12 best places to visit in Costa Rica
I am not deceiving you by telling you there are many spectacular places to visit in Costa Rica. It’s a country that will make you fall in love with the kindness of its people and the incredible natural landscapes of tropical jungles, volcanoes, and paradisiacal beaches. I’m sure these places will be marked on your mind.
Thanks to its privileged geographical location in Central America, bathed by the waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, this small country has the highest density of biodiversity of any country in the world. Therefore, it will not be strange for you to wake up accompanied by the roars of howler monkeys or see unusual animal species such as the lazy bear, jaguar, manatee, or the famous toucans during walks through the parks.
However, it is also important to know something: seeing animals is not as easy as it seems or as they can tell you. Nature is unpredictable, and in part, its greatness lies in that. So, it is best to go without high expectations so that later, you can be surprised at every step and marvel at each animal that crosses your path.
Another important thing to keep in mind before making the trip is that the best time to travel to Costa Rica is from December to April, during the dry season. However, it is important not to forget to bring a raincoat and waterproof boots as it can rain at any time.
To enjoy the main points of interest in Costa Rica, I recommend that you have a minimum of 15 days. Renting a 4×4 car is advisable since some of the access roads to the national parks or beaches are not in good condition. In some areas, you will even have to cross a river. Therefore, this type of vehicle practically becomes crucial if you want to drive calmly and without surprises.
Based on the experience of my trip, I have made a list of the 12 best places to visit in Costa Rica. Let’s go!
1. Poas Volcano
One of the best spots in Costa Rica is to get close to the Poas volcano, which is surrounded by a thick forest and one of the natural wonders of the country of “Pura Vida.”
Located an hour and a half from the capital, this volcano, more than 2,700 meters high, is one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica and also has one of the largest and most impressive craters in the world. It has a diameter of 365 meters and a strikingly vibrant green lake that will make you fall in love with it at first sight.
It must be taken into account that it is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. The last eruption occurred in April 2017. So, the visit is done with a helmet, and along the way, at the viewpoint, you will see several safety shelters in case there is an eruption.
One of the most important things when preparing for this visit is to know that the crater area is often hidden by clouds. So before going up to the volcano and buying the ticket on the official website, it is practically important to check the weather.
2. Tortuguero
On the shores of the Caribbean Sea is the Tortuguero National Park, one of the best National Parks in Costa Rica. It is famous for having the most important green turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere and being one of the most beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica.
Accessible only by air and sea, Tortuguero is one of the areas with the greatest diversity of flora and fauna in Costa Rica. This diversity is concentrated in its incredible tropical rainforest, which is crossed by different navigable canals. These canals allow you to see species such as the sloth bear, the manatee, the crocodile, or even the jaguar itself.
It is important to know that to see the nesting of the protected green turtles, you will have to visit the park between June and September, months in which you will also be able to observe how the newborn turtles take their first steps on the exciting stretch that leads to the nests of the beach to the sea, which occurs two months after spawning. Remember that this activity must always be carried out with an official guide, and take maximum care and respect to disturb this precious animal as little as possible.
Although many travelers only go to Tortuguero to see the turtles nesting, I recommend going even if it is not nesting season since it is one of the amazing places to visit in Costa Rica. Here, you can see a variety of animals, take boat rides through the canals, go for night tours, or hike through the forest, such as the Jaguar Trail.
The best way to get to Tortuguero, if you don’t want to use the plane, is to leave your car in the parking lot at the Pavona pier and take a boat that will take you to the small town of Tortuguero in an hour. Once in town, I recommend staying at the Mawamba Lodge, which has fantastic facilities and a lush garden where you can see huge iguanas, basilisks, howler monkeys, sloth bears, and even the photogenic red-eyed frog, among many others.
3. El Arenal, One of the Places to Visit in Costa Rica
The Arenal volcano, located in the district of La Fortuna, is one of the most beautiful volcanoes on the planet and another of the must-visit places in Costa Rica.
This colossal volcano of 1,670 meters has an almost perfect conical shape that makes it a magnet for photographers. However, seeing it can be a bit of a gamble because you’ll need some luck to ensure the clouds don’t obscure it. I must caution you that cloud cover is quite common in this area.
Although there are many accommodation options, I recommend booking a room at the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, which has rooms with panoramic views of the volcano and several trails through the forest that surrounds it.
Don’t miss the hiking route through the Arenal National Park that will take you to the lava that has been formed in different eruptions (the last one in 2010). You will also get a closer look at the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall, a waterfall of 70 meters that can be seen by going down 500 stairs.
Another great experience that I loved about this area is the route through the suspension bridges of the Místico Arenal Park, in which you cross up to 16 bridges that will test your vertigo, some of them with unique views of the volcano as well as a viewpoint that will not leave you indifferent, especially if the volcano is clear.
