costa rica top tourist attractions

18 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Written by Lana Law Updated Apr 25, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Costa Rica is a wonderland of natural attractions, with volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests, and wildlife. This is a country that appeals as much to bird-watchers and luxury travelers as it does to surfers and backpackers.

The busy city of San Jose is home to the country's best museums, lovely squares, and cultural attractions, but the real treasures lie beyond the capital, in the forests and small coastal towns and villages.

Endless stretches of beach line the Pacific Coast, with small towns that cater to surfers and sun seekers. The province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica is considered the best place to visit for beautiful beaches and beach towns.

Inland, the forest-covered mountains offer their own adventures, from volcanoes and waterfalls to ziplining and extraordinary wildlife viewing. Although wildlife is prevalent throughout the country, the lush south is where tourists tend to head if they are looking to find animals. The areas south of Jaco down to the Osa Peninsula are some of the best places to visit for wildlife.

For something completely different, check out the Caribbean coast with its calm waters and unique cultural vibe.

Discover the best places to visit with our list of the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica.

1. Manuel Antonio National Park

2. arenal volcano (volcan arenal), 3. monteverde and the cloud forests, 4. tamarindo, 5. dominical, 6. mal pais and santa teresa, 8. wildlife viewing, 9. diamante eco adventure park, 10. osa peninsula and corcovado national park, 11. tortuguero national park, 12. the national theater in san jose, 13. irazu volcano national park, 14. braulio carrillo national park, 15. rincón de la vieja national park, 16. the crocodile bridge on the tarcoles river, 17. la paz waterfall gardens, 18. kiteboarding in costa rica.

Set on the edge of the town of Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's top destinations for wildlife viewing. It also has the added bonus of being home to beautiful soft-sand beaches.

Some of the usual wildlife sightings in the park are howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths, white-nosed coatimundis, and the hard-to-miss capuchins. You can also expect to see iridescent butterflies and a myriad of colorful birds flitting about. You can walk the trails on your own, but for a more in-depth experience consider joining a guided tour of Manuel Antonio Park Nature. Guides often know exactly where the animals are and carry tripods and telescopes, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.

Part of the attraction of Manuel Antonio National Park is its proximity to the town of Manuel Antonio. In town, you can find hotels within easy walking distance of the park, as well as restaurants and other retail.

Most of the action in town is centered around the beautiful oceanfront beach, where umbrellas and beach chairs line the sand and surfers enjoy the usually gentle waves. This is a popular place for beginners to take surf lessons. Across the road from the beach and higher up on the hillside are restaurants and stores, some of which can get loud in the evenings.

If you want to linger here for a few days and treat yourself to a luxury stay, Manuel Antonio is home to one of the top beach resorts in Costa Rica.

The Arenal Volcano National Park, found in the rugged Cordillera de Tilarán, is one of the top volcano viewing areas in the country. The main attraction here is the Arenal Volcano, a cone-shaped mountain with huge ash columns frequently streaming from the crater.

Arenal was dormant from AD 1500 until a massive eruption on July 29, 1968, which killed 82 people and destroyed two villages. Since then, it has seen regular activity and, depending on the day or week, visitors can expect to see anything from a cloud of ash to glowing red lava flowing down the mountain.

The park is also known for its wide range of biodiversity, with approximately half of all Costa Rican birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals represented somewhere within its boundaries.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge , originally a private observatory established in 1987, is the only lodge within the Arenal Volcano National Park boundaries. It is located on a macadamia nut farm on the south side of the volcano. From the lodge, check out the excellent views of the volcano and Arenal Lake in the opposite direction. Numerous hiking trails are in the area; many lead to waterfalls and old and recent lava flows.

The Cloud Forests near Monteverde and Santa Elena are some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for ecotourism. If you are itching to immerse yourself in nature and see unique plants and wildlife without venturing too far off the beaten path, this is definitely the place to come.

The clouds covering these forests provide the moisture necessary to sustain the area's unique habitats. While many people come simply for the bird-watching, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve sustain various mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Keep an eye out for colorful frogs and howler monkeys. Jaguars and pumas are more elusive. Organized hikes are one of the best ways to see the forest. Another option are canopy tours that may involve ziplines or bridges and even cable cars.

Monteverde and Santa Elena are the two main tourist centers in the region, with accommodation, restaurants, and even shops and artists' galleries. This area, located northwest of San Juan, is a little more than four hours by bus. It can be cold up here, so be sure to bring warm clothes.

If you're looking for an action-packed beach town to settle in to for a while, Tamarindo is just the place. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Tamarindo is a top destination for surfing, beaching, and fun. Once a quiet fishing village, the town has grown into a tourist haven, where you can find a good assortment of restaurants and hotels.

The town is spread along Tamarindo Beach , a beautiful wide crescent that runs for approximately 1.5 kilometers. The area is known for surfing, with a range of breaks ideal for both experienced surfers and learners. The biggest waves are generally found here in November and December.

The area around Tamarindo offers eco-friendly adventures and activities that include snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, ziplining, and turtle watching in season. Nearby Playa Grande is one of Costa Rica's most important nesting grounds for leatherback turtles. Throughout October and March, more than 100 turtles can be seen nesting and laying their eggs overnight.

Dominical is a tropical backpacker's haven and one of the best places in Costa Rica for surfing. Lovely beaches, cheap accommodation, casual open-air restaurants, and a great bohemian vibe are what this town has long been known for. But, in the surrounding mountains, resorts, small inns, and luxury rentals attract an upper-end crowd.

A long stretch of beach fronts the town and in behind, under the shady trees, vendors set up tables and sell crafts and other items. In recent years, the once dirt streets have been paved, sidewalks have been bricked, and what was formerly a dusty beach town has become a much more refined tourist destination. Outside of town are quieter beaches, where it's possible to find your own special place.

Dominical is a fantastic place to spot wildlife without venturing too far from civilization. Toucans, monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws are common sights even right in the town of Dominical.

The annual Envision Festival draws a crowd to Dominical in late February or early March. This event focuses on music, arts, wellness, sustainability, and includes things like yoga and other workshops.

Mal Pais on the Nicoya Peninsula, is an area along the coast known for great waves that attract surfers from around the world. The town of Santa Teresa is the main hot spot in the area, however a chain of villages and beaches lie along the Mal Pais, including the villages of Mal Pais and Manzanillo .

Today, the area is a mix of backpackers, surfers who never managed to leave, and tourists who wish they had planned a longer vacation. The area is more trendy and has more of a scene than places like Dominical , and development in the area has turned it more upscale.

Jaco is a good choice for anyone looking to get out of San Jose but still wanting the comforts and amenities of a larger town or city. The beach here is spacious, pleasant, and has an active vibe.

The surfing and swimming here are both very good, with smaller waves than other areas along this section of coast. What Jaco does have that sets it apart from the numerous coastal towns along this stretch of the Pacific is modern apartments and stores, a strong selection of good restaurants and hotels, and other modern conveniences that have made it a popular choice with expats and retirees.

Jaco is less than a two-hour drive from San Jose . If you are arriving in San Jose and want to get out of the city right away but don't want to drive too far your first day, this is an easy destination to reach. You can also base yourself here and explore nearby beaches and attractions on day trips.

Costa Rica is one of those rare countries where the wildlife alone can be worth the trip. What the country may lack in cultural attractions, it more than makes up for with interesting and prevalent wildlife experiences.

You rarely need to search out animals. Monkeys make regular appearances around the towns, cappuchins hang out around restaurants, scarlet macaws soar through the skies, and toucans rustle in the branches nearby.

Opportunities to see wildlife are not limited to any one area, but visiting the parks or taking organized tours with knowledgeable guides will improve the chances of seeing some of the more elusive species.

As a general rule, you may have better luck seeing a wider variety of animals in the south of Costa Rica. A guided walking tour through Manuel Antonio National Park will almost guarantee you sightings of sloths and different types of monkeys, along with a variety of other animals. Plan a stay at an eco-lodge in the Osa Peninsula or stay at a small mountainside resort or inn around Dominical, Uvita, or Ojochal, and the wildlife will likely to come to you.

But the north is also full of wildlife. Even if you are staying in downtown Tamarindo, howler monkeys are a common sight in the trees and on overhead wires along the streets. Keep your eyes peeled, and you're sure to see some interesting critter.

If traipsing through the jungle in the heat is not your idea of fun, head out on a trip to Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Here, the animals, including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and pumas, are easily spotted in their natural habitat. On-site biologists care for these non-releasable animals and are also on hand to answer any questions you may have. In addition to the large animals, a butterfly enclosure is available to walk through. If you are lucky, one of these gentle and colorful creatures may even land on you.

It wouldn't be Costa Rica if there wasn't an opportunity to go ziplining, and if you want to try it, this is one of the best places to strap in and fly. The most popular zipline at the Diamante Eco Park is the Superman course. You literally jump off the top of a mountain and zip down one mile towards the ocean – head first!

If you'd rather learn about Costa Rican culture and immerse yourself in the country's rich biodiversity, take the Costa Rican Cultural Experience tour. Here, the friendly guides showcase Tico life, food, and culture while teaching you about the local plants that surround you.

In southern Costa Rica, beyond the beautiful beaches of Dominical, is the remote Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park

The park, established in 1975, protects what is considered to be the best remaining stretch of Pacific coastal rainforest in Central America. It has an extensive trail system and is popular with travelers who enjoy long-distance hikes.

In addition to surfing, other popular activities in the region are diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Puerto Jiménez is the area's largest town, and several fine lodges are found in the Drake Bay area.

For something a little different and a little off the beaten path, visitors may want to head to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast. This area, accessible only by boat or plane, is one of the wettest areas in the country and offers something different than the rest of Costa Rica. The park is an important breeding ground for the green sea turtle and as a result, turtle watching is the main activity here.

While there are many beaches, the coastal area is not suitable for swimming as the surf and currents are rough and strong. Sharks are common. Hundreds and even thousands of green and leatherback turtles can be viewed (guides are necessary) nesting and laying eggs on the beaches overnight. Recent conservation efforts have increased the number of turtles nesting in the area.

From the hiking trails or boat rides along the canals, it's possible to spot monkeys, sloths, and kinkajous. Peccaries and tapirs are also present but more difficult to see. Freshwater turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and other amphibians are also common.

Costa Ricans take pride in the National Theater, which is considered to be the most impressive building in San José. In the 1890s, the ruling coffee barons voted for a tax on coffee exports in order to fund the construction of the theater, and European artisans were imported to design the building.

Completed in 1897, the building features a classical Renaissance columned façade topped by statues symbolizing Dance, Music, and Fame. Inside, the pink marble foyer features allegorical figures of Comedy and Tragedy, and painted murals depicting themes in Costa Rican life.

The most famous of the paintings is one showing coffee harvesting and export painted by Arturo Fontana in Milan in 1897.

The Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica at 3,342 meters. The summit of the volcano is a lunar-like landscape with craters. Irazú's Principal Crater is 1,050 meters in diameter and 300 meters deep, and the Diego de la Haya Crater is considerably smaller and contains a small lime-green lake that sometimes appears red.

Marked trails lead to these craters and two other smaller ones, one of which also contains a lake. A pyroclastic cone can also be seen, which has been formed from fragmented volcanic rock. From the summit, it's possible to look out to the Pacific and Caribbean on clear days.

Braulio Carrillo National Park, a 30-minute drive from bustling San Jose, encompasses rugged mountains, waterfalls, canyons, dormant volcanoes, and virgin rainforest. The park's proximity to the country's main gateway means it is an easy way to see some of Costa Rica's unique plants and wildlife.

Many different habitats exist in the park due to the variety in elevation, which ranges from the top of the Barva Volcano (2,906 meters) to less than 50 meters in the Caribbean lowlands. The park is home to mammals such as jaguars, pumas, tapirs, sloths, and monkeys, but easier to see and hear are several species of birds including the Quetzal (national bird), toucans, and eagles.

The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is the main attraction in this park. One of the most popular things to do is a hike to the summit. This 9.6-kilometer trail leaves from Las Pailas and passes through a variety of ecosystems as it climbs to the top. The views are spectacular. You can see the Nicoya Penisula, and on a clear day, right into Nicaragua.

Other less strenuous trails lead to waterfalls and hot springs. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, with tapirs; sloths; monkeys; and large cats such as the jaguar, puma, and ocelot inhabiting the park.

If you want to see a crocodile in Costa Rica, a stop at the Crocodile Bridge will almost guarantee your success. Located about 25 minutes north of Jaco along Highway 34, this is a quick, fun, and easy stop. The Crocodile Bridge spans the Tarcoles River, which is known for having a huge population of American crocodiles.

You'll find a parking area on the north side of the bridge, along with some stores, souvenir sellers, and a Pops ice-cream shop. The bridge has a pedestrian area to walk out on, with railings on the river side and a barrier on the traffic side, so you don't have to worry about traffic. Viewing the crocodiles couldn't be easier, as they bask on the muddy riverbed below.

This privately owned nature park is a must-see attraction in Costa Rica. Spread out over 70 acres, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including monkeys, butterflies, hummingbirds, and others.

The highlight of the park is La Paz waterfall. Rainwater from the cloud forests tumble off a high ledge, dropping 37 meters into a pool below. In addition to the waterfall, your admission ticket includes access to the serpentarium, butterfly observatory, jungle cat exhibit, and ranarium (frog exhibit).

Official site: www.waterfallgardens.com

Costa Rica is becoming one of the "go-to" places for kiteboarding travelers. On the far northwestern coast near the Nicaraguan border is a place where the winds are strong and consistent.

Each day, the wind blows down from the massive Lago Cocibolca in Nicaragua and across the beautiful Salinas Bay. Bring your full quiver of kites, but it's likely that your seven-, nine-, and 11-meter sizes will get the greatest workout. Get the arms and legs tuned up, as it can be quite gusty at times.

Comfortable, but basic accommodation is either on the beach or up in the hills from Salinas Bay. If you'd like a more luxurious set of 5-star digs, head to the Dreams Las Mareas .

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23 Epic Things to Do in Costa Rica

Updated April 2, 2024

Costa Rica's strikingly diverse terrain – lush forests, wildlife reserves, hot springs and tropical beaches – offers a little something for every traveler. Beach lovers should head west and stay along the Pacific Coast; Guanacaste  and the  Nicoya

• All Things To Do

Nicoya Peninsula Nicoya Peninsula free

The Nicoya Peninsula's sparkling, nearly 80-mile shoreline boasts beach-centric towns with cream-colored shores and dense forests. Half of the peninsula is found in the Guanacaste province, while the other half sits in the Puntarenas province. If you're looking for a shortlist of towns or attractions to visit while traveling around the peninsula, consider the following:

Tamarindo: For the most developed beach town, head to Tamarindo on the north end of the peninsula. Tamarindo's beaches gained popularity after being featured in the 1994 surf movie "Endless Summer II," and today, the town is home to a bustling nightlife scene and well-regarded restaurants. Some of its most popular beaches include Playa Grande and Playa Negra. You'll also find sea turtle beaches and birding hot spots along the Nicoya Peninsula – especially at Marino las Baulas National Park – in addition to leatherback turtles and more than 100 bird species at Playa Grande. In addition to its natural wonders, Tamarindo is also home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica . 

Guanacaste Guanacaste free

Costa Rica's "Gold Coast" is one of the nation's top destinations, and that's not just because of its secluded beaches. The northwestern province's dry, sunny savannas contrast the misty cloud-covered rainforests found in other parts of the country. To the east, you'll admire volcanoes comprising the Cordillera de Guanacaste. Along the coast – which extends all the way to the Nicaraguan border – you'll find pockets of white sand flanking all-inclusive resorts and remote fishing villages. Farther inland, you'll discover a thriving cowboy culture that has flourished since Spanish colonial rule in the 19th century.

More notable highlights include the pristine, palm-studded Playa Carrillo, Rincón de la Vieja National Park and Costa Rica's first national park, Santa Rosa.  

Ecotermales Fortuna Ecotermales Fortuna

Located just outside the town of La Fortuna, the Ecotermales Hot Springs offer a relaxing break perfect for soothing post-hike muscles. Its magnesium-rich waters are heated by the natural energy of Arenal Volcano and collect in several rock-edged pools that are surrounded by lounge chairs and a lush tropical rainforest, not to mention views of the volcano. Constantly moving, the natural water refreshes itself every 45 minutes. Bathers will find five pools ranging from 90 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a pair of bars and an on-site restaurant. There are also cool water pools and a waterfall perfect for enjoying a hydromassage.

Most recent travelers thoroughly enjoyed their experience at the hot springs, praising the clean facilities, the affordable drinks and the tasty food. Even in light rain (which is frequent in Costa Rica), visitors called it "paradise on Earth." Several visitors said the hot springs never felt crowded thanks to the size and variety of the pools. 

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Manuel Antonio National Park Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica's smallest protected green spaces, but don't let its size throw you off. Within the park's 7 square miles, you'll find untamed beaches, secluded coves with coral reefs, nature trails and a thick rainforest. You can stretch out on the park's coastline or wander along one of the walking paths to spot rare birds, camouflaged iguanas and purple and orange crabs. If you're a lover of furry creatures, this park shelters sloths and a large population of monkeys. Though you can explore the park on your own, there are a variety of organized tours that take the hassle out of planning and range from guided hikes and kayak tours to boat rides, zip line tours and more.

For beach lovers, Playa Manuel Antonio is the most popular thanks to its spectacular views. But if you're hoping to avoid your fellow tourists, venture to Playa Espadilla, which combines an arching white sand beach with a rainforest backdrop. Many consider it one of the prettiest beaches in the area. Part of the beach is in Manuel Antonio National Park (where an entrance fee required), though the section near the town of Manuel Antonio (called Playa Espadilla Norte) is free to enjoy. Water sports enthusiasts can also sign up for surfing lessons and catamaran and banana boat rides.

San José San José free

San José, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, serves as a central base for exploration and features a large international airport. You'll likely want to stop here before heading off to the country's magnificent rainforests and beaches. A bustling metropolis, San Jose is home to a bevy of cultural attractions. For visitors, the city's museums and distinct interconnected  barrios  (districts) are the major draws, not to mention the vibrant dining scene.

Barrio Amón is popular with tourists for its centuries-old mansions and photo-worthy architecture. Barrio Escalante is equally popular for its variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries. If you plan on staying in the city for a few days before connecting elsewhere, consider heading downtown to the Plaza de la Cultura for the exquisite collections at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. For even more treasures, don't miss the Jade Museum, which sits in front of the Plaza de la Democracia. Both museums house dazzling and rare pre-Columbian artifacts. Other must-sees include the National Theater of Costa Rica, the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Central Market.

Jacó Jacó free

Far away from northern Costa Rica's foggy rainforests lies Jacó, a beautiful town teeming with shops, restaurants and beachfront hotels (some of the top Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts can be found here). It's also the closest beachside retreat to San José , the country's capital. Surfers should venture to Playa Hermosa, host of many surfing competitions and tournaments, for the best waves. If you're looking for a more relaxing stretch of sand with calm waters, consider Playa Herradura and Playa Blanca – two beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Nature seekers should head to wildlife havens like the Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, a 60-acre property that's home to the country's colorful birds and resident monkeys. For those who want a bigger dose of nature, Carara National Park is home to crocodiles, jaguars and the endangered scarlet macaw. For even more wildlife, venture about 45 miles down the coast to Manuel Antonio National Park . If you're traveling sans kids, you may also want to take advantage of the town's rollicking nightlife scene.

Recent travelers highlight one major drawback: the town's popularity. In addition to crowded beaches, family travelers cautioned against the rip currents at Playa Jacó and to heed the posted signs. For most travelers, surfing was the main draw, in addition to the unique gray and black sand beaches. Other reviewers said the national parks were a must.

Arenal Volcano Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's best-known stratovolcano, stands more than 5,000 feet high and appears to touch the clouds. For the latter half of the 20th century, admirers traveled to its base in droves to catch a glimpse of its glowing rocks and the molten lava tumbling down its sides. But Arenal wasn't always spewing fiery lava, rocks and ash. The volcano sat dormant for 400 years, then on July 29, 1968, Arenal awoke from its slumber. A thunderous earthquake shook the area and a subsequent explosion of lava wiped out three nearby villages. Frequent eruptions continued until 2010, when the volcano re-entered a resting cycle.

Today, you can explore the area by visiting the nearly 30,000-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, which is part of the larger 500,000-acre Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area. Given the area's immense size, the opportunities for adventure and exploration are nearly endless. Popular activities and attractions include hiking trails, hot springs, horseback riding, zip lining and river rafting.

Corcovado National Park Corcovado National Park

Visitors travel to this more than 160-square-mile misty rainforest for its wildlife. In fact, the park is in a region that's considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in Central America. Visitors have the opportunity to spot more than 300 different bird species, 140 types of mammals, 40 fish species and more than 100 different amphibians. Buzzing insects and chirping birds can be seen and heard as you stroll through the verdant jungle. Trek along the many trails and you're likely to spot macaws, tapirs, jaguars, sea turtles or squirrel monkeys. What's more, Corcovado National Park features an untamed beach area. For the adventurous, there’s primitive camping.

Note that permits and a reservation with an official guide are required to access the park. Permits can be obtained through a tour operator ; many local hotels work with tour operators and can book a tour for you. Past visitors spoke highly of Corcovado Info Center .

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Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Imagine winding through a forest that touches the clouds with its strikingly tall trees that wrap you in a sea of green. Add to that more than 100 mammals, 400 types of birds and 1,200 amphibian species, and you have Monteverde's lush 35,000-acre reserve. What's more, Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to more than 2% of the world’s biodiversity and 10% of its plants are endemic to the preserve. With its unique setting, Monteverde is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. Adventurous travelers explore Monteverde Cloud Forest from a zip line, but there's also a tram for those who’d like to see the cloud forest without long hikes. For more information about zip line tours, consult the Sky Adventures official  website . If you'd prefer to stay on ground, the reserve also offers guided walking tours year-round (for an extra fee).

More than a couple travelers called the experience of hiking through the cloud forest "magical." Recent visitors praised the forest signage and said it was easy to navigate with their group. Most said the park was a must-see example of Costa Rica's rich wildlife diversity. Recent visitors recommended taking a zip line tour to avoid the crowds and admire the reserve from an aerial view. Past visitors highly recommend hiring a guide if you've come to the reserve in search of wildlife as the local guides will be able to help you easily spot the animals. Another visitor recommended packing plenty of water and rain gear.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Puerto Viejo de Talamanca free

The village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, comes alive with reggae music, funky bamboo bars and a wild nightlife. Surfers crowd coconut-fringed Cocles Beach, a top-rated surf destination, and foodies check out the downtown's Caribbean-influenced cuisine. Meanwhile, nature lovers venture inland to explore rainforests and nearby Cahuita National Park or the Jaguar Rescue Center. Along the coast, you'll discover remote bungalows and empty stretches of sand.

Several recent visitors mentioned the rip current at Playa Cocles, the top surfing spot. Travelers recommend visiting Playa Negra's black-sand beach – located in the northwest end of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – for its unique geography and lack of tourists. If you're just hoping to relax or swim, reviewers say the soft sand and stunning waters at  Playa Punta Uva can't be beat

La Paz Waterfall Gardens La Paz Waterfall Gardens

La Paz may seem quiet and still at first glance. Though take another look, and you'll find this 70-acre eco-park buzzing with activity. From croaking frogs and fluttering butterflies to rumbling jaguars and howling spider monkeys, the park is a wildlife lover's paradise. For nature-seekers, the hiking trails, along with the garden's five flowing waterfalls are both must-dos. The entire La Paz Waterfall Gardens is draped in a sea of leafy green canopies dotted with colorful orchids. In addition to dining, visitors can book accommodations at the on-site Peace Lodge.

Recent travelers said La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a must-see for every first-time visitor to Costa Rica. Others were pleased with the friendly and knowledgeable staff and the ability to see the property in two hours. However, a few noted that the attraction felt very touristy, and some were disappointed with the small size of the animal enclosures. If you don't want to pay the admission price, you can see the waterfalls from the highway, according to visitors. Reviews for the buffet were mixed: some enjoyed the food, while others described it as overpriced.

