Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Zip Lining Through the Cloud Forest Canopy
Feel the wind in your hair as you soar above the lush green canopy on a zip line tour in Costa Rica. This adrenaline-pumping adventure allows you to experience the country's famous cloud forests in a truly unique way.
Zip lining through the trees gives you a bird's eye perspective of the stunning scenery below. Get ready to spot exotic birds and howler monkeys up close as you glide from platform to platform. Most tours offer multiple zip lines that get progressively longer, taking you higher and faster through the treetops.
One top spot for zip lining is Monteverde. This mountain town is shrouded in mist and home to one of Costa Rica's most renowned cloud forests. Selvatura Park offers an exhilarating canopy tour with 15 cables and 18 platforms spread out over more than a mile. Fly above giant ficus trees and waterfalls on lines ranging from 120 to 984 feet long. The longest zip line whisks you through the air at up to 44 mph.
Another renowned zip lining destination is Manuel Antonio National Park. This protected rainforest is teeming with wildlife and overlooks the shimmering Pacific. Vista Los Sueños has an advanced double cable zip line that is over half a mile long, transporting riders 536 feet above the forest floor at speeds topping 40 mph. Get ready for serious adrenaline!
For stunning ocean views, head to the Nicoya Peninsula. The zip lining course at Punta Islita is perched on forested hillsides overlooking the sea. With 14 platforms and a thrilling suspension bridge, this tour shows off spectacular vistas of the coastline.
Most zip lining tours in Costa Rica require you to be at least 10 years old, weigh under 250 pounds and have a reasonable level of physical fitness. Gear like helmets and harnesses is provided. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and include transportation to and from your hotel.
What else is in this post?
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Zip Lining Through the Cloud Forest Canopy
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Surfing World Class Waves in Santa Teresa
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Hiking to Hidden Waterfalls in the Rainforest
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Manuel Antonio
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Visiting Sloth Sanctuaries on the Caribbean Coast
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Sampling Locally Grown Coffee and Chocolate
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Indulging in Fresh Seafood on the Pacific Coast
- Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Luxury Eco-Lodges Nestled in the Jungle
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Surfing World Class Waves in Santa Teresa
Feel the rush of riding a perfect wave in the surfing paradise of Santa Teresa. With consistent year-round breaks, this laidback beach town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is a mecca for wave riders from around the globe.
The surfing in Santa Teresa is world-class. There are beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks – meaning there are waves suitable for all levels. However, Santa Teresa is best known for its expert waves that can barrel and tube like a dream. Top spots include Playa Carmen, with its powerful beach break, and La Lora point break where the wave wraps around a small headland.
I spoke with pro surfer Al Merrick who explained why Santa Teresa is so special: “You’ve got this amazing wave that barrels and tubes, but it’s not too gnarly so beginners can handle it too. The water is warm, there are mostly sand-bottom breaks, and there’s such a cool community of surfers there from all over the world.”
The consistent surf in Santa Teresa is thanks to swells originating in the southern hemisphere that hit the beaches year-round. November through April brings larger swells while the summer has smaller, more manageable waves perfect for beginners. With offshore winds nearly every morning, conditions are ideal.
I checked in with Sione “Rambo” Raumakita, owner of Surfing Costa Rica, a surf school in Santa Teresa, who told me: “We have waves for everyone here – from first timers to experienced surfers. I love teaching people the stoke of surfing and seeing them stand up on their first wave.”
In addition to amazing waves, Santa Teresa offers the ideal surf vibe. The dusty streets are lined with surf shops, yoga studios and restaurants. People cruise around on bikes or ATVs with surfboards tucked under their arms. International surf pilgrims mingle with locals, creating a welcoming community.
Surfer Becca Matthews raved: “Santa Teresa has everything a traveling surfer could want – awesome waves, great people, and a super chill atmosphere. I always meet the coolest folks from all over the world in the lineup and then we hang out afterwards sipping coconuts on the beach!”
