21 Stunning Locations To Go to In Costa Rica

2. Arenal Volcano 

For vacationers who wish to go to an actual volcano with little probability of hazardous geothermic exercise, Arenal Volcano is the place to go.

This as soon as extremely lively volcano ceased its continuous eruptions in 2010. Beforehand, Arenal Volcano was generally known as some of the lively volcano experiences within the nation, attracting guests for steady explosions since 1968.

Though most exercise has ceased, it may resume in months or years. Aside from the volcano, the realm is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers that adventure-seeking vacationers can discover.

• Location: Northern a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and early Summer season (for clear views of the volcano and fewer crowds).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Journey seekers, hikers, and sizzling spring fanatics.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, ziplining, soaking in sizzling springs, birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring hanging bridges.
• Lodging: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal Observatory Lodge, and La Fortuna inns resembling Volcano Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the encompassing space stuffed with lush greenery and distinctive previous lava movement.
• Discovering the most important lake within the nation, Lake Arenal and going paddleboarding.
• Strolling to get the perfect views of the volcano by taking the path alongside the hanging bridges.

3. Territorio De Zaguates (aka doggy paradise)

This excellent place has now reached legendary standing, particularly amongst kind-hearted guests! Sadly, the nation’s stray canine drawback is comparatively extreme, and this place was set as much as assist a handful of them.

This excellent canine sanctuary is named “The Land of a Thousand Strays.”

It’s the largest no-kill facility in Costa Rica, dwelling to over 1300 canines. If you’re an avid canine lover or searching for one other canine to your furry compadre to play with, the ability permits guests to come back to play with the canines, go for frolicsome hikes, and even deliver their canines alongside for playdates!

I extremely advocate this place for one thing very completely different to do in your journey! 

• Location: Central a part of the nation, close to Alajuela.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for comfy strolling situations on the paths).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Animal lovers and households focused on canine welfare.
• Actions on supply: Guided canine hikes, wildlife viewing, volunteering, and exploring mountain trails.
• Lodging: Native guesthouses in Carrizal, inns in Alajuela like Xandari Resort & Spa.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights

• Having fun with a enjoyable hike with the canines alongside the gorgeous terrain and capturing movie footage that my Instagram followers liked!
• Studying concerning the sanctuary from the pleasant homeowners.

4. Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park

Manuel Antonio is persistently listed as the perfect wilderness seaside within the nation. The undeveloped, jungle-surrounded seashores are gorgeous with white sand and blue-green water.

Wildlife recognizing is accessible right here. Monkeys and lizards usually cowl the seaside; throughout mating season, you’ll be able to see dolphins and whales offshore.

A go to to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio shouldn’t be missed. This park is open Tuesdays by Sundays all year long, however guests declare the perfect time to go to is in the course of the dry season of December by April.

The park affords incredible climbing alternatives and permits guests to benefit from the grandeur of the seas. Convey your digicam and some snacks for the journey, however as with all nationwide parks, carry every part to attenuate your influence on the wildlife.

A useful trace: Admission to the park is $16 for adults, and kids beneath 12 are free. Nevertheless, many distributors alongside the street to the park will attempt to promote you admission tickets and excursions.

They may look official however are usually not affiliated with the park. Please don’t fall for his or her tips. Pay on the park’s entrance on the finish of the street.

• Location: Central Pacific a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (to expertise good climate for wildlife viewing and climbing).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Nature lovers, households, and beachgoers.
• Actions on supply: Wildlife viewing, climbing, swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, and seaside rest.
• Lodging: Arenas del Mar Resort, Lodge Costa Verde, and Tulemar Bungalows.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a dip within the clear turquoise-colored waters.
• Taking a guided tour across the gorgeous park.
• Going kayaking by the mangrove forest and having fun with the tranquil sounds of the jungle.

5. Playa Samara

Seashore life is given on this nation, and Playa Samara is the place to go when in Guanacaste. Playa Samara shouldn’t be your typical seaside.

Its laid-back ambiance contributes to considerably longer lives for its residents than in different elements of the nation. The individuals listed here are accepting; they benefit from the journey of experiencing life.