Tabacón Hot Springs Tabacón Hot Springs

After a trek to  Arenal Volcano , take some time to soak in the Tabacón's luxurious thermal springs. With its serene flowing waterfalls, tropical foliage and mineral-rich natural springs, the Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a blissful escape for travelers. The volcano-heated mineral water collects in pools with temperatures that range from a refreshing 72 degrees to a muscle-relaxing 105 degrees. Next to the thermal baths, the Tabacón's top-notch spa boasts volcanic mud wraps, coffee exfoliations and a host of massage therapies. After relaxing under the canopy of trees, dine in one of two restaurants serving Costa Rican flavors along with international favorites. Luxury lodging is available on-site for overnight guests.

Past visitors called the experience relaxing and beautiful, with great facilities. A handy tip from recent travelers: Bring water shoes to protect your feet as you walk from one pool to another. Though past visitors bemoaned the presence of tour bus crowds, many still said this is a "must-do," especially if you're looking for a relaxing afternoon.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Bird-watchers rejoice: This swampy wildlife refuge houses thousands of water birds, including storks, cormorants and roseate spoonbills, along with rare jabirus. To spot these animals, you'll want to plan your visit during the dry season (July to November), when the refuge becomes a vital feeding ground for the birds. Note that this remote haven sits near the Nicaraguan border and a day tour is required to visit. Visitors will notice an abundance of wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, lizards and possibly freshwater sharks along the Rio Frio.

Recent travelers enjoyed visiting the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge; many took a boat cruise to see the wildlife and birds. In fact, some reviewers said they were overwhelmed by the amount of birds they saw, in addition to the monkeys and sloths that tend to hide in the trees. Many visitors recommend bringing insect repellent and binoculars. 

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Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park sits tucked away in a northeastern pocket of the Caribbean coast and is only accessible via plane or boat (though boat is the most common). Tied to Costa Rica's mainland by weaving rivers and canals, this isolated park is the second-largest wetland in Costa Rica and lures nature seekers looking for a remote piece of jungle paradise. At various times during the year, visitors can spot sea turtles – green, leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead – nesting in the area. If you want to witness turtle nesting, plan a visit between July and mid-October. Turtle nesting walks can be arranged through a licensed guide (past visitors praised Tortuguero Tours and Tortuguero Eco Experiences). The Asociacion de Guias de Tortuguero is another resource for finding local guides.

Tortuguero National Park is also an important manatee habitat. With numerous aquatic trails (travel within the park is by canoe or skift), visitors can admire more than 400 different bird species, hundreds of different mammals and reptiles, followed by more than 400 arthropods (insects and spiders). The park is also home to white-faced monkeys, toucans, jaguars, bright lizards, red-eyed frogs and blue morpho butterflies. 

Nauyaca Waterfalls Nauyaca Waterfalls

Costa Rica could be called the land of waterfalls as there are hundreds nestled in the rainforests. The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located along the country's South Pacific coast, and they're considered a must-see if you're exploring this area of Costa Rica. Discovered and managed by the same family, the popular Nauyaca Waterfalls feature two tiers of falls within a nearly 30-foot-wide canyon that are part of the Barucito River. The upper section of the falls measures approximately 145 feet; the lower section spans 65 feet and features a six-foot-deep pool that visitors can swim in. There are additional pools for wading and swimming in the area as well.

You have a few options for reaching the falls. The hike to the waterfalls from the parking lot is about 2 miles (which will take approximately an hour). However, you can also sign up for horseback riding or four-wheel drive vehicle tours, which can be reserved through the same company that manages the falls. Whichever way you choose to access the falls, note that advance reservations are required.

Catarata del Toro Catarata del Toro

Measuring approximately 300 feet, this waterfall plunges over the edge of an extinct volcanic crater and is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and mist. Unlike some of the country's other popular waterfalls, admiring Catarata del Toro doesn't necessarily require a strenuous hike. The waterfall is privately owned, and can be viewed from the on-site restaurant and several lookout points. If you'd like to get closer, there is a trail departing from the visitor center.

The first part of the self-guided trail is flat and features three lookout points. The second part of the hike requires that you traverse more than 300 concrete steps. The total length of the trail is about 2 miles round-trip. Though you can't swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls, it's still worth the trek for the views alone, according to recent vactioners.

Irazu Volcano Irazu Volcano

Standing 11,260 feet tall, Irazu is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica (its last eruption was in 1994) and one of the most popular for Costa Rica visitors. From its peak on a clear day, visitors can see across Costa Rica to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and with the aid of a telescope, Lake Nicaragua. As a stratovolcano, it features five different craters at its peak, giving the Irazu Volcano an irregular shape. The scenery is described as moon-like, and provides a stark contrast to the lush terrain the rest of the country is known for. It also lacks the animal diversity found elsewhere due to the dry conditions, altitude and volcanic activity. Aside from the view, perhaps the biggest draw to a visit to Irazu Volcano is its craters. There are a variety of paved paths that allow visitors to safely and easily observe the craters, including the popular Diego de la Haya crater, which fills with an aquamarine lake if the precipitation conditions are right.

According to recent visitors, you'll want to plan your trip here early to avoid the usual tourist crowds (which start arriving around 10 a.m.) and to enjoy the view before the clouds and fog start to roll in. Note that the crater lake only fills during periods of rainfall, and may be empty during your visit. Reviewers also advised wearing layers and bringing a jacket or other warm clothing as it can get chilly due to the elevation.

Rio Celeste Rio Celeste

The turquoise waters of the Celeste River attract visitors from far and wide to the Cordillera de Guanacaste, a volcanic mountain rage that sits in the northwestern corner of the country near the Nicaragua border. Visitors are drawn to this region for Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is home to the nearly 300-foot-tall Rio Celeste Waterfall. The waterfall attracts visitors for its brilliant blue water. Local lore attributes the stunning beryl-tinted waters to God, who legend says rinsed his paintbrushes in the river after painting the sky blue. However, scientists attribute the color to a chemical reaction between the volcanic minerals in the water. (If you want to observe the falls and the pool at their most striking, visit in the dry season; rain can dull the blue tint of the waters.)

To reach the waterfall, you'll have to traverse a short, relatively easy trail. The first portion is paved, and then it transitions to gravel. To get closer to the waterfall, you'll have to descend a set of concrete steps. After admiring the waterfall, you can turn around, or keep going to discover the rest of the natural wonders along this approximately 3 1/2-mile path, including Laguna Azul (another blue pool) and El Teñidero (the meeting of two rivers, Quebrada Agria and Rio Buena Vista).

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Pacuare River Pacuare River

For whitewater rafters, the top destination in Costa Rica sits on the Caribbean side along Pacuare River, or Rio Pacuare, which is home to rapids ranging in difficulty from Class II to Class IV. Along with its thrilling rapids, the river is also known for its wildlife, including sloths, toucans and parrots, and dramatic scenery: you'll be surrounded by a lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls.

Keep in mind: The river runs faster and the rapids are more challenging from June to October, with the highest water flows in September and October (peak rainy season). If you're up for the challenge the upper section of the river, which spans 16 miles, is rated difficult to extreme. For novices, the lower section of Pacuare River is tamer. Guided tours , which include access to helmets, life jackets and an experienced river runner, are a must. Exploradores Outdoors earns high praise from past travelers for its adept and friendly guides.

Caño Island Caño Island

As one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in Costa Rica, Caño Island draws travelers for its diverse marine life. Only accessible by organized tour, the waters surrounding the island are crystal clear and the coral reef protects smaller marine life. Scuba divers and snorkelers swim with several types of rays, along with whale sharks and even sea turtles. Most tours last all day and include a 45-minute boat ride to and from the island; visitors should come prepared with motion sickness medication as the water can be choppy. 

Several recent snorkelers said the experience topped their expectations, with sharks and turtles swimming close by and dolphins visible on the boat ride to the island. For other avid divers, the quality of the coral reef seemed to be declining, a problem the world over due to climate change. Several reviewers reported being stung repeatedly by tiny jellyfish, which are known to frequent the waters around the island. Wearing a rash guard can help protect your skin from the jellyfish.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

It may be a small country in land mass, but Costa Rica is one of the world’s biggest natural playgrounds. Bordered between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica boasts the world’s largest density of flora and fauna in addition to a varied terrain of mountains, valleys, forests, volcanoes, beaches, lakes and rivers. An overview of the best places to visit in Costa Rica :

10. Tamarindo [SEE MAP]

Year-round sunshine, breathtaking views, laid-back atmosphere and close proximity to national parks all make Tamarindo a popular destination for family vacations and eco-adventures. Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Tamarindo is one of the most developed and accessible beach towns in the region with paved roads and plenty of tourist facilities.

Less than an hour from the town of Liberia, Tamarindo is a small tropical paradise that can be easily explored by foot, taxis, rental cars and scooters. Tamarindo’s main attraction is its sprawling beach where visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities from swimming to surfing, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and boat cruises. With deep-sea waters teeming in snapper, marlin, grouper and tuna as well as other trophy fish, Tamarindo is a sport fishing mecca with first-rate fleets and ample operations. Golfers will delight in Tamarindo’s world-class golf courses.

With close proximity to the rainforest, visitors can enjoy adventures like jungle trekking, ATV tours, horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Home to one of the country’s most important sanctuaries for nesting leatherback sea turtles, the nearby Marino Las Baulas National Park is also a great place for hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

9. San Jose [SEE MAP]

Surrounded by lush green valleys and mountains, Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, San Jose, is a modern city, complete with accommodation, shopping, dining, nightlife, and arts and culture. Easily explored by walking, taxis and buses, the vibrant city occupies a plateau in the country’s geographical center, making it a great base for exploring other destinations in Costa Rica.

An attractive mix of historic Spanish and modern day architecture, the city’s busy downtown area is home to landmarks, government buildings, cultural venues and noisy traffic. San Jose is host to a number of museums that offer an introduction into the country’s history, culture, art and wildlife. San Jose also boasts a number of performing arts centers and theaters presenting concerts, dances and dramas year round, including the National Theater, which is admired as one of the country’s most impressive architectural attractions. Tourists may also enjoy browsing San Jose’s colorful markets for souvenirs as well as the San Pedro Mall, one of Central America’s largest malls.

Relaxation and outdoor recreation can be found among the city’s charming plazas, green spaces and public parks that feature gardens, lakes, sports areas and artistic works. A few of the most popular are the National Park, San Jose Central Park and the La Sabana Metropolitan Park. The Simon Bolivar Zoo is a good place for the whole family to see animal species from Costa Rica as well as from around the world.

8. Chirripo National Park [SEE MAP]

Spanning over the three provinces of Limón, Cartago and San Jose in southern Costa Rica, the Chirripo National Park protects a diversity of habitats and wildlife species, making it a treasure trove for ecotourists and nature lovers. Named after the country’s highest mountain, Cerro Chirripó, the national park features a combination of treeless mountain plateaus, fern groves, marshlands, lush rainforest and glacial lakes that are all home to an abundance of flora and fauna.

Some of the most notable attractions in the national park include the La Amistad International Park Cloudforest, Rabbit Valley, Monte Sin Fe and Cerro Terbi, all natural gems providing breathtaking views. Well-marked trails lead throughout the park, presenting opportunities to admire the diverse landscapes and spot the likes of monkeys, iguanas and rare birds such as the resplendent quetzal. Chilly night temperatures and a 3-day roundtrip should be expected by those wishing to climb to the mountain summit.

The national park is also one of the few places in Costa Rica that is agreeable for technical rock climbing. Ranger stations are available at different locations in the park, offering camping, rustic lodging and visitor information. Chirripo can be reached from the town of San Isidro de El General.

7. Rincon de la Vieja [SEE MAP]

Located in the North Pacific region of Costa Rica, the Rincon de la Vieja National Park is named after its main attraction, a large steaming volcano. Intriguing, natural features like craters, vapor vents, bubbling mud pits and hot springs as well as an extraordinary amount of plant and wildlife make this national park a popular destination.

Surrounding the volcano are numerous acres of hiking trails leading through wooded greenery and cloud forest to reveal spectacular scenes like stunning waterfalls, volcanic craters, mud cauldrons and plains riddled with purple orchids. The most popular trail, Las Pailas, is a short circuit trail ideal for all experience levels and leads to steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots. Another trail, the Sendero Cangreja, brings hikers to the park’s most acclaimed cascades, the Hidden Waterfalls, which tumble into lovely lagoons and natural swimming pools. More experienced hikers looking for more of a challenge can take on the eight-hour roundtrip trek to the crater at the volcano’s summit.

In addition to hiking, park visitors can enjoy other activities like camping, canopy tours, horseback riding, whitewater tubing, soaking in hot springs and spotting some of the many wildlife species that include parrots, toucans, two-toed sloths and howler monkeys. Another experience that may appeal to some is the opportunity to stay at one of the park’s several working cattle ranches where they can participate in daily chores such as herding cattle and tending to horses. Most visitors access the national park by rental cars, taxis and buses from the nearby town of Liberia.

6. Corcovado National Park [SEE MAP]

Regarded by many as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national park system, the Corcovado National Park is so overflowing in excellent wildlife opportunities, that it is one place that can guarantee plenty of sightings. Situated on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park harbors several major ecosystems that include mangrove swamps, rainforest, palm forest and cloud forest in addition to beaches and coastal habitats.

With several hiking trails winding throughout the park, visitors stand a better chance here than anywhere else in the country of seeing some of Costa Rica’s more elusive and rare species such as red-backed squirrel monkeys, jaguars, harpy eagles, white-lipped peccaries, and Baird’s tapirs. It is also possible to see ocelots, pumas, sloths, coatis, monkeys (howler, spider and white-faced capuchin), poison dart frogs, glass frogs and numerous bird species. A stroll along the beach may award glimpses of sea turtles, hermit crabs, pelicans and scarlet macaws flying overhead. Besides the wealth of wildlife, hiking trails also give visitors the opportunities to check out interesting rock formations, exotic plants and beautiful waterfalls. Canoeing on the river is another fun way to experience the park’s biodiversity.

Access to Corcovado National Park is by way of the closest town, Puerto Jimenez, where visitors can arrange tours, rent bikes, horses, 4WD vehicles, or opt for a bus ride. Corcovado also has four ranger stations providing lodging, food and camping.

5. Tortuguero National Park [SEE MAP]

Despite the fact that it is remotely located in northeastern Costa Rica and accessible only by boat or airplane, the Tortuguero National Park is one of the country’s most visited national parks. One of the most important turtle sanctuaries in the western Caribbean, the park’s main draw is the sea turtles that nest and hatch on the beach.

Because of its wet, tropical climate, the Tortuguero National Park fosters a rich environment of rainforest, wetlands, mangroves, beaches, canals and lagoons that are all teeming in plant and wildlife species, making it a nature lover’s paradise. The most popular activity here is a guided walk on the beach to spot mother turtles nesting and hatchlings racing to the sea. The best time to view green and hawksbill turtles is between July and October, while the nesting season for leatherback turtles is from February to April.

However, the turtles are not the park’s only attraction. Visitors can take boat rides or paddle canoes through the mangroves and canals to glimpse a wide array of wildlife that includes mammals like manatees, sloths, river otters, tapirs, monkeys (spider, howler and capuchin); birds like green macaws, toucans, parrots and herons as well as reptiles such as giant iguanas, basilisk lizards and crocodiles.

Getting to Tortuguero National Park is every bit as adventurous as the park itself. Visitors will need to arrange a boat tour or rent a boat from the village of Tortuguero, which can be reached by airplane from San Jose. Tortuguero village offers restaurants, lodging and tour operators.

4. Playa Jaco [SEE MAP]

Less than two hours away from San Jose, Playa Jaco is a hugely popular destination because it offers the best of Costa Rica from gorgeous beaches to wildlife, outdoor activities and sizzling nightlife. Playa Jaco is a lively beach town well known for its laid-back, party atmosphere and excellent surfing waves.

While Playa Jaco attracts many tourists, it remains a clean, calm beach where people can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing and sport fishing. There are also local surfing schools and classes available for those who want to learn to surf. Because it is nearby tropical jungles nature reserves and national parks, Playa Jaco also offers fantastic eco-tours where visitors can enjoy horseback riding, canopy tours, ATV expeditions, safaris, whitewater rafting and viewing wildlife such as monkeys and scarlet macaws.

Because it is highly tourist friendly, Playa Jaco offers a good variety of restaurants serving international cuisines as well as traditional Costa Rican fare. What’s more, Playa Jaco’s nightlife scene is one of the hottest in Costa Rica with dozens of choices ranging from casinos to bars, discos, nightclubs and dive bars.

3. Manuel Antonio National Park [SEE MAP]

It is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, but Manuel Antonio National Park is also the country’s most visited as it is easily accessible from San Jose. The park offers visitors exceptional beauty and variety of landscapes, wildlife and activities. Located on Costa Rica’s mid-Pacific coast nearby the city of Quepos, Manuel Antonio comprises a diverse array of ecosystems including lush rainforests, white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs, making it a coveted destination among families, backpackers, surfers, snorkelers, birders and ecotourists alike.

Manuel Antonio National Park provides a wide range of outdoor activities and adventures that include swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, whale-watching, sport fishing, whitewater rafting and mountain biking. A number of hiking trails offer scenic vistas, waterfalls and glimpses of wildlife such as howler monkeys, iguanas, parrots and possibly the endangered titi monkeys.

Visitors can reach Manuel Antonio National Park by one of the frequent buses that operate from the city of Quepos, which also offers accommodation, dining and nightlife choices.

2. Arenal Volcano [SEE MAP]

Soaring high in a perfectly symmetrical shape over the green hills and pastures of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, Arenal Volcano is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Until the past few years, Arenal was the most active volcano in Costa Rica, and it’s frequent, small explosions once provided incredible shows of spewing lava. However, in 2010, Arenal’s cycle entered into a resting phase, putting an indeterminate pause on the eruptions. Nevertheless, the area surrounding Arenal still offers plenty of outstanding sights and exciting activities.

The area surrounding Arenal Volcano, along with the dormant Chato volcano, is protected by the Arenal Volcano National Park. Within the national park are picturesque landscapes of lakes, rivers, mountains and rainforests all offering adventures like fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, canopy tours, caving and waterfall rappelling.

Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will find the Arenal Volcano area a paradise with its many species of exotic flowers, mammals like howler monkeys, deer and jaguar, and birds such as parrots and resplendent quetzals. What’s more, due to Arenal’s geothermal activity, tourists have the opportunity to luxuriate in a number of hot springs ranging in every style and budget, and all with beautiful views of the volcano. There are also several resorts in the area offering accommodation and tour operations.

The small town of La Fortuna de San Carlos is the gateway to the Arenal Volcano. It easily reached by bus from San Jose.

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve [SEE MAP]

Lush green mountains and tropical jungle, shrouded in clouds, resonate with nature’s concert of exotic bird, animal, reptile and insect calls. This is the enchanting setting of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Located along the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range in central Costa Rica, this reserve is one of the country’s most coveted tourist destinations due to its astonishing natural beauty, extraordinary biodiversity and abundance of activities.

Accessed by buses from the nearby town of Monteverde, the reserve has a small lodge, restaurant and gift shop. One of the most popular things to do here is hike amid the numerous trails and admire beautiful waterfalls and exotic flowers and plants, looking for a glimpse of wildlife species like tapirs, agoutis, frogs, wild pigs, monkeys, porcupines, butterflies and the rare resplendent quetzel, the bird that was once regarded sacred by the Mayans. Other ways to experience the cloud forest and its abundance of wildlife is by horseback riding, canopy tours over the tree tops, Sky Walks over suspension bridges, and zipline adventures through the jungle trees.

Additionally, there is a dairy farm on the reserve that was established by Quakers in the 1950s in which visitors can buy cheese and ice cream as well as participate in a tour to watch the cheese being made. There is also a nature center where visitors can walk through butterfly gardens and learn more about the rich biodiversity of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

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Reader interactions.

August 21, 2017 at 10:09 pm

I love the Arenal Volcano! This place is located in the North plains of the country. We had so much fun there, there´s a lot of things to do. I think it´s the perfect destination that features relaxing and adventure, just in one place. I recommend to stay in the beautiful Eco Resort Montaña de Fuego. Can´t wait to come back!

April 16, 2016 at 10:37 pm

I’ve been there several times and I just can’t stop going, so amazing. I’d suggest anyone who is wiling to visit Costa Rica to go to Tamarindo, Junquillal or Quepos if you like beaches. If you are more of a countryside person, you should definitely go to Grecia, Santo Domingo de Heredia or Turrialba.

February 10, 2016 at 7:09 am

If you plan to go to Santa Teresa stay at the Horizon. It has an amazing organic tea house, yoga every morning, gorgeous cabins and wonderful staff. We are here for a week.

January 22, 2016 at 2:00 pm

My wife and I are getting ready to plan our 35th wedding anniversary trip on 11/28/2016 to Costa Rica never been there before anyone have any tips on where to stay and what to see ?

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From cloud forest hikes to chocolate farm tours, these are the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Janusz Kubow/Getty Images

From rainforests and cloud forests to volcanoes and hot springs, Costa Rica is a hub of ecotourism with great weather and an endless parade of pristine natural areas to discover. Framed by coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country has countless places to surf (hello, Santa Teresa and Nosara ) and chill on beautiful beaches . Add cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in the capital, San Jose, plus some wonderful eco-lodges and resorts , and it’s easy to see why tourists flock to Costa Rica.

While it’s hard to cull down the myriad activities and attractions in this peaceful Central American country where pura vida is the way of life, with the help of a dream team of local experts (Lucas Medeiros, chief concierge at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo , Natasha Brown, the founder of Salty Afro Surf , and Jemma Wright, director of experience at Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection ), we’ve rounded up 20 of the best things to do in Costa Rica. 

Related: T+L’s Guide to Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

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Nestled along the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve covers more than 35,000 acres of lush trees. Besides incredible endemic flora, it’s also home to animals such as howler monkeys and sloths. One of the best ways to soak in all the beauty? A high-flying zip-line tour.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Jose Hernandez/Travel + Leisure

Rincón de la Vieja National Park spans 34,000 acres of rugged terrain. It’s also a hotbed for adrenaline-pumping activities. “Mountain bikers of all levels can enjoy a thrilling ride around the largest volcano in Guanacaste,” says Lucas Medeiros.

Ecotermales Fortuna

The ideal place to soothe overworked muscles and relax after countless rugged adventures? Ecotermales Fortuna. The warm, magnesium-rich waters heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano are said to help combat inflammation and relieve pain, and the cool pools provide the perfect opportunity for hot and cold therapy.

Corcovado National Park

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“Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula, protects one of the most biologically diverse and complex ecosystems in the world,” says Jemma Wright. “The natural richness of this area — unspoiled beaches, rainforest trails, mangrove swamps, waterfalls, and wildlife — helps visitors appreciate our beautiful country.”

Arenal Volcano National Park

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

One of Costa Rica’s most famous attractions, the 30,000-acre Arenal Volcano National Park draws upwards of 100,000 visitors each year. Most travelers make the journey to witness its crown jewel stratovolcano, which rises 5,357 feet toward the clouds. Hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, and river rafting are also popular activities.

Santa Teresa

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Santa Teresa is a must-visit spot for pura vida chasers and surfers. New to paddling out? First-timers can take group or private lessons. Back on land, the palm-fringed beach draws crowds for sunbathing and sunsets. 

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Situated in the rugged northern part of Costa Rica and part of the broader Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area, Tenorio Volcano National Park thrills travelers with its namesake volcano along with the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall (and the 3.5-mile trail that leads to it), wildlife peeping, and canopy bridges. 

Playa Chiquita

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With over four miles of pristine waters, Playa Chiquita is the place for travelers looking for long swaths of untouched, uncrowded beaches and snorkeling the beautiful reefs, says Natasha Brown.

Manuel Antonio National Park

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Manuel Antonio National Park packs a ton of nature into a relatively small area. It’s just seven square miles, but within its boundaries are rainforests, tropical plants, untouched white-sand beaches, coral reefs, coastal hiking trails, and diverse wildlife — from three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys to orange crabs and black spiny-tailed iguanas. 

Coffee Farm Tour

Left: Kathleen Messmer/Travel + Leisure; Right: Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in the world, and it’s a huge economic driver for the country. While it’s certainly not difficult to procure a great cup of joe, serious java enthusiasts keen to learn more about the process should consider booking a tour at one of the many coffee farms outside of San Jose. 

