Zipline through a cloud forest

Costa Rica is for its zip lining and bridges high above the canopy. Zoom through the rainforest and low hanging clouds to see the countryside in a different way and get a thrill while you’re doing it. While there are multiple places to zip line, the best is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where an afternoon has you flying through the rainforest on multiple lines up to 1km long.

Wildlife at your doorstep

There’s over 600 species of birds in Costa Rica as well as a variety of other extraordinary wildlife from sloths and coati to jaguars. Hike through jungles and rainforests in one of the 28 national parks, looking up to witness packs of howler monkeys jumping from tree to tree in an energetic pursuit. Don’t forget to look out for sloths too. If you’re lucky, you’ll see one up close and personal as it slowly crosses over the trail.

The wildlife isn’t just limited to the land either. Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is known for its whale watching, with humpback whales off the coast from July to April. If you’d rather see turtles and hatchlings, there’s opportunities to get involved with turtle conservation on both coasts, particularly in the  Osa and Nicoya Peninsulas. 

Embark on an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure

There’s at least six different rivers in Costa Rica suitable for white-water rafting, so you’ve got plenty of options in terms of location and difficulty. As a general rule the higher up you are the wilder the river. Similarly, the rainy season runs from May to November, so water will be higher and the rafting better in this period. There are gentle runs to be had on the Balsa River near Arunal  leading up to at least 4 rivers with grade 4 rapids. Check out the Pacuare River in the Talamanca Mountains, one of the most popular rafting destinations in the world. 

Go canyoning

Head to La Fortuna for an adrenaline rush with a day’s canyoning. These tours involve hiking through the rainforest in pursuit of the waterfalls. You’ll jump, abseil or scramble down with a professional and knowledgeable guide in this exciting Costa Rican adventure. One for the adventure lovers!

Surf the days away

Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned surfer, Costa Rica offers exciting surf spots all around the country. Visit Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo for chilled-out beach vibes, slacklining, and professional surf lessons. Venture over to Playa Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast for great waves year-round and a long stretch of white sand.

Practice yoga

If you’re looking to slow the pace, practice yoga in some of the world’s most biodiverse and beautiful scenery. Costa Rica has a number of excellent yoga retreats so you can relax, meditate, and practice among immense natural beauty. A perfect way to ease those aching muscles.

Think of Morocco and images of bustling souks, beautiful buildings and aromatic food come to mind. But there’s much more to Morocco than the vibrant Marrakesh. With its consistently good weather, mountains, ocean and easy accessibility, Morocco is emerging as a key activity and adventure destination. With that in mind, here are a few of the best activities that Morocco has to offer.

Climb Mount Toubkal

At 4,167m Mount Toubkal is Morocco, and North Africa’s, highest peak. It’s a fantastic mountain for beginners and experienced hikers alike, with the climb taking just two days with one night camping. Toubkal’s difficulty is driven more by season than technical requirements and the height means there is a lower risk of altitude sickness. All of which means it’s suitable even for novice mountain climbers. You’ll trek through Berber villages, terraced fields and canyons, all with the Atlas mountains as your backdrop. And there’s nothing like spectacular views across the mountains to the Sahara as you summit. Sitting in the early morning sun you’ll really feel on top of the world. Several tour operators, such as Exodus and GAdventures, run a long weekend or offer the climb as part of a longer trip round Morocco.

Trek the Sahara Desert

While in Morocco take a trip out to the Sahara Desert. Here you’ll experience the rich beauty and tranquillity of the sand dunes as you trek alongside camels through the desert. If you stay overnight you’ll also get to witness an incredible sunset, the magic of stargazing without light pollution, and be greeted with sunrise over the desert. It’s a magical experience.

Enjoy an Adrenaline Rush in the Middle-Atlas Mountains

Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains is not just a nature haven but also full of adventure sports. For a real adrenaline rush try out canyoning, where you’ll abseil down waterfalls, jump into lakes, and slide down natural rockslides. It’s a great way to explore Morocco’s natural beauty and maybe try out something new. Or, alternatively, head out for some white water rafting on the Ahansai river, experiencing the adrenaline rush as you make your way downstream. Trips run from anything from one day to two weeks.

Surf the Atlantic

Morocco’s southern coast, from Essaouira through Agadir is made for surfing. Set on the Atlantic Ocean, the warm weather, long, open beaches and windy conditions mean that there is a year round surfing scene for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Most beaches are long enough that they have sections where the waves are higher and sections where the water is calmer and the beginner lessons take place. When finished on the waves, head back on land to stretch out any aching muscles with a yoga class or traditional Moroccan hammam. 

Hike Mountains and Gorges

Mountain lovers will feel right at home on a trip to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Hike through golden-hued mountains and stunning gorges, interact with local Berber communities, and take in some incredible views. Whether a day out from Marrakesh or trekking for several days, the Ourika Valley, Imlil and surrounding areas provide plenty of opportunities for hikes a view.

These are just a few of the top activities Morocco has to offer. However, there’s plenty of others available from hot air balloon rides to jeep safaris to diving. Or even heading into the souks and trying your hand at bartering. So what are you waiting for? Check out a range of Morocco trips here.