16 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Costa Rica - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Costa Rica

Cahuita, Costa Rica

Aviarios del Caribe: Sloth Sanctuary

Sloth rehabilitation center in the jungle of Costa Rica.

Río Celeste

This neon blue river gets its color from a unique mix of bacteria and volcano minerals.

Zarcero, Costa Rica

Parque Francisco Alvarado

This Costa Rican topiary park is a surreal garden of unearthly delights.

Alajuela, Costa Rica

Territorio de Zaguates (Land of Strays)

Where dogs like the rare "Fire-Tailed Border Cocker" run free on the mountainside.

Diquís Spheres

These mysterious ancient stone spheres were created by a civilization lost to time and are now mostly lawn ornaments.

Quepos, Costa Rica

El Avion Restaurant and Bar

The sister plane of the C-123 shot down during the Iran-Contra Affair has found a new purpose in retirement.

San Lucas Island Prison Graffiti

Disused penal colony features prisoner artwork, some sketched in human blood.

Jaco, Costa Rica

El Miro Ruins

Once the foundation for a mansion, these ruins now offer amazing panoramic coastal views.

See All 16 Things to Do in Costa Rica See All 16 Places

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Costa Rica

Quepos, Costa Rica

El Avion Restaurant and Bar

The sister plane of the C-123 shot down during the Iran-Contra Affair has found a new purpose in retirement.

In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with Get Your Guide

Guided Tours Nearby

Atlas Obscura Trips

Into the Wilds of Costa Rica

Explore Costa Rica

Launch Map

Costa Rica Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Costa Rica Activity

christinab114 wants to go to Ficus La Raiz

hendersona07 has been to El Arbol Hueco

cartwright02 has been to Río Celeste

erichardsonn wants to go to The Rock Garden at Piedra Colorada

sibbaldoan wants to go to Territorio de Zaguates (Land of Strays)

Stories About Costa Rica

Rocky's doghouse was carefully dismantled after meteorite hunters purchased it in 2019. Though Rocky was sad to see his house go, it was soon replaced with a much nicer one.

Sold: A $44,000 Doghouse With a Hole in Its Roof

Rocky's home was struck by a rare meteorite, but don't worry, he's okay.

February 25, 2022

The misty cloud forests of Costa Rica's Cerro de la Muerte are home to several endangered species—including, say locals, spirits charged with protecting the mountain.

In Search of Nímbulos, Guardians of Costa Rica's Mountain of Death

Believers say the otherworldly protectors of Cerro de la Muerte's cloud forests face an uncertain future.

by Trevor Ritland and Priscilla Palavicini

October 6, 2021

Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.

Lists Featuring Costa Rica