Advertisement

Attractions & Tickets in Costa Rica

Costa Rica isn’t just beaches and rainforests. There’s a whole world of attractions worth grabbing tickets for before you land. Think about taking a sunrise hike up Poás Volcano, where you’ll catch the crater billowing steam and the morning light hitting the lake,it’s something you won’t forget. And if you’re around Monteverde, the cloud forest reserves offer guided night tours that are seriously cool if you’re up for spotting frogs and owls.

Buying tickets ahead of time can save you from long lines, especially during dry season when spots fill up fast. Make sure to check out authentic wildlife rescue centers like Proyecto Asis near La Fortuna if you’re eager to see how locals help injured animals. A quick tip: some popular attractions like the Arenal hanging bridges or Manuel Antonio National Park have early-morning entry slots that feel less crowded. Trust me, waking up early pays off here.

Whatever part of Costa Rica you’re staying in, there’s always a handful of experiences that’ll stick with you long after. Just ask locals or your hospedaje host,they usually know where to score the best deals and which lesser-known tours are actually worth it.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Not quite what you’re looking for yet?

Use filters to narrow things down or explore other categories.

Refine filters

Local tips on booking tickets

If you’re planning to visit spots like Corcovado National Park, book your boat and park tickets way in advance,it gets booked solid during the high season. Also, check the cancellation policies carefully; weather can change plans here fast.

For more flexible days, try visiting places like Rincón de la Vieja or Tenorio Volcano National Park where you can often buy tickets at the gate without hassle. And a little heads-up: some tours actually start from less obvious towns, so double-check departure spots before you book. It saves stress and sometimes money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Costa Rica attractions and tickets? Let me help clear things up.

For popular spots like Manuel Antonio or Tortuguero, yes, it’s smart to book ahead,especially during busy months like December through April. Sometimes you can get lucky buying tickets on arrival, but lines get long fast.

Absolutely. Places like the Arenal Volcano park or certain wildlife refuges remain open year-round. Just pack some good rain gear and be ready for a more lush, green experience with fewer crowds.

If you’re hanging around San José or Tamarindo, local tour offices sometimes offer last-minute discounts. Also, many small family-run operators are flexible with pricing, especially if you connect in person rather than online.

Early mornings are the secret sauce,arrive around 7 or 8 am. You’ll dodge crowds and catch wildlife when they’re most active. Trust me, it’s worth the wake-up call.

Depends on the spot. For places like the Monteverde Cloud Forest, guides point out animals and plants you’d miss solo. But beaches like Playa Hermosa are easy to enjoy without a guide.

Both work, but I'd recommend online for popular parks so you don’t get stuck waiting. For smaller tours and experiences, sometimes showing up locally means better info and potentially better prices.

Explore Things To Do Categories

City Tours (3120 places) City tours in Costa Rica aren’t just about ticking off landmarks. They’re an invitation to wander through places where locals grab coffee, vendors shout from market stalls, and old colonial buildings quietly tell stories. San José often steals the spotlight, but don’t miss out on towns like Heredia or Grecia, where… Explore
Nature & Wildlife Tours (2642 places) If you’re craving a true taste of Costa Rica’s wild side, nature and wildlife tours are where it’s at. I’ve spent years exploring these places, and honestly, nothing beats the thrill of spotting a resplendent quetzal flicker through the trees or hearing howler monkeys bark as the sun dips behind the mountains. One of… Explore
Safari / Nature Tours (2414 places) If you ask locals about the best way to see wildlife in Costa Rica, many will tell you it’s not about rushing but soaking in the moments. I’ve spent more mornings than I can count at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, quietly watching howler monkeys swing and jabiru storks glide just feet away. And don’t expect every trek or… Explore
Family-Friendly Experiences (2022 places) Costa Rica’s one of those places where getting kids outdoors isn’t a choice , it’s a part of the day. You won’t just find typical kid’s activities here. There’s ziplining on gentle cables in Monteverde where even little ones can join in, and wildlife watching at places like the Manuel Antonio National Park that sparks… Explore
Hiking & Trekking (1652 places) If you love stretching your legs and spending hours outside, Costa Rica’s hiking trails will not disappoint. And I don’t mean just any hikes, but paths where you might spot toucans squawking above or catch the mist from a hidden waterfall off the trail. Places like Cerro Chirripó, the country’s highest peak, are tough… Explore
Zipline / Ropes / Caving (1014 places) If you’re craving something adrenaline-packed while in Costa Rica, ziplines and caving should be on your list. The country’s jungles and mountains are made for these kinds of adventures. In places like Monteverde, you’ll catch ziplines that swoop through misty cloud forests, sometimes close enough to touch leaves… Explore
Guided Walks (902) • Day Trips (840) • Multi-day Excursions (806) • Day Cruises (786) •

Top Things To Do in Costa Rica

See All →

Top Things To Do in Costa Rica

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide Puerto RicoMy Guide New OrleansMy Guide Peru

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again