Fun Things To Do In Liberia, Costa Rica in 2024

Nature and wildlife

Getting out and exploring nature and wildlife is the first recommended thing to do in Liberia. There are a huge choice of trips for the enthusiast. Explore the Palo Verde National Park and sail along the Tempisque River where you will see an abundance of birdlife including roseate spoonbills, jabirus, and wood storks. This region supports 15 diverse climate zones from evergreen forests to mangrove swamps. Then head for the Diamante Eco Adventure Park to meet Sama and Nico the jaguars, the white faced monkey called Balu, Lucy the sloth and a huge iguana called King Julian. The stunning Cortes Falls will make you feel as if you are in paradise. It cascades down from 15m and is one of the most spectacular in Costa Rica. Your next experience is a visit to the hot, natural springs where you can enjoy a relaxing therapeutic treatment in these healing waters. Then head to the Arenal area and explore the Arenal Volcano and Lake, walk on the hanging bridges to see amazing views and snap photos of a stunning waterfall. Last but not least is a visit to the Rincon de La Vieja Volcano, that is known to be semi-active. See the awe-inspiring bubbling water lagoons and steamy sulfur ponds.

Zipline tours

If you have not yet experienced the thrill of ziplining, this is a super exciting thing to do in Liberia. Get an adrenaline rush as you soar high up above the forests, becoming one with the wildlife and nature of the region. Your first choice is the at Adventure Park Costa Rica where you will soar over eleven different waterfalls and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, mountain and rainforest. The course offers 25 zip lines, including the longest one in Costa Rica. Another fabulous option is the Diamante's Zip Line course. This course offers dual lines, allowing you to experience the flight with family and friends, riding side by side. The course also offers a Superman line and a free fall Quick Jump for the brave! For something special, book a private zipline tour at the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Sail above the treetops and then relax in a rejuvenating thermal bath in volcanic mud. This tour offers a private guide for your small group only. Other zipline experiences can be combined with buggy rides, horseback riding, snorkling and swimming, choose the combination that best suits your fancy! All tours are led by professional guides with an emphasis on safety.

4WD & ATV tours

Exploring the amazing scenery of Costa Rica in a 4WD or ATV is a thrilling thing to do in Liberia. Set off with a guide on the back roads and see regions that are off the beaten track and only accessible via 4WD. All tours start with a brief safety lesson, a driving lesson and provide you with all the gear you need. Join a tour to the Cenizaro Estate in Guanacaste. Here you will see an abundance of birds, iguanas and monkeys. Don't forget to wave at the Sabaneros, cowboys, as you drive past! Your next adventure takes you into the rainforest of Tenorio to find the awe-inspiring sloth. Then head to the beach and enjoy a rugged ride along the shore with the wind and water in your face. Stop for a well- deserved lunch and learn all about the eco systems of this stunning region. Once you have mastered the 4WD, give it a go in an ATV. Ride through the hills and valleys, along the beach, through rivers and up mountains. These Honda vehicles give you and your group the opportunity to explore regions that you would otherwise not be able to access.

White Water Rafting

For a breathtaking and unforgettable experience, white water rafting is our next recommended thing to do in Liberia. Join a trip that takes you down the raging Tenorio River that makes its way through the Guanacaste mountains. Follow your guide through the massive, deep canyon of red rock cliffs, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes of lush tropical scenery and forests. Navigate the twists and turns, plunges and drops of these intense rapids. Some of the trails are classed as level 3 and 4 and are as long as 8 miles, so ensure that you choose the correct course for your skills. When the rapids subside and you have a chance to catch your breath, look out for amazing wildlife and tropical birds in the surrounding countryside. If you are brave, navigate the 12 foot waterfall drop at the Cascabel Falls. Tours are run by professional and experienced guides and you will start off with a rafting lesson and a safety briefing. Helmets, lifejackets and all equipment is provided. The tours also include a well deserved lunch where you can meet and chat to like-minded thrill seekers.

Water Sports

Costa Rica is bursting with water, in the ocean, the rivers and lakes. Getting in or onto the water is a fabulous thing to do in Liberia. Start off with a relaxing kayak tour into the mangrove swamps. This guided tour will take you to see exotic wildlife and bird life that lives in this diverse eco system. Then head to the seashore and learn how to balance on a stand-up paddleboard. You will be given a lesson and all the gear you need and after a few hours you should be an expert at balancing and steering! Snorkling is next for those who want to discover the thrilling, colourful marine life under the water. For something bigger and more challenging, join a sport fishing tour from Papagayo Gulf. These waters attract a huge variety of fish including blue marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, roosterfish and black marlin. Your professional crew will help you with the techniques and you should return to show off the big one that you snagged! For those who enjoy an adrenaline rush, white water rafting is an exhilarating water sport to try out. The rapids are intense with rivers that offer class 3 and 4 rapids and waterfall drops for the brave. Last but not least, surfers will be thrilled to try their skills on the massive breakers at Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point. Both are world class surfing sites for an unbelievable experience.