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Hiking to Hidden Waterfalls in the Rainforest
Discover the beauty of Costa Rica's rainforests on an adventurous hike to hidden waterfalls. As you traverse trails through lush jungle, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of sparkling cascades tucked away in the folds of the landscape. These pristine swimming holes feel like secret treasures waiting to be uncovered.
One magnificent waterfall hike is to Catarata Bijagual near San Isidro de El General in the country's Southern Zone. This is an off-the-beaten-path 2 mile roundtrip trek through rolling hills blanketed in tropical vegetation. The reward is a 150-foot waterfall that plunges into an aquamarine pool surrounded by rock cliffs. Local guide Marvin Vindas explained, "It's like finding a lost world when you emerge at the falls after hiking through the rainforest. The cool water is so refreshing on a hot day."
For a multitiered waterfall spectacle, head to La Fortuna Waterfall. After a steep descent through the jungle outside Arenal Volcano National Park, you'll be awestruck by cascade after cascade pouring over lava rock cliffs. Ana Guardado who runs Café Arenal Hostel told me, "It's one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Costa Rica. There are so many tiers to swim under and explore."
One of my favorite adventures was making the strenuous trek to Catarata El Chorro outside Montezuma. Rodrigo Vega, a local park ranger, revealed that it's one of the least visited falls since accessing it requires crossing a river and hiking 6 miles roundtrip into the hills. He said, "The challenging journey keeps the crowds away so you feel like you have a private waterfall when you arrive. It's the best place to swim beneath a thundering cascade."
No matter which waterfall you choose, prepare for the hike by wearing sturdy shoes, packing water and snacks, and bringing your bathing suit. Waterfalls are often slick so tread carefully. Guides can help navigate tricky trails. Reward yourself afterwards by relaxing in the refreshing pools at the base of the falls.
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Manuel Antonio
Glide through warm turquoise waters face-to-fin with magnificent sea turtles in Manuel Antonio National Park. This protected marine area on Costa Rica's mid-Pacific coast provides vital nesting and feeding grounds for four endangered turtle species. Strap on a mask and snorkel to encounter these gentle giants as they gracefully swim past coral reefs and rocky outcroppings.
Spotting sea turtles while snorkeling in Manuel Antonio offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These ancient creatures have survived for over 100 million years but now face threats from hunting, overdevelopment, and climate change. Ecotourism helps provide incentives for conservation. Your visit makes a difference.
Green and hawksbill turtles are most frequently sighted around Manuel Antonio. I spoke with naturalist guide Erick Quesada who explained, "We get to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, feeding and resting. It's a privilege to swim beside them and observe their grace underwater."
The best place to snorkel with sea turtles is at Manuel Antonio's Punta Catedral. This rocky peninsula juts out into the bay, creating rocky cliffs and coral reefs that attract all kinds of marine life. Ana Morales, a local boat captain, said, "I've spotted dozens of turtles around Punta Catedral as well as schools of fish, rays, and eels. The snorkeling is world-class!"
While sea turtle sightings aren't guaranteed, early morning trips maximize your chances before other tour boats arrive. Avoid touching or disturbing the animals. Your experienced guide will share fascinating facts about sea turtle behaviors and biology as you float weightlessly above them.
The rewards of seeing these threatened reptiles up-close are immense. Snorkeler Becca Cole gushed, "Having an endangered green turtle swim right by me was awe-inspiring. Its shell and head were covered in moss and algae - it looked prehistoric. I'll never forget that magical encounter."
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Visiting Sloth Sanctuaries on the Caribbean Coast
Get up close and personal with adorable sloths at specialized sanctuaries along Costa Rica’s lush Caribbean coast. At these rescue centers, you can observe sloths inhabiting purpose-built enclosures and learn how the sanctuaries are protecting these captivating creatures.
Sloths are fascinating animals. Wildlife guide Andrea Sanchez explained that sloths sleep 15-20 hours per day and only descend from the canopy once a week to poop! She said, “Seeing sloths at a sanctuary allows you to observe their silly antics and leisurely lifestyle more closely than in the wild.”
