Best Activities to Do in Costa Rica (2026): 9 Days, 8 People, 3 Generations
TL;DR:
Nine days. Eight people spanning three generations. Costa Rica did not disappoint, but it also did not let us forget we were in Costa Rica. Highlights: rappelling down a waterfall in La Fortuna, superman ziplining and hanging bridges at Selvatura in Monteverde, a night hike at Finca Modelo Ecológica that delivered a green viper snake at close range, and the kind of sunset at Playa del Coco that makes you forget you’re still in a country where you paid $20 for a simple plate of rice and beans. Was it worth it? Yes. Is it cheap? Absolutely not. Is it “paradise”? Depends on how you feel about doing every single activity with a high chance of rain. Keep scrolling for the best activities to do in Costa Rica, including how we did it without an agency marking everything up 300%.
I booked a multigenerational trip to Costa Rica for 8 people and didn’t use a travel agency. The quotes I got back were absurd… such as eight hundred dollars for a thirty-minute airport transfer. I built it myself with a blend of agency itineraries, AI input, and obsessive research. And honestly? That was the right call, because what we got was an amazing adventurous version of Costa Rica: gorgeous, expensive, wet, chaotic, and completely unforgettable in a way that has nothing to do with a resort wristband.
What You Need to Know Before You Go (the stuff Google doesn’t put first)
Costa Rica is not a budget destination. I want to get that out of the way upfront because every blog post pretends you can do it on $40 a day. You can’t. Meals ran us about $20 per person. Activities were $100–$175 per person. Our villas were around $400 a night (and go up from there). For a group of 8 that adds up insanely fast. We split meals where we could, shopped at grocery stores, and ate at sodas (the local diner-style restaurants) to keep costs manageable. But anyone who tells you Costa Rica is a cheap trip is either selling something or hasn’t been since 2014.
The best places to go in Costa Rica depend on what you’re after, but the weather is the thing nobody talks about honestly. It’s not “warm and tropical.” It is either oppressively hot and humid or actively raining. Sometimes both in the same hour. You have to be prepared to do any and all activities in the rain: specific shoes, quick-drying clothes, always have a raincoat. I still don’t understand why people retire here.
Getting There
We flew into San José and out of Liberia, a classic Costa Rica route that covers the central volcanic region and the Pacific coast without backtracking. For ground transport, we used MorphoVans across the whole trip. Seamless, on time, safe, comfortable. With 8 people and all our luggage, having a private van was non-negotiable and honestly it was the best money we spent.
The internal transfers are part of the adventure. La Fortuna to Monteverde involves a boat across Lake Arenal followed by a van on the other side. It sounds complicated. It’s actually straightforward and the boat crossing gives you views of the volcano that you won’t get from land. Do it.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica — and When to Avoid
We went during what’s supposed to be the dry season transition and still got rain almost every day. The “green season” (May to November) is cheaper and the rainforest is actually rainforest…lush, alive, waterfalls running full. But you need to accept that your plans will get wet. December to April is the official dry season and you’ll pay a premium for slightly less rain. Pick your tradeoff.
Connectivity
As usual, I grabbed an Airalo eSIM before landing and had data the second we touched down. If you’re not doing this already I don’t know what to tell you. No hunting for SIM cards at the airport, no roaming charges, just data that works.
Where We Stayed And Whether I’d Book It Again
We had four different accommodations across nine days. Three nights each in the main spots, one night in San José to start. All booked on VRBO except the first one. Here’s the honest breakdown.
San José — Bee Suites Escalante
Serviced apartments in the Barrio Escalante neighborhood, which is the walkable, nightlife-adjacent area of San José. Good AC, and after the humidity hit us at the airport, that mattered immediately. Walkable to bars, restaurants, and the main sights. We only had one night so the location was perfect for hitting the ground running.
La Fortuna / Arenal — Tikita Family House (VRBO)
Four minutes walking from the center of La Fortuna. Had a hot tub. Every duo had their own room. Good AC. Nice garden. After a day of canyoning and ATV rides, hot tub access isn’t a luxury, it’s a legitimate recovery strategy. Spacious enough for our group, well-equipped kitchen so we could save on meals where it made sense.