Glorious meals and enjoyable water actions resembling snorkeling and diving are frequent right here. Your quintessential seaside expertise awaits at Playa Samara.

Positioned on the southern Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula within the province of Guanacaste, guests right here additionally love natural meals, yoga, browsing, wild horses, pleasant individuals, and the laid-back bohemian vibe. 

• Location: Western a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter and Spring (to take pleasure in sunny seaside days and calm waters).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Households, newbie surfers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on supply: Swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, browsing, horseback using, and fishing.
• Lodging: Lodge Giada, Villas Kalimba, and the Samara Tree Home Inn.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Sipping on a signature cocktail on the seaside membership and watching the sundown.
• Going snorkelling and seeing stunning coloured fish.
• Becoming a member of a morning yoga session on the seaside! 

6. Santa Teresa

Avid surfers from all over the world know Santa Teresa. It’s among the many most well-known surfer meccas on the planet, and the ambiance of Santa Teresa depicts this laid-back persona.

The panorama contains not merely seashores however stunning rainforests to discover. Snorkeling, browsing, hen watching, and climbing are among the many finest actions to do in Santa Teresa, and relaxation assured, there’s a picture op round each nook! 

• Location: Southern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for glorious browsing situations and sunny climate).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Surfers, seaside lovers, and yoga fanatics.
• Actions on supply: Browsing, yoga, horseback using, seaside volleyball, snorkeling, and sundown viewing.
• Lodging: Selina Santa Teresa North, Pranamar Villas, and the Florblanca Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Wandering by the bohemian village stuffed with ice-cream cafes, buying boutiques and incredible eating places.
• Dancing the evening away at a seaside social gathering, that is when the surfers and vacationers all come out to play!
• Attempting browsing once more, the tough waves made this a incredible browsing spot! 

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest

There’s a motive Monteverde is without doubt one of the most tourist-frequented locations within the nation: it’s unbelievably stunning.

Stunning nationwide parks with undisturbed cloud forests, a whole lot of species of birds, epic views, and volcanoes make it an eco-lover’s dream.

The outside actions listed here are countless, together with hikes by the cloud forest, hen watching the place you’ll be able to spot the endangered Quetzal, cover excursions, strolling throughout a suspension bridge, touring butterfly gardens, and easily stress-free and having fun with nature from the quaint city of Santa Elena.

• Location: North-central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring (to see the forest at its greenest with fewer vacationers).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Birdwatchers, nature lovers, and hikers.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, cover excursions, birdwatching, ziplining, visiting butterfly gardens, and evening wildlife excursions.
• Lodging: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Lodge Belmar, and El Establo Mountain Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the forest with an attention-grabbing guided nighttime tour.
• Going climbing and discovering the suspended bridges amongst the magnificent scenic nature.
• Capturing some breathtaking Instagrammable pictures and pictures! 

8. Isla del Coco

This space is a mecca for skilled divers from all over the world. Positioned south of the mainland, Isla del Coco is teeming with marine life, together with white-tipped sharks and hammerheads.

The shimmering waters of this island, also referred to as Coco Island, supply the chance to discover historic caves and even assist you to see caves and rock etchings by those that have traveled earlier than you. On land, additionally, you will discover quite a lot of pigs roaming across the island.

• Location: Off the southwestern coast of the nation within the Pacific Ocean.
• Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for the perfect diving situations and marine life encounters).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Scuba divers, marine life fanatics, and journey vacationers.
• Actions on supply: Scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife images, climbing, and marine life exploration.
• Lodging: No lodging on the island, liveaboard boats like Okeanos Aggressor for divers.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Occurring a scuba diving tour, the marine life was so colourful! 
• Exploring the attention-grabbing caves and forests. 
• Mountain climbing to the waterfall and dipping within the waters on the base of it.

9. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is persistently rated as some of the stunning seashores within the nation. The white sand seaside is made from tens of millions of crushed seashells, and I like the way it glows in pink and white shades. The water is evident and excellent for swimming, snorkelling, and boating.

It could be on the Pacific Coast, however the water and sand will idiot you into pondering you’re on the Caribbean. The close by cities of Playa Brasilito and Playa Flamingo have inns and lodging. For my part, that is additionally an awesome family-friendly vacation spot. 