Volcano and Hot springs hikes

If you are looking for adventurous things to do in Liberia, visiting an active volcano is an action-packed must! Join a tour that heads to Rincon De La Vieja National Park where you will walk along the circular trail that takes you past surreal mud pots, boiling water pools and geysers spewing out hot water and steam. You will also get to see mini volcanoes and a waterfall. Your knowledgeable guide will update you on all you need to know about these amazing natural landscapes and eco activities. On your walk you will also spot wildlife like monkeys, iguanas and more. Your next hike takes you to the Sensoria jungle trail. Here you will be awed by the diverse landscapes of contrasting tall forests and endless dry plains. See the fabulous Blue Springs thermal pools and cascading waterfalls. Next, explore the Arenal Volcano National Park, which combines history and biodiversity. Walk along a trail though the lava flow that was created by the eruption in 1992. Walk over the hanging bridges to get a bird's eye view of cascading waterfalls. All tours are safe and are led by professional guides.

Day trips from Liberia

One of the many things to do in Liberia is taking a day trip to experience this diverse and unique region. Enjoy a sport fishing full day tour on the water to try your hand at catching a marlin, mahi-mahi or sailfish. Your experienced guide will ensure that you sail to most spectacular and abundant spots for an awe-inspiring experience. Then take a one day tour to Nicaragua where you will visit Granada city and Masaya to get immersed in their rich history. On the tour you will learn all about the culture, history and cuisine from your knowledgeable guide. Nature lovers must enjoy a day tour to discover the stunning waterfalls, wildlife, birds and reptiles of the region. See sloth and waterfalls in the rain forests, hike along lush trials and be awed at the breathtaking scenery. Your next excursion is a trip to the Buena Vista Lodge located on the slope of the Rinc—n de la Vieja Volcano. Enjoy horse riding, a zipline canopy ride, a tractor ride and a swim. Have lunch and taste authentic Costa Rican food. Relax after all the activity at a spa with sauna, mud bath and hot springs. If you want to get out into the less-explored countryside, join a 4WD or ATV tour and explore the rugged offroads with a professional guide.

Multiday tours

If you are not in a hurry and have time to spend in Costa Rica, taking a multiday tour is an unforgettable thing to do in Liberia. Enjoy an 8 day luxury tour of the Papagayo Gulf and Guanacaste's Volcanoes. This private tour takes you to see the diverse eco systems of the country. Explore the Arenal Volcano National Park, see the lush rainforests and mangroves by boat and ascend to the enchanting cloud forests of Monteverde to discover exotic wildlife and stunning scenery. The trip offers accommodation and food and is led by a professional guide.

Also not to be missed is an 8 day tour to neighboring Nicaragua to learn all about the exotic history, culture and cuisine of this land. Visit the lovely colonial city of Granada, try ziplining and skywalking through a rain forest. You can river raft, ride on horse back or relax and do some bird watching. Time is no limit Ð so enjoy all that is on offer.

For a full Costa Rica experience, the Essential Costa Rica 8 day tour will take you to experience the natural beauty of the land. See the stunning beaches and the main attractions. Accommodation is in some of the best hotels with the Hilton Garden Inn, Hacienda Guachipelin, Hotel Borinquen or El Establo Resort being a few of the choices.

Horseback riding

Riding on horseback with your family or group of friends offers another exiting thing to do in Liberia. Join a tour that combines horseback riding with ziplining, a soak in hot springs, an Eco Park adventure and other thrilling activities. Start with the Diamante Eco Adventure Park where you will follow your knowledgeable guide and see spectacular views, country wildlife and navigate trails winding through the tropical forest. You can also ride along the beachfront of the Pacific Ocean for an unforgettable experience. The next tour takes you to the Mountain Resort, Borinquen Resort & Spa, located in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Mount your horses and ride out into the peaceful countryside where you will pass the famous cattle ranches and pastures. The ride stops at the ziplines, where you will experience a spine-tingling thrill as you soar over the forests and become one with birds and wildlife. See amazing views and get a new perspective on Costa Rica. After your ride, catch your breath over lunch and then step into one of the thermal relaxing hot volcanic mud baths and sip an exotic fruit drink. All tours are organized by professional riding staff and you do not need to have prior riding experience. A suitable trusty steed will be chosen for your level of fitness and experience.