Related: The Best Times to Visit Costa Rica 

Tabacon Hot Springs

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While Costa Rica has many wonderful places to reap the benefits of volcano-heated mineral waters, few are as iconic as Tabacon Hot Springs. Tucked inside a lush, private rainforest reserve, this natural oasis wins points for its thermal pools and cascading waterfalls with healing, stress-melting benefits.  

Bijagua Ranas

“I love going to Bijagua Ranas to enjoy the rainforest and see the sloths!” says Medeiros.  Snakes, frogs, and toucans also call the wildlife sanctuary home. There are hiking trails, bridges, and viewing platforms that help you get a better look at all the wild inhabitants. 

Playa Cocles

Just south of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Playa Cocles is a popular surf spot and afternoon hangout. “Both locals and travelers come here at the end of the day to watch fire shows, enjoy a drink with friends, or sneak a few waves while watching the beautiful sunset,” says Brown.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Head to the capital, San José, to learn about Costa Rica’s history and culture at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Housed in an underground building beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, it dazzles visitors with a huge collection of gilded artifacts. 

Tortuguero National Park

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Hidden away on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast and only accessible by boat or plane, Tortuguero National Park is one of the most distinct, isolated, and biodiverse places in the country, according to Wright. Nature lovers venture to this remote wilderness area to peep sea turtles, manatees, speckled caimans, and birds while navigating the canals on a canoe. 

Courtesy of Visit Costa Rica

One of the top spots to learn, practice, or master surfing in Costa Rica, Nosara is awash with strong breach breaks and knowledgeable instructors. It’s also a wellness destination with many yoga studios, retreats, and wellbeing centers. 

Tapir Valley Nature Reserve

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Tapir Valley Nature Reserve in northern Costa Rica operates a spate of eco-tours through the spectacular 220-acre private preserve where animals ranging from ghost glass frogs to hummingbirds live. Visitors can follow tapir tracks with the help of a local Bijaguan guide, rise early for a birding adventure, or do a nighttime jungle tour to glimpse nocturnal critters. 

Térraba-Sierpe Wetland

Jesus Fung Yan/Courtesy of Visit Costa Rica

“Exploring the mangroves, which hold so much biodiversity, supplies a deeper understanding of where the land, river, and sea unite," explains Medeiros. You’ll find the largest mangrove swamps in Costa Rica at the Térraba-Sierpe Wetland, just north of the Osa Peninsula. 

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

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Part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area in the remote northern part of the country near the Nicaraguan border, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a paradise for birdwatchers with good odds of spotting roseate spoonbills, jabirus, and even the reclusive agami heron in the “Everglades of Costa Rica.”

Chocolate Farm Tour

Jonathan Ledezma/Courtesy of Visit Costa Rica and Rainforest Chocolate Tour

When most people think of Costa Rican food, plates of pork, fish, rice, beans, and vegetables come to mind. But chocolate is a major staple (and export) as well. If you’re interested in learning more about how cacao becomes fine artisan chocolate — and sampling the “food of the gods” — book a beans-to-bar tour at one of the many chocolate farms.

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The Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Costa Rica

Roughly the size of the state of West Virginia or the European country of Denmark, Costa Rica appears small on the map but in reality, it’s big on adventure, ecotourism, and "pura vida" (pure life). 

True to its name meaning “rich coast,” this Central American country offers a wealth of adventure, cultural, culinary, and wellness options including rainforest hikes, wildlife, year-round waves, white and black sand beaches, eco-lodges, picture-perfect volcanos, and locally grown chocolate, coffee, and other tropical treats. 

Roads can be a bit precarious, making drives longer than they might appear, so choose wisely when planning your trip, and be sure to include extra time for travel. Here are the top 10 destinations to get you started. 

The Central Valley

Located at the heart of the country and home to Costa Rica’s main international airport, four volcanoes, and nearly 75 percent of its residents, the Central Valley is a great place to start your trip. Start your exploration in the capital city of San José with a stroll along Avenida Central. Pop into museums, shops, parks, eateries, and markets, including the Mercado Central (Central Market) where you can sample "comida típica" (typical local food). Take a hike to Barva Volcano or spend time marveling at Poas Volcano—20 minutes to be exact. Poas is an active volcano so visits are by reservation only and limited to 20-minute slots. The Central Valley produces some of the best coffee in Costa Rica, and you can get the full bean-to-brew experience with a guided coffee tour and “cupping” at Finca Rosa Blanca coffee plantation resort . 

Time Commitment: Two days will do if you’d like to combine some city exploration with coffee-sipping and volcano viewing. 

Costa Rica is known for its rich biodiversity, lush rainforests, and outdoor adventures. You’ll find all of that in Sarapiquí. With Chilamate Rainforest Eco-Retreat , a family-run eco-lodge located in a nature reserve near the Sarapiquí River, as your home base, you can wake to the call of howler monkeys, birdwatch from the breakfast table (macaws and toucans frequently fly by here), raft the rapids, take a chocolate tour, or even learn to dance salsa and cook Costa Rican cuisine from a local. In the evening, trek into the forest with a naturalist guide to spot nocturnal creatures like the iconic red-eyed tree frog. If you’re coming from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, make a stop at Mi Cafecito for a local coffee experience en route. 

Time commitment: At least two to three days to relax into the "pura vida" pace and take advantage of all of the outdoor adventures available here. 

If you didn’t soak in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano, did you even come to Costa Rica? The Arenal area attracts a large number of visitors for good reason: in addition to healing thermal hot springs and views of the perfectly conical volcano, options for hiking, adventure, and wellness are endless. Soar through the treetops along a zipline and rappel down waterfalls in the Lost Canyon . Search for wildlife, including sloths and snakes, on a guided tour across the hanging bridges . Stay at Rancho Margot sustainable farm for a chance to connect with the land, take a tortilla-making class, and get to know local chef Doña Maria in her own kitchen (can be arranged through GreenSpot Travel), or take some time to tune into your inner world with a yoga and meditation retreat at Living Forest on Lake Arenal. 

Time commitment: Two to three days to soak in the magical energy and activities of this special place.

The Caribbean Coast

While the white sand beaches of the Pacific side get a great deal of attention, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has an appeal of its own. You’ll hear and taste the Caribbean influence in the distinct accent and cuisine (ceviche and coconut rice and beans are a must!). Sunbathe on Playa Negra’s black sand beach, surf Salsa Brava (for experienced and fearless surfers only), and snorkel in the sea near Punta Uva or Cahuita National Park. Time your trip right for a chance to observe sea turtles laying eggs or hatching from them in Tortuguero.

Time commitment: It’s quite a trek to reach the Caribbean coast, so it’s worth at least a three- to four-day stay. 

Keep an eye and ear to the sky while wandering the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a birdwatching "paraíso" (paradise). The colorful Quetzal and the Three-Wattled Bellbird are among the 400 species of birds you might see and hear. For a truly Tico experience, arrange a homestay or farm visit with a local family, or learn about Costa Rican culture and crafts through a hands-on workshop led by a local artisan at San Luis Monteverde (contact local experts at Find My Costa Rica to book). Join a guided trek through the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (the country’s largest private reserve) by day, and then take a walk on the dark side in the University of Georgia forests by night.

Time commitment: The road to Monteverde can be bumpy, so plan at least two to three days to enjoy the area after the long journey.

Manuel Antonio

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

Why choose between lush jungle and sandy beach when you can have both? The forest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s most well-known national park, located on the Pacific coast. If you visit here, you’re likely to also meet a mischievous monkey. Trek the trail to Playa Manuel Antonio for postcard-perfect views or take a dip at Playa Biesanz, recommended by locals as a swim spot. (While Manuel Antonio offers iconic views, not all of the region’s beaches are safe for swimming.) For a more exclusive experience, Arenas del Mar , Manuel Antonio’s only beachside eco-luxury resort, is ideal for honeymooners, families, and those with an appetite for eco-tourism served up with a side of creature comforts and sustainably sourced foods.

Time commitment: Two to three days to take in the sights and soak up some sun.

The Blue Zone

Those looking to live well and live long should head for Costa Rica’s Blue Zone on the Nicoya peninsula. “Blue Zones” are designated areas of the world where residents regularly live past the age of 100. Here in the Nicoya peninsula, you’ll find a focus on health and wellness, which means plenty of organic and mindfully sourced eats, yoga, and meditation retreats, and the natural environment of sun, sea, and surf that’s conducive to healthy living. A stay at The Harmony Hotel at Playa Guiones or Latitude 10 Beach House Resort in Santa Teresa provides all of the above and then some: year-round waves for surfing, rejuvenating dining, and culinary experiences (try the ceviche or patacone-making class), and onsite yoga and wellness activities all in a relaxing natural setting. 

Time commitment: You’ll want at least three days to rest and recharge, though you may want to simply stay put here and settle into the laid-back life even longer.

If you’re searching for handcrafted souvenirs and a peek into Costa Rica's past, put Sarchí on your itinerary. This artisan town in the province of Alajuela is home to the Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory, one of the oldest "carreta" (oxcart) factories in Costa Rica. Hand-painted oxcarts were traditionally used to transport coffee over the mountains and are still used today in parades and religious ceremonies. The Guinness Book of World Records “World’s Largest Oxcart” is on display in Sarchí’s Central Park, and you’ll find artisan markets and family-run leather and woodworking shops around town as well as the “wedding cake” church, a pink and blue-colored Catholic church with artisan carvings and vaulted ceilings. 

Time commitment: Make a day trip from San José, or combine your visit with a stay up at Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel and Nature Reserve. Alternatively, you can add a stop in Sarchí to your drive to Arenal.

Punta Islita

Punta Islita is the kind of place you will want to spend your whole vacation, and the eco-luxury resort at the center of it makes that possible. Take a guided hike to scout wildlife, or better yet, take in the views while horseback riding through the countryside and along the beach. Hotel Punta Islita also offers art sessions, cooking lessons, and ziplining. But perhaps one of the most memorable experiences is a visit to the Lapa Lookout to learn about and observe the scarlet macaw recovery and release . Punta Islita’s location on the Nicoya Peninsula also makes it an excellent base for exploring other nearby attractions such as sea turtle nesting and hatching at Corozalito, surfing at Camoranal and Carillo, or souvenir shopping at artisan shops and museums in Islita town.  

Time commitment: Three to four days to really take advantage of all that is on offer in this special place.

The Osa Peninsula

This southwestern peninsula positioned between the Pacific Ocean and Gulfo Dulce (one of only four tropical fjords in the world) invites visitors to go deeper and explore the rich biodiversity found here. Intrepid travelers can take a guided hike in Corcovado National Park, observe marine life (such as whales, spotted dolphins, and bioluminescent organisms) in the majestic Golfo Dulce, or spend time learning about the history and culture of the area through interactive experiences with local ethical ecotourism operator Osa Wild .

Time commitment: The Osa is quite far from the main tourist track (which means it’s also quite a distance to travel back), so plan on at least three days here.

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

19 Must-Visit Attractions in Costa Rica

There are so many things to explore in Costa Rica that it is impossible to cram them all into one trip. Between national parks, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, animal sanctuaries and more than 300 beaches, there is always something new and exciting to do. Here’s our list of must-visit attractions in Costa Rica.

Thinking of a trip to Costa Rica? Our eight-day small-group adventure includes a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a Costa Rican cooking class and beach time in Tamarindo.

1. Arenal Volcano National Park

2. La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

Park, Natural Feature

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is a privately owned nature sanctuary close to San Jose. There are five waterfalls, cloud forests and rainforests as well as a snake, frog, orchid and heliconia exhibit. There’s also a petting zoo, a hummingbird garden and an animal sanctuary with over 100 different species, including jaguars, ocelots, monkeys and pumas. This is an exciting attraction for the whole family and a perfect way to experience some of the natural wonders of Costa Rica all in one convenient and beautiful place.

3. Tabacón Hot Springs

Natural Feature

Tabacón Hot Springs is the largest accessible network of natural hot springs in Costa Rica. The pools are located within a private rainforest reserve and part of the Tabacón Thermal Resort. You don’t have to stay here to use the hot springs, as you can purchase a day pass. The highly mineralized and naturally heated water flows through the resort and fills multiple pools that vary in temperature. Soaking in a natural hot tub in the midst of a lush landscape up in the mountains is our idea of heaven.

4. La Fortuna Waterfall

Forest, Hiking Trail

5. Venado Caves

In 1945, by a total accident, the Venado Caves were discovered by a farmer who literally fell into them. Eight magnificent chambers make up a maze of limestone deep down in the earth. The rooms, which are filled with stalagmites and stalactites, were carved over the course of millions of years from underground rivers and the shifting plates of the Earth near the Arenal Volcano. This is not an experience for those who are claustrophobic. However, if small spaces don’t faze you and you want to dip down below sea level to these ancient caverns, then checking out the Venado Caves is a must-do.

6. La Selva Biological Station and Reserve

La Selva Biological Station and Reserve is on a protected 3,700-acre (1,497ha) piece of land that is home to some incredible biodiversity, especially birds. The station is also home to almost 300 visiting students and scientists. The combination of this being a learning and research center, protected reserve and eco-tourism hot spot makes this a must-stop place. Out of the 450-plus birds that make Costa Rica their home, either permanently or seasonally, nearly half of them spend time on the La Selva Reserve. This is a spectacular place to experience some of the unique flora and fauna of Costa Rica in such a small zone.

7. Del Toro Waterfall

Hiking Trail

The Del Toro waterfall is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Costa Rica. The sheer magnitude and power of this waterfall that appears out of the dense jungle will surely take your breath away. There are great trails and lookout points surrounding the waterfall. Visiting the Del Toro Waterfall is an amazing way to spend the day surrounded by nature. This is also a chance to see an abundance of wildlife. If you are only going to visit one waterfall on your trip, visit this one.

8. Catalinas Islands

The Catalinas Islands offer some of the best scuba diving locations in Costa Rica and are easily accessible from Tamarindo , Playa Flamingo, Conchal and Papagayo. This island chain is located off the Nicoya Peninsula in the northwest part of the country. The islands are famous for their population and variety of rays, as well as tropical fish, sharks , sea turtles and even sometimes whale sharks and pilot whales. Diving is incredible here all year round.

9. Cano Island Biological Reserve

Forest, Park, Natural Feature

The Cano Island Biological Reserve is an amazing place to spend the day and go snorkeling. It’s just 10miles (16km) off the Osa Peninsula , and the waters are warm, crystal clear and teeming with marine life. The coral reefs here are home to a wide variety of tropical fish, rays and turtles. As the reserve is located just off the reef, it is common to see bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales here. Violines Island, which is part of the reserve, is a beautiful island lined with white sand and palm trees, where you can kick back and relax after you are done snorkeling.

10. Rio Celeste

11. poás volcano national park.

The Poás Volcano National Park is one of the most-visited volcanic parks, and for a very good reason: the volcano is the largest and most active in Costa Rica. It rises 8,885ft (2,708m) high, and the main crater is filled with a stunning blue-green-colored lake called Laguna Botas. Surrounding the volcanic area, there are multiple different ecosystems, including cloud forests and rainforests, which are home to many species of birds and small mammals. There are well-maintained and marked hiking trails in the park, too.

12. Manuel Antonio National Park

13. rainmaker aerial walkway.

Architectural Landmark

Walk across six suspension bridges that are almost 800ft (245m) long and 25 stories high above the lush and lively rainforest in Quepos . The view from the bridge is unmatched by any other; the feeling of being so high up in the treetops, where most of the rainforest inhabitants live, is truly phenomenal. Just before you get to the first bridge, you will encounter a beautiful waterfall and natural swimming pool, where you can take a dip and cool off. This zone is bursting with wildlife, especially birds, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals like monkeys.

14. Rio Tárcoles

There is a section of Rio Tárcoles that is especially famous for its abundance of very large American crocodiles. You can walk out onto a bridge and look down to see dozens of massive crocodiles laying on the embankment or just floating at the surface. You will pass this bridge when you are driving from San Jose toward Jaco Beach. You can’t miss it because you will see plenty of people on the side of the bridge admiring these ancient beasts.

15. The mysterious stone spheres

Historical Landmark

Giant stone spheres were first discovered in the southern Caribbean region of Costa Rica in the 1930s. Some of the stones weigh as much as 16 tons, so it is a great mystery as to who made them and how they got all over the country. Over 300 of them have been found, yet no one is really sure how they were made, though it is thought that some may be up to 1,000 years old. Quarries with the type of stone that these spheres are made from are at least 50mi (80km) from any of the giant stones that have been discovered. You can see these mysterious balls at El Sitio Museo Finca 6.

16. Lankester Botanical Gardens

Botanical Garden

The Lankester Botanical Gardens, located in the Central Valley , is home to 15,000 orchids and 3,000 other types of plants. This impressive and gorgeous botanical garden is a must-visit for plant and orchid enthusiasts or anyone who just loves being surrounded by flowers. Since the 1940s, these gardens have been thriving and attracting visitors from all over the country and the world. Also, due to all of the flowering plants, there is quite a large population of butterflies and birds that make their home here.

17. Butterfly Conservatory

18. san lucas island.

In 2008, San Lucas Island was declared a national wildlife preserve, but, before that, between 1873 and 1991, it housed the most feared prison in Costa Rica. For those interested in eerie pasts and landmarks, this is a fascinating historical site. The old prison still sits on this island. San Lucas Island is located off the coast of Puntarenas and is accessible by boat. When walking around this island, it is common to see white-tailed deer, armadillos, boa constrictors, pythons, raccoons and pigs, along with 40 species of birds. There are also five pristine beaches on the island that you can explore. For being such a haunted place in the past, this island is full of life and beauty now.

19. The National Theater

The National Theater is a marvelous architectural and cultural attraction in San Jose. This iconic neoclassical building is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. Inside, there are exquisite murals and decorations. The theater hosts all sorts of different live performances ranging from theatrical plays to concerts. If you are in San Jose, you should definitely visit the National Theater for its architectural and interior beauty – and definitely try and see a live performance here.

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Home » Travel Planning and Inspiration » 50 BEST Things to do in Costa Rica: Your 2024 Bucket List

50 BEST Things to do in Costa Rica: Your 2024 Bucket List

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Published: April 8, 2022  - Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Costa Rica is truly one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. This small Central American country is well known for its abundance of wildlife, natural attractions, fun activities, and friendly people. It is not only the most developed country in Costa Rica but also the safest.

This makes Costa Rica a popular place for tourists!

Bailey and I first visited Costa Rica back in 2017 and have been coming back ever since – we even lived there at one stage. We have done some pretty cool activities during that time, most of which I’ll never forget.

To help other travelers, we have come up with the 50 best things to do in Costa Rica. This list includes lots of specific activities in Costa Rica, top tours (including multi-day tours ) as well as general activities with info about where to enjoy them.

So, if you’re planning on visiting Costa Rica for the first time or returning again, this blog on the best things to do in Costa Rica is perfect for you!

Don’t have time to read the full article?  Check out our list of our absolute favorite things to do in Costa Rica:

• Spot sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park on this guided tour .
• Look into a volcano crater at Poás Volcano.
• Go on a whale watching tour–like this one in Drake Bay .
• Hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls, the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica!
• Swim with turtles and explore the reef around Caño Island on this snorkeling tour .

1. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

2. visit an animal rescue center, 3. stare into poás volcano, 4. learn to surf, 5. go whale watching , 6. hike to nauyaca waterfalls, 7. explore caño island, 8. take a trip to la fortuna waterfall, 9. explore marino ballena national park , 10. see the blue water of rio celeste , 11. day trip to tortuga island, 12. navigate a canyon to reach la leona waterfall, 13. go hiking in arenal volcano national park, 14. relax in hot springs, 15. see wildlife in corcovado national park, santa teresa, tamarindo/ guanacaste , 17. explore downtown san jose, 18. visit the crocodile bridge , 19. go ziplining, 20. go whitewater rafting , 21. visit tortuguero national park, 22. see bioluminescent plankton, 23. explore mangroves, 22. bird watching , 24. explore rincon de la viejo national park, 25. see sea turtles, 26. go fishing , 27. enjoy a sunset cruise, 28. hike in cahuita national park, 29. eat local food, 30. go on a night walk, 31. see a sloth, 32. enjoy the nightlife, 33. walk the hanging bridges in la fortuna , 34. visit monteverde cloud forest, 35. atv tour, 36. go canyoning, 37. coffee tour, 38. chocolate tour, 39. eat freshly-caught seafood, 40. drink delicious craft beer, 41. wander la paz waterfall gardens, 42. stay in a luxury treehouse, 43. visit irazu volcano , 44. enjoy a beach day , 45. go on a hike , 46. take a cooking class, 48. farm-to-table dinner experience , 49. visit montezuma waterfalls.

• 50. Drive the "Waterfall Trail"

Renting a Car

Book shuttles, fun things to do in costa rica.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica . This sprawling coastal area is filled with tons of biodiversity and natural beauty.

Within the park, there are several short hiking trails including “The Sloth Trail,” where you have great chances of seeing two and three-toed sloths. Other trails lead to spectacular viewpoints over the coastline or to pristine beaches and mangroves. Some wildlife you should expect to see includes snakes, monkeys, sloths, macaws, and more.

The park sits on the doorstep of the small town of Manuel Antonio (2.5 hours from San Jose) and is only a short drive from the city of Quepos. It’s best to  stay in Manuel Antonio  to explore the park, which you can do on your own or on a guided tour from Manuel Antonio .

This specific tour  is the best option for those staying in Manuel Antonio town. The tour is only $30 USD and includes a 2-hour guided walk through the park. However, don’t just visit during the day.  This jungle night tour  is awesome too, and Andre is talented at spotting critters in the dark! 

Manuel Antonio National Park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day except Tuesday. Entrance tickets to the park, which cost $18.08 USD for adults and $5.65 for children,  NEEDS to be purchased online in advance . When booking, you need to select the day that you’re visiting. This is beacuse the park has limited tickets available every day. If you are booking a tour, check if it includes your entrance ticket or not.

Check out the  best things to do in Manuel Antonio , where I have lots of detailed info about visiting the park. Also, don’t miss the  best restaurants in Manuel Antonio  during your visit!

Costa Rica has worked really hard to protect its local wildlife. However, there are still issues that lead to animals needing help. Luckily, all over Costa Rica you’ll find non-for-profit organizations rescuing these animals and rehabilitating them for release.

Visiting one of the many animal rescue centers in Costa Rica is a great way to support the cause (your entrance fee goes directly to helping the animals) and see some really cool animals for yourself that are elusive in the wild. You can see baby sloths, jaguars, pumas, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and more.

Some of the best wildlife rescue centers in Costa Rica are:

Jaguar Rescue Center  – Located in Puerto Viejo , this is my overall favorite wildlife rescue center. Tours to the center cost $24 USD and include an in-depth look at the different animals, including their baby sloth program. You can also volunteer here, which is very popular.

Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center  – Rescate is located on the outskirts of San Jose and is a cool thing to do in the city. The property is huge, and on a self-guided tour, you’ll get to see just about all of Costa Rica’s wildlife! Only 2% of the animals here stay for life, which is fantastic! Entry is $35 USD for adults and $15 USD for kids.

Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Rescue Center and Sanctuary  – If you’re visiting Manuel Antonio, this rescue center should be high on your bucket list. The non-profit rescue center was created in 1999 to help protect the diverse wildlife of Costa Rica . They do this by rehabilitating wildlife, scientific research, and promoting conservation and reforestation. Tours at the center cost $60 USD for adults, $45 USD for children under 12, and are free for children under the age of 3.

Alturas Wildlife Rescue Center  – This non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center, located near Uvita and Dominical, has the goal of releasing every animal they rescue. This involves treating animals in their veterinary clinic and slowly training animals to live in the wild again. It’s a costly but rewarding process that saves thousands of animals. Tours through Alturas cost $33 USD for adults and only $17 USD for children.

Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary  – This small wildlife rescue center is located in Nosara (one of my favorites town to surf in Costa Rica ) and, like the centers above, is focused on rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. Guided tours of the center are $60 USD. In addition you’ll also get to be led through the sanctuary by the female founder who will explain to you the different trees and plant that make up this ecosystem.

Poás Volcano is one of the world’s largest open volcanoes, the crater drops a whopping thousand feet below and stretches over a mile in diameter. The active volcano had its last eruption in September 2019, but it is closely monitored so that visitors are safe. From the viewing area, you’ll be able to look right into the volcano crater – a unique experience that is easily one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Visiting Poas Volcano is easily done on a  day trip from San Jose  or  Alajuela , with tours running from both and a  bus running from Alajuela .

Once at the volcano, you’ll watch a video about Poás Volcano and get some safety information. With your hard hat on your head, you’ll then enjoy a short 500-meter (0.3 mi) hiking trail that leads out to a viewpoint on the edge of the crater. You get a total of 20 to 30 minutes at the crater before returning to the visitor center.

Poás Volcano is best visited in the early morning or afternoon due to cloud cover. Also, while the weather may appear warm in San Jose, the temperatures at the volcano are much lower, so bring a jacket to help keep you warm.

To access the park, you NEED to  buy your tickets online and pick your visiting date and precise time for your entry. Once you arrive at the park, ensure you have your ID and entry permits at hand. If you don’t, you will be turned away and need to purchase your tickets from a nearby shop at a premium (security at Poas will tell you where.) 

If you don’t have a car or would prefer a guide, you can  join this guided Poás Volcano tour from San Jose . The tour includes a visit to Poás Volcano Crater and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which begins with a romantic breakfast at the Doka Coffee Estate, followed by a tour of the coffee estate where you’ll learn all about how the coffee plant turns into a cup of coffee.

Related Read: There are some really beautiful hotels located very close to the airport in San Jose – read all about them!

Costa Rica is well known as a top surf destination. With great beginner, intermediate, and advanced waves, it’s become a great place to both learn and fine-tune your skills. Although you can surf on both coastlines, the most popular coastline to surf is the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.

Surfing is popular in most coastal towns, beginning as south as Uvita and going as far north as Jaco on the inland coast. Places such as Dominical and Playa Hermosa are very popular.

After Jaco, you’ll need to travel across the Gulf of Nicoya to Santa Teresa. Those wanting to learn should add Santa Teresa to the top of their list. It’s Santa Teresa is a vibrant town with amazing restaurants , great surf schools, and also lots of fun things to see and do . From there, you can surf the entire coastline to the north, with some of the most popular surf beaches being Tamarindo , Playa Grande, and the famed Witch’s Rock.

Witch’s Rock  is a beach break for intermediate and advanced surfers. Getting there is a bit tricky, but there are  tours from Tamarindo . Keen surfers should speak to locals for transport, and if you want to spend a few days surfing, the beach break is located at  Naranjo Beach . People often camp here so they can surf.

Another surf beach with just as much hype is Nosara. Surfing is easily the most  popular thing to do in Nosara , and the entire town caters to surfers. After your surf, be sure to check out some of the  best restaurants in Nosara – it’s a foodie paradise!

Seeing whales in the wild is a dream for many travelers, including myself. Although Costa wasn’t the first place I saw whales, it was the first place I saw a baby whale swimming with its mother. It was such a surreal experience that happened on my way to Corcovado National Park from  Puerto Jimenez  (a remote town on the southern coast).

The good news is that you don’t have to travel all the way to Puerto Jimenez to see whales in Costa Rica . In fact, whale watching tours can be done all up the Pacific Coast, including from  Drake Bay ,  Uvita , Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Tamarindo, in the Gulf of Nicoya, and in the Gulf of Papagayo. The trick is to pick the right time of year!

In Costa Rica, the two whale watching seasons run from December to March and July to October when the whales come to give birth in the calm waters. However, the best months to visit Costa Rica for whale watching are January to February and July to September.

If you’re visiting during this time, be sure to book a whale watching tour and enjoy this memorable activity in Costa Rica!

The most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica is  Nauyaca Waterfalls . These two spectacular waterfalls are a combined 197 feet tall (60 meters) and are surrounded by lush rainforest and wildlife. This place is a must-visit if you plan on visiting Uvita, Dominical, or Manuel Antonio.

Dominical is the closest town to the entrance, it’s only a 15-minute  drive to the ticket office from town. The ticket office is where you’ll need to buy your entrance ticket ($12 USD at the office or $10 USD online). Then, it’s another 1.2-mile drive (2 kilometers) to the parking lot, where you’ll begin the hike to the base of the waterfall.

The trail from the parking lot is 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) each way along a dirt road, and it’s best to visit in the morning, as it’s a hot walk in the afternoon sun. Thankfully, once you arrive at the waterfall, you’ll quickly forget the hike. 

My recommendation is to visit the top waterfall first to check out the view and then walk down the bottom for a swim (the top isn’t for swimming.) Make sure you spend lots of time enjoying the water, it’s so beautiful. 

Related Read: Dominical is the town closest to Nauyaca Waterfalls, learn about all of the best hotels in Dominical !

One of the best snorkeling and dive sites in Costa Rica is  Caño Island Biological Reserve . This small island is located off the coast of Drake Bay but can also be visited from Uvita and Sierpe too.

Tours to Caño Island Biological Reserve involve taking a boat out to the island where you can either snorkel or scuba dive. The reef here is filled with wildlife, and during my tour, I got to swim with turtles, sharks, and a huge variety of fish.

You can both snorkel or scuba dive around the island, but visitors are no longer allowed to step foot on the island itself. The best place to start your tour is Drake Bay , and from there, the island is only a 40-minute boat ride away. In fact, tours to Caño Island are considered one of the best things to do in Drake Bay .

From Uvita and Sierpe, you’ll need to take an extra-long boat ride through the mangroves (and a short shuttle from Uvita,) but for keen divers or snorkelers, the trip is well worth it!

Caño Island Biological Reserve is my second favorite place to dive or snorkel (number one is mentioned further on in this blog) in Costa Rica and a must-do for ocean enthusiasts!

It should come as no surprise that La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the top attractions in Costa Rica. This stunning 230 foot (70 meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below that’s surrounded by lush forest. Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking.  

Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is easily done without a tour. You can get a taxi or drive yourself from La Fortuna town to this parking lot , where you’ll pay the entrance fee and begin hiking. The trail is well maintained and leads down to the waterfall via lots of concrete steps. It only takes 15 minutes to get down but a little longer on the way up – it’s 500 steps!  

Once at the bottom, you can get some great pictures and swim in the pool below the waterfall, or visit the calmer pools downriver for a more relaxing swim. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous.  

We spent around 1 hour at the waterfall before “enjoying” the 30-minute walk back up. This walk takes some people much longer, so be prepared and take your time. Keep an eye out for wildlife too. We saw lots of toucans during our visit.  

Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall is $18 USD, and you can purchase them at the gate or  here online in advance and skip the line  (it’s the same price.)

If you don’t have transport or would prefer a guide, there are some great La Fortuna Waterfall tours that also include epic extras. My pick is this guided tour of La Fortuna Waterfall . For $91 USD, you’ll get to hike near the stunning Arenal Volcano, take a swim in La Fortuna Waterfall’s cool waters, and then visit a natural hot spring – which you get to enjoy with a cocktail in hand. It’s a popular tour with hundreds of 5-star reviews that you can book online here !

Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna , so don’t miss it!

Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Uvita is to visit Marino Ballena National Park and enjoy a walk out to the famous “Whale Tail”. 

Marino Ballena National Park is a small marine and coastal national park that protects this gorgeous coastline. The shape of the sandbar in the park is completely natural and very fitting to the area considering Uvita is one of the best places to go whale watching in the country . With an aerial view at low tide, you can see this sandbar looks exactly like a whale’s tail – hence the name.

From Uvita, you can easily visit the national park and the Whale Tail. For the best experience, you should  aim to visit the park at around low tide  when you can actually walk onto the Whale Tail.

Although the Whale Tail is the main attraction, the beach itself is also spectacular. In fact, you can spot lots of wildlife in the coastal rainforest area and find secluded places to relax and enjoy a swim.

The entrance to the park is $6 USD for adults, and local guides wait at the entrance to the park in case you want to do a tour. Expect to pay around $40 USD per person for a guided tour, but this price is entirely negotiable depending on group size.

After you’ve explored the beach, it’s time to see the marine park. On this incredible whale watching tour in Marino Ballena National Park , you head out on a boat in search of these majestic creatures. For over 3 hours, you’ll explore the coastline heading out as far as Caño Island.

Marino Ballena National Park is open every day from 7 am to 4 pm. Tickets to the park can be bought directly at the park entrance gates in Uvita and do not need to be purchased in advance.

Costa Rica is home to lots of rivers, but few are as beautiful as Rio Celeste . Located around 1.5 hours north of La Fortuna, this natural attraction is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. 

Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color. This natural phenomenon is caused by the mixing of two rivers that literally turns the water Gatorade blue – I’m not joking! 

This happens because acidic and neutral waters combine, and they create enough particle concentration to reflect light. It’s similar to glacier lakes that reflect rock flour. 

Rio Celeste is explored by hiking the  Rio Celeste Trail , which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. The main highlight at Rio Celeste is Rio Celeste Waterfall – it’s arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica and is located around a 30-minute walk from the entrance.

Further along, you’ll see the Borbollones or Bubbling Hot Pot. This part of the river is really hot, and you’ll smell the sulfur before you see it! 

Finally, you’ll end your hike at the Teñideros, which is where the two rivers meet (pictured above). Here, you can literally see the water turn blue as the streams meet – it’s so cool! Teñideros is 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the park entrance. 

You can choose to either do a tour to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna or visit on your own. Visiting on your own is easy. Just be sure to leave La Fortuna before 7 am so you can get to  the park entrance  before it gets really busy. 

If you need to book a tour,  this specific full-day tour to Rio Celeste  is a top choice. It’s highly rated and includes lunch, transport, and an expert guide who will help to point out the native wildlife.

The small island of Tortuga is the ideal beach getaway in Costa Rica. Together with Alcatraz Island, the area makes up the  Islas Negritos Biological Reserve . It’s home to fantastic snorkeling, white sand beaches, and good vibes!

Tours to Tortuga Island are very popular from Jaco , Montezuma , Paquera , Punta Arenas , Santa Teresa , Playa Herradura and even the city of San Jose . You can only reach Tortuga Island with a tour, and these are all full-day trips.

On tours to Tortuga, you’ll take a boat ride out to the islands and take in the fantastic views along the way. Then it’s off to two snorkeling spots to swim with turtles, sharks, and lots of fish. The snorkeling here is the best I have seen in Costa Rica – even better than Caño Island! 

Afterward, the boat drops you on Tortuga Island for a delicious lunch and plenty of drinks (beers, juice, and soda.) You’ll have a few hours to relax, play volleyball, kayak, or drink lots of coco locos. Overall, it’s really an enjoyable day out and one of the best tours in Costa Rica !

If you’re going to be anywhere in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica , seeing La Leona Waterfall is a must. This is an easy day trip of around 1 to 2 hours from Tamarindo, Playa Coco, and Playa Flamingo. You’re even closer (around 20 minutes!) if you’re in Liberia, making it one of the  top things to do in Liberia . 

Visiting La Leona Waterfall requires a tour because you need to navigate a canyon to reach it. You can do this by driving to one of the tour offices near the waterfall, such as Guanaverde Experiences. From here, you can do tours of the waterfall starting from $30 USD.  This tour through Guanaverde Experiences  is top-rated and includes all the equipment needed, including a dry bag to take your camera or phone. 

Once you make it to the La Leona Waterfall your guides will serve you fruits and ice cream with a fresh fruit juice. Sounds like the perfect day to me!

Arenal Volcano is the showpiece of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. While you’re here, you can’t miss seeing the volcano up close. A visit to Arenal Volcano National Park is  one of the best things to do in La Fortuna  and will take you to the base of the volcano and slightly up the steep face. The views here are incredible!  

You can explore Arenal Volcano National Park on your own or on a tour. It’s $15 USD admission for adults and $5 USD for children to get into the park. Once inside, you can hike on the many trails, see the lush forest, and even spot where lava flowed down the volcano when it last erupted in 2010.  

Come early in the morning (they open at 8 am) before the heat of the day sets in, so you have plenty of time to explore before they close at 4 pm. 

If you would prefer to join a guided tour, this afternoon Arenal Volcano tour  includes a hike on the west side of the volcano taking you across gorgeous hanging bridges. It also includes a visit to a swimming hole beneath a waterfall. Then you’ll visit a museum and take a dip in the natural Tabacon Hot Springs – one of the best hot springs in La Fortuna !  

For a longer tour, I suggest this private hiking adventure  to spend a full day in Arenal Volcano National Park. You’ll explore narrow jungle trails, climb over huge lava rocks, jump in an emerald green lake for a swim, and relax in natural hot water pools.  

Costa Rica is well known for its volcanoes that have showered the countryside in volcanic ash rich in minerals – it’s one of the reasons the country is so green! Another benefit of these volcanoes is the hot springs they create.

The best place to enjoy these hot springs is in La Fortuna around Arenal Volcano. There are  so many different hot springs to visit in La Fortuna ; you could visit a different one every day for weeks! There are a variety of hot springs for all budgets, from luxurious resorts to family-friendly pools and even natural hot springs.  

One of the most popular hot springs in La Fortuna is  Tabacón Hot Springs . The pools here are surrounded by a gorgeous tropical garden. The water temperatures range from 72 F to 105 F (22 C to 40 C), and the main area has a swim-up bar and waterslide. I love the incredible view of the Arenal Volcano from the secluded pools in the lower section. If you’re  staying at the resort , access to the hot springs is free, or if you aren’t a guest, you can purchase a day pass for $81 USD or one that includes either dinner or lunch for $149 USD.

For families, I recommend checking out  Los Lagos Hot Springs . The passes here are reasonable at $20 USD and include admission to hot and cold pools and wildlife exhibits on-site. You can also choose to purchase the day pass that includes either lunch or dinner for $37 USD. The large pools here are fed by crystalline rainforest springs and are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers. There are also fun waterslides, waterfalls, and a faux volcano.  

Baldi Hot Springs  is one of the most developed and visited hot springs in La Fortuna, not to mention the most lively one! Set amongst lush vegetation, this hot spring resort boasts 25 thermal water pools with temperatures ranging from 93°F to 152°F (doesn’t it sound dreamy?!). It also comes complete with a massive jacuzzi for up to 60 guests. A standard day pass here will cost you $27 USD, a pass with lunch or dinner for $49 USD, or a pass with both lunch and dinner for $71 USD.

Corcovado National Park certainly isn’t the most popular national park in Costa Rica, but it’s the most important. In fact, Corcovado National park is home to 2.5 to 3% of the world’s biodiversity, which is huge! It’s the best place to see a huge variety of Costa Rica’s wildlife, including big cats and tapirs.

The park is most commonly visited from Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay.

From Puerto Jimenez, you can  take this day tour to the La Leona Ranger Station  to enjoy the hiking trails and wildlife with a guide. There is also this  three-day tour that includes a stay at the ranger station  – it’s the best way to see wildlife!

From Drake Bay,  this full-day guided tour is a great option . It involves taking a boat from Drake Bay to Sirena Ranger Station and walking the trail network there. During my visit, we saw every species of monkey in Costa Rica, lots of rare birds, jaguar footprints, rodents, and other wildlife, including snakes.  You can also do an overnight tour , which I regret not doing!

Although not as popular, tours leave from Uvita too.  This specific tour  visits the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, where you’ll enjoy a hike through the park in search of wildlife.

Overall, Corcovado National Park is the best national park to visit for those who came to Costa Rica to see wildlife. Bird watchers and animal photographers love this place!

16. Go scuba diving/snorkeling 

Snorkeling and diving are two of my favorite activities in the water, and Costa Rica is the perfect place to enjoy them! I mentioned Caño Island and Tortuga Island above, but there are lots of other amazing places to snorkel and dive in Costa Rica :

A really popular dive site and one of the best is just off the coast of Santa Teresa. Here you can dive with a huge variety of ocean life such as sharks, rays, lobsters, crabs, and depending on the time of year, giant manta rays (January to April) and humpback whales (August to September!) You’ll also have the chance to see giant schools of tuna!  Iguana Divers  is the best company to choose in Santa Teresa, and they know all the best spots!

The Catalina Islands and Bat Islands are another two dive sites around Tamarindo with lots to see. Known as one of the  best things to do in Tamarindo , the Catalina Islands are home to an abundance of sea life suited to diving and snorkeling. You can do  this Catalina Island Diving Tour  and dive with turtles, manta rays, small reef sharks, and lots of fish.

For a more adventurous dive, head to the Bat Islands. This is a fantastic opportunity for Advanced Open Water certified divers to challenge themselves and swim with large sharks.  The tour includes two dives , one at Bat Island (where the bull sharks are) and the second near Playa del Coco, where you can see manta rays, turtles, and other ocean life. 

Of course, there are many more dive sites across the country including Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo (Puerto Viejo) and  Cocos Islands  – known as one of the best dive sites globally for diving with large animals.

San Jose isn’t usually at the top of everyone’s Costa Rica bucket list, but as someone who once lived in San Jose, I find that such a shame. San Jose offers a unique experience in Costa Rica and a chance to see stunning architecture, learn about some history, visit a few museums, and even eat at some pretty amazing restaurants . The city is the country’s capital, after all!

One of the best things to do in San Jose when you arrive is to join a tour of the city. You can either do  paid tours such as this one  or the  free walking tour  that is on most days. Another fun thing to do is to take a tour of the National Theater of Costa Rica . Tours cost only $6 USD, and before or after, you can enjoy a coffee at the onsite cafe – they have some delicious coffee!

San Jose also provides a base to explore the surrounding area on day trips . You can enjoy  tours to Poas Volcano ,  La Paz Waterfall Garden , and the  Britt Coffee Tour .

San Jose is often the start or finish of a trip in Costa Rica, so get out and explore – it’s one of the best things to do in Costa Rica!

Seeing crocodiles was never on my Costa Rica to-do list, however, after enjoying some of the  best things to do in Jaco , I stumbled upon the Crocodile Bridge over Tarcoles River .

Tarcoles River is home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations. These are saltwater crocodiles and some are well over 15 feet (5 meters) long!

This bridge is located around 30 minutes north of Jaco and crosses over the Tarcoles River, and is a popular gathering spot (I think it’s because the locals feed the crocodiles from the bridge.) Just park your car at one end of the bridge and walk over to see the huge crocodiles in the wild.  

When we visited, we saw over 15 crocodiles! There’s a popular sand bar where they like to hang out halfway across the bridge, but you’re guaranteed to see some!

Another fun way to get up close and learn about crocs is  on a crocodile cruise like this one . It’s around 2 hours long and you’ll get to explore the Tarcoles River on a guided boat tour, spotting crocodiles, reptiles, and birds along the way. The boat also serves Costa Rican coffee and refreshments.

Because your guide on board is also a bird expert they will be able to spot from over 50 different bird species that call this place home.

Ziplining is one of those activities you can do in just about every tourist town in Costa Rica. The mountains and rainforests are perfect for this adventure activity, and I’ve done some awesome tours.

Although you can zipline in most towns, not all are created equal. To help you choose, I’ll list the best places to zipline in Costa Rica in order of my preference:

Monteverde:   Ziplining in Monteverde comes in at number one for us simply because the cloud forests and mountains here make the courses that much better. On top of that,  if you book this ziplining tour , you’ll get to enjoy Costa Rica’s longest zipline at 5,220 feet or almost 1 mile (1.59 kilometers!) This is easily one of the best things to do in Monteverde !

La Fortuna:  Next has to be La Fortuna! Like Monteverde, ziplining in La Fortuna has you gliding over the central valley area. In fact,  this specific ziplining tour  has 12 different cables to experience and one of which will have you soaring right over the top of La Fortuna Waterfall!

Manuel Antonio:  If you’re traveling as a couple or just want to experience ziplining with friends, then go ziplining in Manuel Antonio. In the foothills of Manuel Antonio is  Central America’s longest dual zipline  at 4,300 feet or 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers.) It has 14 tree platforms, three natural walks, six hanging bridges, and more!

Jaco:  The last place I really loved ziplining was in Jaco . Although the ziplines in Jaco are not as long as the ones mentioned above, the views of the ocean and available tours make it a great option. But, instead of just going ziplining, combine a few activities and  join this ATV, zipline, and waterfall tour – it’s great value and so much fun!

I’ve been whitewater rafting all over the world, including in Futaleufú – well known as one of the top 3 rivers to whitewater raft in the world. Even though my standards are relatively high, I loved whitewater rafting in Costa Rica . It’s without a doubt one of the best adventure activities in Costa Rica!

I’ve personally done two tours, one down the Pacuare River and the other down the Tenorio River . I loved both and certainly got the adrenaline rush I signed up for! Of course, these aren’t the only two rivers you can whitewater raft. In fact, most tourist destinations offer some form of whitewater rafting. Below are a few of the best rivers and where you can do tours from.

San Jose, Puerto Viejo, and Puerto Limon: The Pacuare River is one of the most well-known rivers in Costa Rica. Tours here typically leave from either San Jose , Puerto Viejo , or Puerto Limon. Although a fantastic river, tours from San Jose are really long (12 hours) and require a lot of driving. For that reason, it’s best to only do tours from Puerto Viejo (just over 2 hours driving each way) or Puerto Limon.

Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Coco): From the Guanacaste Region and Monteverde, rafting tours are popular down the Tenorio River. The river is known for having lots of class III and IIII rapids. Tours from Tamarindo and the nearby beach towns are the most popular with this specific tour leaving from all locations .

La Fortuna: Since it’s surrounded by rivers, there are plenty of options for whitewater rafting in La Fortuna. The most popular with families is this white water rafting tour down the Balsa River , which has class II and III rapids. For more experienced rafters, you can do tours such as this one down the Rio Sarapiqui or Rio Toro. These are class III and IIII rivers and some of the best in Costa Rica.

Tortuguero National Park is a really special part of the country as it’s one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles. The park has a huge stretch of beach where 20,000 green sea turtles come every year to nest –  the largest colony of turtles on the globe ! The highlight here is seeing thousands of turtles nesting on the beach, which happens at different times throughout the year (July to October is best).

Tortuguero itself is an area that can only be accessed by boat or plane. It’s one of the most remote Costa Rica tourist attractions. The beauty here is because it is preserved and protected, so it’s known as one of the wildest national parks in the country.  

If you’re not planning to stay in the area, it’s a  great day trip from San Jose . You can take a 30-minute plane ride from San Jose or a three-hour bus ride to Cariari, Caño Blanco, or La Pavona followed by a one-hour boat ride. Another great option is booking  this tour that includes transportation , so you’re all set to explore this incredible area. It’s a long day (12 hours) but worth it.

Those with more time can actually make the trip to Tortuguero to stay a few nights. Once you’re here, savor this truly unique location by taking in one (or more!) of the  amazing tours offered here .

You can  canoe  or  kayak  through the wetlands, keeping an eye out for sloths and monkeys. There are night tours where you’ll explore the park to see all the amazing critters who only come out after dark. And of course, there are tours dedicated to seeing the turtles who call this park home. You can easily spend a few days exploring the park and all the  activities Tortuguero has to offer .  

There are only a few places in the world where the ocean seems to glow in the dark, and Costa Rica is one of them! The amazing bioluminescent plankton float just under the surface and flash bright blue as you pass by. The light show by these tiny critters is used to scare off predators and help them find food.  

These creatures are so tiny that a single drop of water can contain thousands. Together, they create this magical phenomenon that looks like thousands of blue, glowing stars – definitely a Costa Rica bucket list activity! The best areas to see bioluminescent plankton are in the waters around Paquera Bay and the Gulf of Nicoya. Another hot spot is around Puerto Jiménez.  

One of the best ways to see the plankton is by gliding above them in a kayak. As you float across the water, every time you dip your paddle in, it will create bursts of sparkling light around you.  This kayak tour  (and what I did) gives you a full hour to explore Paquera Bay under the stars. This is one of the best places to go kayaking in Costa Rica and seeing the bioluminescent plankton below and the stars above you is honestly incredible.  

Another option to see them is by boat.  This boat tour  leaves from the small beach next to the ferry dock in Paquera. Partway through the tour, they anchor the boat so you can get out and swim amongst the glowing light.   

Puerto Jiménez is another popular spot to view these amazing creatures. This sunset tour  includes kayaking while the sun sinks below the horizon. Then, once it’s dark, you’ll get to snorkel to see what bioluminescence looks like underwater. I actually did this tour and got to see dolphins too!

While the bioluminescence can be seen year-round in Costa Rica, if you can, try to go in the few days after a full moon. The darker sky helps you see more of this amazing sight as the water lights up. 

Mangroves can be found all over Costa Rica. These special forests are made up of a variety of shrubs and trees and can be found where any river meets the ocean. Mangroves are some of the best spots to see wildlife, including hundreds of types of birds , sloths, and monkeys. You typically won’t have to travel far to explore a mangrove swamp in Costa Rica. Here are some of the most popular places in Costa Rica to go on a mangrove tour:  

Drake Bay: The Sierpe Terraba Mangrove Forest is the largest in the country. It’s around the Drake Bay, Sierpe, and Uvita area. You can rent a kayak or boat or take a river safari tour  to explore the waterways through the trees. This is a fun way to see many animals including capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, macaws, iguanas, crocodiles, and sloths in Costa Rica .  

Manuel Antonio: Near Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park, there are thousands of acres of protected mangrove forest.  On this tour, you can take a kayak  out on the water to paddle peacefully through the shade of the mangroves and spot all different kinds of animals.  

Tamarindo: Not far from the beaches of Tamarindo, you can escape the crowds by exploring the mangroves of Las Baulas National Park.  Take a boat tour  to beat the heat and enjoy the shade as you explore the vast network of the forest. Your guide will help point out wildlife like howler monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds too!

Puerto Jimenez: Puerto Jiménez is close to the winding mangrove forests inside the Preciosa Platanares Wildlife Refuge. There are 70-foot (21 meters) tall mangrove trees here, and it’s best to  explore the winding river by kayak . You’ll have a guide to help you spot animals and snacks after you finish paddling.  

It goes without saying that bird watching is one of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica. The country is well known for its beautiful bird species that include scarlet macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, quetzals, and more. The best part is that there really isn’t a town in Costa Rica you can’t go bird watching.

One of the most popular places is Monteverde – especially for those who want to see the rare and beautiful quetzals. Bird watching tours in Monteverde are best done in Curi Canchi Nature reserve and this tour is a great option .

Round trip transportation is included and this tour leaves very in the morning so that you can spot birds when they are most active.

If you love macaws you’re in luck. They can be seen all over the country but no place is better than Puerto Jimenez! We saw them daily in our hotel and around town even getting as close as a few meters.

Other great places to go bird watching includes Manuel Antonio, Carara National Park in Jaco , Uvita, Dominical, and more.

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park is another volcanic national park located just over 2 hours from Tamarindo and only 35 minutes from Liberia.

Those with their own vehicle can drive out to the Rincón de la Vieja and enjoy one or many of the hiking trails through the park. These include the trail to the Las Pailas (boiling mud pots.) This is an easy walk that takes around 20 minutes each way. Another cool hike is the  Catarata La Cangreja trail , leading to a breathtaking waterfall. This trail is around 3 miles (4.8 km) each way. 

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park is also where you’ll find the Rio Negro Hot Springs as well as adventure centers offering horseback riding, ziplining, and tubing. One of the most popular adventure combo tours is the  Guachipelin Adventure Volcano tour , with departures from most towns in Guanacaste including Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Liberia, and more.

There are also guided hiking tours,  such as this guided hiking tour  from Tamarindo and  this guided hiking tour from Liberia . These are more for those interested in the national park’s history, flora, and fauna, not the offered activities.

Entry to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park costs $17 USD for adults and $5.60 USD for children without a tour and is open from 8 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

One of the most amazing creatures in Costa Rica is the sea turtle. Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles come to the beaches every year to lay their eggs. Seeing turtles in Costa Rica should definitely be on your bucket list!  

While different species of sea turtles can be found across the country, the two best areas to spot them are Tortuguero National Park and Ostional Wildlife Refuge. 

While in Tortuguero National Park, you can spot turtles on your own while exploring, however, to view turtle nesting sites, you’ll need to  book this tour . Most nesting sites are protected and can only be visited with a guide. This ensures you won’t disturb the animals. Plus, turtles only lay eggs at night, so having a guide to assist you in the dark is helpful too!   

There are also peak times of the year to visit where you’re more likely to see the turtles nesting. In Tortuguero, the nesting season for green sea turtles is from July to October and from February to June for leatherback sea turtles. While I missed the nesting season during my December visit, I did see baby turtles make their way to the ocean. It was a really special moment.  

The Ostional Wildlife Refuge is located on the Nicoya Peninsula near Nosara. Here you’ll find Ostional Beach where olive ridley sea turtles come to lay their eggs in an annual event known as “arribada”. Only nine locations on the globe see these turtles arrive by the thousands and this is one of them!

You can come anytime during the year, but the peak time to visit is in September and October. You can book tours in Nosara for around $60 USD and they will be able to let you know if the turtles are nesting.

Anyone reading this who enjoys fishing as much as I certainly won’t want to skip a fishing charter in Costa Rica. Not only can you do fishing charters all along the coast, but the fish love to bite!

There are two main types of fishing charters in Costa Rica . The first is inshore tours, which typically only head out as far as 5 miles and aim to catch fish such as tuna, roosterfish, mahi-mahi, jack crevalle, bigeye trevally, needlefish, barracuda, and snapper. Although prices range, expect to pay between $250 to $480 USD for a half-day tour for up to 5 people.

The second option is offshore tours, which head out much farther and are full-day tours. On these, you can go for all the fish above as well as big game fish such as sailfish and marlin. These tours cost around $700 USD per boat.

The best places to go fishing in Costa Rica are Santa Teresa , Jaco, Uvita, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio/ Quepos .

Cruising the coast on a sailboat or catamaran is such a fun way to enjoy a beautiful day in Costa Rica. I did my first catamaran cruise in Manuel Antonio after getting a bit of national park fatigue (and a sore neck from looking up). It turned out to be such a fun day out, and although the tours call themselves “sunset cruises”, they are so much more.

The tour I did in Manuel Antonio  set sail around 2 pm as we enjoyed the breathtaking coastal scenery and a few drinks (it’s an open bar!) We searched for wildlife such as dolphins and whales before going snorkeling, jumping off the boat, and using the waterslide. Our boat had great people on board, and the drinks were flowing until dinner. As we enjoyed our dinner, the sun began to set, and we headed close to the shore to spot birds feeding in the forest – we even saw scarlet macaws!

If that doesn’t sound like a great afternoon out, I don’t know what will!

Sunset cruises are popular in a few places in Costa Rica . Another one of the top destinations is Tamarindo , which has one of the  top-rated sunset cruises in Costa Rica  (also leaves from Playa Coco). It’s a very similar cruise to Manuel Antonio’s and includes an open bar and meal.

Cahuita National Park is a beautiful area near Puerto Viejo best known for the coral reefs and the more than 500 species of fish that live in them. The park itself was created to protect the reefs as well as the mangrove and tropical rainforest here. It’s free to enter, but donations are encouraged for park upkeep.  

If you want to explore Cahuita by land, there’s a long trail that winds through the forest. This is a great area to spot sloths and monkeys!  

There are a few beautiful beach areas as well – keep an eye out for which ones allow swimming. Snorkeling is allowed, but only with a certified guide to ensure the coral is protected. There are even two different shipwrecks here in the shallow water you can see while snorkeling.  

You can drive yourself to Cahuita National Park, and it’s a really popular spot from nearby Puerto Viejo – you’re only 15 minutes away! If you’re staying around Puerto Limon, it’s about a 45-minute drive along the coast. From San Jose, this is a longer trip of around 4 hours. If you don’t have a rental car , buses leave San Jose daily for Cahuita, so that’s another option.  

If you’re interested in tours with transportation,  this tour goes from Puerto Viejo to Cahuita National Park. You’ll have a professional naturalist tour guide to help you spot animals, including white-faced monkeys, snakes, raccoons, and more. It also includes a visit to Cahuita’s hidden waterfall, where you can take a swim.  

This full-day tour from Puerto Limon also includes a stop at Cahuita National Park. It includes a short city tour of Limon, a covered boat cruise down the Tortuguero Canals, a visit to the Chiquita banana plantation, and a one-hour hike through the park.  

One of the best things to do in Costa Rica is eating! The food here is delicious and known for using fresh ingredients from fruits and vegetables to seafood. The cuisine in Costa Rica is influenced by Spanish, African, and Indigenous cultures. 

While you’re here, try the traditional dish called a “Casado”. It isn’t one food, but a variety of foods all served together or “married” together since the word Casado means “marriage.” It typically has rice, beans, some type of meat like chicken or fish, and then a salad. It can also come with sides like fried plantains, avocado, tortillas with cheese, or even vegetable stew. There are so many different takes on the Casado, but all are guaranteed to fill you up for a relatively reasonable price.  

Don’t forget to try the Gallo Pinto while you’re here. This is one of the most famous dishes in Costa Rica ! The main ingredients are rice and beans, and then they are mixed with other foods like red peppers, cilantro, onions, and Salsa Lizano to give it a bit of spice. It sounds simple, but it’s really tasty. You can even have this for breakfast alongside a couple of eggs and tortillas.  

Some other popular dishes to try include Arroz con Leche, Sopa Negra, and Patacones.

While the country is beautiful during the day, many of Costa Rica’s wildlife comes alive at night. There are so many animals who live in the many rainforests that only come out once the sun disappears. In fact, about 80% of the mammals here are nocturnal.  

If your heart is set on seeing many of the animals who call this place home, consider going out at night. Having a guide is a good idea for this as they know just where to look and can spot animals in the dark that you may have missed. 

This night walk in Monteverde  will take you through the Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot many different animals, big and small, including sloths, foxes, frogs, and maybe even some sleeping birds.  

I particularly enjoyed this Rainforest Night Walk and Dinner tour  in La Fortuna. You get a 90-minute hike through the forest, a visit to a frog sanctuary, and it ends with a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove. We saw a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which has the most painful sting of any insect in the world – luckily, we kept our distance! The meal after the hike was one of the best local meals I had!  

You can also spend two hours exploring the rainforest around Manuel Antonio with this night walk . It starts in a green cathedral-like forest with beautiful butterflies before entering the pitch-black jungle filled with the sounds of insects and frogs. You’ll get the chance to see and photograph tree frogs, snakes, colorful insects, and more.  

One of my favorite activities in Costa Rica is spotting sloths! They can be found all over the country in national parks, wildlife rescue centers, or even in towns.

Sloths are most common in the wild in places like Puerto Viejo, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Tortuguero, Dominical, and around the Osa Peninsula . You may spot them snoozing in palm trees at the beach or climbing trees along the side of the road. Sloths very rarely come down to the ground, so look up!  

Sloths are pretty predictable creatures, so the locals here often know exactly where they like to hang out. If you want a better chance of seeing a sloth, take a tour while you’re in a national park or wildlife reserve, and often your guide can take you right to one!  

Some of the best sloth watching tours are in La Fortuna . There’s a great area to see lots of sloths known as Sloth’s Territory. You can take an observation hike  through the property along La Havana River. Two and three-toed sloths make their home here. The tour includes a guide and a professional telescope to help see the sloths up close. I have done this tour and enjoyed it, we even saw poison dart frogs.

For a full day experience,  this tour leaves from San Jose for Tenorio Volcano National Park. You can see the incredible Rio Celeste with its gorgeous blue waters and visit the Sloth Sanctuary.  

In Guanacaste National Park,  guided tours  offer the chance to see sloths in the wild. There’s also a waterfall, butterfly garden, and a visit to a coffee and banana plantation included.  

Costa Rica has an electric nightlife created by both locals and tourists. Although I am personally not much of a party-goer, I do enjoy a few beers after a day of exploring and found Costa Rica perfect for this.

Not only will you often find live music at bars and restaurants, but with pretty relaxed street drinking laws, people tend to just hang out in the town square or on the beach. One of my favorite street parties was in Montezuma ! On top of that, lots of hostels around the country have fun bars with live music and games.

A great hostel to check out for a party is Selina . They have multiple locations around Costa Rica, including in Puerto Viejo , Manuel Antonio , La Fortuna , Monteverde , Santa Teresa , Nosara , San Jose , and Tamarindo . When I lived in La Fortuna, I spent lots of time at the Selina having a few beers!

If you want to get amongst the treetops to spot wildlife, I highly suggest visiting the  Mistico Hanging Bridges  while in La Fortuna. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. Although not a national park, you’ll find just as much wildlife here as you would in places such as  Manuel Antonio .  

In the park, there are 14 bridges that you can visit, with 6 of them being hanging bridges. The trail through the forest is 3.2 kilometers/2 miles long, and although the 6 hanging bridges are the main attraction, there’s lots more to see. I loved the two viewpoints of Arenal Volcano. My favorite spot was behind the restrooms at the ticket office! 

Tours at Mistico Hanging Bridges can be done self-guided or on a tour from La Fortuna . On a self-guided tour, the entrance to the Mistico Hanging Bridges is $26 USD for adults, $16 USD for teens, and kids under 10 go free! You are then free to explore at your own pace, and 2 hours is more than enough time.  

If you want to do a guided tour, I highly  suggest this specific tour with Mistico . They know the property well and know exactly where to find wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. It’s a 2.5 hour guided walk that includes transport from La Fortuna, your entrance ticket, and an expert guide for only $45 USD. 

One of the best Costa Rica activities is exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest . As the name suggests, this tropical forest is full of low-hanging clouds and mist. It’s one of the rarest habitats in the entire world and is truly a must-see.  

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is located about halfway in-between San Jose and Liberia. If you’re coming from either of those places, it’s around a three-hour drive. While the cloud forest is the main draw, plan to spend a few days here to explore all the  other things to do in Monteverde (the town here is called Santa Elena).

Once here, there’s a $25 USD admission to pay at the entrance gate. The park opens at 7 am, and get here early as often there’s a line-up by 8 am. Once inside, you are free to explore the network of trails here that covers about 8 miles (13 kilometers). One of the best trails is the Sendero Trail which leads to a suspension bridge – a great place to spot some of the many birds that live here.  

If you want to learn more about the cloud forest and all the animals inside it, I recommend booking a guided tour. The guides on these tours are amazing at spotting animals like monkeys, sloths, and birds that you might have walked right by.  

This private tour  allows you to explore the forest at your own pace with an expert guide. Your chances of spotting rare birds are greatly increased and you’ll learn a ton. Or, for a totally different experience,  book a night walk through the forest to see all the animals that wake up at night – about 80% of the mammals here! 

Related Read: Another must-do here is a coffee tour in Monteverde ! Our absolute favorite is the Don Juan tour which includes tastings of coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane.

Riding an ATV through Costa Rica is so much fun! You can cover a lot of ground while exploring and get to certain areas you just couldn’t reach in a car.  

ATV tours are offered throughout the country, so wherever you’re based, it’s likely an option. However, my favorite areas to ride an ATV through are Tamarindo and La Fortuna. Don’t be intimidated either, it can be your first time on an ATV and you’ll still have fun. Tours are great options if you don’t have much experience as you’ll get instructions and advice before you head out. 

In Tamarindo, you can take an ATV to see a variety of beaches on this beach adventure tour . You’ll kick up sand, cross a river, and have some great mountain views. Keep an eye out for rare trees that this area is known for including Guanacaste, pochote, and teak.  

In La Fortuna, taking an ATV out for a spin is also one of the best things to do. You can ride an ATV right next to Arenal Volcano! Prepare to get muddy on this volcano ATV tour  where you’ll see impact craters from the volcano’s last eruption, a river with volcanic mud, and Arenal Lake. This is without a doubt my favorite place to ATV!

Canyoning is an outdoor adventure sport that combines navigating through obstacles, including canyons and rivers, and rappelling down waterfalls. It’s one of the best things to do in Costa Rica as the country is known for all the incredible obstacle courses created by Mother Nature.  

While there are places to go canyoning all over the country, without a doubt, the BEST place is La Fortuna. If you’re around Jaco, that’s also another good option. You’ll need to book a tour for this to ensure you have the right safety equipment and guide to the area. 

In La Fortuna,  explore the Lost Canyon on this tour . You’ll rappel down a 150-foot (46 meters) cliff known as “Big Boy” and drop into a natural swimming pool at the bottom. Then, you’ll descend into the Lost Canyon to explore a 200-foot (61 meters) cliff and waterfall. The tour also includes lunch and transportation for under $100 USD.  

In Jaco, I loved this action-packed canyoning tour . You’ll take a short hike into the canyon and jump-start the adventure with a zipline above a waterfall. Then you’ll rappel down four different waterfalls, scramble over rocks and boulders and finish with more ziplining. It’s all based on a beautiful 800-acre property where you’re likely to spot monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws along the way.  

While you’re in Costa Rica, make sure you stop for a cup of coffee. Costa Rica is famous for its coffee. The country produces more than 1.5 million bags of coffee every year that is shipped all over the world! But while you’re here, you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee with coffee beans grown probably not far from where you’re sitting.  

If you travel across Costa Rica, you’ll see the coffee fields covering the hillsides. The majority of the country’s coffee is grown in the Cartago, Alajuela, Puntarenas, Heredia, and San José regions. Thanks to ideal growing conditions – volcanic soil, good climate, and high altitude, the coffee is top-notch.  

Most of the coffee here (almost 90%) is grown by small farmers. One of the best things to do in Costa Rica is to get the freshest cup of coffee and learn about this important crop on a coffee tour.  

Coffee tours are offered all over Costa Rica , so you’re sure to find one near where you’re staying. Here are a few great options by location: 

• La Fortuna – Visit a family-owned farm near La Fortuna on this tour . You’ll see how coffee goes from bean to cup and see how it is grown, roasted, and ground.  
• San José –  Tour the Doka Estate  coffee plantation to get up close to coffee production and have a bonus visit to the working sugar mill that processes sugar cane.  
• Quepos/Manuel Antonio – Learn about the history of the coffee bean  while touring a local farm  and enjoying a variety of tasty samples. 
• Guanacaste (including Liberia & Tamarindo) –  Tour a coffee farm  on this day trip from the Guanacaste area that also includes visiting a nearby waterfall.  

Chocolate is a favorite sweet treat of mine and I’m not alone – around one billion people eat chocolate every day! In Costa Rica, cocoa beans and chocolate have a long history. Cacao beans were sacred to the Indigenous people here and even used as currency. The beans were also made into a special drink for ceremonies and celebrations.  

Today, cacao beans are still a very important crop in Costa Rica. There are lots of different farms that offer chocolate tours throughout the country. You’ll have a chance to learn about the origins of chocolate and taste some (easily the best part!)  

By far, the best chocolate tour I’ve been on is at the  Rancho Raices de Osa  in Puerto Jimenez. We toured the beautiful property to see the chocolate-making process from start to finish. We learned about organic farming, got the chance to try the cacao along the way at every stage, and even snack on some fresh fruit. Then, we made our own chocolate and finished off with a refreshing cacao face mask.

In other parts of the country,  this tour in La Fortuna  and  this tour in Manuel Antonio  both take place at cocoa plantations. If you’re in the San José area,  visit Botánica Chocolate  to sample different cacao recipes from ancient cacao beverages to the chocolate we love today.  

As a foodie, I love trying out different restaurants, and Costa Rica has some amazing ones. The country has two coastlines – Pacific and Caribbean – so seafood is one of the specialties for sure. You know if it’s local seafood, it’s going to be fresh!  

Wherever you are in the country, don’t leave without trying some ceviche. It’s perfect for a hot day, and you’ll find it in most restaurants. This seafood dish combines diced cubes of raw fish that are tossed with a citrus juice like lemon or lime. The reaction of the citrus marinade with the seafood helps tenderize the fish and adds flavor.  

In Dominical, there are  many great restaurants  to try, but my favorite for fish tacos was  El Pescado Loco . In particular the fried fish tacos were fresh and cooked to perfection! And don’t get me started on their chips and guac. It’s a simple establishment where the locals really take pride in their food.

I also loved the beachside restaurant  Playa de Los Artistas  in Montezuma. It’s considered one of the top restaurants, and it’s among my  favorites in Montezuma . The menu is tailored to whatever fresh and local ingredients they have on hand, with a focus on seafood. I recommend the seared tuna with sour and sweet sauce and toasted cacao and mint, or the octopus in red wine.  

If you’re visiting Jaco, be sure to check out El Point . It’s one of the best restaurants in Jaco and their tuna with mango chutney is so delicious!

The craft beer industry is booming in Costa Rica with breweries popping up across the country . This is great news for craft beer lovers like me. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold one in paradise!

One of the biggest names in microbrewing is  Costa Rica Craft Brewing . They are based out of San José, but you’ll find their beers widely distributed. The two most popular drinks are their Libertas Tropical Golden Ale and La Sequa Red Ale.  

My favorite spot for craft beer in Jaco is at  PuddleFish Brewery . They have a rotating selection of beers on tap, but the mango pale ale and strong IPA were great when we popped in. They also  offer tours  so you can see the brewing process and try a few samples to figure out what you like.  

In Tamarindo, pay a visit to  Volcano Brewing Co . Have a drink at the beachside restaurant and pub that often has live music and plenty of sunshine. I had lunch here too and highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich paired with an IPA or a Pale Ale – I tried both, and they were delicious.  

I was thrilled to see a brewery open in Nosara when I was last there.  Guiones Brew Co  is making a name for themselves with a few great beers on tap (especially their IPA) and excellent wood-fired pizzas. It gets busy here for supper, so book in advance to secure a table.  

In the small town of Montezuma is Butterfly Brewing Co. they are located amongst the forest and all their beer is delicious!

For an incredible day trip from San Jose, the  La Paz Waterfall Gardens  are less than an hour from the city center. It feels like stepping into another world with lush forest, five different waterfalls, and picturesque hiking trails among both rain and cloud forest.  

The property also houses the biggest butterfly garden in the world; an animal sanctuary with jungle cats, sloths, monkeys, a hummingbird garden, a frog pond; and a trout lake where you can catch your own fish for lunch!  

You can drive yourself here in a rental car and it’s best to come early in the day. You’ll want a few hours to explore while the park is open from 8 am to 5 pm. If you want to skip the line, you can  purchase a ticket in advance . Admission is $51.20 USD per adult and $33 USD for children.  

If you don’t have a car,  this guided tour includes transportation from San Jose as well as the entrance fee. You’ll also have a tour guide to navigate the trails with you and help you spot amazing wildlife that might be hiding in the trees.  

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is close to the Poas Volcano, so it’s worth visiting both on the same day! You can also drive yourself to the volcano and I recommend doing this first to have the best chance of clearer weather earlier in the day. Or, join t his guided tour that includes Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens to easily have the chance to see both!  

Sleeping among the treetops was, and still is, a highlight of my travels through Costa Rica. Imagine mornings waking to the sound of birds, watching hummingbirds feed, or even sloths passing by – you never know what you might see!

Some of the best treehouse hotels in Costa Rica are:

TreeHouse Lodge  – This gorgeous moderately priced hotel is located just outside of Puerto Viejo in Punta Uva. Their treehouse bungalow is so cool and often fully booked up. Expect to live amongst a living tree with spectacular views of the forest! There is also a hot tub and a terrace to relax at.

Finca Bellavista  – This next hotel is actually a community of treehouses  located near Piedras Blancas National Park . They have some really cool treehouses that can accomodate larger groups, including the El Castillo Mastate, which is 30 meters off the ground! If you want to be fully disconnected from the rest of the world this is a great option!

Topos Tree House  – Located in Cahuita, this one-of-a-kind two-bedroom treehouse is the perfect treehouse experience. It’s very common to see sloths from the house as well as monkeys! It still located in a private jungle but it’s not too far of a walk from some great restaurants and the beach.

Hotel Costa Verde  – This cool hotel in Manuel Antonio has amazing rooms that include a cockpit cottage (an old plane) room among the treetops. There are three different pools on-site so you can avoid too much of a crowd. This treehouse hotel has its own restaurant and a bunch of activites that you can participate in right from the property including horseback riding, hiking and fishing.