For more information, you can check out things to see and do in La Fortuna.
4. Tabacon Hot Springs
After so much hiking and physical activity around Arenal, there is nothing better than spending a special day at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. Here, you can enjoy its wonderful hot springs, one of the best on the entire American continent and, without a doubt, another of the best spots in Costa Rica.
This hot springs spa takes advantage of the natural course of the Tabacon River, creating pools and small waterfalls. It is an authentic Eden to relax and disconnect from the world where, in addition to benefiting from the restorative and healing power of its hot waters (40 degrees), you can enjoy massages, a beautiful tropical garden, a bar inside a large pool and a good restaurant serving Western and local dishes.
Keep in mind that if you stay at the hotel, you have an all-day pass to the hot springs included (both on the day of check-in and check-out) in addition to being able to access an exclusive area for guests.
If you are not staying at the hotel, you can buy a day pass to the hot springs, which costs about 80 euros and includes towels. However, please keep in mind that access to the hot springs is not allowed with food, and the number of available passes is limited to the number of hotel guests. Therefore, if the hotel is at full capacity, there will be no “guest” passes to prevent overcrowding.
5. Rio Celeste Waterfall
During the journey from Arenal to the Nicoya Peninsula, or if you want to visit the surrounding area, I recommend making a stop at the impressive Río Celeste Waterfall, another of the gems to see in Costa Rica.
Although you will surely see several waterfalls during your route through Costa Rica, in this one, the contrast of the light blue color of its waters with the intense green of the forest will leave you speechless.
To reach this waterfall of more than 30 meters, you will have to follow a half-hour path through the jungle of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Then, you’ll encounter some steep stairs that will take you to the base of the waterfall.
Although the main attraction of the site is the waterfall, if you have time, you can continue the trail to enjoy the scenery. You’ll have the opportunity to observe a Blue Lagoon, an area of bubbles produced by the release of gases from the Tenorio Volcano. Most importantly, you can visit the Tenideros del Rio Celeste. At this point, the crystalline waters of the Quebrada Agria and Buena Vista rivers intersect, causing the famous blue color of the waters.
6. North of the Nicoya Peninsula
Taking a refreshing swim in the waters of the Pacific Ocean or watching a fantastic sunset on the paradisiacal beaches of the north of the Nicoya Peninsula is another of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
This peninsula, the largest in the country, offers some of the best beaches in Costa Rica, such as Playa Flamingo, Playa Pan de Azucar, Playa Dantita, Playa Grande, Playa Conchal, Playa Hermosa or Playa de Tamarindo, the latter perfect for lovers of surfing and good vibes.
In addition to bathing and surfing, the Las Baulas National Marine Park is in the Playa Grande area. Here, you can see the nesting and birth process of the leatherback turtles, the largest of all sea turtles, which runs from mid-October to mid-February.
It is very important to keep in mind that, as in the case of Tortuguero, to see this natural process, you must always go with an official guide (You can get one at the park’s information center). This means that you should distrust any guide that offers you this tour since they do not respect the rules, and the turtles may be disturbed, causing them to return to the sea without laying their eggs.
7. Monteverde, Another of the Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
The Monteverde Cloud Forest, located at more than 1,600 meters above sea level and surrounded by almost permanent fog, is another of the most beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica.
Its exceptional location and climate make it one of the areas of Costa Rica with the greatest biodiversity. It has more than 2,500 species of plants (including 420 varieties of orchids) and more than 600 types of animals. These include the tapir, the three-toed sloth, the jaguar, the toucan, and the elusive quetzal.
In addition to taking this route with one of the animal expert guides, I recommend you visit Selvatura Park, one of the most famous parks in the country. Here, you can enjoy crossing its famous hanging bridges and releasing adrenaline by ziplining over the treetops. I am sure these experiences will become another of your unforgettable moments in Costa Rica.
8. Beaches in the South of Nicoya
To the south of the Nicoya Peninsula are some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, such as Montezuma, Cocalito, Tambor, Cabuya, and Santa Teresa.
In this area, in addition to enjoying relaxing baths, memorable sunsets, and walks on the beach, you can surround yourself with a good atmosphere, concentrated around the towns of Montezuma and Santa Teresa, which is another surfer’s paradise.
Keep in mind that Santa Teresa has the greatest offer of restaurants, accommodation, and leisure in this area. If you prefer to spend a few relaxing days, I recommend sleeping near Montezuma, a refuge for artists and bohemians from all over the world. I stayed at the Casitas Sollevante Hotel and can only recommend it as I spent some unforgettable days.
In addition, just over 10 kilometers from Montezuma, you will find the Cabo Blanco National Park, the oldest in Costa Rica. Here, you can take a hiking route that will take you to a paradisiacal beach where you can enjoy your day.