Cultural tours

Culture and history abound in Costa Rica and immersing yourself in its colorful customs is a fun thing to do in Liberia. Join the Cantina Tour which will soon have you dancing to the exotic rhythms of Latin music. Learn how to do the Salsa, the Merengue, the Bachata and the Cumbia. All are welcome and no prior dance experience is needed. After your lesson enjoy some free dance and then if you are up for more, get serious with some advanced moves. This fun tour will have you meeting locals and tourists for a blast!

Nature lovers will be delighted to learn all about the use of medicinal plants on our next recommended Medicinal Plants Tour from Playa del Coco. Your guide will tell you about the uses of virtues of the Peppermint Plant, the Papaya and the Golden Shower Tree. Your professional biological expert guide will enthral you with knowledge of these diverse and versatile landscapes filled with plants and vegetation.

For a touch of history, head out to Santa Rosa and visit the first of the huge cattle haciendas established in the region of Guanacaste, La Casona. Learn all about its culture and history. Hear stories of the war against the invasion of William Walker, which took place here. Then explore Liberia, known as the White City, built in the 19th century. Your guide will take you to the main attractions. You can then stop to buy souvenirs and enjoy a cup of famous Costa Rica coffee.

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

When planning things to do in Liberia with the family, don't miss out on a visit to the Diamante Eco Adventure Park. This thrilling adventure park offers something for everyone. Start off with an adrenaline rush on the ziplines. The park has five dual action ziplines, one of which is the longest ocean view zipline in Costa Rica. Ride the Superman line and feel like a super hero as you soar over 4000 feet in the air. Then walk on a hanging bridge overlooking a lake filled with crocodiles! If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can get to see monkeys, sloths, jaguars, butterflies and more. The Botanical Garden offers a relaxing venue to stroll around and see exotic plants. If you want to explore further, take a hike along the special trails or enjoy a bike ride to see stunning scenery. Then head to the beach and try your hand at some paddle boarding. Avid snorklers will find amazing marine creatures under the water, make sure you have you underwater camera with you. A buffet lunch is served with coffee and soft drinks. End your day with a kayak sail along the channels into the mangrove swamps and learn about the diverse creatures that call this beautiful place home.

Fishing tours

When making a list of things to do in Liberia, don't forget fishing! Deep sea fishing with professionals will make an awesome day outing and you will bring back a mega fish and memories to last a lifetime! Join an all-inclusive tour which heads out into the Bay. Your knowledgeable captain knows exactly where to sail to find local and migrating species such as the large billfish, marlins, rooster fish, yellow-fin tuna, mahi-mahi and more. Your crew will give you a lesson on techniques and all equipment is provided. Once you have caught the big one, it will cleaned, bagged and iced as soon as you land.

Then try your hand at fishing on the Arenal Lake. This tour allows catch and release, so you can rest assured that it is nature-friendly. The views from the lake, of lush green forests and a volcano, are stunning, giving you an all-round experience. Lake Arenal is known for Guapote fishing and you can also catch and release the famous Rainbow Bass. This half day tour is ideal for people who have limited time but want to enjoy the beautiful nature of the region. Deep sea fishing tours are safe and regulated. The crews are CPR and first-aid certified and all boats are inspected annually by the Coast Guard to meet their safety requirements. Refreshments, drinks and all gear is provided on the tours. As you sail out, remember that many world record game fish have been caught in these waters!

Ponderosa Adventure Park

Adventure lovers must spend a day at the Ponderosa Adventure Park, it is another fabulous thing to do in Liberia. Enjoy a host of adventures at the park, all conveniently located in one place. Start with some high-flying ziplining and soar over the forests for amazing views. Your professional guide will give you a safety briefing and a lesson on how to take off from the platforms and brake to keep your speed constant. Then catch your breath and get up close and personal with some exotic animals during a feeding session. The Park has giraffe, zebra and ostriches which will delight the kids! Next, is a relaxed sail on a kayak to explore the mangrove swamps and learn about the flora and fauna of the region. Stop at the huge waterfall, take a dip or just soak up the magnificent setting. A buffet lunch is provided, where you can try some traditional food and chat to other tourists. After lunch, explore deeper into the jungle on horseback on in an ATV if you want some rugged and bumpy fun. Experienced and friendly guides are with you all day to make this an adventure that will never be forgotten.