features this breathtaking river but also hosts a truly astonishing turquoise-blue waterfall.
Thanks to the TrovaTrip team, we had a dedicated driver who spared us the hassle of navigating the park’s challenging roads from our hotel. It made the experience far more convenient.
Tenorio National Park is like a nature lover’s paradise times ten! Besides the mind-blowing waterfall and the river, you’ll have the chance to encounter diverse wildlife. We even had a memorable encounter with a Coati while exploring the park’s trails.
4. Take a Tour Across Selvatura’s Hanging Bridges
Exploring a rainforest from a bird’s-eye view is an absolute must! Selvatura’s Hanging Bridges is a top-tier experience when seeking the best things to do in Costa Rica.
You’ll cross several suspended bridges throughout the park, which come in varying lengths and heights. And while you’re at it, keep your eyes peeled because you’re in for a fun game of “spot the wildlife.” You’ll likely find all kinds of critters and creatures you wouldn’t usually see around the ground level.
5. Fly Through the Trees by Ziplining with 100% Adventura
Imagine being deep in the rainforest, surrounded by nature’s beauty, and thinking, “Why walk when you can glide through the trees?” That’s where Canopy Zip Line comes in, offering you the ultimate ticket to zipping through the clouds and soaking in the scenery like never before!
The Canopy Zip Line course is no joke, featuring a total of 10 lines ranging from 60 meters to an exciting 800 meters in length. When you hit that impressive 800-meter cable, you can choose to embrace the “Superman pose” and experience the sensation of flying through the air.
For the thrill-seekers, there’s an exciting twist at the end. Instead of ziplining back to base camp, you can take on the Tarzan Swing. It’s a heart-pounding 164-foot (50-meter) drop that promises an unforgettable adrenaline rush!
6. Cruise to Tortuga Island and Spend the Day at the Beach
This was hands down the absolute highlight of my Costa Rican adventure, and the most fun I had during my TrovaTrip experience! It kicks off with a yacht ride, cruising across the Gulf of Nicoya straight to the paradise known as Isla Tortuga (or Turtle Island, if you prefer the English version).
During the yacht ride, they offer fresh fruit and natural drinks to keep you fueled up, and a live DJ to keep the party spirit alive.
Once you set foot on the island, you’re free to explore and do your thing. But here’s a couple of gems I’d recommend: First, go snorkeling with the crew as soon as you hit the shore. Swimming alongside those exotic fish is a mind-blowing experience you won’t want to miss.
And if you’re up for a good laugh (who isn’t?), hop on the banana boat at least once. They’ll take you on a wild spin around the island and give you a little dip in the water for that extra thrill.
For food, the crew’s got you covered. They’ll serve up a mouthwatering lunch right there on the island, and you can keep the good times flowing with drinks available both on the yacht and the island.
7. Experience a Rainforest Night Walk
If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the rainforest after dark, then a Rainforest Night Walk is a must. You’ll get to meet some rainforest VIPs who only make appearances when the moon’s out.
Everyone is handed flashlights, which turns the whole experience into a real-life scavenger hunt. It’s all about spotting as many species as you can, it’s a blast!
During our night walk, we crossed paths with monkeys, stumbled upon an armadillo, and encountered many intriguing insects. It’s like discovering a whole new world that comes to life when the sun goes down.
8. Taste Authentic Costa Rican Food Through A Cooking Class
You’re in for a real treat when it comes to Costa Rican cuisine, but here’s a little secret – the most authentic and delicious food is the one you learn to whip up yourself! So, when you’re planning your trip to Costa Rica, be sure to sprinkle in a cooking class for some extra flavor and fun.
We decided to use our free time during our TrovaTrip by booking a cooking class, and it was a total win. We headed over to a local farm-to-table restaurant to get guidance from the locals themselves. The owners were incredibly welcoming and shared all the details, from growing the ingredients to the harvesting process.
We rolled up our sleeves and got down to business in the kitchen, and made some delicious ceviche, patacones, and empanadas. And let me tell you, everything was mouthwatering!
9. Explore the Rich Diversity of Monteverde
Monteverde is such a fun place to explore! When we had some free time on our trip, we decided to take a stroll through the town. We stumbled upon some cute gift shops, mouthwatering bakeries, and a bunch of restaurants and clubs that were just calling our names!
If you find yourself in town after dark, I highly recommend checking out Bar Amigos for some great food and dancing. Our group had so much fun on the dance floor and it really enjoyed the local music.
FAQs about TrovaTrip
Have questions about what it’s like to host? Send me an email at [email protected], and we can chat!
What is included in the trips?
They cover the majority of the trip! Everything listed on the itinerary is included, such as comfy places to stay, getting you from one city to the next, all the tasty meals listed, and activities that totally match the theme of your adventure. And guess what? You’ve got a certified guide who’s your go-to language buddy for the whole trip.
You just have to book the flights on your own, which gives you the freedom to book when you want, and choose when you want to arrive or leave! In addition, to any meals that aren’t already listed.
How Do I Host My Own TrovaTrip?
The process is pretty straightforward! First, just create your account, and then you’ll need to survey your awesome audience to gauge their interest in traveling together and learn where they want to go.
Once you’ve gathered 50+ “qualified” survey responses (respondents age 18+ with a travel budget of $2k+), you get to choose your dream trip from one of Trova’s 150+ itineraries. Check out the “How It Works” page for all the details!
You can share your survey over social media channels, or just shoot it to your friends, family, coworkers… whoever you’d want to potentially have on a group trip with you!
Have questions about what it’s like to host? Send me a DM and we can chat!
Is TrovaTrip Worth it?
If you’ve got the travel bug, but the thought of going solo, or waiting around for your always-busy friends is stressful, then definitely yes. Or maybe you just want to meet like-minded people who love to travel as much as you do, then it’s completely worth it.
The connections you’ll make on your TrovaTrip are priceless, and you’ll form relationships that can last a lifetime. Plus they give you the flexibility to book your own flights, so if you’d like to extend your trip and stay longer, you’re welcome to do so.
Plus, if you’ve ever looked into planning your own group trip, you know how stressful it can be. Trova handles all that so all you have to do is show up and enjoy traveling with the amazing people in your community!
Is My Trip Free As a Host?
Yep! Everything included on the itinerary for Travelers is also included for you at no cost. You can also price the trip so that your flights are covered by your earnings.
And no, Trova doesn’t require a down payment or deposit to start planning a trip. Instead, they have you survey your audience to ensure the interest is there. Once you collect enough survey responses, you can start planning!
More Questions?
Check out the Travelers FAQs and the Hosts FAQs on the TrovaTrip website!