Monteverde — CASA 1440 (VRBO)
No AC here. Cool place, modern finishes, good kitchen, fans, open windows. Some bugs…you’re in a cloud forest, that’s the deal. You can hear every step anyone takes, which with 8 people means you know exactly when the teenagers are sneaking snacks at midnight. The lack of AC was noticeable but the mountain air cools down at night enough that with the fans running, it was fine. Great kitchen. If you’re a light sleeper and your group has heavy-footed people, bring earplugs. (I always have mine. Loop earplugs live in my bag permanently.) Though it looks close enough to town on a map, the rolling hills of Monteverde make each outing an excursion, so exploring town wasn’t as simple as we’d hoped, but it is manageable or used Uber a few times.
Guanacaste / Playa del Coco — Pacifico Residences (VRBO)
Gated community with pools, a sports complex, and houses that cost millions. Very big. Good games available there too . We found pickleball, heads up, and Family Feud. and took full advantage. The beach is a short drive away. After a week of adventure activities, having a home base with amenities was the right call. We rented two gold carts to scoot around town, and that prooved fun and useful.
Best Places to See in Costa Rica — La Fortuna & Arenal
The Arenal region is the adventure capital of the country for good reason. You’ve got volcano views, jungle rivers, and more activities than you can reasonably fit into three days. Here’s what we did.
Poás Volcano — The View That Wasn’t (And the Strawberries That Saved It)
We tried to stop at Poás Volcano viewpoint on the way to La Fortuna. Pre-booked our entrance on the official government site. Got there. It was rainy and unbelievably cloudy — like couldn’t see anything in the crater. On top of that, the alarm was going off saying the air was unsafe. Kind of a fail.
But here’s the thing about Poás — the area is famous for strawberries. We ate at Freddy Fresas (great menu, no complaints), and hit the roadside stands for strawberry cups with condensed milk and toppings. So the volcano didn’t deliver, but the strawberries absolutely did. If you go, manage your expectations on the crater view and plan your consolation prize.
Canyoning — Rappelling Down a Waterfall
Five of us did canyoning with Desafio. Us and one other couple, so the group was small. The waterfalls are big — you rappel down them and then zipline the rest of the way down. Felt safe, was a cool activity, and the scenery is exactly what you picture when you think Costa Rica.
One weird thing — less equipment included than I expected. Had to use our own shoes, which is odd for travelers who might not have hiking-ready footwear in their luggage. By comparison, the canyoning I did in Madeira included everything. Worth noting if you’re booking.
The multigenerational split: While 5 of us did canyoning, Mom, Dad (73), and Z did the low-cost hike at Mirador El Silencio. Took an Uber there and back. Easy enough, pretty views, no gear required. It meant everyone had something that fit their comfort level, and nobody felt left out. If you’re traveling with mixed ages and abilities, that kind of parallel scheduling is the move. Find your canyoning tour here.
ATV Tour with Arenal Views — and a Swimming Stop
We did an ATV ride through trails with the volcano as a backdrop. Dusty, loud, and you’ll be sore the next day. Worth every second. The terrain ranges from open fields to jungle trails and the guides know exactly where to take you for the best views. There was a swimming stop built into the tour — a river spot where you can cool off mid-ride. Z and I shared one ATV.
We upgraded to a private ATV tour for just $125 more. Very worth it. Two people per ATV. The route was a mix of super off-road trails, some dirt roads, and main roads with the volcano in the background. Even went through a creek. Got about 10 minutes to swim in a river — I would have taken longer, but it was a nice break from the dust.
Multigenerational note: Mom felt it was too bumpy at some points. If you’ve got older travelers or anyone with back issues, maybe sit this one out or make sure they get the smoother route. Everyone else loved it. Good sun protection required.
Book your quad bike tour here.
Northfields Coffee Tour
Coffee in Costa Rica is not a morning beverage, it’s a regional identity. We did the Northfields coffee and chocolate tour in the La Fortuna area and it was everything you want from an experience like this, hands-on, educational, and at the end you get to drink excellent coffee. The process from bean to cup is genuinely fascinating and honestly it made me realize I’ve been making coffee wrong my entire adult life. Lots of tasting — pure chocolate levels, coffee varietals. Good for a family. Spans ages easily.
