Costa Rica may be small in size, but it’s bursting with natural wonders, adventure opportunities, and incredible biodiversity. This Central American paradise offers everything from pristine beaches and misty cloud forests to active volcanoes and wildlife sanctuaries. With over 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves, Costa Rica is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to experience the famous “pura vida” lifestyle. Join us as we explore the 60 best places to visit in Costa Rica that showcase this country’s remarkable diversity and beauty.
Breathtaking National Parks
Costa Rica’s national park system is the crown jewel of the country’s conservation efforts, protecting some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. These parks offer visitors the chance to experience pristine nature and encounter wildlife in their natural habitats.
The stunning beaches and jungle of Manuel Antonio National Park
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
Despite being Costa Rica’s smallest national park, Manuel Antonio packs an incredible punch with its stunning combination of pristine beaches and dense rainforest. The park is home to capuchin monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can hike well-maintained trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints and secluded beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
2. Corcovado National Park
Often described as the “most biologically intense place on Earth,” Corcovado protects the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coastline. This remote wilderness on the Osa Peninsula is home to jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and four species of monkeys. Visitors must be accompanied by certified guides and should be prepared for a true wilderness experience.
3. Tortuguero National Park
Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is accessible only by boat or plane. The park’s network of freshwater creeks and lagoons makes it perfect for wildlife spotting by boat. It’s most famous for the green sea turtles that nest on its beaches between July and October, but visitors can also spot manatees, caimans, and numerous monkey species year-round.
4. Arenal Volcano National Park
Dominated by the perfectly conical Arenal Volcano, this park offers hiking trails through lava fields and secondary rainforest. Though the volcano has been dormant since 2010, the surrounding area features hot springs, waterfalls, and Lake Arenal, making it a hub for adventure activities and relaxation.
5. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This misty, high-altitude forest is home to over 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 2,500 plant species. The reserve’s hanging bridges and ziplines offer unique perspectives of the forest canopy, where visitors might spot the resplendent quetzal, one of the world’s most beautiful birds.
Stunning Beaches
With coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica boasts some of Central America’s most beautiful beaches. From surfing hotspots to tranquil swimming coves, there’s a beach for every type of traveler.
Sunset at the popular surfing destination of Tamarindo Beach
6. Tamarindo Beach
This vibrant beach town in Guanacaste offers excellent surfing for all skill levels, a lively restaurant and nightlife scene, and beautiful sunsets. It’s a perfect base for exploring nearby beaches and national parks while enjoying modern amenities.
7. Manuel Antonio Beach
Located inside Manuel Antonio National Park, this pristine beach combines white sand with lush jungle backdrop. Visitors can spot monkeys playing in the trees while relaxing in the gentle waters protected by the bay.
8. Playa Conchal
Named for the millions of crushed shells that make up its shore, this unique beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The white shell sand creates a stunning contrast with the turquoise water, making it one of Costa Rica’s most photogenic beaches.
9. Santa Teresa Beach
This bohemian beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula has become a hotspot for yoga enthusiasts, digital nomads, and surfers. The long, wide beach offers consistent waves and spectacular sunsets, while the town features organic cafes and boutique accommodations.
10. Playa Flamingo
This upscale beach destination features a beautiful crescent of golden sand and calm, clear waters ideal for swimming. The area offers luxury resorts, sport fishing charters, and a marina, making it perfect for travelers seeking comfort alongside natural beauty.
Majestic Volcanoes
Costa Rica’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire has blessed it with numerous volcanoes that shape its dramatic landscapes. These geological wonders offer hiking opportunities, hot springs, and some of the country’s most spectacular views.
The perfect conical shape of Arenal Volcano on a clear day
11. Arenal Volcano
The most famous of Costa Rica’s volcanoes, Arenal’s perfect conical shape dominates the landscape around La Fortuna. Though no longer actively spewing lava, the volcano offers excellent hiking trails, hot springs, and stunning views, especially at sunset.
12. Poás Volcano
Just an hour from San José, Poás features one of the world’s largest active crater lakes. The turquoise sulfuric lake contrasts dramatically with the barren crater walls, creating an otherworldly landscape that visitors can view from a safe observation platform.