Nayara Tented Camp  – This luxury treehouse hotel is located in La Fortuna with magnificent views of Arenal Volcano. The rooms sleep up to four people and come with their own private infinity pool. This is luxury! Other features include an Argentinian restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa.

In the province of Cartago, to the east of San José, you will find the  Irazu Volcano . This is Costa Rica’s highest volcano, and it’s still active!

It’s very accessible to get to Irazu, and you can rent a car or take a bus. If you enjoy hiking, this is also a great place since the volcano has its own national park with trails and amenities like a cafeteria, parking, toilets, and picnic areas. The entrance of the national park is $15 USD and its opening hours are from 8 am to 4 pm. 

You can also book a half-day tour  to visit the volcano which includes transportation and snacks! This tour will stay 3 hours at the volcano. Plus, on the way back, it will also stop to tour the Basilica de Los Angeles in Cartago, the Costa Rican Cathedral of la “virgencita” (the patron saint of Costa Rica to whom the Costa Ricans pay homage every August during its pilgrimage.)

Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? Costa Rica is home to some of the best beaches in Central America! The white sand is often lined with lush jungle, and spending the day down at the beach is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

My favorite beaches to just relax are on the Caribbean side in Puerto Viejo. There are clam bays here where you can just lay back and relax in the ocean drinking fresh coconuts. Another place with breathtaking beaches is Manuel Antonio. Both inside and outside of the national park, the beaches are spectacular! When choosing  where to stay in Manuel Antonio  – I love choosing a hotel near the beach!

Of course, the beaches are beautiful everywhere in Costa Rica including Uvita, Dominical, Jaco, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, and more. You name a place on the coast, and I guarantee there’s a great beach nearby!

It’s safe to say you’ll do a lot of walking in Costa Rica if you want to explore some of the best attractions – many of which I have mentioned above! However, just in case the hikes above, such as Rio Celeste, La Fortuna Waterfalls, or Nuayaca Waterfalls aren’t enough, there are some other cool hikes to enjoy.

Mantra Trail La Chimba  – Located just outside San Jose, this beautiful 4.5-kilometer (2.8 miles) each way hiking trail takes you through the coffee plantations to a giant hand made of wood that overlooks the valley. The trail opens at 5:30 am and costs $12 USD to hike.

Cerro Chirripó, Parque Nacional Chirripó  – Cerro Chirripo is Costa Rica’s highest peak and on a multi-day hike you can literally stand on top of Costa Rica. Sitting at 12,533 feet (3,820 meters) above sea level, hiking Cerro Chirripo begins from the town of San Gerardo de Rivas. It’s best suited to advanced hikers.

Bajos del Toro Waterfall Hike  – The Bajos del Toro Waterfall hike is a beautiful trail located 2 hours from San Jose in Bajos del Toro. The 1.3-mile (2.1 kilometers) loop track is moderately difficult and leads to the stunning Bajos del Toro Waterfall. Entry is $14 USD for adults and $7 USD for children.

As you’ll quickly discover, the food in Costa Rica is SO good. The best way to take the tastes of the country home with you is by learning how to cook Costa Rican food.  

I did a cooking class with a local lady in Puerto Viejo and it was amazing! You get one-on-one instruction and get to eat your creations – how good is that?  

There are lots of options for cooking classes across the country, but these are a few different options.  

• La Fortuna –  Join a Costa Rican family  in their home to make a traditional Casado as well as picadillos, tortillas, and guisados. You’ll even mix up a tropical cocktail called Kiss of the Cacique.  
• Jaco – Learn from cookbook author, Melissa Guzman, in her home or have her come to wherever you’re staying for a  private cooking class . She’ll teach you healthy and classic dishes including ceviche and soup while you prepare a delicious lunch. 
• Manuel Antonio – Take a cooking class  at a beautiful property that houses a botanical garden, vanilla plantation, cacao plantation, and sugarcane mill. You’ll start with a hike to learn about the local and fresh ingredients before getting to work in the kitchen. 
• Online – Wherever in the country you may be, join this cooking class via ZOOM . You’ll get a list of ingredients to buy ahead of time and then learn recipes like empanadas, tortillas con queso, and Arroz con Pollo. The chef will pass down her secrets in the kitchen and the stories behind local dishes.  

SUP or stand-up paddleboarding is a fun way to explore the coastline of Costa Rica while also staying active. Rentals are also relatively cheap, usually costing around $10 USD per hour depending on where you are.

Three of my favorite places to SUP in Costa Rica are Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo, and Samara! In fact, in Samara, the waves are perfect if you have ever wanted to try SUP surfing – it’s actually one of the best things to do in Samara ! Afterward, be sure to check out the best restaurants in Samara and before you go, the best hotels !

Related Read: If you’re planning on driving in Costa Rica , be sure to read our guide before renting a car in Costa Rica !

One of the best meals I enjoyed in Costa Rica was at a small mountainside restaurant inside of a Bed and Breakfast in Uvita called Oasis Uvita . They offer an epic farm-to-table dinner experience and the chef creates an amazing meal based on what’s available and fresh! The restaurant offers 3 or 4-course meals and the food is delicious. On top of that, the location is perfect so you might even consider staying here!

Farm-to-table dining experiences are becoming more popular throughout Costa Rica and you can now do them in places such as Hacienda Okhra in Santa Teresa, Farm to Table Escondido in Monteverde, and La Casa in Nosara.

  Montezuma Waterfalls  is one of the few free waterfalls you can visit in Costa Rica .

You can easily walk to Montezuma Waterfalls from town and hike the somewhat confusing trail (read our things to do in Montezuma blog for more info) to explore the waterfall. The lower falls are the easiest to get to and involve walking along the right-hand side of the river for 20 minutes until you reach the waterfall. Although easy to get to, the lower falls are not the best place to enjoy a swim. 

Although visiting Montezuma Waterfall is free, there is a 1,000 colones fee (cash only) to use the trail up to the upper waterfalls. Be sure to bring suitable footwear and be prepared to get them wet. 

Please Note:  There is a free traill from the lower falls to the upper falls too. But it is dangerous to climb, and 1,000 Colones ($1.60 USD) is not worth your life, so please take care! 

50. Drive the “Waterfall Trail”

If you’re looking for some adventurous waterfalls to explore, head down the waterfall trail between San Jose and La Fortuna. I have to be honest though, I made this name up myself but trust me, this is one epic road trip!

The road is actually Highway 708, it starts about a 1.5-hour drive outside of San Jose city limits near a town called  Bajos del Toro . The highway runs between Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco and Parque Nacional Volcán Poás. Once you pass Bajos del Toro, you will drive a route that allows you to stop at several different waterfalls. They are all privately owned so the entrance fees vary, however, they are much cheaper than the more developed popular waterfalls all over the country.

We visited a few of them and our favorite was called Pozo Azul . Here, we paid 3,000 Colones (around $5 USD) each and walked to a viewpoint over the top of a huge waterfall. We then climbed to the bottom of the waterfall for an even more spectacular view. This involves navigating loose rocks and a steep climb – but that’s what we loved about it!

The entire time we were there we only saw a handful of other people. It’s definitely more of an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Other waterfalls in the area include Catarata del Toro , Tesoro Escondido Waterfall , and Cataratas Las Gemelas. However, this trip isn’t just about the waterfalls, the road is stunning and stop at La Terraza del Café de Logan for a coffee on the way.

Tip:  This road connects San Jose with La Fortuna, so you can choose to drive this route if you’re headed that way. Keep in mind, you should have a reliable car to drive this route. It travels along steep cliffs through gorgeous mountain towns. Pozo Azul is also home to a campsite and restaurant.

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Costa Rica isn’t one of the best places to visit in the world for no reason. The above activities and attractions in Costa Rica, along with the friendly faces and safe environment together, make this country one of my favorites!

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Costa Rica. It’s truly one of the most enjoyable blogs I have written, and I am sure you have lots of great ideas for your upcoming trip! If you did enjoy this guide, then be sure to check out more of our in-depth guides to Costa Rica, such as:

Things you NEED to know about shuttles in Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica expensive? Cost of traveling to Costa Rica

BEST beachfront resorts in Costa Rica (for all budgets!)

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The Arenal Volcano stands as a testimony to nature’s unparalleled grandeur. Its impressive stature and the surrounding lush landscapes make it one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks. Historically, Arenal was known for its regular eruptions, which have since decreased in frequency. However, the sheer magnitude of its presence remains undiminished. The region surrounding the volcano offers myriad adventure activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and the soothing hot springs, a product of the volcano’s geothermal activity. These hot springs serve as nature’s very own spa, providing therapeutic benefits amidst the tropical wilderness.

2. Manuel Antonio National Park: Nature’s Treasure Trove

Manuel Antonio National Park is a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Nestled along the Pacific coast, this park boasts a unique blend of rainforest, beaches, and coral reefs. As one traverses the winding trails, they are greeted by the mesmerizing views from the elevated viewpoints. From spotting the elusive sloth to the vibrant hued toucans, the park offers an intimate rendezvous with nature.

3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: The Ethereal Realm

Dive deep into the heart of Costa Rica with the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve . Characterized by its persistent misty conditions, this forest offers an enchanting experience. The sensation of walking amidst clouds is unparalleled. The reserve’s diverse ecosystem is home to over 400 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, canopy tours and zip-lining adventures present an exhilarating experience, soaring above the treetops.

4. Tamarindo Beach: The Surfing Mecca

Tamarindo Beach is not just another beach; it’s an experience. Revered by surfers worldwide, it offers waves that cater to both novices and seasoned professionals. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with its vibrant nightlife, offering an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and live music venues.

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5. Tortuguero National Park: The Sanctuary by the Sea

Tortuguero National Park provides a unique blend of freshwater canals and a significant nesting ground for the endangered green turtle. The name ‘Tortuguero’ translates to ‘Land of Turtles’, and rightfully so. From July to October, the beaches of this park become a hotspot for turtle nesting, offering a rare spectacle for its visitors.

6. Corcovado National Park: The Biodiversity Jewel

Corcovado National Park is often referred to as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks system. This expanse of rainforest is home to a mind-boggling variety of wildlife. From the jaguars and tapirs to scarlet macaws and harpy eagles, the fauna is as diverse as it is abundant. Guided treks are a must, with knowledgeable local guides revealing the secrets of this lush paradise, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the abundant flora and fauna.

7. Poás Volcano National Park: Nature’s Cauldron

Situated in the Central Valley, Poás Volcano National Park is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the fiery heart of the earth. The volcano’s crater, one of the world’s largest and most active, frequently emits geysers of smoke and sulfur. Yet, beyond its furious core, the park boasts serene cloud forests and an astonishingly diverse bird population. The contrasting landscapes make it a remarkable destination.

8. Santa Teresa: The Coastal Retreat

Over the years, Santa Teresa has transitioned from a sleepy fishing village to a favorite hotspot for surfers, yogis, and those seeking a relaxed coastal vibe. The beaches are pristine, and the waves just right for surfing. Yoga retreats dot the coastline, offering a perfect respite for those looking to rejuvenate their minds and bodies. The culinary scene is equally delightful, with a mix of local and international cuisines catering to diverse palates.

9. Tabacon Hot Springs: Nature’s Spa

Situated at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacon Hot Springs is the epitome of relaxation amidst nature. These naturally occurring thermal springs, heated by the volcano’s geothermal activity, are set amidst lush tropical gardens. A dip in these therapeutic waters, rich in minerals, offers not just relaxation but also numerous health benefits.

10. La Paz Waterfall Gardens: The Cascading Wonders

Nestled amidst the rainforests, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens provide a mesmerizing encounter with nature. Five spectacular waterfalls cascade through lush, tropical forests, forming a picturesque backdrop. Along with the waterfalls, the gardens house a butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, serpentarium, and a variety of animal shelters, offering insights into Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife.

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11. San Jose City Highlights: The Urban Ensemble

San Jose , Costa Rica’s capital, beautifully amalgamates tradition and modernity. The city boasts architectural wonders, historical museums, and vibrant markets. Whether it’s the Gold Museum showcasing pre-Columbian gold artifacts or the bustling Central Market offering a range of local produce and handicrafts, San Jose provides a slice of Costa Rican urban life.

12. Palo Verde National Park: The Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Palo Verde National Park stands as a testament to Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. Primarily a wetland, the park houses one of the most significant concentrations of waterfowl and wading birds in Central America. Whether you embark on a boat tour or traverse the nature trails, the park promises rare and frequent bird sightings, making it a must-visit for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.

13. Playa Conchal: The Crystal Coast

Named after the Spanish word for “shell,” Playa Conchal boasts sands made up of tiny crushed shells. The crystal-clear waters shimmering in hues of turquoise make it perfect for snorkeling and diving. With its serene ambiance and luxurious resorts lining the coast, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation and water adventures.

14. Braulio Carrillo National Park: The Green Sanctuary

With its sprawling landscapes ranging from lowland tropical rainforests to high-altitude cloud forests, Braulio Carrillo National Park offers a unique trekking experience. The aerial tram ride is a highlight, providing a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy, giving visitors a unique perspective of life above the forest floor.

15. Guanacaste Province: A Cultural Resonance

No exploration of Costa Rica would be complete without soaking in the cultural vibrancy of the Guanacaste Province . A land that has witnessed the harmonious blend of indigenous cultures with Spanish colonial influences, Guanacaste promises a rich cultural experience. Renowned for its folk music, traditional dances, and annual fiestas, the province pulsates with energy and color. Apart from its cultural offerings, Guanacaste boasts some of the most pristine beaches and offers opportunities for horseback riding, surfing, and diving.

Gastronomical Delights: A Tantalizing Journey

Beyond its natural and cultural wonders, Costa Rica tempts with its culinary offerings. The Costa Rican cuisine, known locally as “comida típica” , is a delightful fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean flavors. From the hearty breakfast dish ‘Gallo Pinto’ to the savory ‘Casado’ for lunch, every meal promises an explosion of flavors. Don’t miss the local coffee, renowned worldwide for its rich flavor and aroma. Pair it with a ‘Tres Leches Cake’, and you have a perfect Costa Rican dessert setting.

Sustainability: Costa Rica’s Heartbeat

What truly sets Costa Rica apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. As pioneers in ecotourism, we witness a country that is not just content with preserving its natural treasures but is proactive in its conservation efforts. Over a quarter of its land is protected, either as national parks or reserves. The country’s vision to become carbon-neutral speaks volumes about its dedication to a sustainable future. As visitors, it becomes imperative to embrace this vision, ensuring our explorations leave no negative impact on this splendid paradise.

Local Crafts: Taking Home a Piece of Costa Rica

One of the most endearing aspects of travel is carrying back souvenirs that resonate with the essence of the place. Costa Rica, with its rich artisanal heritage, offers a plethora of options. From intricately designed ‘ox carts’ to vibrant ‘molas’ crafted by the indigenous communities, the local crafts encapsulate the spirit of Costa Rica. These crafts not only serve as memorabilia but also support the local communities, furthering the country’s sustainable tourism ethos.

Costa Rica is not just a destination; it’s an emotion. From its pristine landscapes and vibrant cultures to its delectable cuisines and sustainable initiatives, the country resonates with a unique charm. As we unveil the multifaceted beauty of Costa Rica, we invite you to immerse yourself, to not just see but to feel, to not just explore but to connect. Every trail, every wave, every dance, and every dish tells a story. It’s time to weave your own tale in the heart of Central America.

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Welcome to the official site of Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica! This beautiful country is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Some of the top attractions include Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, La Paz Waterfalls, Papagayo Peninsula, Tamarindo beach, Rio Celeste, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Corcovado National Park.

You can enjoy activities such as surfing, snorkeling, fishing, ziplining and hiking. Costa Rica is also home to many unique and diverse animal species such as sloths, monkeys, birds, turtles and more. We hope you enjoy your stay!

The Costa Rica Essentials

Essential Costa Rica is about promoting organic ingredients, unspoiled nature and authentic experiences.

Fill your calendar with the most wonderful natural and wildlife events.

Sun and Beaches

Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot with beaches in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests, huge waterfalls and mighty rivers.

If stress is a part of your daily life, Costa Rica is the cure.

Costa Rica has a great place to experience nature’s wonders with your children; the country is a must for families!

Costa Rica is considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world.

Costa Rica in English, means rich coast. Every cruise ship visiting Costa Rica understands why.

Costa Rica has a wholesome environment and is an excellent place for families.

The richness of Costa Rica stems from the cultural diversity of its people.

Honeymoon & Weddings

Costa Rica is waiting for you to live this experience.

Where to Go?

Located on the central Pacific coast, the Puntarenas region extends from Punta Conejo south to Puerto Caldera to the mouth of the Bongo River. The region’s rich coastline overlooks small islands, inlets, beaches and beautiful natural wonders. The port town of Puntarenas serves as the center of the region and is home port to a ferry that carries visitors over to the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.

South Pacific

The combination of breath-taking white-sand beaches, sweeping mountain views and an ideal tropical climate has made Guanacaste one of Costa Rica’s most popular regions. It boasts many of the country’s popular beaches, including Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal and the Papagayo Peninsula. By day visitors can challenge themselves with a surf lesson, cool off under a waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, discover the craters of an active volcano with the same name and more before enjoying the active nightlife in Tamarindo.

Northern Plains

Recognized as home of Arenal Volcano National Park, which boasts 75% of Costa Rica’s bird population, the Northern Plains present endless activities for visitors. Excursions range from hiking and waterfall rappelling to canopying and exploring via a hanging bridge tour. Those looking for activities on the water will find that Lake Arenal is an ideal location for canoeing, fishing and kite surfing.

Central Valley

Those in search of cultural and natural attractions will find both in the Central Valley region. Home to the destination’s capital city, San José, many of Costa Rica’s most popular museums can be found in this urban setting including the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, National Museum and Children’s Museum, in addition to the architectural jewel of San José, the National Theatre.

Central Pacific

Beautiful beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls make the Central Pacific region an ideal destination for visitors in search of variety. The region stretches from the city of Puntarenas to Dominical de Osa and is made up of some of Costa Rica’s most visited areas including Monteverde, Quepos, Jacó, Bahía Ballena and Manuel Antonio. The region’s climate creates a unique landscape that transitions from tropical wet forest to tropical forest to tropical dry forest, providing the opportunity to observe a wide range of plants and animals.

The diverse coastline of the Northern Caribbean region attracts anglers, naturists and water enthusiasts in search of unique experiences. The North Caribbean region is famous for its interconnected canals and for Tortuguero National Park, where visitors have the opportunity to witness green turtles nesting. Limón City, the largest city on the country’s Caribbean coast, is perched in the center of the coast. The Southern Caribbean boasts some great beaches and picturesque parks, which are complemented by the area’s inviting culture.

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10 Must-See Costa Rica Tourist Attractions for Every Type of Traveler

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Tourists come from all over the world to Costa Rica because of its stunning natural beauty and endless possibilities.

If you’re an adventure seeker looking to zip line through magical trees or a beach bum craving beautiful shore and turquoise ocean, Costa Rica has what you’re looking for.

Join us on this journey through the most extraordinary Costa Rican tourist attractions. Keep reading and discover more!

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica

Picture yourself in Costa Rica, a country of stunning beauty, with no idea how to begin exploring it. The frustration of not seeing all of its wonderful attractions can leave you feeling as though you’ll never get to know this tropical paradise for what it really is.

Don’t worry; we’ve been there and know how hard it is. At Find My Costa Rica, we understand that the number of options can make it difficult to decide how to spend your time in Costa Rica. This is why we compiled this list of the 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica!

1. Manuel Antonio National Park

The enchanting Manuel Antonio National Park lies on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, just south of the city of Quepos. Despite being the smallest national park in Costa Rica, its allure is undeniable. With an area spanning 1,983 hectares, this gem is a testament to the phrase, “Good things come in small packages.”

In 2011, Forbes recognized Manuel Antonio as one of the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks. This accolade is a testament to its unparalleled beauty and the efforts of the local community, who, back in 1972, sought conservation to prevent commercial development and protect this attraction.

A magnet for all kinds of tourists

Manuel Antonio attracts many national and international tourists because of its scenic beauty and favorable climate. The park continually enhances its infrastructure to satisfy visitors, ensuring a memorable experience while staying in harmony with nature.

2. Arenal Volcano National Park

In the heart of Central America lies Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park , a mesmerizing blend of fiery eruptions and lush green landscapes. This national park, part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area, is home to the country’s most active volcano, the Arenal Volcano.

A hub for adventure and relaxation

Next to the park is Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest hydroelectricity project. The lake’s serene waters contrast beautifully with the towering Arenal Volcano, offering visitors a unique blend of adventure and relaxation.

Arenal Volcano National Park is a must-see in Costa Rica. This is a perfect location for those who want to go on a thrilling zip line trip, relax in the park’s hot springs, or explore the hiking trails near La Fortuna Waterfall .

3. Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is a hidden gem in Costa Rica’s Limón Province that ecotourists should visit. Despite its inconvenient accessibility (you can only get there by plane or boat), it is Costa Rica’s third most frequented national park.

A paradise for nature enthusiasts and turtle lovers

The park is ideal for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and those passionate about marine life, especially turtles. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Central America and witness the circle of life on the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero National Park is the place to be.

4. Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is located far away on the Osa Peninsula, in the southeastern regions of Costa Rica. It was established on October 24, 1975, and is the largest in the country, covering approximately one-third of the Osa Peninsula.

Great for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-travelers

The park offers coastal and inland tracks, with four ranger stations for tourists to stay overnight. The coastal trail is delightful for those looking to experience the park’s marine life, with four sea turtle species nesting on its beaches.

Eco-travelers will appreciate the park’s commitment to conservation and its rich biodiversity. Whether trekking through its dense forests or exploring its beaches, Corcovado offers an immersive experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

5. Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa , located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a slice of paradise that has drawn travelers from all corners of the world. With its wonderful beaches and world-class surf breaks, this coastal town has become a favorite among surfers, yogis, and those seeking a relaxing, bohemian vibe.

A surfing mecca and bohemian retreat

Santa Teresa’s beautiful beaches, notably Playa Carmen and Playa Santa Teresa, are renowned for their consistent waves, making them a surfer’s dream. Also, the town exudes a relaxed atmosphere. Charming cafes, boutique shops, and yoga studios dot the streets, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the Pura Vida lifestyle.

On the other hand, while the beaches are the main draw, Santa Teresa is surrounded by lush jungles teeming with wildlife. Nature lovers can embark on hikes and spot howler monkeys, iguanas, and many bird species.

6. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a stunning ecological reserve in the Tilarán Mountains. This reserve, covering over 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres) of cloud forest, is a testament to Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation and its rich natural heritage.

For eco-adventurers and birdwatchers

With over 2,500 plant species, including the world’s largest variety of orchids, and a staggering array of wildlife, it’s a nature lover’s dream. The reserve is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, and 120 reptilian and amphibian species.

Birdwatchers will be particularly fascinated with the chance to spot the resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, and the endangered great green macaw.

7. San José

San José is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, located in the midwest of the Central Valley. San Jose is an ideal base for travelers looking to explore other parts of Costa Rica, but we recommend visiting some thrilling locations before doing so.

The city has a rich history, having been founded in 1736 and becoming the capital of Costa Rica in 1823. San José is known for its high quality of life, security, and cultural significance.

For history and art lovers

The city’s museums, such as the National Museum of Costa Rica, the Jade Museum, and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold, provide insights into the country’s rich past. Art lovers can appreciate the National Theatre, which hosts various cultural performances.

8. La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Situated near the Poás Volcano , the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a captivating blend of natural beauty and conservation efforts. The La Paz waterfall, from which the park derives its name, is a sight. As you walk along the well-maintained trails, rushing water accompanies you, culminating in the majestic view of the falls.

For families and nature lovers

Beyond the waterfalls, the park is home to various animals. The gardens offer a glimpse into Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, from vibrant toucans and hummingbirds to intriguing jungle cats and playful monkeys.

If you’re seeking a combination of natural beauty and wildlife encounters, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a must-visit attraction in Costa Rica.

9. Guanacaste Province

Guanacaste, named after the iconic Guanacaste Tree (Costa Rica’s national tree), is a province that stretches along the Pacific Ocean , boasting some of the country’s most stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.