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, alongside the Pacific coast.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for dry, sunny seaside days and crystal-clear water).
• Who would take pleasure in it: {Couples}, snorkelers, and sunbathers.
• Actions on supply: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, jet snowboarding, and beachcombing.
• Lodging: The Westin Reserva Conchal, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, and Conchal Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Stress-free to the sound of the waves while having a therapeutic massage on the white shell shores.
• Hiring a jet ski and having enjoyable out on the intense blue waters.
• Strolling your entire stretch of the seaside and admiring the colours.

10. Tortuguero

Throughout the nation on the Caribbean is the mangrove forest and turtle nesting website of Tortuguero. This is without doubt one of the most various parks within the nation, with canals, seashores, and marshland.

You’ll be able to hire kayaks or canoes and discover the wetlands, recognizing varied wildlife, resembling caymans, birds, and crocodiles. This space is most well-known for its turtle hatching on the seaside at evening.

• Location: Northeastern Caribbean coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Late Summer season and Fall (to witness the turtle nesting season).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Wildlife fanatics and turtle watchers.
• Actions on supply: Boat excursions, kayaking, wildlife viewing, turtle watching, climbing, and birdwatching.
• Lodging: Mawamba Lodge, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, and Evergreen Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the canals, rivers and lagoons on a guided boat tour.
• Having a novel fantastic eating expertise on the Katonga Floating Restaurant.
• Taking a stroll alongside the seaside’s delicate sand, which was an ideal spot to look at the sundown. 

11. Montezuma

This can be a great gem situated within the southern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s largely identified for its lengthy sandy seaside, surrounding jungle, and coves.

There’s additionally a preferred surf seaside within the space, Romelia Wildlife Reserve, a turtle sanctuary and hatchery, and even Montezuma Waterfall, comprising cascades and pure swimming pools.

It’s a laid-back place with a hippie seaside city vibe, the place guests can spend their days kicking again and having fun with the ocean, solar, and sand!

• Location: Southeastern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and early Summer season (for nice climate and luxurious inexperienced environment).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Backpackers, nature lovers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing to waterfalls, seaside walks, swimming, yoga, snorkeling, and ATV excursions.
• Lodging: Ylang Ylang Seashore Resort, El Sano Banano Village Lodge, and Lodge Amor de Mar.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting the epic Montezuma Waterfalls which was simply gorgeous! 
• Having fun with reside music at Cafe Restaurant Organico.
• Trying out the natural Saturday market and sampling the produce.

12. Corcovado Nationwide Park

Nationwide Geographic named the Osa Peninsula probably the most intense place on earth when it comes to biodiversity. Corcovado Nationwide Park is actually undisturbed wilderness, significantly surrounding the La Sirena River.

The seashores are wild and gorgeous, with sharks and crocodiles swimming within the river mouth.

Animals like pumas, peccaries, monkeys, and tapirs reside within the jungle and are sighted usually. Previous-growth bushes and lovely flowers are all over the place. This park really embodies the pure jungle fantastic thing about this nation!

• Location: Southwestern a part of the Osa Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for drier situations and simpler entry to trails).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Wildlife fanatics, photographers, and hikers.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, tenting, guided nature excursions, and swimming in waterfalls.
• Lodging: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, La Leona Eco Lodge, and Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a scenic boat experience to the arrive on the park.
• Reserving an in a single day keep within the jungle. 
• Mountain climbing the designated trails to discover by the gorgeous bushes and flowers.

13. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is on the far south Caribbean coast subsequent to Panama. Its attractive hidden seashores are good for snorkelling when the solar shines, and the ocean turns into flat. Surfers find it irresistible throughout storms and massive swells.

The golden sand and turquoise ocean are distinctly Caribbean. For those who go deep sufficient, the jungle is stuffed with unbelievable animals, together with howler monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

• Location: Southeastern Caribbean coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the perfect seaside climate and wildlife recognizing).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Households, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers.
• Actions on supply: Birdwatching, climbing, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and swimming.
• Lodging: Almonds and Corals Lodge, Congo Bongo Ecolodges, and Lodge Shawandha.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights…

• Going snorkelling, the water was so clear! 
• Taking a stroll alongside the golden sand shores which have been lined with dreamy coconut palms and almond bushes! 
• Seeing the tremendous cute sloths! 