13. Irazú Volcano
Costa Rica’s highest volcano offers visitors the unique experience of seeing both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on clear days. Its main crater contains a striking green acidic lake, while the surrounding landscape resembles the surface of the moon.
14. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano
This massive volcano complex in Guanacaste province features bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. Hiking trails lead through diverse ecosystems from dry forest to cloud forest, with opportunities to spot wildlife and waterfalls along the way.
15. Turrialba Volcano
Recently active, Turrialba offers adventurous visitors the chance to witness volcanic activity firsthand when conditions permit. The surrounding national park features pre-Columbian ruins and excellent bird-watching opportunities.
Spectacular Waterfalls
Costa Rica’s abundant rainfall and mountainous terrain create the perfect conditions for spectacular waterfalls. These natural wonders offer refreshing swimming opportunities and breathtaking photo backgrounds.
The magical blue waters of Rio Celeste Waterfall
16. La Fortuna Waterfall
This 70-meter cascade plunges into a natural swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation. Located near Arenal Volcano, visitors descend 500 steps to reach the base of the falls, where they can swim in the refreshing waters and enjoy the powerful sight of the waterfall.
17. Rio Celeste Waterfall
Famous for its striking turquoise blue water, Rio Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most photographed natural wonders. The waterfall is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, and the unique color comes from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals.
18. Nauyaca Waterfalls
These twin waterfalls in the southern Pacific region feature a 45-meter upper fall and a 20-meter lower fall with a large natural swimming pool. Visitors can reach the falls by horseback, hiking, or 4×4 vehicle through the jungle.
19. Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
This wide, curtain-like waterfall near Liberia creates a perfect swimming hole with a sandy beach. The relatively easy access makes it popular with both tourists and locals seeking a refreshing escape from the Guanacaste heat.
20. Bajos del Toro Waterfall
Plunging 90 meters into an extinct volcanic crater, this impressive waterfall is surrounded by cloud forest. The area features several other waterfalls and is less visited than other destinations, offering a more secluded experience.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserves
Costa Rica is home to nearly 5% of the world’s biodiversity, making wildlife viewing one of the country’s biggest attractions. These sanctuaries and reserves offer opportunities to see animals up close while supporting conservation efforts.
A three-toed sloth spotted in a Costa Rican wildlife sanctuary
21. Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
Located on the Caribbean coast, this sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and studies sloths. Visitors can take educational tours to learn about these fascinating creatures and the conservation challenges they face in the wild.
22. Jaguar Rescue Center
Despite its name, this center in Puerto Viejo rescues all types of animals, including monkeys, sloths, and birds. The center’s guided tours offer close encounters with animals being rehabilitated for eventual release back into the wild.
23. Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
This wetland sanctuary near the Nicaraguan border is one of the best places to spot rare water birds, caimans, monkeys, and occasionally freshwater sharks. Boat tours through the refuge offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
24. Carara National Park
This transitional forest between dry and wet tropical forest creates a unique ecosystem where visitors can spot scarlet macaws, monkeys, and crocodiles. The park’s universal access trail makes it one of Costa Rica’s most accessible wildlife viewing destinations.
25. Las Baulas National Marine Park
This park protects the nesting grounds of the endangered leatherback turtle. Between October and March, visitors can join guided night tours to witness these massive turtles laying eggs on Playa Grande.
Mystical Cloud Forests
Costa Rica’s cloud forests are high-altitude ecosystems constantly shrouded in mist, creating an enchanted atmosphere and supporting unique plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth.
Walking through the misty canopy on Monteverde’s hanging bridges
26. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This world-famous reserve protects six ecological zones and countless species of plants and animals. Visitors can explore hanging bridges, ziplines, and hiking trails while searching for the elusive resplendent quetzal and other wildlife.
27. Los Quetzales National Park
Named for the resplendent quetzal that nests here, this park protects high-altitude oak forest. The park offers excellent bird watching, hiking trails through misty forests, and spectacular mountain views.
28. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Less visited than neighboring Monteverde, Santa Elena offers a more secluded cloud forest experience with similar biodiversity. The reserve’s higher elevation means even more mist and an otherworldly atmosphere on its well-maintained trails.
29. Braulio Carrillo National Park
Just an hour from San José, this massive park protects cloud forests, rainforests, and volcanic peaks. The aerial tram offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy without strenuous hiking.
30. Children’s Eternal Rainforest
The largest private reserve in Costa Rica was purchased through donations from children around the world. It connects several cloud forest ecosystems and offers night hikes to spot nocturnal creatures like kinkajous and tarantulas.
Stunning Islands and Peninsulas
Costa Rica’s coastlines feature beautiful islands and peninsulas that offer some of the country’s most pristine natural environments and unique cultural experiences.
The paradise-like setting of Tortuga Island viewed from above
31. Nicoya Peninsula
Home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches and a designated Blue Zone where people live exceptionally long lives. The peninsula offers surf towns, yoga retreats, and authentic rural experiences in traditional villages.
32. Osa Peninsula
This remote peninsula houses Corcovado National Park and represents one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Adventure travelers will appreciate the pristine beaches, primary rainforest, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
33. Tortuga Island
This day-trip destination in the Gulf of Nicoya features white sand beaches, clear waters for snorkeling, and hiking trails through the island’s interior. Catamaran tours to the island often include dolphin watching and lunch on the beach.
34. Caño Island
Located off the Osa Peninsula, this biological reserve offers Costa Rica’s best snorkeling and diving experiences. The waters surrounding the island are home to rays, sharks, turtles, and dolphins, while the island itself contains pre-Columbian artifacts.
35. Chira Island
The largest island in the Gulf of Nicoya offers an authentic glimpse into traditional fishing village life. Community-based tourism initiatives provide homestays and tours led by local women, supporting sustainable development.
Adventure Destinations
Costa Rica is synonymous with adventure tourism, offering activities from mild to wild in stunning natural settings. These destinations specialize in getting your adrenaline pumping.
Navigating the thrilling rapids of the Pacuare River
36. Pacuare River
Considered one of the world’s best rafting destinations, the Pacuare offers class III-IV rapids through pristine rainforest canyons. Multi-day trips include stays at eco-lodges accessible only by raft, combining adventure with immersion in nature.
37. Monteverde Adventure Parks
Several adventure parks in the Monteverde region offer ziplines, Tarzan swings, and hanging bridges through the cloud forest canopy. The Superman zipline allows visitors to fly face-first over the forest for an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
38. Rincón de la Vieja Adventure Tours
The area around this volcano offers a one-stop adventure experience with tubing on the Rio Negro, horseback riding to waterfalls, ziplining, and natural hot springs all available in a single day tour.
39. Nauyaca Waterfalls Canyoning
Adventure seekers can rappel down the face of these impressive waterfalls under expert guidance. The experience combines technical skills with the thrill of descending alongside rushing water.
40. Arenal Hanging Bridges and Ziplines
The area around Arenal Volcano offers numerous adventure activities, from walking across hanging bridges suspended in the forest canopy to ziplining with views of the volcano and lake.
Cultural Destinations
While Costa Rica is primarily known for its natural attractions, the country also offers rich cultural experiences in its cities, towns, and indigenous territories.
The ornate National Theater in San José, a cultural landmark
41. San José
Costa Rica’s capital offers excellent museums, including the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Jade Museum. The National Theater, farmers’ markets, and emerging gastronomy scene provide cultural insights into modern Costa Rican life.
42. Sarchí
Known as the cradle of Costa Rican craftsmanship, this town is famous for its brightly painted oxcarts and wooden crafts. Visitors can tour workshops to see artisans creating traditional and contemporary pieces.
43. Boruca Indigenous Territory
The Boruca people maintain their cultural traditions, including the creation of intricate masks used in the annual Fiesta de los Diablitos. Community tours offer authentic cultural exchanges and the opportunity to purchase handcrafted items directly from artisans.
44. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This Caribbean coastal town showcases Afro-Caribbean culture through its music, cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle. The area’s unique cultural blend differs significantly from the rest of Costa Rica.
