A Few Classically Costa Rican Moments

The activities and adventures listed below range from the classic to the obscure and from calm and mellow to wet and wild. While there's plenty more to do in Costa Rica, be sure to try to fit a few of these experiences into your trip.

Pouring Salsa Lizano on your gallo pinto

Salsa Lizano, a tart but mild sauce made with vinegar, and gallo pinto (rice and beans) are both ubiquitous staples of Costa Rican cuisine. So, order up some gallo pinto and pour on some tangy Salsa Lizano. If you want to really sound like a local, simply ask for some "Lizano para mi pinto."

Waking up to the sound of howler monkeys

You can leave the alarm clock at home. At many jungle lodges, the first sound you'll hear is the deep guttural roar of a howler monkey. First reactions can range from fear to awe to laughter. If they start going off around 4 a.m., you might simply be annoyed. . . .

Catching your first wave

Costa Rica's miles of coastline are loaded with wonderful surf spots. Many of these are excellent waves for beginners. Sign up for a class and you could be hanging ten before you know it.

Zipping among treetops on a canopy tour

Canopy tours are the rage in Costa Rica. If you're reasonably fit and not particularly acrophobic (afraid of heights), there's no reason not to strap on a climbing harness, hook on your pulley system, and glide off into the void.

Watching a sea turtle come ashore to nest

Following ancient rhythms and routes, sea turtles come ashore at various beaches around Costa Rica to dig their nests and lay a clutch of eggs. Tortuguero is the prime destination for observing this phenomenal feat.

Enjoying a Pacific Ocean sunset

Villa Caletas offers up perhaps the most popular sunset spectacle. But you can enjoy the beauty of a sunset over the Pacific Ocean from almost any beach in Guanacaste, as well as from most hotels and lodges in Manuel Antonio, Drake Bay, and along the Osa Peninsula.

Marveling at the city lights at a mirador

If you're spending a night in San José, grab a cab and head for the hills. A mirador is the local name for a restaurant with a view. Mirador Ram Luna, in the town of Asseri, and Mirador Tiquicia, above Escazú, are two good options.

Soaking in the pool of a jungle waterfall

If you have to hike a little bit first, it makes the dip that much more refreshing. The waterfall at Montezuma is one of the popular places to take a plunge. But also check out the lesser-known La Cangrejo Falls inside Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

Catching the glint of sunlight off a Quetzal's feathers

The iridescent feathers of a Resplendent Quetzal can range from blue to green to turquoise to deep indigo, with various shades in between, depending upon the angle of the light. This, combined with its bright red chest feathers and brilliant yellow beak, make the Quetzal one of the most spectacular birds on the planet.

Watching Arenal Volcano Blow Its Top

It takes patience and luck, but if you get to catch a clear night with active eruptions, you're in for a treat. Get a room with a view at Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort