Planning your next big trip and wondering where to go? If beaches, rainforests, wildlife, waterfalls, and volcanoes all sound exciting, then Costa Rica should be right at the top of your travel list.
Costa Rica is a dream country to any person who loves nature, beaches, wildlife and adventure. Somehow this small Central American nation has managed to fit volcanoes, rainforests, exotic animals and stunning beaches into one place. That is why the best places to visit in Costa Rica consistently trend among the most searched travel destinations in the world.
But here is the thing many travel lists don’t tell you: Costa Rica is not only about postcard beaches. The true secret is its biodiversity, national parks and rich local culture. All the destinations have a personality as misty cloud forests to the Caribbean party towns.
If you’re planning a trip, these 15 destinations should absolutely be on your radar.
1. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of most famous tourist attractions in Costa Rica, which is a combination of a tropical rainforest and unbelievable beaches. Located near the town of Quepos on the Pacific coast, this region is famous for Manuel Antonio National Park, which is among the most visited parks in the country. The park is very small, but it houses an unbelievable number of species of wildlife that include monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and colored birds.
It has grown into a vibrant tourist attraction spot with beach resorts, sea food restaurants, bars, and adventure tour operators. However it still has its original beauty due to the tough conservation efforts. The rainforest trails lead to spectacular beaches where the turquoise waters collide with the white sand.
Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed here, which is why many travelers consider it among the best places to visit in Costa Rica for nature and beach lovers alike.
Location: Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, near Quepos in Puntarenas Province
How to Reach: Drive about 3 hours from San José or take a domestic flight to Quepos Airport.
Best Time to Visit: December to April during the dry season.
Best Nearby Hotels: Hotel Costa Verde, Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Si Como No Resort.
Things to See:
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Playa Manuel Antonio
- Wildlife trails
- Greentique Wildlife Refuge
Things to Do:
- Guided wildlife tours
- Snorkeling and kayaking
- Sunset sailing trips
- ATV jungle rides
2. La Fortuna Waterfall / Arenal
La Fortuna feels like the adventure capital of Costa Rica. Located at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, this region offers waterfalls, rainforests, hot springs and exciting outdoor activities.
The highlight is the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall, a 70-meter cascade surrounded by lush tropical forest. To travel to the bottom, visitors will have to go down a rainforest consisting of 530 steps, but the opinion is definite. The great waterfall is dropped into a natural pool whereby the adventurous tourists could have a refreshing bath.
The biological reserve surrounding provides an excellent ecosystem full of birds, monkeys and tropical plants. Most of the tourists take a few days visiting the Arenal Volcano National Park, where they can enjoy the natural hot springs and walk across lava fields.
It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for adventure tourism.
Location: Alajuela Province near Arenal Volcano
How to Reach: About 3 hours drive from San José or shuttle from major tourist hubs.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for clear volcano views.
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
- Arenal Observatory Lodge
- Nayara Gardens
Things to See:
- La Fortuna Waterfall
- Arenal Volcano
- Mistico Hanging Bridges
- Lake Arenal
Things to Do:
- Hot springs bathing
- Zip-lining
- Horseback riding
- Volcano hiking
3. San José
Most of the travelers treat San Jose as a stopover in the airport, and that is a mistake. The capital of Costa Rica is rich with history, culture and surprisingly vibrant city life.
Founded in 1736, the city grew wealthy during the coffee boom and still reflects that prosperity through elegant architecture. Victorian mansions, colonial buildings and historic theaters give the city a distinctive character.
San Jose is the main transport center of the country and the access point to other parts of Costa Rica. It is a vibrant location to adventure in before moving to nature since it has markets, cafes and nightlife districts such as El Pueblo.
Location: Central Valley of Costa Rica
How to Reach: Juan Santamaría International Airport connects San José with major global cities.
Best Time to Visit: December to April during dry weather.
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Gran Hotel Costa Rica
- Hotel Presidente
- Costa Rica Marriott Hotel
Things to See:
- National Theater of Costa Rica
- Museo del Oro
- La Sabana Metropolitan Park
- Mercado Central
Things to Do:
- Coffee tasting tours
- Museum visits
- City walking tours
- Nightlife in El Pueblo
4. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most magical ecosystems on the planet. The canopy of the forest is continuously covered with a mist, which makes the surrounding environment surrealistic and thousands of plant and animal species live in it.
When you walk through Monteverde it seems like you are stepping into a different world. Moss-covered trees, hanging vines and orchids create a mystical landscape that changes with the floating clouds.
Here there are adventure activities all around, canopy bridges, zip-line tours, etc. But still nature walks are the best.
Location: Cordillera de Tilarán mountain range
How to Reach: About 4 hours drive from San José.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for clearer trails.
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Belmar
- Monteverde Lodge
- Cloud Forest Lodge
Things to See:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve
- Hummingbird Garden
- Monteverde Orchid Garden
Things to Do:
- Night wildlife walks
- Hanging bridge tours
- Zip-lining
- Coffee and chocolate tours
5. Tamarindo Beach
Costa Ricans gathered their relaxed beach life and urban nightlife in Tamarando. It has developed to become one of the most popular coastal resorts in the country, although it is a quiet fishing village.
The long golden beach is famous for surfing, especially for beginners learning to ride waves. Visitors spend their time during the day swimming, sportfishing, diving and sailing. This changes at sunset when music and energy fill the beach bars and restaurants.
Tamarindo is also an important nesting site for leatherback sea turtles, making wildlife tours popular during nesting season.
Location: Guanacaste Province on the Pacific coast
How to Reach: 1 hour drive from Liberia International Airport.
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
- Hotel Tamarindo Diriá
- Capitan Suizo Hotel
Things to See:
- Tamarindo Beach
- Las Baulas Marine National Park
- Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge
Things to Do:
- Surfing
- Sport fishing
- Sunset cruises
- Beach nightlife
6. Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste appears nearly unreal-to-life. The river’s bright turquoise color is the result of a natural chemical reaction between volcanic minerals. The river is found within the Tenorio Volcano National Park and has one of the best waterfalls in Central America.
The walk across the rainforest trails takes the visitors to the breathtaking waterfall, bubbling hot springs and special places where the river miraculously turns blue.
Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park
How to Reach: 1.5 hours from La Fortuna
Best Time to Visit: January to April
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Rio Celeste Hideaway
- Tenorio Lodge
- Heliconias Lodge
Things to See:
- Rio Celeste Waterfall
- Tenorio Volcano
Things to Do:
- Jungle hiking
- Bird watching
- Photography
7. Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is a secretive world that is cut deep in the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. This is unlike other national parks which require a lot of walking to explore the different features due to the presence of rivers, lagoons and heavy rainforest cover.
The park is internationally famous due to its sea turtle nesting beaches, especially the green turtles which endangered their lives and come to the park in large numbers every year.
The area is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Most tourists sailing its waterways frequently see monkeys, sloths, river turtles, crocodiles, and dozens of exotic species of birds. Tortuguero also has a unique cultural atmosphere because nearby communities still rely heavily on boats and bicycles for their everyday transportation.
Location: Limón Province, northeastern Caribbean coast
How to Reach: Boat transfer from La Pavona or Moín, Small charter flights from San José
Best Time to Visit: July to October for turtle nesting
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Tortuga Lodge
- Mawamba Lodge
- Evergreen Lodge
Things to See:
- Turtle nesting beaches
- Jungle canals and lagoons
- Tortuguero village
Things to Do:
- Canoe wildlife tours
- Guided rainforest hikes
- Turtle nesting night tours
8. Poás Volcano
Poas Volcano is a very amazing volcano location in Central America. The giant crater is over a mile across and has a boiling acidic lake that constantly releases clouds of sulfuric gas. Standing at the observation platform, visitors get a surreal view of the volcanic crater in the midst of lush mountain fores.
Despite being an active volcano with eruptions recorded since the 1800s, Poás remains surprisingly accessible.The national park also contains well-maintained trails that allow you to see Lake Botos and the cloud forest around it. The Poas Volcano is a natural attraction that is among the most popular in Costa Rica due to the ease of accessibility.
Location: Alajuela Province, central Costa Rica
How to Reach: About 1.5 hours drive from San José
Best Time to Visit: Early morning during dry season
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Poás Lodge
- Altura Hotel
- El Silencio Lodge
Things to See:
- Poás crater lake
- Lake Botos
- Cloud forest trails
Things to Do:
- Volcano hiking
- Photography
- Scenic mountain drives
9. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa has become an un-spoilt fashionable beach town in Costa Rica. What was once a quiet fishing village is now a hotspot for surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and digital nomads seeking a laid-back tropical lifestyle.
The beaches are also many miles long and provide some of the best surf breaks in the country. Sunsets in Santa Teresa are legendary, with travelers gathering on the sand every evening to watch the sky turn orange and pink over the Pacific Ocean.
It is a relaxed and bohemian town, nevertheless, despite its rising popularity, which makes visitors feel instantly at home.
Location: Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas Province
How to Reach: Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, Domestic flight to Cobano Airport
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Nantipa Resort
- Hotel Santa Teresa
- Tropico Latino
Things to See:
- Playa Santa Teresa
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Things to Do:
- Surfing
- Yoga retreats
- Sunset beach walks
10. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo offers a completely different side of Costa Rica. Located on the Caribbean coast, this town blends Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae music, and tropical rainforest landscapes.