45. Guaitil Pottery Village
This small village in Guanacaste preserves pre-Columbian pottery techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can watch artisans create and paint traditional designs using natural materials and ancient methods.
Staying Connected in Costa Rica
While exploring Costa Rica’s natural wonders, staying connected is essential for navigation, translation, emergency situations, and sharing your amazing experiences with friends and family. Having reliable internet access can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Never Lose Connection During Your Adventure
Having reliable internet access is crucial when navigating between Costa Rica’s diverse destinations. An eSIM provides immediate connectivity upon arrival, allowing you to use maps, translation apps, and stay in touch with loved ones without searching for WiFi or dealing with expensive roaming charges.
51. Uvita
This growing beach town on the southern Pacific coast offers a more relaxed alternative to Manuel Antonio. The town is famous for the “Whale’s Tail,” a sandbar formation visible at low tide, and serves as a base for whale watching tours during migration seasons.
52. Bijagua
This small town near Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste offers authentic rural tourism experiences. Family-run lodges, bird watching opportunities, and farm tours provide insights into traditional Costa Rican country life.
53. Cahuita
This laid-back Caribbean town features a national park where visitors can snorkel among coral reefs just offshore. The Afro-Caribbean culture influences everything from the cuisine to the reggae music that fills the air.
54. Turrialba
Known for its archaeological sites, whitewater rafting, and volcano, Turrialba offers adventure without the crowds. The region’s fertile volcanic soil also produces some of Costa Rica’s finest cheeses and coffee.
55. Playa Avellanas
Nicknamed “Little Hawaii” for its excellent surf breaks, this beach near Tamarindo offers a more secluded experience. Lola’s beach bar, named after its resident pig, provides a perfect spot to relax after catching waves.
Planning Your Costa Rica Adventure
With so many incredible destinations to choose from, planning a Costa Rica itinerary can feel overwhelming. Consider focusing on 2-3 regions for a 10-day trip to minimize travel time and maximize experiences. The country’s small size is deceptive—mountainous terrain and winding roads mean travel between destinations often takes longer than expected.
Find the Best Deals for Your Costa Rica Trip
Securing the right flights and accommodations is essential for a smooth Costa Rica experience. Compare options across multiple providers to find the perfect combination of convenience and value for your adventure through this diverse country.
56. Montezuma
This bohemian beach town on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula offers a perfect mix of jungle and beach. The town is known for its nearby waterfalls, artistic community, and relaxed atmosphere.
57. Dominical
This surf town on the southern Pacific coast has maintained its laid-back vibe despite growing popularity. Besides surfing, visitors can enjoy waterfall hikes, wildlife sanctuaries, and weekly farmers’ markets featuring local artisans.
58. Puerto Jiménez
The gateway to Corcovado National Park offers its own attractions, including kayaking through mangroves, gold panning, and sportfishing. The town provides a glimpse of authentic Costa Rican life on the remote Osa Peninsula.
59. Sámara
This beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula offers gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers, a long crescent beach ideal for walking, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The town center features restaurants, shops, and language schools within walking distance of the beach.
60. Las Catalinas
This car-free beach town was designed to promote community, wellness, and connection with nature. The pedestrian-only streets, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, and focus on outdoor activities create a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica.
Embrace the Pura Vida Lifestyle
Costa Rica’s famous phrase “pura vida” (pure life) is more than just a greeting—it’s a philosophy that embodies the country’s approach to living in harmony with nature and finding joy in simple pleasures. As you explore these 60 incredible destinations, you’ll discover that the true magic of Costa Rica lies not just in its stunning landscapes and biodiversity, but in the warm, welcoming spirit of its people and the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, wildlife encounters, or cultural experiences, Costa Rica offers endless possibilities for creating unforgettable memories. The country’s commitment to conservation ensures these treasures will remain for generations to come, making it not just a beautiful destination, but a model for sustainable tourism worldwide. So pack your sense of adventure, your camera, and an open heart—Costa Rica is waiting to share its wonders with you!
