Top Active Leisure & Sport Spots in Costa Rica

My advice is to pack a picnic lunch. There are plenty of great spots to chill and enjoy the scenery without spending a fortune at the cafe.

My advice is to buy your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines at the entrance. It's a small step that saves a lot of time!

I recommend checking out the food stalls located at the back of the park. They have cheaper options and way better local flavor than the spots near the entrance!

I think you should keep an eye on the scheduled events during your visit. Some shows or parades happen only at certain times, and they’re a blast to catch!

I suggest arriving right when the park opens at 10 AM. You can beat the crowds and hit the popular rides first, like the roller coaster, with minimal waiting!

Don’t miss the sunset at the beach! Grab a drink from a local vendor and just sit back. It’s one of the best moments of the day and absolutely free!

I think the best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April. The weather is much more reliable, and I had sooo much fun not worrying about rain ruining my beach days

Check out the local beach shacks for food! I tried a place called 'Luv Burger' and their burgers are divine. It’s way cheaper than fancy restaurants and supports locals!

I recommend renting a surfboard instead of buying lessons. You can find great rental shops by the beach and figure out the basics on your own. I wish I did that instead of wasting cash on a two-hour lesson.

I recommend checking out happy hour from 5 to 7 PM for great drink deals. I saved a ton that way and it’s a nice time to meet locals!

I think you should bring some cash. Some places proudly embrace the 'no plastic' policy, and I struggled to find an ATM nearby

If you're feeling adventurous, try the local cocktails. They are often cheaper than imported drinks and way tastier!

I suggest wearing sturdy shoes; flip-flops are no good, and the rocky path can make you slip if you're not careful. Comfortable hiking boots made my experience way better!

Definitely bring water and snacks! The hike can get super energizing, and you'll appreciate having a quick break when you're halfway down or back up.

Buy your tickets online if possible. I got stuck in line for way too long at the entrance when I could’ve just walked right in.

Don't rush to the waterfall! Take your time to enjoy the scenery and snap some pics on the way down. It's just as beautiful as the waterfall itself.

Be careful when renting surfboards - I suggest checking multiple shops for prices. Some places really jack up the rates, but you can find better deals if you look around.

I think grabbing lunch at a local sodas instead of beach restaurants can save you some money. There are delish options like casado for a fraction of the price!

My advice is to pack a lunch or snacks. The food prices in the park can be a bit steep, and there are nice picnic areas to relax in

I recommend bringing a good camera or a smartphone with a zoom feature. You'll want to capture those amazing animal moments from afar without disturbing them.

I suggest arriving right when the park opens at 9 AM. You'll beat the crowds and have a more intimate experience with the animals before it gets busy.

i think the best time for a safari tour is around 3 pm. the animals are more active then, and the lighting for photos is pretty great too.

I suggest wearing sunscreen even on cloudy days. I didn't think I'd need it, but ended up looking like a lobster after the tour!

I highly recommend making your zip line reservations online before you go. It saves time and sometimes you even get a discount. I snagged a great deal that way.

Bring your own GoPro or action camera! The staff will help you strap it on, and it saved me from shelling out extra cash for their video package.