Things you can do in Costa Rica (away from the beach)
We all know that Costa Rica has spectacular tropical beaches but there’s also a lot of other fun things this country has to offer. If you are thinking about visiting Costa Rica, or you’re Costa Rican and you don’t know what to do this weekend, we’re going to show you some fun things you can do in San Jose, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. Don’t forget that Costa Rica is a small country but it’s beautiful and hugely diverse, and the perfect place for families and tourists.
Obviously, we’d love to talk about what there is to do in every corner of every province, however we’d never finish. As such we’re going to look at three places of interest from each region, some of which are less well known but still great for a day out.
(Don’t forget to see the Spanish version of this blog if you’d like to see the translations of the various activities, landmarks, etc. mentioned here.)
San José: Everyone knows that they can go to the cinema, go shopping or visit a museum in the capital, so we’re not going to talk about these. Instead let’s see what there is a Little “off the beaten track”.
1. Parque de Diversiones (aka Theme Park):
This theme park is basically the only place in the country where you can find roller-coasters and rides all year round.(There are always travelling fairs, similar to this, in various locations and at specific times of the year, such as in Zapote, at the end/start of the year or national celebrations in San Isidro or Coronado.)It is a good place for families and there are rides for all ages, plus it’s easy to get to.
El Parque Nacional de Diversiones is located in La Uruca, 2Km west of Hospital México.
2. Fossiland:
Fossiland isn’t just a place where you can learn about fossils, but also an adventure park where you can take different types of “mini-tours” or expeditions, as well as do activities such as ziplining, paintball, horse riding and excavate fossils.
You can get there by visiting Patarrá de Desamparados.
3. Topolandia:
Here we have a charming underground house, which is actually the only on in Central America, and was built in tunnels formed using pickaxes and shovels. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of different coloured subterranean rooms, tunnels, a museum of antiquities and a well containing crystal-clear water in the deepest tunnel.
Just jump on a bus to San Pedro in Pérez Zeledón to see this interesting place.
Alajuela: Known locally as “the city of mangos”, Alajuela is home to La Liga, one of the most well-known football teams in the country. There is also a really wide range of activities that you can try here, including the most popular attraction in the country, Arenal.
1. Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal:
As mentioned above, this the most visited place and national park in Costa Rica, and it can be found in La Fortuna, San Carlos. Here you can take a walk on the paths there, bathe in the hot springs or visit the outlook point to see the famous cone-shaped volcano.
2. Rainforest Chocolate Tour:
If you’re a chocolate lover then you must take this “sweet” tour, where you can learn all about the production process used to make cacao and chocolate.
Take a walk from La Fortuna de San Carlos, towards the beautiful La Fortuna waterfalls.
3. Cavernas de Venado:
Another excellent place to visit and do something different, if you don’t suffer from claustrophobia or mind getting wet, are the Caves in Venado.In addition to the main attraction – the caves – you can also admire various rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, a subterranean river, fossils and if you’re lucky wild animals.
To get there, take a short taxi ride or walk the 3km from the centre of Venado.
Heredia: Also known as “the city of flowers”, Heredia spans the northern and central regions of the country. It’s a short trip from San Jose, so let’s see what there is to do there.
1. Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo sector Barva:
A wonderful place to get in touch with nature, see some volcanic creators and take on a few walks within the park, such as “Cacho de Venado”, “Sendero a la Laguna” y “Sendero Copey”. Getting here is not easy and it’s best to come in a 4x4, just drive from Barva town to Sacramento from there you can walk up the very steep hill to the park entrance, drive your off-roader or rent a quadbike.
2. Rápidos (aka Whitewater Rafting):
Adrenaline lovers can enjoy this exciting experience in many locations but Sarapiquí is one of the best places to do it in Costa Rica.There are a lot of tour companies to choose from here, so just remember to choose one that comes recommended and complies with all health and safety laws.
3. Reserva Bilógica la Tirimbina:
In this beautiful natural place you can do fun things such as bird-watching, frog and chocolate tours, as well as some ecotourism.
Make your way to La Virgen de Sarapiquí de Heredia to see for yourself.
Cartago: Originally, Cartago was the capital of Costa Rica, however it’s now more famous for being the home of the “Catedral de la Virgen de los Ángeles”. Here are few other options for things to try in Cartago:
1. Ruinas del Sanatorio Durán:
A lot of people are attracted to this mystical site out of curiosity. Built in 1918, it was originally a hospital for people recovering from tuberculosis but now people say that it is a site for paranormal activity.
If you’re feeling brave, visit Tierra Blanca de Cartago y Potrero Cerrado de Oreamuno, 7km north of Cartago city centre.
2. Parque Charrara Pura Vida:
This park is a great place to take your family for a fun time.The activities on offer include boat and horse tours, use of swimming pool and bike rentals, as well as being about to ride jet skis or paddle in a canoe, just to name a few!
There are also restaurants and barbeque areas provided for those who wish to take their own food.
It’s a short trip to Ujarrás de Paraíso de Cartago, east of Cartago.
3. Monumento Nacional de Guayabo:
Finally, we come to one of the most important archeological areas in the country where you can see protected structures including streets, mounds, bridges, and aqueducts.So, if you’d like to learn more about our ancestors, don’t forget to visit this magnificent place.
Located on the slopes of Turrialba Volcano, 19km northeast from Turrialba, it’s a must see!
So, there you go. As you can see there’s a lot more to do in Costa Rica tan just get a tan. Don’t forget to visit one of these spectacular places that this amazing country has to offer.
And don’t miss our next blog: Things you can do by the sea in Costa Rica.