14. Isla Tortuga

Isla Tortuga is precisely what it appears like. It’s an island which is dwelling to a novel group of turtles. Turtle Island is the frequent title for this stress-free, unspoiled ambiance.

Guests can select from a number of tour alternatives and actions resembling scuba diving, cover excursions, and climbing. Nonetheless, many vacationers select to loosen up on the seaside and benefit from the quiet merely.

Isla Tortuga can solely be reached by boat, and it’ll take roughly one hour to achieve its sandy shores.

• Location: Off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter and Spring (for clear skies and calm sea situations).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Snorkelers, day-trippers, and seaside lovers.
• Actions on supply: Snorkeling, swimming, banana boat rides, kayaking, seaside video games, and climbing trails.
• Lodging: Accessible through boat excursions, close by stays embody Tambor Tropical Resort, and Tango Mar Seashore Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a guided sea kayaking tour. It’s tougher work to paddle than on a lake, however the surroundings made it price it!
• Eating out on a BBQ on the seaside, the mixture of nice meals and views was divine!
• Choosing up a memento from the lovable outlets which lined the shore.

15. Poas Volcano

Arenal could also be the preferred lively volcano within the nation, however Poas, simply an hour outdoors of San Jose, is without doubt one of the most stunning locations within the nation.

Within the heart of the primary volcano crater is a blue-green lake that emits bubbles and smoke.

The park surrounding the volcano is dense with wildlife, clouds, and rainforests. On a transparent day, the volcano’s high might be seen from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

• Location: Central a part of the nation, in Alajuela province.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring (for fewer crowds and clear views of the crater lake).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Geology fanatics, households, and nature explorers.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, exploring volcanic craters, birdwatching, and visiting close by botanical gardens.
• Lodging: Poás Lodge, Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and Altura Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Capturing Insta-worthy pictures of the distinctive, vibrant lake! 
• Seeing the attractive views that stretch throughout the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on a transparent day.
• Exploring out the close by lush rainforests on a guided tour. 

16. Bajos del Toro

Bajos del Toro shouldn’t be within the heart of city. It’s an space that’s completely off the overwhelmed path. This hidden gem is roughly 90 minutes from San Jose, however you need to stroll awhile. Bajos del Toro, nevertheless, is actually well worth the stroll.

It’s a non-public reserve stuffed with gorgeous waterfalls and distinctive swimming pools. If you wish to benefit from the water in a tropical setting and take epic footage of your journey, Bajos del Toro delivers completely.

• Location: Central highlands of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring (for lush inexperienced landscapes and waterfall exploration).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Waterfall lovers, hikers, and photographers.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing to waterfalls, birdwatching, canyoning, nature images, and wildlife statement.
• Lodging: El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Bosque de Paz Lodge, and Catarata del Toro Cabins.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Visiting one of many coldest waterfalls within the nation, Blue Falls! 
• Mountain climbing alongside the Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco which was stuffed with colour and gorgeous surroundings! 
• Having a go at canyoning. 

17. Tamarindo Seashore

This seaside is thought for browsing, however many select to sit back and keep for some time. Positioned within the Guanacaste province, it began as a small village and has now grown into some of the common locations to go to within the Central American nation.

It’s a protracted and fairly sandy seaside with incredible waves. Nevertheless, there generally is a sturdy present, so warning is suggested should you’re a beginner surfer. For those who fancy a attempt, inns within the space can set you up with a close-by water sports activities rental.

• Location: Northwestern Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for constant sunshine and nice browsing situations).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Surfers, party-goers, and seaside lovers.
• Actions on supply: Browsing, swimming, seaside walks, kayaking, snorkeling, and horseback using.
• Lodging: Tamarindo Diria Seashore Resort, Cala Luna Boutique Lodge, and Lodge Capitan Suizo.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Watching the surfers, this space is thought to have among the finest breaks on the planet.
• Exploring on a non-public ATV tour, the scenic forests, rivers and countryside have been actually photogenic! 
• Hovering by the air on a zipline at Zipline & Aerial Journey Parks.