The beach lover’s paradise and cultural hub

Guanacaste is home to some of Costa Rica’s most flawless beaches, including Playas del Coco, Playa Tamarindo , and many more. It is surrounded by green-swathed volcanoes, including Orosi, Rincón de la Vieja , and Tenorio.

The province has a unique blend of cultures, from indigenous Chorotega roots to Spanish influences. The Nicoya and Santa Cruz towns are cultural hubs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the “Costa Rican culture” and traditions.

10. Cahuita and Puerto Viejo

Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are two Costa Rican communities that capture the relaxed, tropical spirit of the country’s Caribbean coast and the surrounding Cahuita National Park. 

Their mood is great for those looking to combine culture with rest and relaxation. The region’s diverse population has created a fascinating fusion of indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Tico customs, cuisine, and music.

Good Vibe Only

Excellent for beach bums looking for beautiful Caribbean shores and culture enthusiasts eager to dive into the rich Afro-Caribbean heritage and nature.

Whether you’re surfing at the famous Salsa Brava waves, cycling along the coastal road, or dancing the night away to reggae beats, Puerto Viejo and Cahuita promise an unforgettable experience.

Costa Rica: A Paradise for Every Type of Traveler

This Central American treasure has many exciting activities that cater to every type of traveler.

Costa Rica is not just about its stunning landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities; it is also about the kindness of its people, the depth of its culture, and the experiences you’ll take home with you. Visit Costa Rica if you want peace and excitement in equal measure.

At Find My Costa Rica, we believe in crafting custom-made journeys that resonate with your desires and dreams. Ready to discover the natural wonders in this tropical paradise?

Contact Find My Costa Rica to make your dream vacation a reality!

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20 best places to visit in Costa Rica

If you aren't sure where to begin tackling everything Costa Rica has to offer, here's a list of 20 can't-miss sites, from volcanic cascades to surf breaks for all skill levels.

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal is approximately 17km west of La Fortuna. Hikers routinely spot sloths, coatis, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins and even anteaters here.

In 2017 a new 'sector peninsula' set of trails opened, with 1.2km of trails, an observation tower and scenic lake overlook.

Viento Fresco

If you're traveling between Monteverde and Arenal, there's no good excuse for skipping this stop. Viento Fresco is a series of five cascades, including the spectacular Arco Iris (Rainbow Falls).

There are no crowds or commercialism to mar the natural beauty of this place. You’ll probably have the falls to yourself, especially if you go early in the day.

Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática

This three-in-one museum houses an extensive collection of Costa Rica's most priceless pieces of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including historical currency and contemporary regional art.

The interactive 360-degree videography display of Bribrí cultural hierarchy in the basement is worth the admission price alone.

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches and craggy headlands, this tiny park (680 hectares) absolutely brims with wildlife (and often visiting humans).

As you wander its lovely trails, you'll catch a glimpse of dangling sloths, squawking toucans and playful monkeys, and stumble on breathtaking views of the sea and nearby islands.

Costa Rica Surf Camp

This fantastic locally owned surf school prides itself on a two-to-one student-teacher ratio, with teachers who have CPR and water-safety training and years of experience.

The amiable owner, Cesar Valverde, runs a friendly, warm-hearted program including surf lessons and accommodation. Single lessons and board rental is also available, and boards are great quality.

Best Tourist Cities in Costa Rica: Top Attractions (In 2024)

Table of Content

Costa Rica might be the perfect place for backpackers and solo travellers. The country has many tourist cities in Costa Rica, plenty of attractions such as tropical beaches, natural wander, travel and digital nomad communities, nightlife and party, and adventure locations that are great for tourists, or people who just want to experience something new.

If you like to see the most beautiful beaches on earth, then head over to Puerto Viejo . If you’re into hiking and exploring volcanoes, then Puerto Limón is where it’s at. If you like drinking coffee and listening to live music, then must visit Cartago . And if you love wine and food, then Liberia should be high on your list!

Also Read Best Way to Travel in Costa Rica: Car/Bus/Flight/Cost (2024)

Here are the Top Best Tourist Cities in Costa Rica

As a tourist, you’ll want to take advantage of as many attractions as possible. Some of the top tourist cities in Costa Rica and their attractions:

San José is one of the most popular cities in Costa Rica. It’s also known as “The Heart of Central America.” This is the capital of Costa Rica and has a population of over two million people.

This city is known for its beaches and mountain and is home to many attractions like the National Museum of Costa Rica, Central Market, La Sablonera market, and much more. You can visit some of the top attractions in San José by visiting museums like The National Museum of Costa Rica, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, and Museo Juan Pablo II.

Top Attractions in San José, Costa Rica

• Teatro Nacional Costa Rica
• Avenida Central – Central Avenue
• Museo Nacional De Costa Rica
• Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Plaza de la Cultura
• Manuel Antonio National Park
• La Paz Waterfall Garden
• Jade Museum – Museo del Jade
• Tortuga Island
• Arenal Volcano
• National Theater of Costa Rica
• Pre-Colombian Gold Museum
• La Chimba Coffee Farm
• Poás Volcano
• Costa Rican Centre of Science and Culture
• La Sabana Metropolitan Park
• Wildlife Rescue Center
• Sarapiquí and Toro Rivers
• Barrio Escalante
• Central Market in San Jose
• Museo de los Ninos
• Costa Rica Beer Factory
• butterfly garden
• Mariposario Butterfly Kingdom Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo

This small town is located near Montezuma Beach and boasts a historic harbor filled with fishing boats and houses built into cliffsides overlooking the ocean. Puerto Viejo also has many hotels and restaurants—so if you’re interested in staying there overnight while exploring nearby areas like Montezuma Beach, this would be an excellent choice!

Puerto Viejo is located on the Caribbean coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming or surfing. There are also plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal while watching dolphins swim in the water just offshore! If you’re lucky enough to be there at sunset when whales surface near shore, then make sure you capture that moment on camera because it’s absolutely breathtaking!

Top Attractions in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

• Jaguar Rescue Center (Wildlife rescue center offering tours)
• Parque Nacional Cahuita (Vibrant preserve with beaches & wildlife)
• Playa Puerto Viejo (Beach)
• Caribean Chocolate and Coffee
• Finca la Isla Permaculture Farm, (Plant Nursery and Botanical Garden)
• Life Culture Travel Costa Rica
• Caribe Shuttle Tour Desk
• PURE Jungle Spa (Honeymoon)
• Playa Cocles (Relaxed white sand beach for surfing)
• Talamanca Chocolate
• Playa Negra (Beach known for its surfable waves)
• Caribe Horse Riding Club
• El barco hundido (Beach)
• Perla Negra Beachfront
• Playa Chiquita (Tranquil beach with a swimming reef)
• Cacao Trails – Museo de Cacao
• Ride The Rainforest Costa Rica
• Pick Up Nativo Adventures
• Bri Bri waterfalls
• Ara Manzanillo
• Finca Tierra Permaculture
• Playa Punta Uva (Beach with a coral reef & scuba diving)

Cartago is a city located close to San Jose with plenty of shops and restaurants where you can enjoy yourself while sightseeing around town! There’s also an airport nearby so if you need an easy way out of town this is

The city is famous for its parks and gardens which are free to enter day or night! You can also take a walk through downtown Cartago’s historic district which contains many shops selling local crafts made from recycled materials such as banana leaves! Also, make sure to check out La Plaza de la Cultura which will give you an insight into what life was.

Top Attractions in Cartago, Costa Rica

• Jardín Botánico Lankester (Native plant showcase with epiphytes)
• Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles – Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels (Expansive church with a sacred statue)
• Ruins of Cartago (Catholic church remains & urban garden)
• Cartago Municipal Museum (Museum, art, and history)
• Cartago Municipal Market (Market)
• Parroquia María Auxiliadora (Architecture)
• Mirador de Orosi (Scenic lookout with a picnic area)
• Carlos Durán Sanitarium Viewpoint (Famed sanitarium said to be haunted)
• Irazú Volcano National Park (Sightseeing at an active volcano)
• Guayabo National Monument (Historic site with indigenous ruins)
• Turrialba Volcano (Active volcano with trails for viewing)
• Ruinas de Ujarrás (Historical church ruins & a garden)
• Parque Nacional Tapantí – Macizo de la Muerte (Secluded park for hikes & nature scenery)
• Irazú Volcano (Active volcano with scenic hiking trails)

Liberia, Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. It has beautiful beaches, friendly people and interesting history.

Liberia is a laid-back vibe and beautiful parks, it’s the perfect place to spend some time relaxing in the sun. If you’re looking for something a little more active, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring here—it’s also home to several golf courses!

Top Attractions in Liberia, Costa Rica

• Rincón de la vieja national park
• Parque mario cañas ruiz
• Tenorio river
• Miravalles volcano
• Ponderosa adventure park
• Guanacaste region
• La Leona waterfall
• Palo verde national park
• Tio Leo coffee tour
• Oropendula waterfall
• La Vieja waterfalls
• Playa hermosa
• Poza Los coyotes
• Witch’s rock
• Llanos de cortés waterfall
• Barra honda national park
• Garden art gallery
• Las baulas national park

Puerto Limón

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Puerto Limón is a city in Costa Rica. It is located on the Caribbean Sea and is part of the province of Limon. Puerto Limón is a great place to visit for travelers looking for an adventure. There are plenty of things to do, whether you want to relax on the beach or go explore the jungle.

The city has clear waters and white sand, which makes it an ideal destination for swimming and snorkeling. There are plenty of hotels and resorts in Puerto Limón that offer beachfront accommodations and excellent service.

Top Attractions in Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

• Veragua Rainforest Park
• Cahuita National Park
• Playa Bonita
• Playa Cieneguita
• The Sloth Sanctuary
• Pacuare River
• Reventazon River
• Del Monte banana plantation
• Jaguar Rescue Center
• Banana Plantation Tour
• Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
• Tortuguero Canals
• Vargas Park
• Central Market of Puerto Limon
• Cariari Wetlands Park

Golfito is a great place to stay if you’re travelling for work or a vacation. It’s close to the airport, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars and plenty of wildlife and national parks here that cater to travelers.

If you’re looking for a place to relax after a long day of travel, Golfito has all the amenities that you could want—from spas to clubs and gyms. Plus, it has some of the best beaches in Costa Rica!

Top Attractions in Golfito, Costa Rica

• Playa Puntarenitas
• Playa Cacao
• Golfito Marina Village & Resort
• Avellán Waterfall & Trails
• Tropical Escapade
• Golfito Monkey Tours
• Paradise Tropical Gardens
• Banana Bay Marina
• Costa rica peche Passion
• Fish Hook Marina
• Piedras Blancas National Park
• Playa Zancudo
• Zamia Wildlife Refuge
• Canopy Bosque Mar
• Golfito National Wildlife Refuge
• Osa Tropical
• Corcovado National Park
• Osa Wildlife Sanctuary
• Las Cruces Biological Station
• Wilson Botanical Garden

Alajuela is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery, but it’s also a great place to stay if you’re planning on traveling around Costa Rica. The city has an airport and train service that can take you to other parts of the country—including San Jose—and there are plenty of hotels, hostels, restaurants, and bars that offer good value for money. If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, Alajuela has several tour companies that offer day trips around Guanacaste province or into Nicaragua.

Top Attractions in Alajuela, Costa Rica

• Poas volcano national park
• La Paz waterfall gardens
• Mariposario la casa de la morpho azul butterfly garden
• Ark ethno botanical garden
• General Tomas guardia park
• Chocolate tour at san mateo de alajuela
• Rescate wildlife rescue center
• Alajuela cathedral
• Church of agony
• Coffee tour at hacienda alsacia
• Alajuela’s central park
• Mercado municipal de alajuela (central market)
• Mantra trail
• Juan santamaria park
• Ziplining at hacienda y beneficio la chimba
• Juan santamaria museum
• Doka estate
• Botanical orchid garden
• The butterfly farm

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Heredia is a great city to visit if you are looking for a laid-back atmosphere, parks, natural wonders, historical places and some good food. The city has a lot of history, but it’s also modern and easy to navigate. You can spend hours in the city center if you want, but there’s also plenty of space for walking or taking in the scenery outside of it.

Top Attractions in Heredia, Costa Rica

• Barva Central Park
• San Juan De Tibas Park
• Nicolás Ulloa Central Park
• Museum of Popular Culture (Museum and popular culture)
• Centro Recreativo Bosque de la Hoja (Urban park with a playground & trails)
• Parque Alfredo Gonzalez Flores (Park)
• Centro de la Cultura Herediana Omar Dengo (Cultural center in a historic building)
• Wildlife Refuge Cerro Dantas (Nature)
• Parroquia de Heredia -Inmaculada Concepción (Church)
• Refugio Animal de Costa Rica (Animal rehabilitation center with tours)
• Spirogyra Butterfly Garden (Live insects in a calm, natural setting)
• Ojo de Agua (Water park with outdoor pools & a lake)
• Grand Casino Escazú (Casino and poker)
• Santo Domingo Central Park
• Toucan Rescue Ranch (Sloths, toucans, and wildlife)
• Oxígeno Human Playground

Sa Isidro de El General

If you’re looking for a place to take your family and friends on vacation, look no further than the beautiful Sa Isidro de El General in Costa Rica. With its incredible beaches, rainforest, parks, and mountainous landscape, this paradise is perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy themselves.

Top Attractions in Sa Isidro de El General, Costa Rica

• Pérez Zeledón Central Park
• Chirripó National Park (Vast park with mountains & rain forests)
• Cerro Chirripó (Tall mountain with a rich eco-system)
• Parque de Palmares (Park)
• Catedral San Isidro Labrador
• National Museum of Costa Rica (Museum of Costa Rican culture & history)
• Costa Rica Trekking Expeditions
• Eco Chontales Waterfall
• Cloudbridge Nature Reserve (Forest, nature, and park)
• Pacific Journeys
• Autentico Adventures
• Quebradas Biological Center

Costa Rica is a land of beauty and adventure, with a rich history and culture that stretches back thousands of years. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to relax in paradise, here are five reasons why you should visit Costa Rica.

• From the beach to the mountains, Costa Rica has something for everyone. The country has an amazing variety of landscapes and climates, from tropical beaches to snow-capped peaks.
• The food is delicious. In fact, it’s so good that some people say it’s better than the best restaurants in New York City! You can find all kinds of cuisines from local specialties like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and baleadas (fried bread) to international favorites like sushi or steak tartare.
• It’s safe! Costa Rica has one of the moderate crime rates in Central America; nearly every tourist who visits comes away unscathed by crime or other unpleasantries associated with travel abroad.
• You can see monkeys! You might not get to see them up close, but they’re definitely nearby—and they make great photo ops! Plus they’ll entertain you while you wait in line at immigration or customs…

What is the most visited city in Costa Rica?

You’ll find vast stretches of rainforest, beaches, and even up-and-coming cities like Liberia and Puerto Limón. It’s an amazing place to visit, especially if you’re looking for a little adventure. And if you want to be surrounded by nature, there’s no better place than Costa Rica!

What part of Costa Rica is best for vacation?

If you just want to relax on vacation, Costa Rica’s Central Valley has some of the most famous beaches in the world—perfect for surfing, swimming, and relaxing by the shore. If you like hiking and exploring nature, the Central Valley will offer plenty of beautiful parks and trails for those activities.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a lot of great things to do. But you don’t have to go far to find some amazing destinations!

1. Monteverde: This town is home to one of the most beautiful national parks in the country, and it’s also known for its coffee plantations and hiking trails.

2. Manuel Antonio National Park: This park is known for its natural beauty, but it’s also home to some incredible beaches and activities like kayaking, snorkeling, SUPing, surfing… you name it!

3. Santa Ana Volcano: This volcano is one of the largest in Costa Rica. If you’re looking for an incredible view of the ocean from above, this is your place!

What cities should you visit in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is an amazing country, but it’s not all the same. Each city has its own unique vibe, so you can’t go wrong by visiting multiple towns in Costa Rica.

Those we recommend are: San José: The capital city with a lot of history and a great nightlife scene.

Cartago: A small city on the banks of the Sierpe River, with lots of history as well as a great nightlife scene.

Dominical: A small town that is known for its beaches, but also has a lot to offer if you’re looking for other things to do during your trip.

What is the nicest city in Costa Rica?

If so, we have some suggestions for you. Here are three cities that are sure to be worth your time:

1. San Jose: This city has a rich history, and it’s also relatively easy to get around in. The central square is called Plaza de la Ciudad, and it contains many historic buildings from the colonial period. You can visit several museums here as well. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, check out the Circo Price (the Circus Price), which has been entertaining locals since 1947!

2. Tamarindo: This quaint beach town is a great place to relax after exploring San Jose! It’s known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming or snorkeling. If you need a break from sightseeing on land, consider taking a boat tour of the island or renting an ATV for a day at one of its many beaches.

3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: This reserve was created in 1975 by Costa Rican President Luis Echeverria Alvarez to protect one of the country’s most important ecosystems—the Monteverde Cloud Forest—from destruction by human activity like deforestation.

4. Puerto Limon: Puerto Limon is known as “the party capital” due to its nightlife. It also has beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for visitors—including diving on the nearby Isla del Caño Tortuga Marine Reserve. To get there, take a boat from Puntarenas to Puerto Limon (about 2-3 hours).

5. Cartago: Cartago is known as the “gateway to La Paz,” because it sits on top of one of the country’s most beautiful lakes. There are tons of activities for visitors here, like hiking through La Paz Waterfall Park or visiting La Palma Waterfalls. You can also go hiking around Monte Verde National Park.

Hi there! My name is Sarah Gautam, a travel blogger, and digital nomad, currently living in the United States. I believe life is all about experiences, and what better way to gain them than by seeing the world that's exactly why I left my office job in England and escaped to the national parks of Utah, working remotely as I go, to earn my income. It's a fantastic lifestyle choice and I want to inspire others who are looking to do something similar as well. These are my free resources for future nomads.

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Essential costa rica attractions map.

This interactive Costa Rica attractions map is downloadable for offline use! You’ll need it when you visit Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is an adventure paradise. Many of the famous attractions in Costa Rica are natural wonders like volcanos, animal sanctuaries, and national parks . The best tourist attractions in Costa Rica are included in this map. 

Costa Rica Attractions Map

Table of Contents

Manuel Antonio National Park

Marino ballena national park aka ‘whale’s tail’, corcovado national park, nauyaca waterfalls, las catalinas islands, ostional beach, tortuguero national park , cahuita national park, pacuare river, tabacon hot springs , arenal volcano, celeste river waterfall, arenal rainforest, irazu volcano , poas volcano , monteverde cloud forest .

Costa Rica is a famous eco-tourism destination in Central America . The easiest way to get to Costa Rica is to fly into one of the country’s international airports. There’s one in San Jose and one in Liberia. Both airports offer daily flights to many US and Canadian destinations. 

The best time to visit Costa Rica is December through April . This is the dry season. If you are looking to avoid crowds, consider visiting June through August. Rain can be an important factor when planning your trip, as you won’t be able to fully appreciate the top sights in Costa Rica when the skies are completely overcast.  Find out  what to wear in Costa Rica.

This map of Costa Rica will help you plan the perfect itinerary . Discover the Costa Rica main attractions everyone is raving about! Also, find out more about the memorable things to do in Costa Rica! 

Some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica include the coastlines, La Fortuna and Monteverde. La Fortuna is known for the Hanging Bridges Park, Tabacon Hot Springs, and the Arenal volcano . Monteverde is home to the famous Cloud Forest! 

How to Use This Map: If you click the tab at the top left corner, you’ll be able to select specific layers. Click the checkmark to select or hide specific categories.

Save This Map: Click the brackets in the top right corner to expand the map in full view. It will open in a new tab. Under the map title, right of the map description, there is a star. Click this star and the map will be saved to your Google account  in Google Maps. You can access it later from your computer or device. On desktop, go to Google Maps and click ‘Your Places,’ and ‘Maps.’ On app view, select ‘Saved, scroll down and click ‘Maps.’

Costa Rica is a relatively small country convenient for road-tripping . Although, the roads are quite primitive and sometimes poorly lit. It’s best to plan driving during daylight hours

This is the best of Costa Rica as experienced by travel bloggers! You’ll find out more about the top attractions in Costa Rica. Also, learn more about the exciting outdoor activities in Costa Rica like whitewater rafting, canyoning, snorkeling , and much more. 

Pacific Coast

You’ll find a few important attractions along the Pacific coastline on this Costa Rica tourist map. The most iconic spots along the Pacific coast are Manuel Antonio, Marino Ballena, and Corcovado National Parks . Visiting the Catalinas Islands off of the Pacific coast is one of the unique things to do in Costa Rica. 

By Lena from Salut from Paris

One of the best activities in Costa Rica is visiting one of the many National Parks. Manuel Antonio is one of the Costa Rica top attractions. It’s the most accessible and easy to visit park , and it’s located in the Puntarenas region. You can get there by 4-hour bus ride from San Jose. 

Manuel Antonio is the smallest National Park in Costa Rica, but don’t get fooled by its size. The biodiversity is unbelievably high. More than 300 species are living in this little paradise . You’ll have the chance to see sloths, monkeys, coatis, toucans, snakes, and all kinds of iguanas. 

The park has a wonderful lush tropical vibe but also several coves with white sand beaches . It’s one of the fun places in Costa Rica to snorkel! So, you get to enjoy the maritime wildlife as well. If you are lucky, you might even spot a migrating whale . 

Book a guided tour through Manuel Antonio National Park. 

Given its beauty, it is not surprising that the Manuel Antonio National Park was even listed by Forbes as being one of the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks . That’s why it’s one of the important spots on this Costa Rica points of interest map. Due to the very well-maintained loop trail, it is easy to visit the park, no matter your fitness level .

By Sarah from Costa Rica Vibes

The Marino Ballena National Park is located in the South Pacific town of Uvita . This park is home to a unique geographical phenomenon. That’s why it’s considered to have some of the best beaches in Costa Rica.

During low tide, it is possible to walk on a wide jutted-out piece of land with the ocean on either side . From above, this piece of land resembles a whale’s tail. 

To visit this spot, access Playa Uvita in Marino Ballena National Park during low tide . There is a small entry fee for adults, but the beach is a beautiful place to spend a day. 

Just make sure to wear shoes or sandals because the walk to the tip of the whale’s tail is rocky. Also, put on plenty of high SPF sunscreen, and don’t forget to head back before the tide comes in! 

Book a whale watching tour from Uvita. 

Whale’s Tail is one of the most popular Costa Rica attractions. The best way to view the whale’s tail in all its glory is from one of the many resorts located in the mountains above Uvita . These are some of the best places to go in Costa Rica for panoramic Pacific coast views. 

Oh, and if you visit during August through October, definitely go on a whale watching tour! Besides resembling a whale’s tail this is also one of the best spots in the country to experience whale migration. 

By Margarita from The Wildlife Diaries 

It’s referred to by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth in terms of biodiversity.” Corcovado National Park is epic in every sense of the word. It is the largest National Park in Costa Rica and one of its wildest. 

Visit the Corcovado wilderness from Sierpe. 

There are no roads, no settlements within Corcovado wilderness , only a few ranger stations. The best of these is Sirena Ranger Station that you can visit for a few days on an organized tour with a certified nature guide. It’s one of the best places to see in Costa Rica for expert trekkers. 

Getting to Sirena is part of the adventure – it can be reached either by a 2-hr bumpy boat ride from the sleepy coastal town of Drake Bake or by a 26-kilometer hike from Puerto Jiménez. This isn’t your average Costa Rica sightseeing! 

Facilities at Sirena beg for an upgrade. Although, the jungle can be explored via an extensive network of trails . It is superb! Because Corcovado has been protected since 1975, animals in the park have no memory of being hunted and have a lot of tolerance for people. So if you enjoy close encounters with wild animals, Corcovado is your kind of place . 

It is the only place in Costa Rica where you can see all four species of Costa Rica’s monkeys, as well as the endangered Baird’s tapirs, Northern tamanduas, peccaries, and coatis. 

Experiencing wildlife firsthand at Corcovado is one of the cool things to do in Costa Rica. If you are lucky, you may even spot a puma! Not to mention, there are over 360 species of birds and a plethora of reptiles . This includes Latin America’s most infamous venomous snake the Fer de Lance. 

