Hot, Wet, and Wild in Costa Rica

Got your attention, didn’t I? But, this post is about different hot, wet, and wild activities. I’m talking about some exciting nature and adventure activities in Costa Rica!  One of the great things about traveling is that you’re allowed to get into different elements where you can see and experience different things.  How you choose to experience things is up to you, but we like a bit of adventure with a twist of nature, and a hint of relaxation.  During our time exploring Costa Rica, we enjoyed our encounters with everything this beautiful country had to offer.  We were surprised at the distinct ways we were able to get hot, wet, and wild during our trip!

Hot – Ecothermales Thermal Pools

After a day of activities, nothing feels better than soaking the night away in the Ecothermales Thermal Pools.  Yes, that’s right…. I said chilly!  We visited Costa Rica in February and it was cold!  Located within the forest outside La Fortuna and not far from the base of Arenal Volcano, this is the perfect setting for hanging out with friends and family, or just to relax and soak the day away. There are several different pools here, all of which vary in temperature and are staggered down a hillside. The hottest pool is up top, and the water from each pool cascades into the next one until it reaches its coolest point at the lowest pool.  The middle pool has built-in stone loungers, which are a great spot to enjoy the atmosphere!  The minerals in the water are said to have restorative properties, and it is best not to shower right away to allow for maximum absorption into your system. The site has plenty of clean changing rooms and lockers to store items, as well as a restaurant and bar.  Give yourself several hours to spend here.  Your muscles and joints will thank you as you walk away full rejuvenated and refreshed! 

Wet – Monteverde Cloud Forest Canopy Tour

This cloud forest canopy tour at Selvatura Adventure Park included a walking tour of the hanging bridges, as well as a fantastic zip line experience.  This area is very important as it is protected cloud forest which is essential to Costa Rica’s ecosystem.  The area is home to beautiful hummingbirds and butterflies, fantastic trees and tropical plants, and a variety of animals.  We spent our day here soaking wet!  It was maybe about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and was pouring rain and misty the entire time.  It was a cold and wet Costa Rican experience, but the adventure in store for us made it completely worth it!

Located above the clouds near Santa Elena in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica, this was also the most wild and wonderful zip lining experience we have ever had!  Imagine gliding down cables that are so high up, you are actually going over the tops of the trees and through the clouds from platform to platform. This allows for incredible canopy views and cloud mist in your face! Remember, not only will you get wet from the mist in your face, but you will also contend with the rain here. We were completely soaked for this. Wear a rain jacket, quick dry pants, waterproof shoes, and dark clothing!  For those who like a bit of extra adrenaline, be sure to bring your sense of adventure do two things!

One….

Spend the extra $10.00 USD to upgrade to the Superman option.  You will not regret it!!  On the final zip line, you will go soaring like superman – on your stomach, head first.  This is the longest and fastest of all the cables, blasting riders over the 1,000km of tree tops at speeds of 66km per hour. While you may freak out a bit, don’t bother screaming. No one can hear you once you disappear into the misty abyss of clouds!  

Two…

Say yes when they ask you if you want to try the Tarzan Swing! It is just a few feet off the normal zip-line pathway and up a flight of stairs to a different platform. They will get you safely harnessed in, walk you to the edge to ensure proper positioning, and push you off the 30 foot drop.  After a few seconds of free falling, the line will catch allowing you to swing out in an arch high into the cloud forest canopy just like Tarzan! Give it your best Tarzan yell! 

Wild – Cano Negro Boat Tour

Cano Negro is a wildlife refuge area on the Rio Frio near the border of Nicaragua.  Taking a boat tour in this remote area will show you a vast array of natural marshy habitat that is essential to Costa Rica’s ecosystem.  There is so much biodiversity here!  

Visitors to the area are in for a wildlife viewing treat!  Because there is such limited development in this natural area, plants and animals of all types thrive here.  We saw everything from fish, lizards, birds, caiman, iguanas, sloths, and multiple varieties of monkeys!  In fact, we even saw a capuchin monkey eating an iguana!  Who knew!?!

As you work your way up the river toward Nicaragua, there is one thing that is important to remember when you get to the border.  Do not get out of the boat to take pictures near the sign.  While this may be tempting, there have been several instances of people being held for illegally entering Nicaragua at this location when they take a picture.  The ransom for release is about $200.00 USD per person.  You can get a lovely picture from the safety of the boat!

If you’re looking to get hot, wet, and wild in Costa Rica, you can’t go wrong with these amazing experiences.  Each activity has plenty of booking options to choose from directly through the providers or even through third-party booking sites.  It is a great experience to get out in nature and enjoy the immense eco-tourism opportunities offered.  Enjoy!

Curious where we stayed during our time in Costa Rica?  Here are our recommended hotels!

San Jose – Tryp by Wyndham Sabana

La Fortuna – Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa

Monteverde – Monteverde Country Lodge

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