The area is famous for its surf break called Salsa Brava, which attracts experienced surfers worldwide. There are coral reef, mangroves, and rain forest habitats that are safeguarded by the nearby wildlife reserves and national parks. Puerto Viejo also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with beach bars and restaurants serving Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
Location: Limón Province, Caribbean coast
How to Reach: 4–5 hour drive from San José
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
- Hotel Banana Azul
- Umami Hotel
Things to See:
- Playa Negra
- Cahuita National Park
- Jaguar Rescue Center
Things to Do:
- Surfing
- Snorkeling
- Beach hopping
Read Also: Top 10 Best Hiking Spots in the World
11. Corcovado National Park
If you ask wildlife experts about the most biodiverse places on Earth, Corcovado National Park will almost always appear in the conversation. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, this massive protected area shelters some of the richest ecosystems in Central America.
The park boasts of clean rainforests, mangrove swamps, beaches, and rivers, sustaining hundreds of species of birds and dozens of rare mammals. Tourists may find scarlet macaws, tapirs, monkeys or even jaguars. Exploring Corcovado feels like stepping into one of the last truly wild corners of the planet.
Location: Osa Peninsula, southwestern Costa Rica
How to Reach: Small plane to Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez, Boat transfers into the park
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Lapa Rios Lodge
- Drake Bay Wilderness Resort
- Aguila de Osa Lodge
Things to See:
- Sirena Biological Station
- Scarlet macaws
- Tropical rainforest ecosystems
Things to Do:
- Guided jungle trekking
- Wildlife photography
- Beach exploration
12. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers a fascinating look at Costa Rica’s volcanic power. The park surrounds the Rincón de la Vieja volcano and features steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, waterfalls, and hot springs.
One of the most interesting aspects of this park is the variety of landscapes visitors encounter in a single day. Trails lead through dry tropical forest, humid rainforest, and volcanic terrain filled with geothermal activity. It is a paradise for hikers who want to explore a different side of Costa Rica.
Location: Guanacaste Province
How to Reach: 1 hour from Liberia
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Hacienda Guachipelín
- Borinquen Mountain Resort
- Blue River Resort
Things to See:
- Las Pailas geothermal area
- La Cangreja Waterfall
Things to Do:
- Hiking
- Hot springs bathing
- Horseback riding
13. Pacuare River
Adventure lovers often say the Pacuare River offers one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the world. Flowing through lush rainforest, the river features dramatic rapids, hidden waterfalls, and incredible wildlife.
The surrounding jungle is home to monkeys, jaguars, exotic birds, and countless plant species. Multi-day rafting trips are particularly popular because they allow visitors to stay overnight in remote eco-lodges deep inside the rainforest.
Location: Caribbean slope of Costa Rica
How to Reach: About 2.5 hours from San José
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Pacuare Lodge
- Ríos Tropicales Lodge
Things to See:
- Rainforest canyon landscapes
- Hidden waterfalls
Things to Do:
- Whitewater rafting
- River kayaking
- Jungle trekking
14. Drake Bay
Drake Bay is one of Costa Rica’s most remote yet rewarding destinations. Situated on the Osa Peninsula, the bay serves as the main gateway to Corcovado National Park.
The area offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and exceptional marine life. Boat tours frequently spot dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and manta rays. Because the region remains relatively undeveloped, visitors experience a quieter and more authentic side of Costa Rica.
Location: Osa Peninsula, Pacific coast
How to Reach: Boat from Sierpe, Small plane from San José
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Best Nearby Hotels:
- Aguila de Osa Inn
- Drake Bay Getaway Resort
- Copa De Arbol Beach Resort
Things to See:
- Isla del Caño
- Corcovado National Park
Things to Do:
- Snorkeling
- Whale watching
- Jungle hiking
15. Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems. This small farming town is hidden in a beautiful valley in the mountains and is surrounded by the spectacular waterfalls, rivers, and cloud forests. It is located between the Poas Volcano National Park and Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
The area receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, which keeps the landscape incredibly green and feeds dozens of stunning waterfalls. Being rather unfamiliar to mass tourism, Bajos del Toro is an ideal destination for a traveler who seeks to get rid of the crowd and find an untouched piece of natural beauty.
Location: Alajuela Province
How to Reach: 2 hour drive from San José, Best reached by car
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Best Nearby Hotels:
- El Silencio Lodge
- Catarata del Toro Lodge
Things to See:
- Catarata del Toro Waterfall
- Blue waterfalls of Bajos del Toro
Things to Do:
- Waterfall hiking
- Photography
- Nature walks
Costa Rica proves that great travel destinations don’t have to be huge countries. Within a few hours of driving, you can experience volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests and wildlife reserves.
For travelers who love nature and adventure, these truly are the best places to visit in Costa Rica, and once you visit, it’s easy to understand why so many people fall in love with this incredible country.