Book your coffee and chococlate tour here.
Termalitas del Arenal Hot Springs
The resort hot springs in the area are beautiful and expensive. Termalitas del Arenal is the local version and costs a fraction of the price, and honestly beat the fancy ones on vibe. No wristbands, no crowds, just natural geothermal water in a jungle setting. Do this one.
Side note: I got an eye infection from opening my eyes underwater to win a race against my nephew. I went to a local clinic for treatment and antibiotics. It was a breeze claiming the doctor’s visit back on my travel insurance.
Best Activities to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde is the cloud forest section of the trip and it’s a completely different world. Cooler, wetter, somehow greener. The biodiversity here is unmatched and the activities lean into the canopy.
Selvatura Adventure Park — 13 Ziplines, Superman, and the Tarzan Swing
Selvatura runs a big operation. They get you suited up, there are a few lines at the start, but then you just keep going — over 13 individual lines through the rainforest canopy. Unlike some other ziplines I’ve tried, you’re not supposed to do tricks here. You need to keep a certain form. But the feeling of being in the rainforest, flying between stations over the forest, is unmatched.
Fun fact: Ziplining was invented here. By scientists. For research. The canopy is so dense and tall that researchers literally needed to fly through it to study the ecosystem.
Some lines you do solo, some in pairs. On the final line, we paid the $15 extra for superman — laying face-down on the longest zipline, feeling like you’re actually flying. Do it. Don’t skip the $15.
Also did the included Tarzan swing. It takes a moment of bravery to jump off. Then it’s all good and fun.
After ziplining, we did the cloud bridge walk on our own. Not busy at all — barely saw anyone else. Great views, quiet vibes. And then it started pouring on us. But honestly, it’s a rainforest. We had our gear, we were prepared, and it added to the vibe. Got the last shuttle back to town.
Book your Selvatura tickets here.
Finca Modelo Ecológica — Tree Climbing and Night Walk
I didn’t know what to expect when they said “tree climbing.” But wow. You climb the inside of a hollow tree — a hundred meters into the sky. Self-clipped to prevent falling, but you still have to basically rock climb and scramble your way up. Don’t look down, just keep going. At one point you have to squeeze through a tiny hole to the outside of the tree and climb up to a platform.
Could actually be scary. But the view from the top is incredible.
Multigenerational highlight: Dad, 73 years old, managed it. I was genuinely proud of him. Mom attempted it but we soon realized there was no way it would be possible. She was smart to call it. Coming down was a unique experience too — not straightforward.
The night hike after was with a guide through the rainforest. We saw two vipers (one green, one not — the close-up photo is from this), a sloth, tarantulas, toucans, frogs. Listened to the sounds of the forest at night. Completely different experience from the daytime.
Dinner was included. After the adrenaline of the tree climb and the sensory overload of the night hike, a hot meal hits different.
Book this fantastic experience here.
Horseback Riding in Monteverde
Private horseback experience with Monteverde Equus. Decently long — about 2 hours plus a sugar cane tasting experience on the trail. Tough terrain in places, sometimes trotted. The kids even galloped. I wanted to try galloping but I’m also a bit scared to admit it.
More freedom than many rides I’ve been on where you just follow the horse in front of you. Nice views. The sugar cane stop was a nice touch — fresh-cut, right there on the trail.
Book your horse riding experience here.
Okay But Seriously, Let’s Talk About Costa Rica’s Reputation
Here’s the thing nobody wants to say. Costa Rica is sold as paradise. Pura vida, beaches, sloths, yoga retreats. And yes — those things exist. But the reality is that it’s an expensive, wet, logistically challenging destination that requires real planning. The weather is either too hot and humid or actively raining. The activities cost American prices. The food costs American prices. And yet.
It’s also one of the most biodiverse places I’ve ever been (besides Galapagos). The amount of life packed into this country — from the cloud forest canopy to the volcanic slopes to the Pacific coast — is genuinely unmatched. You just have to go in with your eyes open. It’s not a resort vacation you show up to and float through. It’s an active, engaged trip where you’re working for the payoff.
And the payoff is real. Rappelling that waterfall, soaring over the canopy at Selvatura, watching a green viper coil in the beam of a flashlight at Finca Modelo — those moments can’t happen at an all-inclusive in Cancún.
