The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Costa Rica

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

Unusual
Attractions
in Costa Rica

Cahuita, Costa Rica

Aviarios del Caribe: Sloth Sanctuary

Sloth rehabilitation center in the jungle of Costa Rica.

9.7389, -82.8456

Added by Nicholas Jackson

Rio Celeste

Río Celeste

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

10.7027, -84.9932

Added by EricGrundhauser

Dogs on a hike.

Alajuela, Costa Rica

Territorio de Zaguates (Land of Strays)

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

10.0961, -84.1561

Added by Molly McBride Jacobson

Diquís Spheres

Diquís Spheres

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

8.9108, -83.4788

Parque Francisco Alvardoa

Zarcero, Costa Rica

Parque Francisco Alvarado

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

10.1844, -84.3917

Added by EricGrundhauser

San Lucas Island Prison Graffiti

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

9.9386, -84.9063

Added by serflac

Quepos, Costa Rica

727 Fuselage Home

Costa Rican accommodation resembles a crash site, but with a nice balcony.

9.3987, -84.1541

Added by serflac

Quepos, Costa Rica

El Avion Restaurant and Bar

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

9.4024, -84.1532

Added by Nicholas Jackson

See All 10 Things to Do in Costa Rica See All 10 Places

Unique
Food & Drink
in Costa Rica

Trits

Gastro Obscura

Trits

Costa Rica's iconic ice cream tub contains indescribably addictive cookies.

Gastro Obscura

Added by rachelrummel

Olosapo

Gastro Obscura

Fruits & Vegetables

Olosapo

In Central America, custard grows on trees.

Gastro Obscura

Added by Jared Rydelek

Monstera Deliciosa

Gastro Obscura

Fruits & Vegetables

Monstera Deliciosa

This fruit either burns your throat or tastes like a tropical medley.

Gastro Obscura

Added by Jared Rydelek

Twelve Grapes

Gastro Obscura

Ritual & Medicinal

Twelve Grapes

A New Year's Eve tradition of scarfing down 12 grapes for good luck.

Gastro Obscura

Added by paulamejia

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sarahcbittle wants to go to Río Celeste

sarahcbittle wants to go to Aviarios del Caribe: Sloth Sanctuary

sarahcbittle wants to go to Parque Francisco Alvarado

alohaxally wants to go to Aviarios del Caribe: Sloth Sanctuary

alohaxally wants to go to Río Celeste

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