18. Rio de Celeste

With glowing milky blue waters, I personally suppose it’s simple to grasp why the Rio de Celeste is so liked! 

Inside Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, the Rio de Celeste will get its opalescent hue from the volcano’s sulfur and calcium carbonate combine. Benefit from the river by taking part in within the waterfall or soaking within the sizzling springs.

• Location: Northern a part of the nation, in Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park.
• Greatest time to go to: Late Winter and early Spring (for higher path situations and vibrant blue river views).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, waterfall exploration, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and river walks.
• Lodging: Rio Celeste Hideaway Lodge, Tenorio Lodge, and Posada Río Celeste Lodge & Spa.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights…

• Chilling out within the attractive sizzling springs
• Taking a refreshing dip within the base of the waterfall. 
• Taking Instaworthy pictures!

19. Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park

Have you ever ever needed to see an lively volcano up shut? Many individuals discover this notion thrilling, and you may get your volcanic repair in Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park.

The park is thought for top ranges of geothermic exercise, and climbing up Rincon de la Vieja, an lively volcano, is a outstanding expertise.

Geothermic research are frequent within the space, and when you have ever needed to find out about volcanic exercise, Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park is a wonderful useful resource. It isn’t all about training however affords some insanely stunning picture ops, as waterfalls are a incredible attraction on this space.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, in Guanacaste province.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for simpler climbing and to see lively volcanic exercise).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Hikers, journey seekers, and sizzling spring fanatics.
• Actions on supply: Mountain climbing, volcanic mud baths, sizzling springs soaking, birdwatching, horseback using, and ziplining.
• Lodging: Hacienda Guachipelin, Blue River Resort & Sizzling Springs, and Borinquen Mountain Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Mountain climbing as much as the lively volcano, the panormanic views have been unbelievable! 
• Swimming and stress-free within the gorgeous blue sizzling springs, a pure outside spa. 
• Going river tubing! 

20. Playa Ostional

Positioned in top-of-the-line seaside cities within the nation, this is without doubt one of the most unbelievable sights! It’s the arribada of a whole lot of hundreds of leatherback turtles on the seashores of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

The week earlier than the brand new moon, a whole lot to a whole lot of hundreds of feminine turtles come onto the shore at evening to put their eggs.

When the eggs hatch a number of weeks later, individuals come to the seaside to guard them from canines and vultures as they return to the ocean.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Fall (to witness the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Wildlife fanatics focused on turtle nesting.
• Actions on supply: Turtle watching, swimming, sunbathing, seaside walks, and wildlife statement.
• Lodging: Nosara Seashore Lodge, Lagarta Lodge, and eco-cabins at Ostional Turtle Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a stroll earlier than breakfast and listening to the sounds of nature within the forest.
• Reserving a sundown catamaran tour which included swimming and snorkelling earlier than watching the sundown.
• Eating al fresco at El Manglar Restaurant. 

21. San José

San José is the capital and largest metropolis, with a inhabitants of over 350,000. Though it’s identified for its majestic volcanoes and inexperienced hills, San José additionally affords varied sights.

San José is cut up into neighborhoods which might be referred to as barrios. One of the crucial iconic is Barrio Amón, the place you’ll be able to discover a vital a part of the town’s historical past. It’s additionally a spot the place you’ll be able to go to some of the magnificent architectural websites within the nation.

The downtown half, El Centro, additionally has a mix of companies and cultural facilities. You can find something from retail outlets to world-class museums.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for nice temperatures and fewer wet days).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Historical past buffs, tradition seekers, and concrete explorers.
• Actions on supply: Museum visits, metropolis excursions, cultural performances, meals tasting, historic sightseeing, and buying.
• Lodging: Lodge Grano de Oro, Hilton Backyard Inn La Sabana, and Radisson San José.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights

• Visiting the historic vacationer website of Winchester Thriller Home which was stuffed with tales.
• Strolling by the 6-acres of the superbly ready Japanese Friendship Backyard.
• Being impressed by the fascinating displays on the Tech Museum of Innovation.