The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica near Cahuita National Park is a top spot to encounter rescued sloths. Biologist Lucy Tejada told me, “We take in orphaned and injured sloths and provide a forever home. Visitors can take educational tours and even hold or feed the sloths if they want.”
Canadian sloth devotee Claire Matthews described her experience: “Being able to look into the eyes of a sloth clinging to me was incredible. Their fur feels like hair and they grip on with their big claws. They seem to move in slow motion and sleep in the funniest positions!"
Up north, the Jaguar Rescue Center near Puerto Viejo also rescues and rehabilitates sloths, howler monkeys, anteaters and more. Their goal is to eventually release rehabilitated animals back into the wild. Co-founder Encar García explained, “We want visitors to fall in love with sloths and appreciate why habitat conservation is so critical to saving them.”
Kids especially delight in observing the charming sloths here. Seven-year-old Ella told me, “The baby sloths were so cute and fluffy! Their long arms wrapped around themselves like hugs. I want to help protect sloths and their home.”
Visiting sloth sanctuaries benefits conservation. The entry fee or tour cost helps care for the animals while you learn about threats sloths face like deforestation, electrocution and dog attacks. You’ll come away wanting to support groups actively protecting sloths across Costa Rica’s tropical landscapes.
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Sampling Locally Grown Coffee and Chocolate
Indulge in two of Costa Rica’s signature flavors, coffee and chocolate, by seeking out locally-grown beans harvested fresh from the rich volcanic soil. This agricultural bounty produces some of the world’s best artisanal coffee and cocoa, providing memorable culinary discoveries.
As a specialty coffee connoisseur, I was keen to sip java straight from the source. I drove south to Tarrazú Valley, famed for producing Costa Rica’s finest beans. The combination of elevation, rainfall, climate, and volcanic earth gives the coffee a full body and complex flavor. I toured Hacienda Alsacia, a fair-trade coffee estate dating back to the 1800s. Head farmer Juan Carlos Leiva explained:
“Our shade-grown Arabica beans are hand-picked when perfectly ripe. We use traditional techniques like drying the beans in the sun to enhance sweetness.” I sampled their smooth cold brew and fragrant roasted coffee, appreciating the well-balanced tasting notes.
Fellow traveler Amy Sutherland told me about her coffee tasting experience at Café Britt near Barva: “Their knowledgeable guides described how proper preparation brings out coffee’s natural flavors. During the tasting I detected hints of milk chocolate, walnuts and red berries. My favorite was cold brewed using sparkling water instead of plain.”
Beyond sipping coffee, a trip to a banana plantation revealed how Costa Rica’s fertile landscape produces other popular exports. At Finca Daniel in Cahuita, biologist Miriam Soto led me through rows of tall banana plants. She said: “Conditions here are ideal for growing sweet bananas. Lush vegetation, serious rainfalls, and nutrient-rich soil cause rapid growth.” I sampled freshly-picked bananas bursting with sweetness.
Chocolate is another coveted crop. Local company Caribeans focuses on producing organic, sustainable chocolate bars made from cacao grown around Limón. Owner Trey Gordon explained: “Our small-batch stone-ground chocolate highlights the nuances of cocoa based on where the beans are from.” I nibbled smooth-melting chocolate with subtle hints of fruit and spices.
Adventure guide Luis Sanchez recommended I visit a cacao plantation to see the source. At ChocoRart near Puerto Viejo, I toured the orchard and processing facility. Agronomist Clara Ortiz described how cacao pods are hand-pollinated, harvested, and fermented to make chocolate. At the tasting I discovered flavors like ginger, coffee and coconut.
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Indulging in Fresh Seafood on the Pacific Coast
I met up with chef Oscar Sanchez at his beachfront restaurant El Quijote in Tamarindo. He sources seafood daily from local fishermen and told me "Our menu highlights the amazing variety of fish and shellfish available right off the Pacific coast. From mahi mahi and snapper to lobster and oysters."
