Adventure tourism in Costa Rica: pure life and adrenaline in every corner

To speak of Costa Rica is to speak of pura vida . The Central American country has gained worldwide fame for its biodiversity, its warm people, and its focus on sustainable tourism. But there's something that's increasingly attracting travelers: adventure tourism . If you're looking for unspoiled nature , spectacular beaches , and adrenaline-pumping activities , this destination should be on your radar.

What is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?

The dry season runs from December to April and is the most popular time to visit. The sunny weather makes it ideal for enjoying the beaches and national parks. However, this is also when there are the most tourists and prices rise.

From May to November comes the green or rainy season , perfect for those who want fewer crowds, vibrant jungles and lower prices.

👉 The worst month to travel to Costa Rica is usually October , as the rains are heavy and can affect outdoor activities.

If you plan to travel to Costa Rica during Holy Week , be prepared to find crowded beaches, as both locals and foreigners take advantage of those days.

Connectivity and essential apps for your trip

• 📶 Connecty eSIM : Activate it before you fly and land with internet access. Ideal for maps, bookings, and messaging without relying on public Wi-Fi.

• 🗺️ Navigation : Waze (widely used by locals) and Google Maps with offline maps.

• Transportation : Uber, DiDi, and inDrive operate primarily in San Jose and the surrounding area. Their legal status has been fluctuating, but they are widely used; at SJO airport, there are designated pickup zones for Uber.

• 🚌 Buses : Moovit / “Yo Viajo” helps with urban and interurban routes.

• 🌎 Atlas Obscura and GetYourGuide : great for discovering and booking tours, lesser-known trails, experiences with local guides, adventure excursions, etc.

👉 Remember that adventure tourism in Costa Rica can only be fully enjoyed if you stay connected .

In our article about For adventure tourism , you'll find more recommendations for apps and tools that turn your cell phone into the best travel companion.

Requirements for traveling to Costa Rica from Colombia

One of the points that generates the most doubts when planning a trip is the documentation .

Since the end of 2023, Colombians have needed to obtain a consular visa to enter Costa Rica. This change was formalized through Circular DG-30-10-2023-AJ and applies to all travelers with a Colombian passport.

Exceptions:

• ✅ Valid, multiple-entry visa or residence permit for the U.S. or Canada (with at least one day of validity at the time of entry).

• ✅ Valid visa from the European Union / Schengen area, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or United Kingdom (minimum 90 days validity).

❌ US transit visas (C1, C2 or C3) do not apply.

Other basic requirements:

• 📘 Valid passport.

• 🎫 Departure ticket (return or to another destination).

• 💵 Sufficient financial means for your stay.

Health : If you are traveling from Colombia, an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory.

The currency of Costa Rica

The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC) . However, most tourist areas accept US dollars and credit cards . For small expenses such as local transportation or groceries, it's best to carry colones .

What to do in Costa Rica?

If there's one thing Costa Rica has, it's variety .

• 🥾 Hiking : Arenal Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja and Corcovado.
• 🏖️ Beaches : Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Viejo.
• 🎢 Extreme adventure : canopy, rafting on the Pacuare River, tubing and rappelling down waterfalls.
• 🐢 Unique nature : Tortuguero National Park with turtle sightings.

What can I see in Costa Rica in 7 days?

A week-long trip to Costa Rica can be the perfect combination of culture, nature, and adventure. Here's a suggested itinerary that balances the best of the country:

Practical tips

• 🎒 What to pack : light clothing, comfortable shoes, raincoat, sunscreen, insect repellent and swimsuit.

• 🌦️ When to travel : dry season = beaches, rainy season = more intense nature.

• 🌴 Must-dos : a jungle hike with a naturalist guide, canopy tour in Monteverde, and at least one afternoon watching the sunset on the beach.

How advisable is it to travel to Costa Rica?

Highly recommended ✅.

It is one of the safest countries in Central America , with solid tourist infrastructure, friendly people and a real commitment to the environment .

👉 However, it's not the cheapest destination in the region, so it's advisable to plan your budget in advance.

Conclusion

A trip to Costa Rica is more than a vacation: it's an experience that mixes adrenaline, nature and culture .

Whether you want to surf, hike among volcanoes, go rafting or simply get lost on paradise beaches, there are plans here for all tastes.

The best part is that, thanks to the proximity and ease of entry, traveling to Costa Rica from Colombia has never been so simple .