Free things to do
46 articles from people who actually live in Costa Rica.
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Best waterfalls near Manuel Antonio and Quepos: local spots and day trips
Compare eight waterfall outings from Manuel Antonio and Quepos, from Rainmaker and local river spots to Nauyaca, Uvita and El Pavón, with practical access and transport advice.
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Free and cheap things to do in Drake Bay, Costa Rica
How to enjoy Drake Bay on a budget: the coastal trail to Playa San Josecito, village walks, wildlife watching, beach evenings and local sodas, with practical costs and planning tips.
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Mercado Bahía Ballena: Complete Guide to Uvita's Local Market
If there's one local ritual that perfectly captures the soul of Uvita, Costa Rica, it's Mercado Bahía Ballena — the beloved twice-weekly market that brings the community alive with color, aromas, and the kind of honest, unpretentious energy that makes this stretch of the Southern Pacific coast so special. Whether you're a long-term expat, a digital nomad, or a traveler passing through on your way to Marino Ballena National Park, Mercado Bahía Ballena is not just a place to shop — it's a place...
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Feria de Quepos: Complete guide to the Quepos Farmers Market
If there's one local ritual that perfectly captures the soul of Quepos, Costa Rica, it's La Feria — the beloved weekly farmers market that brings the community alive with color, aromas, and the kind of honest, unpretentious energy that makes this Pacific coast town so special. Whether you're a long-term expat, a digital nomad, or a traveler passing through on your way to Manuel Antonio National Park, La Feria is not just a place to shop — it's a place to live like a local, even if only for a...
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Playa Ardilla: the hidden gem beach near Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
If you’re searching for a quiet beach in Guanacaste away from the crowds of Tamarindo and the busy resorts, Playa Ardilla may become your new favorite hidden paradise. Located near the upscale beach towns of Playa Flamingo and Potrero in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, Playa Ardilla is a small, secluded beach with turquoise water, jungle surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere that still feels untouched. Unlike many famous beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Ardilla remains relatively unknown,...
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Top 10 cheap & free things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns—and while it’s known for surfing, nightlife, and great restaurants, you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. Whether you’re backpacking through Costa Rica, traveling with family, or exploring solo, Tamarindo offers plenty of free things to do that let you experience the town’s natural beauty and laid-back pura vida vibe. At Pura Vida Traveling, we help travelers make the most of Costa Rica—so here’s our list of the top 10 free things...
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Costa Rica Crocodile Bridge and CROC Skywalk at Tarcoles River: everything you need to know
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, one of the country’s most famous wildlife spots is Crocodile Bridge Costa Rica, located along the Tarcoles River on the Pacific Coast. Known for its enormous population of American crocodiles, this spot is a must-visit for wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to witness Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity up close. One of the favorite free things to do near Jaco. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking an adventurous stop, a family looking...
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1 week in Manuel Antonio: what to do?
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, a place where lush rainforest meets powdery white-sand beaches and wildlife is never far away. Whether you’re wandering through jungle trails, spotting monkeys and sloths, relaxing on the beach, or seeking adrenaline-filled adventures like ziplining, surfing, or white water rafting, Manuel Antonio truly has something for everyone. Here is all our favorite activities if you're wondering what to do during 1 week in Manuel Antonio....
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The best things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, where lush rainforest meets powdery white-sand beaches, and wildlife abounds. For travelers — whether backpackers, families, or solo adventurers — it’s a place that truly has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-do activities in and around Manuel Antonio, share insider tips, and help you make the most of your stay. On a budget? Check out our blog: Top 10 cheap and free things to do in Manuel...
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Discover El Choyin: La Fortuna’s Free Hot Springs River
If you want to soak in hot springs without paying resort prices , El Choyin — also called Rio Chollín or the free hot springs of La Fortuna — is your best bet. This naturally heated river is open to the public 24/7, offering a rustic, wild experience compared to the commercial thermal spas. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to find it, what to expect, safety tips, and how to make the most of your visit. What Is El Choyin / Rio Chollín? El Choyin (Rio Chollín) is a natural hot river...
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Cheap and Free Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Monteverde, Costa Rica, is famous for its lush cloud forests, exotic wildlife, and eco-adventures. While many travelers come for zip-lining and guided night tours, you don’t have to spend big to enjoy the magic of this mountain paradise. From scenic hikes to local hangouts, Monteverde offers plenty of budget-friendly and even free activities. Here are the top cheap and free things to do in Monteverde —including a stop at the famous Colibrí Café. 1. Walk the Santa Elena Town & Explore Local...
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Top 10 free & cheap things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s most magical beach towns — known for its laid-back surf culture, stunning sunsets, and barefoot boho vibe. It draws in backpackers, digital nomads, yogis, and adventure seekers from around the world. While the town has its luxurious side, the good news is that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the best of it . When we headed to Santa Teresa, we honestly didn’t know what to expect. We hadn’t done much research and were just going with the flow. On our way...
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