Disagree? I want to hear it in the comments.
San José to Playa del Coco: The 9-Night Costa Rica Itinerary Breakdown
| 1 | San José | Bee Suites Escalante | Free Tour Guru walking tour — long, includes snacks and drinks, they even had umbrellas for the rain. Tip what you think it’s worth. |
| 2–4 | La Fortuna / Arenal | Tikita Family House (VRBO) | 4 min from center, has a hot tub. Canyoning with Desafio (bring your own shoes), ATV tour (private upgrade for $125 is worth it, has a swimming stop), Northfields coffee tour, Termalitas del Arenal public hot springs. Activity split: Mom, Dad (73), and Z did Mirador El Silencio hike while the rest canyoneered. |
| 5–7 | Monteverde | CASA 1440 (VRBO) | No AC, fans + open windows. Good kitchen. You’ll hear every footstep. Selvatura Adventure Park (13 ziplines, $15 superman upgrade, Tarzan swing, cloud bridge walk — it poured on us, we had gear, it was fine). Finca Modelo Ecológica for tree climbing (Dad did it at 73, 100m up inside a hollow tree), night walk (two vipers, sloth, tarantulas, toucans, frogs), and dinner. Horseback with Monteverde Equus (sugar cane stop on the trail, kids galloped). Uber is not strong here. Everything is insanely hilly. |
| 8–10 | Playa del Coco | Pacifico Residences (VRBO) | Gated community, pools, sports complex, houses in the millions. Pickleball. Sunset at Playa del Coco. Parking scammers near the beach — don’t pay them. Honestly? I’d skip the coast next time and spend those days somewhere more unique. |
What to Pack for Costa Rica — What I Actually Brought
Quick-drying clothes are not optional. You need them. Waterproof shoes. A rain coat that actually works — and I had good rain gear, so I was happy with that. I’ve got a full breakdown of everything I pack on my gear page but the Costa Rica-specific additions are: water shoes for the canyoning, a dry bag, and the lightest, most breathable pants you own. Leave the denim at home.
What We Spent — Honest Numbers
(This trip was recently so the numbers are fresh. Prices will change — always double-check before you book.)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night, villas) | ~$400 |
| Activities (per person) | $100–$175 |
| Meals (per person, per meal) | ~$20 |
| Clinic visit (eye infection) | $125 visit + $40 prescription |
| Private van transfers (MorphoVans) | Varies by leg but over $300 each time |
Worth it? Yes. But I’d budget higher than you think, especially for a group. Costa Rica is not a cheap destination. You can save by splitting meals, eating at sodas, booking activities direct, and shopping at grocery stores. We did all of that and it still added up fast.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
- Split more meals, cook more meals. We already did some of this, but I’d lean in harder. The kitchens at Tikita and CASA 1440 were both solid — we should have used them more.
- Limit the beach time. Other areas were more unique and less touristy. I’m not a beach person and Guanacaste, while nice, didn’t hit the same way as the cloud forest or the volcano region. I’d spend those days somewhere else. Choosing a place that offers surf lessons as well as has a small town to see would be ideal for me.
- Call insurance before going to the clinic. I got scolded for not telling them in advance. I still got reimbursed, but the process would have been smoother if I’d made one phone call first.
Is Costa Rica Worth It? The Honest Answer.
Yes. But only if you know what you’re signing up for.
Costa Rica is not the easiest vacation you’ll ever take. It requires planning, patience with the weather, and a flexible attitude toward doing things while wet. The infrastructure is decent but not seamless. The prices are high. The bugs are real.
But there’s a moment — maybe it’s the boat crossing Lake Arenal with the volcano behind you, or the split second of silence before you launch off a zipline platform into the mist — where it all clicks. The smell of rain on hot earth, mixed with that Jour Napor Eros Iros I’d been wearing the whole trip, is the scent I’ll remember most. Not a perfume ad kind of memory. The real kind. Standing in a cloud forest, soaked, a little tired, completely present.
That’s the version worth paying for.
FAQs About Costa Rica
On the way back to Prague from Costa Rica, we stopped for a 4-day trip to Montreal. Read all about.
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