Eco-tourism is the main activity which attracts visitors to Costa Rica from around the world hoping to enjoy the country's biodiversity. It is one of the world's best venues for bird-watching in particular. Others come to Costa Rica to take advantage of its excellent conditions for surfing, diving and snorkelling. The best beaches and conditions for water-sports can be found on the Caribbean coast. Deep-sea fishing is popular off the Pacific coast.

Mountain biking is popular in the forests and national parks, where there are well-marked trails. Horseback riding is another popular pursuit, and one of San Jose's annual attractions involves a parade of more than 1000 horses through the city during Christmas week. Rodeos and bullfights are also held in some parts of the country.

Costa Rica has many facilities for extreme sports, including 'zip lining' across the jungle canopy on flying foxes, bungee jumping and white water rafting. Golf is also becoming very popular here, and there is a world-class 18-hole course, Cariari Country Club, where international tournaments are held.

Costa Ricans are passionate about football, the country's number one spectator sport and also a popular participant sport among the locals. Baseball, basketball and volleyball are also popular. Costa Rica hosts annual tournaments for swimming, tennis, cycling, motor car racing and bowling which draw competitors from all over the world.

San Jose offers a good range of entertainment options including nightclubs, traditional folk music venues, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. There are international dining options here including oriental, Italian, American fast-food and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. In March every other year the city hosts an arts, music and film festival, the Festival de Arte.