The Best Adventures In 5 Of Costa Rica's National Parks

Costa Rica is known for its incredible beaches, spectacular jungles and beautiful National Parks.

If you're a thrill-seeker, Costa Rica is definitely the place for you. Go zip lining, surfing, hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping and skydiving all in this incredible location.

Costa Rica's National Parks are well known for their rainforests. Take a tour or go on a hike through the tree tops, explore their variety of wildlife and become one with nature.

One of the best things about Costa Rica is its year-round warm temperatures. It is wise to consider traveling during the months of December to May. This is the dry season; it's nice and sunny with little showers.

There are 26 National Parks in Costa Rica, all of which are full of wildlife, rainforests and adventure. Below are 5 of Costa Rica's National Parks and the best adventures to do in each of them.

 

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park is one of the world's best spots for trekking, hiking and camping. This tropical rainforest is home to rare wildlife and has been called "the most biologically intense place on Earth," by National Geographic. Hike through the spectacular rainforest and mangrove swamp to view some of the most incredible wildlife in all of Costa Rica! Also make sure you venture out to Corcovado's incredible waterfalls. Visit the La Llorona Waterfall, it is a 100 foot drop and has swimming holes strewn throughout.

 

Arenal Volcano National Park

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime through Arenal Volcano National Park. Go on a hike through fields (with hardened black lava) that have been previously overtaken by volcanic eruptions. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, go whitewater rafting on the Toro River or participate in a Canyoning Tour where you will rappel alongside waterfalls and hike through a jungle river.

 

Cocos Island National Park

For the most unique underwater adventures visit Cocos Island National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Make your way to Cocos Island for a once in a lifetime underwater experience. It has approximately 20 dives sites, allowing you to experience hundreds of hammerhead sharks, large fish, moray eels, manta rays and more!

 

Palo Verde National Park

The best way to explore Palo Verde National Park is by cycling. Ride your bike across the entire park and view one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. Encounter neotropical birds, limestone outcrops, mangrove-rich swamps and evergreen forests. If you are not interested in cycling, Palo Verde National Park offers you the opportunity to view their wildlife on a riverboat cruise or a Palo Verde Wildlife Tour.

 

Barra Honda National Park

The main attraction in Barra Honda National Park is their large system of well-preserved limestone caves. The deepest cave is Santa Ana, it drops 249 meter below the surface and the most spectacular cave is the Terciopelo. The Terciopelo cave is the only cave open to the public and you must take a guided tour to explore it.

 

More Readings

World's 10 Best Places to go Skydiving

The 15 Best Surf Camps

The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World