#things to do — Toorizta Articles

Group in helmets and life vests paddling a blue raft through whitewater rapids on a jungle river

Rafting the Pacuare Out of San Jose: the Age Rule That Picks Your River

Two operators set the Pacuare minimum age at 12, and one raises it to 14 from June to November. Which river your group books, and the 6 a.m. pickup.

Secluded sandy beach with scattered rocks, lined by dense tropical forest and palm trees along the shore

Santa Teresa Without a Surfboard: Cabo Blanco Is Shut Mondays and Tuesdays

Cabo Blanco closes Mondays and Tuesdays, per SINAC. How to plan a non-surf day in Santa Teresa around the gate, the tide and the moon. Ask us.

Sprawling valley town seen from a green hillside, with mountains and clouds in the distance near San Jose

One Day Out of San Jose: Which Day Trip to Book, and the Cloud Nobody Mentions

SINAC sells Poas entry only through its booking system and warns the crater may be cloud. Which day trip to book with one free day in San Jose. Ask us

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica facade in San Jose, with ornate statues, columns and an ironwork entrance

One Day in San Jose: Book the Volcano Slot, Walk the Rest

Poas entry is online only and the park shuts at 4pm, so reserve that slot first. How to fill one San Jose day around it, and what to ask us first.

Visitors on an elevated green metal sky bridge above a forest canopy, with a person climbing a ladder tower

One Day in San Jose: Walk the Center, or Leave the Valley by 8 a.m.?

Gold Museum hours, Poas timed entry at 2 p.m., or eight hours on the Tortuguero canals. How to spend one day in San Jose, and what to book first.

A surf instructor high-fives a student standing on a surfboard in the waves at Santa Teresa

Your First Surf Lesson in Santa Teresa: Which Beach, and Which Hour

Playa Hermosa for your first wave, Playa Carmen when it is small, and the break beginners should leave alone. How to pick a Santa Teresa surf lesson.

Glowing blue bioluminescent waves wash over dark rocks and sand at night on the shore

In Santa Teresa, Book the Moonless Night First

Santa Teresa's glow tour only sails on moonless nights, and the boats leave from the Paquera dock, which you drive to yourself. What to book first.

Palo Verde from Liberia: Book the River Boat, or Drive to the Park Gate?

Most Palo Verde boat safaris cruise the Tempisque beside the park. SINAC's gate is 30 km of gravel past Bagaces, open 8am to 4pm. How to pick your day

A covered tour boat carrying passengers cruises along a tree-lined river

Why a Palo Verde Boat Safari Is Not a Day in Palo Verde

The boat safari sold as Palo Verde cruises the Tempisque along the park edge. SINAC hours and fees, the gravel road in, and which day to book. Ask us.

Rincón de la Vieja from Liberia: Which Day to Book, and the Ticket Nobody Mentions

Las Pailas, the waterfall trail, or a ranch combo? Park tickets are online only, and most passes leave the park fee to you. Here is how to plan the da

A chestnut-mandibled toucan perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park: Which Trails to Walk Now That Punta Catedral Is Closed

Punta Catedral is closed and the park shuts Tuesdays. Which Manuel Antonio trails to walk, the SINAC online ticket rule, and when a guide earns its ke