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What’s the best part of going to Costa Rica? Waking up with howler monkeys, hiking a volcano by noon, snorkeling with turtles by 2 p.m., and lathering in hot springs under the stars by night. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re already planning your third, 2025 is guaranteed to be one of the best years to stock up on credits to visit this crazy little slice of paradise, so Insider constructed a guide of the 13 best things to do in Costa Rica in 2025—apart from the obvious. 2025 is going to be a memorable year, so make some memories beyond your new tan!
Hike to the Crater at Irazú Volcano
Kick off your trip by heading way up into the clouds — literally. At 3,432 meters, Irazú Volcano is Costa Rica’s tallest active volcano, and on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific and the Caribbean at once. 2025 is expected to bring a few upgrades to the park’s facilities too, making it even easier to explore.
Explore the Mangroves on a Sierpe Mangrove Tour
Want to feel like an explorer? Drift through tangled, primeval forests on a Sierpe mangrove tour. It’s slow, it’s peaceful, and the amount of wildlife you’ll see — monkeys, crocs, exotic birds — is insane. Pure nature, pure magic.
Chase Waterfalls in Bajos del Toro
Forget the crowds at La Fortuna. If you want waterfalls that look like you stumbled into a dream, Bajos del Toro is your place. Hidden deep in the mountains, it’s cooler, greener, and way less touristy. Wear good shoes — the hikes are legit.
Surf (or Try To) in Nosara
Nosara isn’t just for surf pros anymore. Whether you’re riding your first wave or just wiping out with style, the beach vibes are unbeatable. Plus, 2025 is expected to bring even more eco-friendly developments to the town without ruining its laid-back charm.
Night Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest
If you think Costa Rica is alive during the day, wait until the sun goes down. Booking a Monteverde night tour lets you see a whole different side of the jungle — glowing insects, wide-eyed kinkajous, and frogs doing their nighttime opera.
Go Whale Watching in Uvita
Time it right (August–October or December–March) and you can spot humpback whales just off the coast of Uvita. Seeing one breach right in front of you? Instant travel core memory unlocked. A whale watching trip in Uvita is one of the best attractions!
Visit Rio Celeste — Yes, It’s Really That Blue
Photos don’t even do it justice. The Rio Celeste waterfall and river, thanks to a magical chemical reaction, really are shockingly turquoise. Just prepare for some mud if it’s been raining — that’s part of the fun.
Relax in the Hot Springs of Arenal
After a few days of hiking and adventure, your body will thank you for soaking in Arenal’s famous hot springs. Whether you go for the luxe spa experience or the more natural river pools, this is the perfect way to reset.
Snorkel at Isla del Caño
Clear water, healthy reefs, turtles, sharks (the nice kind), and rays — snorkeling at Isla del Caño feels like swimming inside a nature documentary. Bonus: it’s way less crowded than the Caribbean side.
Visit the Secret Beaches of Guanacaste
Everyone knows about Tamarindo and Playa Conchal. But Guanacaste hides dozens of unnamed, uncrowded beaches that you can still have practically to yourself. Get a 4×4, pack a cooler, and just drive the coast. Trust me.
See the Sea Turtle Nesting in Tortuguero
There’s something humbling about watching a 300-pound turtle haul itself up the beach to lay eggs under the moonlight. Tortuguero remains one of the best places in the world to witness this — especially between July and October.
Hike the Jungle Trails of Corcovado
If there’s one place in Costa Rica that still feels truly wild, it’s Corcovado National Park. Jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws — it’s all here. And in 2025, new sustainable tourism initiatives are making it easier (and safer) than ever to explore.
Embrace the “Pura Vida” Everywhere You Go
Not everything great in Costa Rica comes with a ticket or a tour guide. Sometimes the best moments are simple — a conversation with a local over coffee, a sunset you didn’t plan to watch, a cold Imperial beer after a hot day. In 2025, slow down, soak it in, and remember why Costa Rica isn’t just a trip — it’s a vibe.
Want Help Planning These Adventures Without the Headache?
At GoExploreWith.me, we help travelers experience Costa Rica beyond the obvious. Our local guides, personalized itineraries, and insider tips make sure you’re seeing the best of what this wild country has to offer — without the stress.
P.S. Love Finding Hidden Gems?
Then you’ll definitely want our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of”
Secret beaches, hidden trails, and magical little towns you won’t find on a tourist map.
Download it now, and start building your Costa Rica adventure the right way.