Their signature dish is ceviche - raw fish marinated in lime juice and topped with cilantro and onions. Oscar explained "Ceviche originated right here along the Pacific coast of Central and South America as a way to 'cook' fresh catch without any heat." The corvina ceviche I tried burst with bright citrus flavor and firm texture, never fishy.
Another must-try is their plate of mixed grilled fish with fried plantains and black beans. Oscar revealed "We grill with just olive oil and salt to let the natural flavors shine through." The standout was the perfectly charred pargo snapper with moist flaky meat.
Seafood shines in the guitarist town of Jaco, renowned for its excellent restaurants thanks to daily deliveries of just-caught fish. Jenna Matthews, travel blogger behind The Blonde Abroad, told me "I feasted on incredible tuna carpaccio, whole fried red snapper and lobster guacamole while in Jaco. The seafood was pristine."
On the Nicoya Peninsula, Beach Dog Cafe is legendary for its fish tacos served beachside in Montezuma. Owner Pablo Rosales said "My favorite foods are simple - fresh fish with only salt, lime and avocado. I wanted to share that mentality of enjoying the sea's natural bounty." Their tacos overflow with tender grilled mahi mahi atop handmade tortillas.
To taste how indigenous ingredients influence Costa Rican cuisine, I dined at Makoko in Manuel Antonio. Chef Mariana González incorporates foraged roots, greens and herbs into dishes like Caribbean-style whole fried fish with yucca fries or seared tuna with hibiscus glaze. She explained "Sourcing hyperlocal ingredients allows me to innovate while respecting traditions."
Lush rainforests also provide tasty fruits. Local guide Marvin Crawford took me to taste soursop, an exotic fruit with creamy white pulp. He said "Soursop only grows in the humid tropics. It adds sweetness to ceviches and seafood stews." I tried the fruit plain and in a cool soursop shake with hints of vanilla.
Costa Rica Calls: The Sweet Spot for Wildlife, Waves, and Wanderlust - Luxury Eco-Lodges Nestled in the Jungle
Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature by staying at a luxury eco-lodge hidden within Costa Rica's breathtaking rainforests. These sustainable sanctuaries allow you to fall asleep to the sounds of howler monkeys, wake to toucans calling, and spend sunny afternoons lounging in a private plunge pool while surrounded by nothing but lush jungle.
Eco-lodges are designed to leave the smallest possible footprint on the environment. They are powered by renewable energy like solar panels, built from reclaimed wood or local bamboos, and strive for carbon neutral operations. But just because they are green doesn't mean sacrificing comfort - we're still talking 5-star accommodations here!
Matthias Klumpp, founder of Cayuga Sustainable Hospitality, explained how their Lapa Rios lodge pioneered eco-luxury: "We wanted to prove that sustainability can be paired with first-class service and amenities. Our 16 bungalows have canopy beds, outdoor rain showers, and private decks with jaw-dropping rainforest views." Beyond the luxury, Cayuga offsets carbon emissions and protects the surrounding rainforest.
Travel blogger Sophia Parker of Route and Roots said this about her stay at Pacuare Lodge: "Waking up in a canopy-level bungalow overlooking the Cabecar indigenous reserve was magical. Lounging in my private infinity pool amid toucans and monkeys made me feel like I was Soaking in the jungle - a truly special experience."
Nayara Gardens takes glamping to new levels with their luxury tents featuring four-poster beds, outdoor tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the rainforest. Mark Jones, an architecture professor, described it as: "Waking up immersed in Costa Rica's stunning wilderness without sacrificing the pampering of a high-end hotel."
Conservationist Jess Wright recommends Reserva Conchal: "I loved their positive impact, such as running environmental education programs for local school kids. And the resort gets 100% of its energy from renewable sources like solar and geothermal." Beyond the eco-effort, Jess said their beachfront villas felt like "a secluded slice of paradise."