Soccer, the great national sport
As everywhere in the continent, soccer is the national sport par excellence. In every small village in the country, children and adults alike compete on a soccer field (cancha). The big clubs in the country that compete for the national first division championship are the legendary Deportivo Saprissa (San José) with 37 titles, LD Alajuelense (30 titles) or CS Herediano (29 titles). And at every championship game, the atmosphere in the stands is guaranteed! But it is obviously when the national team is out that the country holds its breath. La Sele (short for Selección) has been twice quarter-finalist of the Copa America (2001, 2004), qualified for six World Cup finals (1990, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022). The best performance of the Ticos was also a quarter-final in Brazil in 2014, just beaten on penalties by the Netherlands, after eliminating Greece and getting out of a "group of death" where also competed Italy, England and Uruguay. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the partners of the legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas, also a goalkeeper for Paris-SG (and three times winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid), almost made it out of the group stage, but in the end failed to reach the Round of 16.
Assault on nature
Hiking. If Costa Rica is home to 5% of the planet's biodiversity, it is above all because nearly 30% of its surface is protected thanks to numerous national parks and natural reserves. Spots that allow you to take out your hiking boots and to offer yourself some nice outings, especially to go on the assault of the summits. It will take at least 5 days of expedition to reach the highest of the country, the Cerro Chirripó (3 820 m), in the Parque nacional Chirripó. One can also tackle the 116 volcanoes, especially the Parque nacional Volcan Arenal and the Parque nacional Volcan Poás and their incredible panoramas. Guides also organize the crossing of the Talamanca mountain range. Beautiful, challenging but simply sublime hikes are also possible in Los Quetzales National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Corcovado National Park, Cahuita National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Cycling. In the dry season as well as in the green season, you will see - especially outside the cities and early in the morning - men and women climbing the slopes leading to the Poás or Turrialba volcanoes (to name a few) and riding along the beaches of the Pacific or Caribbean coasts. From lush green landscapes to ocean vistas, from the mist of the volcanic peaks to the coffee plantations, cycling through the country - whether by bicycle, mountain bike, BMX or MTB - is the best way to discover the well-kept secrets of this earthly paradise.
Horseback riding. The horse is, along with walking, the most popular means of transportation in the countryside. It is economical, clean and all-terrain. The Ticos quickly understood that they could make a substantial income from it, so horseback rides are commonplace in the country. Agencies have specialized in this activity and offer adventure tours that allow you to discover remote and beautiful places.
Long live the thrills!
Canopy. An original idea to discover the forest... Since most of the animals live in the heights of the trees, why not go and observe them where they are? This is what the creators of this activity in Costa Rica thought. In general, a team of professional climbers will take you to platforms built in the highest trees of the forest. You observe the different habitats up close, then the descent is made by sliding along a cable stretched above and inside the forest. These zip lines can be up to 1 km long! Often sporty, the canopy tours have become popular: the circuits are designed for the less adventurous on footbridges stretched between the trees. The sporty sensation is less, but the observation is more calm and comfortable on your feet, you see much more from the top of a footbridge. The most daring, on the contrary, will let themselves be tempted by the "Superman" version, on the stomach, to have a real impression of flight. You will find many canopy tours during your trip. Most of them offer the famous Tarzan-style bungee jump as an option. The tours are safe and regularly maintained, but before you go, inspect the equipment carefully or pretend to know about it by asking all the questions that are on your mind. And in case of doubt, don't do it...
Canyoning. Canyoning is a fun but intense physical activity that consists of descending a canyon by various means: rappelling down waterfalls, diving from a rocky promontory, descending rivers by slaloming between rocks. Canyoning is practiced in a safe way in Arenal volcano, Tenorio, Jacó or Manuel Antonio. Very sporty, it is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights or jumping into the water... at the risk of spending the night on their rock...
