One of the most diverse countries in Central America; each region is different and worth exploring! Here's our tips for the Pacific coast (Guanacaste) and the rainforest (Arenal Volcano). 

1. Take Shuttles & Taxis

In some countries I'm bullish on renting a car (i.e. Norway, New Zealand, etc.) but the driving in Costa Rica is often stressful, single-lane, poorly maintained roads and the insurance costs are high. You can take the risk and waive coverage, but Costa Rica has a lot of uninsured local drivers on the road so if you do rent a car, be sure to get liability insurance. Your existing liability policy usually only covers US, Canada, Mexico and US territories like Puerto Rico. 

2. The Rainforest Has... Well... Rain

They call it a rainforest for a reason! It rains vigorously, usually in short bursts and changes on a dime. I say this only because marketing usually portrays clear skies with a gorgeous volcano! We did not see the top of the Volcano while we were there, too many rain clouds that hover around the top. If the sky does clear, consider yourself lucky and send me a photo. 

3. The Best Zip lines. In. The. World. 

I had ziplined before... but was not prepared for how HIGH (~1,000 feet) and GORGEOUS the views were from the SkyAdventures zipline. The longest one is about 1-minute; giving you time to pinch yourself as you fly high up above the rainforest canopy and the volcano. I would book directly with SkyAdventures (as opposed to on a tour or through a hotel) to make sure you get the official course. 

... and for those who are wondering; they do this rain or shine. 

4. Scuba is Best in Summer

The best time to scuba is actually NOT the popular time to visit (winter). The best scuba in Costa Rica is on the Pacific Side (north of Tamarindo near the Catalina Islands) though in winter the winds kick up the waves. We loved Pacific Coast Dive Center and highly recommend them. If you want the best visibility, visit in April - October and say hi to our friend, Victor! Even in winter the wildlife (esp. schools of fish) were stunning! 

5. Playa Conchal is a Shell Beach

Some of the best beaches (and nicer areas) are north of Tamarindo by Conchal and Flamingo beach. When the winds die down, it has the clearest waters because the waves wash into shells (not sand) which fall to the bottom quickly and keep the waters clear. 

6. Canyoning Requires No Skill or Athleticism... At All

You're in good hands with Pure Trek; so much so you could literally sit there and they would rapell you down the waterfall themselves. When we asked about the level of difficulty, they replied "people have done it without arms". This was a great experience... and they even dunk you! Prepare to face your fears and get soaked. If you have them, wear water shoes!

7. Stay in Nature

We wondered if we should spend a night in San Jose or La Fortuna; but the trip reaffirmed there was not much to see or do in there. The gem about Costa Rica is the countryside, the natural beauty. Wherever you are headed, you likely have to fly in to SJO or LIR but quickly get to the country once you land. We booked a remote AirB&B near Arenal lake and enjoyed the quiet nature around us. 

8. Try The Springs Resort as an Alternative to Tabacon

If you want to avoid the crowds or the price of Tabacon, consider "The Springs" Resort. We got a 2-day pass for $96/per person that included dinner. This was a slam-dunk for us considering peak rates for the hotel were $750 per night. They pump spring water into pools daily and have superior views to Tabacon. 

9. Visit Las Pumas Animal Sanctuary

Cañas is a good pit stop on your way in/out of the pacific coastal region, Guanacaste. If you have time between destinations, visit Las Pumas animal sanctuary to see some beautiful big cats and other wildlife. "Max" (pictured right) is a leopard who was previously kept as a pet, which means he lacks the survival skills in the wild. It shows becuase he loved humans and craves attention!

10. Hire a Guide at Mistico Hanging Bridges

When visiting Mistico Hanging Bridges, bring binoculars and hire a guide to help you spot the wildlife. It's hard to see the animals as they are high up in the trees or small critters you would otherwise miss. These guides do book up so best to reserve in advance when you buy your ticket. Take your time (1-2 hours) go slow and remember to look up in the canopy; much of the wildlife is high above you!