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Published: 05-12-2022
If you are searching for the misty jungles or acclaimed eco-lodges and cloud forests of Monteverde; or if you are eager to search out rare three-toed sloths and howler monkeys in the silk tree canopies; or even looking to wind down and relax amidst the shacks of Puerto Viejo; or is it the world-class surf swells of the tropics of Costa Rica, or the rollers of Tamarindo or the legendary barrels of Salsa Brava? or maybe it's those steaming volcanos that have caught your interest? Whatever your reasons, there's no question that this jewel of Central America has plenty of treats up its sleeve. Costa Rica, from the mist-topped highlands and coffee haciendas of the Central Valley to the sunny coastlines of the Caribbean Sea and the boulder-spattered sands of the Pacific, draws hikers, wave riders, wildlife lovers, culture lovers and more, to its wealth of colonial cities and natural parks. Here are some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.
Guanacaste Sunset
Arenal
Reaching more than 1,600 meters above the jungles of Alajuela north out of San Jose, the Arenal Volcano remains arguably Costa Rica's biggest attraction. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, the whole area around the colossal mount is dotted with roaring waterfalls (not least of all the wonderful La Fortuna falls), crisscrossed by countless hiking trails and bridle paths, cut through by frothing river rapids ripe for white water rafting, and home to swinging wire bridges that offer up-close encounters with the toucans and sloths of the rainforest canopies. It's hard to believe that Arenal is still one of the most active volcanos in all of Central America!
Arenal Volcano
Corcovado
Unquestionably one of the most coveted natural landscapes for travelers making their way through the backcountry of Costa Rica, the Corcovado National Park is the jewel in the crown of the Osa Peninsula. Nestled deep in the south of the country, away from the well-trodden surfer swells and beach resorts, this land of tapirs and anteaters, sloths and squirrel monkeys, colored macaws and majestic margay cats, has a clutch of wild campsites and ranger shelters for intrepid travelers. Trails like the popular El Tigre offer some of the top wildlife spotting opportunities. At the same time, the waters between the shore and rugged Isla del Caño in the Pacific promise sightings of killer whales and dolphins.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is the top spot to see Costa Rica's endangered sea turtles, with everything from hawksbill to leatherbacks to the exceptionally rare green sea turtles creeping up onto the sands that line its shores in the spring. While most visitors see these turtles nesting or hatching, Tortuguero has other prominent attractions. Set over a series of wild volcanic islands and marshes, washed over by the Caribbean Sea, and dressed in dense mangroves, the protected swathes here also host tropical gar, peacocks, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, and jaguars.
Tortuguero National Park
Manuel Antonio
Parakeets and parrots chirp and sing over the turquoise-blue waters of Espadilla Sur and Teloro, two of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica. These beaches are found set deep within the protected area of the Manuel Antonio National Park, backed by thick groves of silk cotton trees and bay cedars, the distinct silhouettes of howler monkeys, and white-headed capuchins swinging from branch to branch. Appreciate stunning Pacific vistas and the booming biodiversity with some of the most accessible trails of all of Costa Rica's protected parks. It's easy to see why this humble section of the coastal jungle is the country's second most-visited national park.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
This revered cloud forest is an absolute must for any first-time travelers making their way through Costa Rica. Perched high atop the plateaus and peaks of the Cordillera de Tilarán, little Monteverde makes its home right amid the misty montane woods. Stalking jaguars, elusive pumas, elegant ocelots, colorful toucans, sloths, spider monkeys, and countless critters in the undergrowth all inhabit the trunks and canopies here, making intrepid excursions in the orchid-dotted, primeval wilds all the more enthralling. Zip lining and night safaris are also on the menu in Monteverde, while nearby Santa Elena offers everything a traveler could wish for.
Monteverde Trail
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a transformed fishing village that hosts everyone from snowbirds to surfers amidst its beach shacks and seaside cocktail bars. The nearby waves of Salsa Brava are hailed as some of the most gnarly barrels on the eastern coast of Costa Rica as a whole, bringing in professional wave riders for the competitions and wide-eyed onlookers to the cliffs by the bucket load. There's a charming Carib-Creole character to the town, too, as Ticos brew up bubbling jambalaya on the street sides and the smells of coffee and cocoa drift down from the nearby jungles.
Tamarindo
Sunny Tamarindo draws big crowds with its line-up of sparkling Pacific beaches and unique Tico charm. Located on the northern edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, the town boasts its very own three-kilometer stretch of sand. Leatherback turtles creep and crawl the coastline along the shore, too (Playa Grande is best known for this), while a medley of marlin and giant tuna pull sports fishermen, and the surf swells entice board riders right throughout the year. Add to that the grand hotels and backpacker guesthouses, laid-back beach bars, and access to pretty much all of the breathtaking national parks of Guanacaste, Palo Verde, and Rincon de la Vieja, to name a couple, and it's easy to see why Tamarindo is a must!
Tamarindo Surfers
Guanacaste Beaches
The Guanacaste beaches are well-known around the world, and many famous personalities have chosen this destination for their vacations or even have their own houses here. The 200 km of the Pacific coastline is blessed with fantastic weather and clear waters that have become a perfect spot for surfing, diving, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, or simply sunbathing. Another remarkable aspect of the top beaches in Guanacaste is the fact that the top all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica can be found here. Luxury resorts, hotels, and properties where all are included are found here, on the beaches of the region. This is why this region should be included in your plans if you are a beach enthusiast!
Papagayo Peninsula
The Papagayo Peninsula is one of the best locations for scuba diving in Costa Rica, and also, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to go on vacation in the world! This is not only a luxurious peninsula, where the best 5-star luxury hotels of the famous Guanacaste beaches, such as Four Seasons Resort and Andaz Papagayo Resort, can be found but also this destination is world known for the breathtaking diving spots it offers and its majestic views. The Papagayo Peninsula hotels have some of the best and most famous golf courses in the country. If you are a golf player looking for a place to relax, pamper your family and enjoy some golfing time, this is the perfect place for you.
Papagayo Peninsula
These are just some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica on your next vacation. Find out more here about the best tourist attractions in Costa Rica!
