If you love nature and the Great Outdoors, and you have an adventurous streak, you need to make for Costa Rica, nature’s own playground.
Costa Rica’s diverse natural landscapes and terrain set the stage for coast-to-coast, action-packed adventures. Thanks to the country’s compact size, travelers looking for extreme adventures can participate in any and all adventures they wish without stressing over not having enough time to go from one activity to the next. As home to five percent of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica offers unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking to become one with nature.
Canyoning
Canyoning in Costa Rica takes place in the areas of Turrialba, San Ramon, Miramar, La Fortuna and Rincon de la Vieja. Performed in small groups of up to 12 people accompanied by a guide, the activity includes walking, hiking, climbing, and rappelling any or all of the six canyons available. This is a unique Costa Rican experience because the country’s tropical canyons and climate provide travelers the opportunity to explore landscapes with lush vegetation and breathtaking views of waterfalls.
Mountain Biking
With miles and miles of rocky trails and tough terrains, Costa Rica is perfect for all kinds of two-wheeled fun. The country’s most demanding routes take as much as 10 days, allowing travelers to cross the country. Riders can choose from professional routes such as “La Ruta de los Conquistadores,” which lasts three days, or opt for a shorter route that combines mountain biking with walking, rafting, and kayaking. If seeking to go completely off-road, travelers can also choose a route that does not touch pavement at any point, such as the one at Rincon de la Vieja, comprising 31 miles of waterfalls and downhill paths.
Trekking
With mountainous terrain and unspoiled jungle, trekking through Costa Rica’s rainforests is a one-of-a-kind experience. Unlike hiking, trekking is a lengthier activity, with the average route lasting three days. There are three popular trekking routes in Costa Rica. The Savegre route, which consists of various trails connected through agricultural towns that offer facilities and activities, allows visitors to choose the points they want to explore. For the Kamuk route, comprising five days of walking for a total of a week-long trip, travelers have to carry everything with them, including their own tent and food, as the route is off the beaten track. Another option for travelers interested in trekking is the Chirripo route, across Costa Rica’s tallest peak.
Sea Kayaking
For travelers interested in sea kayak camping, the four-day route at Golfo Dulce, where different species of whales and dolphins give birth and nurse their young throughout the year, is a must. The trip begins at Puerto Jimenez and leads travelers up the coast at a rate of 12 miles per day. On the second day of the trip, paddlers cross from one side of the gulf to the other and can take a rest at the campsite in Piedras Blancas National Park, on the opposite side of the Osa Peninsula. For this trip, paddlers have to take all essentials in the kayak with them, including their tent. Another popular route for sea kayak camping begins at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and travels through Rio San Juan ending at Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge.
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