It’s not always easy to travel alone. But if you’re up for the challenge, Costa Rica has plenty of exciting activities to keep you busy. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time as a solo traveler in this Central American country:
Surfing
Surfing in Costa Rica is as accessible as it gets. There are ample opportunities for beginners to learn the sport, from lessons at the beach to private instruction with a local surf instructor. As you might expect, the cost of lessons can vary based on what level you’re taking and how many days you want to spend surfing.
A typical beginner’s lesson in Tamarindo includes two hours of instruction, gear rental, and transportation by car or van back to your hotel after surfing. While prices can range between $30-$60 per person depending on how many people are in your group and what type of equipment you need (e.g., wet suit vs rash guard), there’s also an option where someone will come pick up any guests at their hotel as needed ($10-$20/hour).
The best part about learning surfing in Costa Rica? The beach is never more than a few minutes away from town!
Learning about the country’s history
- History buffs will want to visit the Museo del Oro Precolombino, which houses some of the country’s most impressive pre-Columbian gold work. The Museo de la Nacionalidad is a great place to learn about Costa Rica’s history, including its role in Spanish colonization.
- Another option is visiting one of the many historical sites around the country—there are plenty! You could go see where Christopher Columbus landed when he first discovered the Americas (Cartagena Island), or where Juan Santamaría died defending his country from William Walker and his mercenaries (San José). You could also spend some time at one of several other key battlegrounds for independence from Spain during this period (Santa Ana de Turrialba) or follow in José Figueres Ferrer’s footsteps by visiting Heredia, Alajuela, San Isidro de El General and San José de Turrialba.
Hiking
Hiking is the best way to explore Costa Rica. There are many hiking trails and national parks that are perfect for solo travelers looking to get off the beaten path and explore the country.
If you’re looking for an adventure, try a hike through Corcovado National Park or Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), both of which offer stunning views of wildlife and lush rainforests teeming with biodiversity. If you want less of a challenge—but still plenty of culture—check out La Amistad International Park on the border between Costa Rica and Panama for some peaceful trails that won’t leave you feeling battered by nature’s might.
Visiting historical sites
One of the best ways to learn about a culture is by exploring its history, and Costa Rica is no exception. There are so many historical sites around Costa Rica that it would be impossible to list them all here; instead, we’ve chosen five of our favorites (in no particular order).
- Visit the Teatro Nacional: This national theater offers a glimpse into Costa Rican history with performances by local actors and musicians. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of their uniquely Costa Rican plays about folklore or other cultural subjects! You can find out more information on their website here: https://www.tncrhcrt.go1/web/.
- Explore Museo del Oro Precolombino: This museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold pieces discovered throughout Central America over centuries past, along with other artifacts from different archaeological sites across the country (including some from indigenous groups). The museum building itself was built in 1894 as part of President Alfredo Gonzalez Flores’ efforts toward modernization after independence from Spain—and today remains one of the most beautiful buildings in San Jose! You can find out more information about hours and admission fees here: http://www/museodeloro/.
Relaxing at the beach
Relaxing at the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica. It is also one of the most popular things to do in the world, and for good reason! The beach has a way of calming you down and helping you forget about your worries. So if you are looking for a place to relax, look no further than this article on how to find some time alone at the beach!
The beach is not just relaxing, it can also be fun! Whether it’s swimming or surfing or boating around on an inner tube, there are plenty of ways for people who visit beaches to have a good time. If you’re looking for something more active than just sitting back and taking it easy then maybe I should check out some other options first before coming back here later…
Costa Rica offers many exciting activities for a solo traveler.
Costa Rica is a paradise for solo travelers. There are so many things to do in this beautiful country, and most of them are free or low-cost. You can visit beaches, mountains, rainforests and volcanoes; learn Spanish; meet people from all over the world; learn about Costa Rican culture and history; or just relax on your own beachside hammock.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Costa Rica on your own but aren’t sure where to start looking for inspiration, then we’ve got you covered with 15 activities that will make you want to book your flight tomorrow!
Conclusion
There are so many exciting things to do in Costa Rica, and it’s the perfect place for a solo traveler to explore. You can go on hikes through the rainforest, relax on a secluded beach or visit historical sites with your family and friends. If you’re planning a trip there soon, keep these tips in mind so that you can enjoy yourself during your stay!