Most people visit Costa Rica because of its unending miles of spectacular beaches, principally on the Pacific side but in most other areas as well.

Costa Rica is one of the most seismologicly active countries in the western hemisphere with several volcanoes that have sprouted over the years.

Costa Rica is one of the countries with more rivers per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Turrialba on the Caribbean slope used to be the rafting capital of the country, but recently the Arenal Volcano area has become increasingly popular.

Kayaking is extremely popular on the Pacific slope on the El General River.

Costa Rica is known as offering some of the best sport fishing in the world, primarily on the Pacific side but also on the Caribbean side. Over 64 world records have been caught in Costa Rica.

The Pacific coast is known for having some of the best surfing in Central America. In the Guanacaste region there are several beaches to choose from, among them Playa Negra and Playa Grande.

One of the most wonderful activities for people who love nature is bird watching, and Costa Rica offers over 800 species of birds. Most hotels provide bird watching guides, maps and other helpful hints to those in search of new species.

Costa Rica offers great mountain biking routes, particularly near the Irazu, Turrialba and Arenal Volcanoes. Check out our Costa Rica photo gallery for scenic route ideas.

The country is known for some of the most lush, tropical golfing environments in the world. Courses are located in Guanacaste, San Jose and Mid Pacific.

Wind surfing in the Tilaran area is considered some of the best in the world.

“Canopy tours” or zip-lines are popular tourist activities and can be found all over Costa Rica. Another form of canopy tour is via an aerial tram which is a ski lift modified for the rainforest.