If you have time, I also recommend taking a boat to reach Isla Tortuga, a paradise of palm trees, golden sand, and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling or diving.
9. Manuel Antonio Park
Manuel Antonio Park, well connected by road to San Jose, is one of the smallest parks and the most popular place to see Costa Rica. In addition, it’s the one where, they say, you will have the most chances of seeing animals.
However, I must not forget to mention that to increase these possibilities, it is advisable to take a tour with a guide (you can hire one at the entrance). After the guided walk, you can also consider spending a few more hours on your own to enjoy some of its pristine beaches.
Remember that this is one of the most visited places in Costa Rica. So, to ensure entry to the park, especially in high season and on weekends, it is advisable to reserve the access time through the SINAC website. Also, do not bring any food (it is prohibited) if you don’t want to have problems with monkeys or raccoons.
If you are going to spend more than one day in this area, I recommend staying at the Millenium Manuel Antonio (located a few meters from the park entrance). Also, consider having lunch or dinner at restaurants such as the Curious Avion or Morphe Beach Bar, one of my favorites in the area.
To get to Manuel Antonio from San Jose, you will have to cross a famous bridge over the Tarcoles River. Many crocodiles are concentrated there, and over time, it has become one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for many tourists. However, after reading a lot about the subject, I have to advise you against stopping. Over time, the presence of crocodiles has become a business, and they are fed by locals to attract tourists to their businesses, thus affecting their natural habitat.
10. Marino Ballena National Park
Being left speechless watching a humpback whale leap in front of you in the Marino Ballena National Park is another of the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Located on the coast of the Central Pacific, this marine park is made up of mangrove forests, coral reefs, and virgin beaches. Its great attraction is the humpback whales that pass through its waters between August and November (heading north from Antarctica) and December to April (heading south from Alaska).
In addition to doing the whale tour, during which you can see dolphins, turtles, and even do a little snorkeling, depending on the season, it is worth spending time on its impressive beaches. These include Arco, Hermosa, and especially Uvita, my favorite beach in Costa Rica.Top of Form
But it’s not all about whales in the Marino Ballena National Park (or it is). Playa Uvita is also the perfect place to watch the sunset and cross at low tide to Punta Uvita, a rock formation that, curiously, is shaped like a whale’s tail. Do you not believe it? I invite you to search “Marino Ballena National Park” on Google and leave your mouth open.
11. Visit Corcovado, One of the Cool Places to Visit in Costa Rica
The Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula, is the place in the world with the greatest biological diversity and the most inaccessible to visit in Costa Rica.
Although in the dry season, you can access by road in a 4×4, in the rainy season, it is recommended to take a boat in the town of Sierpe. This is because the last stretch of road is not in good condition, and you will have to cross several rivers, which can take quite a long time.
Keep in mind that you can visit the park from Puerto Jimenez or Bahia Drake, the latter being the most virgin area and the one I opted for. Once you arrive at Agujitas de Drake, which is the town, I recommend staying at Sunset Lodge. Additionally, you can book one of the most famous tours there, where you can visit the parks (you cannot visit them alone). You can opt for the Sirena Station (the most famous) or San Pedrillo (the most inaccessible and also the most adventurous option).
Alternatively, you can take an excursion to Cano Island, one of the best places for diving and snorkeling and another of the best places to see in Costa Rica. It is important to know that during the demanding hiking route through the San Pedrillo rainforest, you have the possibility of observing animals such as the tapir, the boa, the crocodile, the jaguar, the coati, the anteater, or the puma.
If you have more time, I recommend doing the Drake trail on your own. This trail will take you about 5-6 hours round trip and goes from Playa San Josecito to Agujitas de Drake. It’s a coastal path that concentrates on some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
12. Old Port
To finish this list of the best places to visit in Costa, we suggest you spend a few last relaxed days in Puerto Viejo enjoying its bohemian atmosphere and its beaches.
Hundreds of Jamaicans arrived in this old fishing village in the 19th century to work on the construction of a railway that crossed the jungle. This created an explosive mix of culture and way of life that has become part of the charm of the area. Together with the paradisiacal beaches, it has made Puerto Viejo an increasingly popular tourist destination. This has led to the opening of many Western-style businesses run by Europeans and Americans.
Although there is an extensive hotel offer in Puerto Viejo, I recommend staying in one of the wooden cabins located in the jungle of Congo Bongo EcoVillage in the Manzanillo area.
In addition to walking along the beautiful Manzanillo beach, which has a photogenic sunken ship on the sand, I suggest you take the trail from Puerto Viejo to Playa Cocles. Also, consider visiting the Cahuita National Park, another of the best-known in Costa Rica. Not to mention that in Puerto Viejo, there are quite a few two- and three-toed sloth bears, especially in the trees around the road that goes to Manzanillo. It is relatively easy to see them even without a guide.
