Costa Rica Adventure Travel Possibilities are Endless
From swinging through the treetops to whitewater rafting on wild rivers, Costa Rica offers exciting choices for avid adventure travelers.
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Atlantic on the east, this land of nearly 4 million Spanish-speaking residents has gradually replaced its agricultural industry with a thriving tourist economy.
The democratic republic, which has had no standing army since 1948, offers adventure travelers a myriad of amazing opportunities both on land and water.
What to Do
Slightly smaller than West Virginia, Costa Rica is small enough to offer vacationers the opportunity to enjoy more than one great adventure activity during each visit to this lush, green countryside.
One of the country's most unique activities is the Canopy Tour. Guests soar from tree to tree through the jungles of Costa Rica, courtesy of a series of cable lines that connect each tree to the next. Some tours also provide the opportunity for visitors to traverse suspended bridges over the canopy.
The sights of the jungle from high atop the trees are awesome! The ride down on the zip line is soooo cool!
Looking for a great whitewater adventure? Costa Rica adventure travel excursions can be designed to include some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking in North America.
The Pacuare River offers Class IV rapids and carries paddlers through a unique primordial rainforest ecosystem. The Sarapiqui River is easier to navigate but just as lush. The Corobici is perfect for novice rafters.
The Corcovado National Park is the ideal place for hiking or trekking. The park contains thirteen different ecosystems. That means avid trekkers can experience a variety of terrain all in one trip.
For some excellent high-altitude fun, try hiking within the borders of Chirripo National Park, located in the Talamanca Mountain Range. This land of crystal-clear lakes and valleys is stunning to behold.
Mountain bike fanatics note that Costa Rica has enough trails to keep even the most avid biker busy for years. That's why it's a favorite adventure travel activity.
Visit one of the country's many volcanoes for an invigorating ride both uphill and down. Travel to the Orosi Village for an easy ride rich in colonial history.
Thanks to the country's Spanish settlers, Costa Rica boasts a proud cowboy culture. Today, resorts and ranches offer a variety of horseback excursions for the Costa Rica adventure traveler.
Guests can ride on the picturesque coastal beaches, high in the mountains, up and down volcanoes, and through a rainforest.
Do I Need a Guide?
While it's safe to traverse Costa Rica on your own, most Costa Rica adventure travelers employ the assistance of a guide or sign up for guided group tours. It's easy to find guide services for any of the above activities.
Guides know the lay of the land and are especially important when you're traveling through ecosystems with which you may not be familiar, such as jungles and rainforests.
Many adventure excursions include more than one activity, blending sports like hiking and rafting or biking and canopy tours. Costa Rica is an awesome place for multi-sport adventures.
Planning Your Trip
Research adventure tour outfitters and find activities that are right for you. If possible, make reservations in advance so as to assure your place on a specific tour, especially during peak tourist season. With a little planning, Costa Rica adventure travel can provide you with the vacation of a lifetime.
Posted by Pat on Saturday, July 30, 2005