1. Arenal Volcano National Park
This area offers a lot of natural activities, which include eco-adventures, fishing and windsurf. The view of the volcano is very impressive, surely something you won’t forget. You can take tours on mountain bike to visit the area.

2. Monteverde
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, an area of 10,526-hectare/26,000-acre, is a home to thousands of species of plants, animals and insects. It sums up and represents the main attraction of Costa Rica: the victory of nature.

3. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park is made up of three white sandy beaches and a forest where various species of monkeys live. Filled with a wonderful flora and fauna, it offers a great view.

4. Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park is perfect for those who love water: since it’s has an amazing network of navigable canals, boats are the only way to get around. Green sea turtles use its 37 km/23 miles of beach to nest. If you’re wondering whether you can actually witness this beautiful event, the answer is yes! From July to October, and always accompanied by a guide, you can go to the beaches at night to watch turtles lay their eggs. 

5. Whitewater rafting
One of the reasons why Costa Rica is so famous, whitewater river raft trips through the rain forest will give you the best extreme experience of your life. There are also overnight trip available with accommodations in a riverside lodge deep in the rain forest. Trips are safe, thanks to professional guides that will take care of you for the duration of the experience.

6. Birdwatching
Undoubtedly one of Monteverde’s main attractions, the quetzal (that colorful native bird that symbolizes freedom), can be surely seen at any time if you’re heading north. But have in mind that the Inter-American Highway that connects San Isidro and Cartago will maybe be your best chance to witness the presence of this beautiful species, since this highway crosses Costa Rica’s highest mountains along the Cerro de la Muerte. Although nesting season for these birds goes from March to May, sighting is actually possible any time of the year.

7. Irazu Volcano National Park
Still considered active, this 11,260-foot-tall volcano is the highest in Costa Rica. An interesting detail: its last major eruption was on March 19, 1963, the same day that President John F. Kennedy arrived at Costa Rica. However, if you’re looking for an eruption, you’ll be disappointed: only smoke comes out of its peak. In order to get there, you’ll have to cross a wide expanse of dark gray barren land that shines like a moonscape.

8. Corcovado
The largest extension of virgin rain forest in Costa Rica, The Corcovado National Park spans more than half of the Osa Peninsula. It’s famous for its Scarlet Macaws, colorful birds that seemed painted by God himself.

Deep in the jungle areas of Costa Rica there live the Cabecar Indians. They are a private race living in remote areas away from the bustle of cities and tourism. A few companies in the country have been granted permission to take tours through their land on the condition that the land is not damaged or altered in any way.

One such tour is called the eco-challenge, or more locally known as “Bushwhacking to the River.” In terms of extreme adventures, this one is definitely the leader!

The eco-challenge begins with a five hour mountain bike ride through a variety of terrain to a small isolated village that has only recently installed electricity but still has no telephones. Your first night will be spent here under the stars and the jungle skies.

From the bike camp the next day, the tour heads up on foot into the mountains. This is not a tendered trail and the terrain is rough, slippery and unpredictable. It winds through humid jungle growth and machetes are often used to cut a path through the jungle growth, hence the nickname bushwhacking. The entire hike will take about five or six hours and ends near a local fruit farm and swimming hole for some good nourishment and refreshing swim. You’ll spend a second night here under the stars listening to the jungle sounds. Here the tour guide has arranged horses packed with all the necessary gear for the next day’s adventure.

The third day of the trek takes you on horseback from the mountain farm down into the canyon floor and to the river where your paddling adventure will begin. Kayaks, canoes, food and all supplies are carried down the steep treacherous slope on the backs of some of the country’s most sure footed horses. After descending about 1200 feet into lush tropical jungle, you will arrive again in a very isolated remote village where there will be time to explore the surrounding jungle, streams and caves before making camp for the night.

The final leg of your journey is the most challenging of all, a 22 kilometre stretch of some wild and crazy white water! After proper outfitting and a few lessons in white water safety you are on your way to the ride of a lifetime! You will manoeuvre your kayak through twists and turns and rushing rapids for about five hours before ultimately arriving at civilization once again. And then it is time to be driven back to your hotel for a rest, a good hot shower and a rib sticking dinner of local foods.

This is most definitely the ultimate challenge of all adventure tours in the country, and one you don’t want to miss if you’re planning a guy’s adventure in Costa Rica!