By Samantha from Seeing Sam

If you are a nature lover and adventure seeker, you must visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls in the Puntarenas Province! They’re an important spot on this tourist map of Costa Rica attractions.

The Nauyaca waterfall system is located on private property. It is beloved by tourists and locals alike . Many of the top activities in Costa Rica can be enjoyed here. Nauyaca Falls offers more than just beautiful views and refreshing pools. You can e njoy horseback riding, birdwatching, hiking, and daring cliff jumping.  

The falls are snuggled in a canyon over 260 ft wide surrounded by tropical rainforest . The waterfall plunges down over slick rocks in two sections that combine and reach over 200 ft. It’s one of the most impressive sites to see in Costa Rica!

The lower section flows into a pool just under 20 feet deep . This spot is perfect for swimming. If you are feeling ambitious, you can consider jumping off one of the various rock formations. 

This spot is conveniently located near popular beach towns . It’s accessible from Dominical in 20 mins or 6 miles. You can get there from Manuel Antonio in 50 mins or 34 miles. Alternatively, from Uvita, it will take 30 mins or 18 miles. 

Tour the Nauyaca waterfalls from Manuel Antonio. 

This is one of the interesting places to visit in Costa Rica and getting here is an adventure . You can choose to hike 2.5 miles to the waterfalls if you have a 4×4. In this case, you can park at the trailhead parking lot. Otherwise, you can park on the street and either hitch a ride or walk another 1.5 miles to the trailhead down a rough and rugged dirt road. 

Depending on the time of year, you can also visit the waterfalls via horseback or 4×4 tours. There is a small entrance fee, but it is well worth the memories you will make while visiting this exciting and unique destination in Costa Rica!

By Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the best-hidden gems on this Costa Rica map is the Catalina Islands. You’ll find them in the Guanacaste region. Nestled comfortably a few miles off the Pacific Coast, these islands are a beautiful natural landmark and one of the cool places to visit in Costa Rica!

The islands are archipelago ranging from 2-15 miles off the coast. It’s easy to visit from the beach town, Tamarindo. Above water, the islands are not much to look at, but underneath the waves, Mother Nature is showing off. Scuba diving or snorkeling in the Catalina Islands is one of the best things to do in Tamarindo . The islands are home to the Pacific Giant Mantas , white-tip reef sharks , and literally hundreds of species of fish – so be sure to bring an underwater camera with you.

Dive at the Las Catalinas Islands. 

Scuba and snorkeling tours leave Tamarindo daily. On your way out to the archipelago, keep an eye out for devil rays playing in the waves. They can be seen launching and flipping several feet out of the water. It’s one of the unforgettable things to see in Costa Rica!

Whether you see the islands from under the water, or on top, you won’t be disappointed! 

By Pubali and Indranil from Paradise Catchers

If you are looking for memorable entertainment in Costa Rica, consider a trip to Ostional beach. Located on the Pacific coast, this little town in Guanacaste province draws visitors from around the world for a magical natural phenomenon .

Ostional Beach is one of the must-see places in Costa Rica. Thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come to Ostional beach for nesting . This event of the arrival of the turtles is called “arribada” (Spanish for “arrival”). Mostly following the moon cycle, arribadas occur all year round but peak between June and December.

Part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Ostional beach is a great spot for turtle nesting tours . It is a spectacular sight to observe an outstanding number of turtles crawling on the beach while learning about the process of turtle nesting from the guide.

 If your tour of arribada coincides with the hatching of eggs from one of the previous arribadas, you may be lucky to see some baby turtles make their first walk to the ocean . Learning about turtles is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. 

Asociacion de Guias Locales de Ostional (AGLO) runs guided turtle nesting tours in Ostional. You can follow their Facebook page for announcements on when arribadas begin and the timings of their tours so that you can time your trip accordingly.

Caribbean Coast

You’ll notice a bunch of pins along the Caribbean Coast on this Costa Rica sightseeing map. One of the things to do in Costa Rica for ecologically-minded tourists is visit Tortuguero and Cahuita National Parks

By Greta from Greta’s Travels

Tortuguero National Park is one of the best attractions on this Costa Rica destinations map. It’s located on the Caribbean coast of the country, in Limon Province. It’s a rainforest-covered sandbar , and it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Costa Rica. 

Tortuguero is a lush green rainforest, dotted with canals and wetlands, which are home to jaguars, crocodiles, and manatees . The beaches of Tortuguero are also a major nesting site for green turtles. 

The abundance of wildlife makes it one of the top-rated Costa Rica tourist attractions. If you want to make the most of this rainforest, you should join one of the many great tours in Tortuguero .  

You can go on a night walking tour to see all the curious animals that don’t come out during the day. Or if you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, you can join a canopy and zipline tour, which will allow you to explore the rainforest peaks in an adventurous way. There are also many rainforest kayak or canoe tours , which will allow you to see this natural beauty from a different perspective. 

Tortuguero National Park is a place of stunning natural beauty and incredibly rich wildlife. No Costa Rica trip would be complete without a visit to this unique rainforest.

By Veronika from Travel Geekery

Experience the undeniable beauty of Cahuita National Park. 

If you follow the main trail, you can walk as long as 8.3 km (5 miles) and then the same distance back. The trail leads through the tropical rainforest following the beach. Choose between beach and forest paths. The empty beaches are lovely and invite for a swim. Swimming at an undiscovered beach is one of the top things to do in Costa Rica.

 You’re sure to come across the cheekiest inhabitants of Cahuita National Park – the raccoon and the capuchin monke ys . Both will try to steal your food. Other than that, you’ll come across iguanas, pelicans and other birds, and possibly even sloths . The marshes in the forest come equipped with crocodile signs, but you’re unlikely to meet one.

Apart from the national park itself, Cahuita is also a pleasant little town with pretty beaches – especially the Black Beach (Playa Negra) which is one of the recommended places to go in Costa Rica. 

By Kerry Hanson from VeggTravel

One of the must-visit attractions on this Costa Rica interactive map is the River Pacuare. It is a vast river 125km east of San Jose . This river is beautifully picturesque and framed with tall jungle trees, green mountainsides, and natural waterfalls. Also, it has some of the best white water rafting in Costa Rica . 

Whitewater rafting is one of the best activities in Costa Rica for thrill-seekers. However, this location isn’t all about adrenaline activities. It is also the perfect environment to observe wildlife. The dense rainforest and natural water source mean that you will see tropical birds and potentially even sloths, howler monkeys, and capuchin monkeys . 

Sign up for whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. 

The best time to visit is during the rainy season as the water levels will be higher which makes for a much more thrilling ride . Tackle the class II to IV rapids as you race down the fast-flowing river. The White-water rafting experience will take approximately 4 hours in total so it’s certainly a workout, but there are plenty of more relaxing moments to enjoy. Rafting the river Pacuare is one of the top adventurous things to do in Costa Rica . The Pacuare River is one of the fun places to visit in Costa Rica. 

Near La Fortuna

La Fortuna is one of the best cities to visit in Costa Rica. You’ll find many of the blue pins concentrated here on the map of Costa Rica tourist attractions. This is where you’ll find the Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Hot Springs, and the Hanging Bridges Park

By Paige from For the Love of Wanderlust 

Tabacon Hot Springs Resort and Spa is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. It’s located in the Northern Region of Costa Rica, near the base of Arenal Volcano. Tabacon is a luxury experience , and one of the most romantic activities in Arenal . 

Tabacon boasts the only spa experience in the area that isn’t pumped in or reheated. A geothermal river simply runs across this property . The spa area has been landscaped and built up around it to create a safe, lush backdrop for your soaks .

There are different series of cascades that vary in temperature the further downstream you get. In addition to these beautiful, natural hot spring experiences, there is a large pool with a slide and a swim-up bar that has been filled with geothermal waters. 

Visit the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs from San José. 

Their restaurant is also very tasty and don’t forget the spa! Day passes are available, but if it’s in your budget, consider staying here . It’s wonderful to soak your muscles after a grueling day exploring the Costa Rica points of interest. Tabacon is a paradise that you’ll not regret splurging on. It’ll be a high point of luxury on any trip to Costa Rica .

By Kristine from Wanderlust Designers

Going down 200ft waterfalls and tall cliffs … why not? That’s canyoning and waterfall rappelling – one of the most adventurous activities to do in Costa Rica!

Although there are many places on this Costa Rica activities map where you can go canyoning, the La Fortuna area is quite a special one since you can go through the canyons near the Arenal Volcano .

Book a top-rated canyoning tour. 

Of course, you’ll get wet doing it (because of the waterfalls) and most probably dirty as well. It’s part of this unique way to experience the jungle. While rappelling down waterfalls and climbing up huge rocks, keep your eyes wide open. You may find toucans, sloths, monkeys, and other exotic wildlife!

Most of the tours last for half a day, that is, 4 hours, and include transfers and lunch afterward. It’s one of the fun things to do in Costa Rica. The experience includes a safety briefing. You’ll be taught rappelling techniques and how to properly use the equipment. Although you do need to pack water-friendly clothes and shoes. Jeans are not a good choice, as those take too long to dry.

There are tours where different levels of experience and physical strength are needed, starting from tours fit for beginners and ending with extreme canyoning . Depending on the company that you choose, even children as young as 5 years old can go.

By Ella from Many More Maps 

On the Costa Rica travel map, near La Fortuna, you’ll find the Arenal Volcano. It’s one of the top places to go in Costa Rica. It’s over 1633 meters above sea level, and last erupted in 2010. 

Thousands of visitors to Costa Rica make the journey to hike up the Arenal Volcano and around the Arenal Volcano National Park. There are hikes for all abilities – simply pick up a trail map at the ranger station!

Visit the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall. 

Visiting the Arenal Volcano is one of the best things to do in La Fortuna. You can get there in just a 12-minute drive from town . You’ll have to pay a small entry fee to the national park if you’re visiting independently, or you can join a guided hike in La Fortuna which will include the entry fee.

If you don’t fancy hiking, there’s a far more relaxing way to enjoy the Arenal Volcano – from one of the many hot springs in the area! These pools, streams, and waterfalls are naturally warmed by volcanic activity. Visiting them is one of the most popular things to do in La Fortuna and Arenal .

By Stephanie from The Unknown Enthusiast 

The Rio Celeste Waterfall is found in the Tenorio National Park, about 1.5 hours outside of La Fortuna . It’s one of the Costa Rica top attractions.  

This waterfall is an absoluetly stunning spot . One of the popular activities in Costa Rica is hiking. You will hike an easy-moderate 30-minute trail through the rainforest to reach the top of a staircase . After descending 500 stairs, you will reach the base of the waterfall and be rewarded with one of the most picturesque falls! 

Visit the Rio Celeste waterfall and nearby sloth sanctuary. 

The water is a stunning milky blue color , and it’s surrounded by lush, green foliage. You can access it via a cute, winding staircase. The whole effect is stunning.

After getting your fill of the waterfall, you can continue hiking along the same trail to a few more points of interest – including a blue lagoon, a bubbling hot pot, a really cute bridge, and up to the spot where two sources of water meet and mix, creating the chemical reaction that makes the milky blue water. It’s super cool to see the water mix and change color! It’s one of the most memorable things you can do in Costa Rica. 

While you can’t swim in the water inside the national park, outside the park there is an access point down to the river where you can take a dip! If you have flexibility, avoid visiting right after large rainstorms for the best water color .

Submitted by Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

The Arenal Rainforest is an immense ecosystem that is home to some of the world’s most incredible floral and fauna . The 504-thousand acre rainforest and national park in north-central Costa Rica near the town of La Fortuna.

It’s home to some of the best attractions in Costa Rica. From waterfall hikes to hanging bridge tours and some of the best zip lining in Costa Rica , the Arenal Rainforest is one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica. 

With at least half of the animals native to Costa Rica living in the canopies of the country’s rainforests, a zip-lining or hanging bridge tour gives you a close-up look at the fascinating wildlife that inhabit the rainforest. Taking an evening nature tour is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica at night. 

From a zip line or hanging bridge, you can spot native birds like toucans . There are also howler monkeys and sloths . Spotting wildlife is one of the things to do in Costa Rica with family. Whether you choose to soar through the air attached to a steel cable or stroll across a series of suspension bridges, the Arenal Rainforest offers a unique Costa Rican experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Near San Jose

There are many blue pins on this map of tourist attractions in Costa Rica near San Jose. This is the capital of Costa Rica, and it’s home to one of the country’s international airports. Some of the things to do in San Jose Costa Rica include the Irazu Volcano and Poas Volcano. 

By Daria from The Discovery Nut

The Irazu Volcano is located about one hour away from the capital San Jose. This National Park is one of the best places to visit on this Costa Rica tourist attractions map.

The most convenient way to visit is by driving by car. Public transportation options are somewhat limited but you can still catch a bus to Cartago, a former capital of Costa Rica located near the park.

Irazu is the highest and the largest active volcano in Costa Rica at 11,260 feet tall and 500 square kilometers at its base. Visiting here is one of the unique things to do in Costa Rica. 

One of the most popular activities in this national park is hiking to the Diego de la Haya crater – a challenging but exciting hike that culminates with incredible views of a bright green lake inside the volcano.

If you make your way here, don’t forget to put on some layers , as temperatures here are lower than in San Jose due to the high elevation. The last time Irazu erupted was in 1994, and the volcano has been dormant ever since. However, it could become active again at any time.

Irazu makes for a perfect day trip from San Jose. Especially if you want to see one of the less touristy places in Costa Rica . You can combine a trip to Irazu with a visit to Cartago to learn about Costa Rica’s history.

By Elena from Passion for Hospitality 

The Poas Volcano is the heart of the Poas Volcano National Park at the height of 2,697 meters. It is one of the most visited national parks on this map of Costa Rica attractions. 

Located in the province of Alajuela, it makes for a wonderful day trip from the capital, San Jose . The Póas Volcano National Park was first established in 1955 and is home to one of the world’s largest craters in the world. Poas is an active volcano, its last major activity was recorded in 1910 . However, in April of 2017, there was an eruption of gas, ash, and rocks. This caused damage to some buildings and trails in the park. 

The park partially opened to the public in August 2018. Today, visitors are allocated a 20-minute time slot to admire the volcano from a dedicated viewing platform . It’s one of the most thrilling and adventurous things to do in Costa Rica. 

The visit first starts with a short video presentation about the Poas Volcano National Park. Then, visitors are allowed to proceed towards the viewpoint. Due to the mist and clouds, it is not always guaranteed that you will get a clear view of the main crater. If you do get to see it, you’ll be able to appreciate the hot and acidic water lagoon with turquoise waters. 

Monteverde 

Monteverde attractions include the famous Cloud Forest and coffee tours. Learning about cacao and sugarcane harvesting is one of the fun activities in Costa Rica . During these tours, you’ll also get to sample chocolate and coffee.

Book a coffee and chocolate tour in Monteverde. 

By Sinead from Map Made Memories

One of the best things to do in Monteverde is to visit the Cloud forests which are located in the northern Puntarenas province. You can get here in approximately a 3-hour drive from San Jose . The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the top attractions in Costa Rica.

Cloud forests are classed as dense, tropical forests that have frequent cloud cover at their canopy level . To achieve this, the forests need to be located in elevated, tropical regions near the sea. Only 1% of the worlds’ forests are cloud forests which makes the Monteverde cloud forests a rare and precious gem. The cloud forests are protected within a 35,000-acre reserve offering 8 miles of basic hiking trails. 

The reserve has a ranger’s station and facilities at the entrance but there are no facilities within the pristine forest itself. Walking so close to the clouds is an unforgettable experience . Due to the high moisture level, there is a wide variety of plant and animal biodiversity including over 400 species of birds . Birdwatching is one of the best things to do in Monteverde.

Hikers can also enjoy cloud forests in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de Los Niños) and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Both of these are in the neighboring town of Santa Elena.  

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Costa Rica Bucket List

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10 Best Tourist Attractions in Barcelona 2024

10 best tourist attractions in ireland 2024, 10 best tourist attractions in charleston 2024.

10 Best Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica 2024

Costa Rica, a country renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty, is a haven for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking an unforgettable travel experience. From lush rainforests teeming with biodiversity to pristine coastlines and active volcanoes, Costa Rica offers an array of attractions that will mesmerize and captivate. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions that should grace your itinerary for a memorable sojourn in Costa Rica in 2024.

1. Tortuguero National Park

A pristine ecosystem for nature lovers.

Nestled on the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is a vast expanse of wetlands, canals, rainforests, and pristine beaches. This ecological gem is widely recognized as one of the most important nesting sites for endangered green sea turtles. Visitors can embark on guided boat tours through the labyrinthine waterways, immersing themselves in the symphony of wildlife. From elusive caimans and playful monkeys to exotic birds and vibrant flora, Tortuguero offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.

2. Manuel Antonio National Park

A tropical paradise with beaches and wildlife.

Flanking the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park enchants with its idyllic beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. The park’s pristine shoreline invites visitors to bask in the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in thrilling water sports. The verdant rainforest, teeming with capuchin monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds, beckons hikers to explore its hidden trails. Manuel Antonio National Park epitomizes the allure of Costa Rica, where natural beauty and adventure seamlessly intertwine.

3. Arenal Volcano

An active giant with stunning views.

Towering over the northern lowlands, Arenal Volcano is an active colossus that captivates with its fiery eruptions and awe-inspiring presence. Visitors can witness the volcano’s fiery spectacle from a safe distance at night, marveling at the incandescent glow that illuminates the surrounding landscape. The Arenal Volcano National Park offers a network of hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, revealing panoramic vistas of the rainforest and Lake Arenal. The region also boasts a wealth of hot springs, inviting visitors to soak in their therapeutic waters and rejuvenate amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

4. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

A misty oasis of biodiversity.

Perched high in the mountains, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a mystical realm where mist-laden trees reach for the sky and enigmatic wildlife thrives. The reserve encompasses a breathtaking expanse of cloud forest, home to an astounding array of flora and fauna. Visitors can traverse the network of well-maintained trails, spotting elusive golden toads, resplendent quetzals, and howler monkeys. The reserve’s diverse ecosystem, coupled with its ethereal beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

5. Corcovado National Park

A wildlife haven on the osa peninsula.

Occupying the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is a vast expanse of rainforest, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems. This pristine wilderness is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, supporting a staggering array of wildlife species. Visitors can embark on thrilling guided hikes, encountering elusive jaguars, endangered tapirs, and a plethora of vibrant birdlife. Corcovado National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s rainforest.

6. Cahuita National Park

A coastal paradise with coral reefs.

Nestled along the Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is a vibrant haven of marine life and stunning coastal landscapes. The park’s pristine waters and coral reefs invite snorkelers and divers to explore a kaleidoscope of underwater wonders. Visitors can witness the graceful movements of sea turtles, marvel at the vibrant colors of tropical fish, and encounter playful dolphins. Cahuita National Park also offers scenic hiking trails that lead through lush rainforests and along secluded beaches, providing a captivating blend of coastal and rainforest experiences.

7. Poás Volcano National Park

An active volcano with a stunning crater lake.

Just north of San José, Poás Volcano National Park is home to one of Costa Rica’s most impressive active volcanoes. Visitors can hike to the summit and peer into the depths of the crater lake, which is often adorned with wisps of steam and volcanic gases. The park also features a network of hiking trails that traverse diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests to páramo grasslands. Along the way, visitors may encounter hummingbirds, monkeys, and other wildlife that inhabit this volcanic wonderland.

8. Irazú Volcano National Park

The highest volcano in costa rica.

Irazú Volcano National Park is crowned by the majestic Irazú Volcano, the highest peak in Costa Rica. The park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts can be seen. Visitors can hike to the summit and explore the crater, which is often filled with a mesmerizing turquoise lake. Irazú Volcano National Park also boasts a network of hiking trails that lead through diverse ecosystems, providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts to

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A, B and T set to stage spectacular show

What will make Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent the perfect stages for the FIFA Futsal World Cup? Some stars help FIFA deliver the answer.

The 10th FIFA Futsal World Cup will kick off in September

Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent have been named host cities

Countless ingredients make them a tourist's paradise

Ankle-breakers, elastic dribbles, lambretas, goalscoring goalkeepers, golazos and buzzer-beaters are heading to three enchanting cities across the ancient Silk Road. Andijan, Bukhara and Tashkent have been announced as the host cities for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™. The aforementioned entertainment will be provided by courts czars such as Khalid Bouzid, Chino, Douglas Junior, Dyego, Rafael Henmi, Leo Higuita, Sergio Lozano, Damian Mareco, Moslem Oladghobad, Pito, Hossein Tayyebi, Taynan, Kiki Vaporaki, Pany Varela and Zicky Te.

Those human thrill machines are set to make edition 10 the best FIFA Futsal World Cup ever. Once monopolised by Brazil and Spain, Argentina and Portugal have conquered its last two editions while IR Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan and Morocco are all threatening to etch their name on the trophy. France and New Zealand will make their super-stage debuts, with other aspirants vying to follow suit. “I’m really excited the World Cup will be in Uzbekistan,” Leo Higuita, the sport’s record five-time Best Goalkeeper in the World, told FIFA . “I’ve been there three times. It’s an amazing country. “The people are really welcoming towards foreigners. They made us feel really at home. The food is absolutely delicious. I’m really looking forward to enjoying it again. Uzbekistan also has a really nice climate.”

The food Higuita raved about includes dolma, halva, hanum, lagman, manti, obi non, plov, samsa, shashlik – sumptuous, must-try dishes and snacks. Gastronomy is one of multiple factors making Uzbekistan a tourist’s paradise. The enchanting nation – one of only two double-landlocked nations in the world – is renowned for its architecture, art, ballet, bazaars, crafts, history, mausoleums, minarets, mosques, mountains, nature and charming, welcoming people.

“I’m very excited to see what Uzbekistan has to offer,” Manuel Kuijk, whose phenomenal performance inspired the Netherlands to a penalty-shootout victory over a truly insane play-off on Wednesday. “I’ve never been there, but I’ve seen pictures and heard stories and have always wanted to go. “The architecture over there is really beautiful. The colours they use on their buildings are amazing. The people seem to be very kind. And if you look a little further, the Uzbek cuisine has a lot to offer. I believe the people over there will do a very good job organising this World Cup.”

“I’m very excited the World Cup will be in Uzbekistan,” said Brazil megastar Pito. “I’ve never been there. “Obviously our focus will be on becoming champions, but we always get a day or two off. I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture, seeing the stunning architecture, enjoying everything. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to go to Uzbekistan.”

Visitors to Uzbekistan between 14 September and 6 October are in for a veritable treat on and off the court.

Andijan Andijan

Khan-atlas, the iridescent silk fabric, has become a hit for fashionistas and models across the globe. You’ll see it in grand variety in Andijan, which is also famed for its fruit, pottery, woodwork and something that competes with futsal on the thrill barometer: rope-walking! An enchanting city in the Fergana Valley, it is also drenched in history. The birthplace of Babur, items dating back to the seventh century have been found there, while its architecture, breathtaking beauty spots and parks make it an ideal spot to snap photos and selfies.

Bukhara Bukhara

This absorbing assortment of madrassas, minarets, mosques is one of the most resplendent and regal cities in Central Europe. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you can see Chor-Minor, with its turquoise domes, in all its glory. The Ark of Bukhar, Great Minaret of the Kalon, Palace of Moon-Like Stars, Poi Kalyan Mosque and Samanid Mausoleum will also delight tourists.

Tashkent Tashkent

The Uzbek capital is a unique utopia. The stunning blue domes of the Chorsu Bazaar are a sight to behold. Shopper’s heaven is under them. The Khast-Imam Ensemble homes one of the planet’s most illustrious books, while you can see the entire city from the top of Tashkent Tower, Central Asia’s tallest manmade structure. A visit to the nearby Chimgan Mountains is a must. There you will be swept away by utterly breathtaking views. Among the innumerable other places worthy of a visit are the Alisher Navoi Opera, Ballet Theater, Broadway Alley, Independence Square, Kukeldash Madrasah, Monument of Courage, Museum of Applied Arts, Navruz Park and State Museum of History. Getting from one hotspot to another is a treat in itself. The city boasts one of the world’s most esteemed metro systems, with its four stations stunningly designed with marble, ornate patterns and murals.

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