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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Costa Rica

18 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Costa Rica

Updated October 27, 2022

Unusual Attractions in Costa Rica

Cahuita, Costa Rica

Aviarios del Caribe: Sloth Sanctuary

Sloth rehabilitation center in the jungle of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica

Río Celeste

This neon blue river gets its color from a unique mix of bacteria and volcano minerals.

Zarcero, Costa Rica

Parque Francisco Alvarado

This Costa Rican topiary park is a surreal garden of unearthly delights.

Alajuela, Costa Rica

Territorio de Zaguates (Land of Strays)

Where dogs like the rare "Fire-Tailed Border Cocker" run free on the mountainside.

Costa Rica

Diquís Spheres

These mysterious ancient stone spheres were created by a civilization lost to time and are now mostly lawn ornaments.

Jaco, Costa Rica

El Miro Ruins

Once the foundation for a mansion, these ruins now offer amazing panoramic coastal views.

Quepos, Costa Rica

El Avion Restaurant and Bar

The sister plane of the C-123 shot down during the Iran-Contra Affair has found a new purpose in retirement.

Costa Rica

San Lucas Island Prison Graffiti

Disused penal colony features prisoner artwork, some sketched in human blood.

See All 18 Things To Do in Costa Rica

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Costa Rica

Quepos, Costa Rica

El Avion Restaurant and Bar

The sister plane of the C-123 shot down during the Iran-Contra Affair has found a new purpose in retirement.

Altamira, Costa Rica

Restaurante La Oruga

Dine inside a giant caterpillar at this community-run eatery.

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Stories About Costa Rica

Sold: A $44,000 Doghouse With a Hole in Its Roof

Rocky's home was struck by a rare meteorite, but don't worry, he's okay.

February 25, 2022

In Search of Nímbulos, Guardians of Costa Rica's Mountain of Death

Believers say the otherworldly protectors of Cerro de la Muerte's cloud forests face an uncertain future.

by Trevor Ritland and Priscilla Palavicini

October 6, 2021

Lists Featuring Costa Rica

Red Seabeach

Padar Island and its crystal-clear turquoise water.

Black Sand Beach

10 Unique Beaches From Around the World

From bright red grass to stranded shipwrecks, these beaches are anything but ordinary.

Including Driftwood Beach, Red Beach , and Padar Island

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