Rafting. The country, with its numerous mountains and valleys, presents an extremely favorable relief to its practice. Between the rivers Pacuare (class III), Reventazón (class III) and Sarapiquí, the possibilities are numerous. The most sportive months are logically those of the rainy season from June to December, but this activity is practicable all year round and in complete safety. Rafting is one of the means of locomotion that allows the crossing of the pure jungle in conditions, certainly wet, but also very comfortable. The only problem is the popularization of the activity. We recommend you to inform yourself before the departure about the number of participants to avoid the traffic jams in the rapids and the paddle strokes, which would spoil a little the charm of the expedition. The different agencies that organize tours take many precautions (accompanying kayaks, experienced guides, theoretical courses before departure). For those who wish to stay at the water's edge and in the middle of the jungle, two-day packages can be organized. Falling asleep to the sound of the river and forest animals on the Pacuare River is an unforgettable memory.
A top surfing destination
Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica, considered one of the best destinations in the world for this sport because of the accessibility of its beaches and its hotel offer for all budgets. Whether you are a novice or an experienced surfer, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the numerous spots that the country has on its two coasts. Especially since you are sure to find the beach you need with waves corresponding to your level! On the Caribbean coast, we can mention Playa Negra and Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Cocles or the surroundings of Limón. On the Central Pacific side, riders will enjoy the powerful waves of Playa Hermosa or Playa Dominical and will combine surfing and parties in Jacó. Further south, head to the Osa Peninsula and Cabo Matapaló or Pavones, one of the longest waves in the world. Finally, in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, there are also many spots to surf, such as Playa Naranjo and Playa Potrero Grande in the Santa Rosa National Park, Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, Playa Negra, Playas Coyote, Manzanillo or Santa Teresa and Malpaís.
Many other water activities
The majority of the beaches are preserved in their natural state and are protected by coastal protection laws. It's true that some of them may surprise you by the color of the sand (from golden to volcanic black), but they are all beautiful and surprising! There is something for everyone and the show is at its peak during the splendid sunsets (on the Pacific coast).
Scuba diving. Very nice dives are to be done in Costa Rica. Even if, unfortunately, the transverse currents in certain sectors, the strong swells and the violent rains often limit the visibility. Most of the professionals who offer this activity have their own spots where you can meet a manta ray or a school of barracudas. Playa Coco and Hermosa offer good sites, and Isla Tortuga is a must in the country. The Cahuita reef on the Caribbean coast, and Isla del Caño off the Osa peninsula are also good spots. Finally, the top - and therefore very expensive - spot is Isla del Coco.
Stand-up paddle. This is the latest trendy activity. The stand-up paddle consists in crossing a bay standing on a wooden board armed with a simple paddle. Required qualities: balance, balance and more balance. An activity that can be practiced on the beaches of the Pacific, the Caribbean or on Lake Arenal. The best? To reach the Isla Chora from Samara by stand-up paddle. With a little training, it is possible!
Sailing and windsurfing. Windsurfing can be practiced on Lake Arenal or in the bay of Salinas, in the extreme northwest of the country.
Sport fishing. Costa Rica's geographical location, bordering the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea, allows for numerous fishing areas and offers a great diversity of catches. This country has acquired an international reputation in the field of big game fishing. The king fish of the Pacific are the blue or black marlin, and the sailfish (pez vela). It is also common to bring on board yellowfin tuna or paddlefish, snapper, barracuda, wahoos and bonito. The main fishing centers are Ocotal, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Quepos, and Bahía Drake on the Osa Peninsula. But you can also find operators on the Caribbean side and in the Tortuguero Channel. The tarpon or "big scales", with the reputation of being a formidable fighter, are found in the Caribbean waters near Barra del Colorado where specimens up to 100 pounds can be caught.
Beautiful golf courses
Costa Rica is the greenest country in Central America. What could be more natural than to stay there to find the green of the golf courses? The first golf course in Costa Rica, the Cariari Country Club, and the Parque Valle del Sol are located near San José. In Guanacaste, there is the Golf Reserva Conchal, the Hacienda Pinilla Golf Club (Playa Avellana) and the Four Seasons Golf Club (Playa Papagayo). Finally, on the central Pacific coast, on the beach of Herradura, the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort also has a golf club.
