In search of the most effective locations to go to in Costa Rica? You’ve come to the best place.
I spent over two months discovering this Central American gem and was floored by the variety of Costa Rica actions you may take pleasure in.
From the mountaineering and sizzling springs round Arenal and La Fortuna, the thunderous electrical blue Rio Celeste Waterfall, to the expansive seashores in Santa Teresa and Nosara, each area of Costa Rica had one thing completely different and thrilling to supply.
The favored Costa Rica locations I’ve included on this information deserve a spot in your once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica highway journey or vacation.
I’ll present particular particulars and journey suggestions that can assist you plan your journey. Whether or not it’s a ‘seaside bum’ trip or a whirlwind adrenaline-packed journey, you’ll discover a Costa Rica attraction that fits your particular pursuits.
1. La Fortuna and Arenal
Mendacity on the base of the dormant Arenal Volcano lies the journey capital of Costa Rica, La Fortuna. On account of its advantageous locale, effervescent geothermal waters meander via the dense jungle leading to one of many space’s principal sights – sizzling springs. I like to recommend reserving a day cross to the luxurious Tabacon Sizzling Springs to expertise this at its finest.
The neighbouring Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park affords quite a lot of scenic hikes and alternatives for canyon rafting and ATV excursions. Take an organized day tour with a educated native information to maximise your time and luxuriate in all of the finest issues to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica’s hottest journey vacation spot.
Located in Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, Rio Celeste Waterfall is a hidden gem that boasts a surreal, electric-blue cascade. A day journey right here offers you a scenic hike via the plush rainforest, the place the river’s coloration is a results of volcanic minerals mixing with the water.
Enrich your journey with a guided tour, you’ll uncover the native natural world as you trek the paths. Intention for a weekday go to to sidestep the weekend crowds. Good-quality mountaineering boots are a should on this hike, the place the trail can get slippery after rain.
Monteverde, a mountainous area located above the clouds, serves as a dreamland for nature fanatics. This misty highland affords the well-known Cloud Forest Reserve, the place strolling amidst the tree cover on hanging bridges offers an virtually ethereal expertise. For birdwatchers, the Resplendent Quetzal could be noticed right here if you happen to’re fortunate.
Monteverde can be house to a spread of espresso plantations the place guided excursions supply an enchanting perception into espresso manufacturing proper from the bean to your cup. Gentle jackets and waterproof gear are advisable, because the climate can shift rapidly on this hillside locale.
Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula, is the place surf tradition meets laid-back luxurious, making it a high vacation spot for each adrenaline junkies and rest seekers.
The lengthy, sandy seashores like Playa Carmen are good for each browsing and sundown watching. Santa Teresa’s gastronomic scene additionally stands out, the city is peppered with fashionable cafes serving natural, locally-sourced fare.
Pack a surfboard or hire one regionally, and don’t miss out on the yoga retreats, one other standard Costa Rica attraction on this vibrant seaside city.
Montezuma affords a bohemian vibe and a slower tempo, making it probably the greatest locations to go to in Costa Rica if you happen to’re seeking to unwind. Meandering streams and waterfalls, just like the Montezuma Falls, are the spotlight of this small coastal city.
With much less industrial exercise than different standard Costa Rica locations, Montezuma is good for eco-tourists and funds vacationers, honing a bohemian vibe. Put on comfy sandals for exploring, because the city has a laid-back, shoe-optional tradition.
The most effective locations to go to in Costa Rica for aquatic adventures is Tortuga Island. Situated off the Gulf of Nicoya, the island is thought for its crystal-clear waters good for snorkeling and scuba diving.
You’ll be able to catch a catamaran tour from Puntarenas or Jaco to achieve the island. As soon as there, chill out on its pristine seashores or discover underwater caves. In case you love a very good brief hike to a scenic viewpoint, decide to climb the Tortugas Eco Tour path.
Nosara units itself aside with its robust emphasis on wellness and eco-conscious residing. Yoga retreats and natural eateries are plentiful right here, making it a high decide for these seeking to nourish physique and soul. But it surely’s not all tranquility, the surf breaks at Playa Guiones are among the many most constant in Costa Rica.
In contrast to different standard Costa Rica locations, Nosara lacks giant resorts, favoring intimate boutique inns as an alternative, and a largely American expat neighborhood.
8. Playa Ostional
A go to to Playa Ostional affords a chance to witness sea turtles nesting or hatching, relying on the season. This seaside is likely one of the world’s most essential nesting websites for the Olive Ridley turtle.
In case you’re planning to go to throughout nesting season, usually between July and December, be certain to schedule a guided evening tour to see this awe-inspiring occasion responsibly.
The seaside itself is rugged and fewer crowded than different standard Costa Rica locations, making it good for vacationers who like to discover off the crushed path. An area tip: deliver a red-filtered flashlight for turtle watching, because it’s much less disturbing to the animals.
9. Samara
Samara is a lesser-known seaside city that strikes a really perfect steadiness between native tradition and vacationer facilities. The lengthy, palm-lined seaside is protected by a coral reef, making the waters calm and supreme for swimming or kayaking.
Not removed from the seaside, it’s also possible to discover mountaineering trails resulting in scenic overlooks. Native eateries supply a style of Costa Rican delicacies, and it’s an ideal spot to attempt gallo pinto, the nation’s signature dish. You’ll discover quite a lot of lodging choices right here, from hostels to boutique inns, catering to varied journey kinds and budgets.
10. Tamarindo
Famend as a surfer’s paradise, Tamarindo is a bustling seaside city that gives extra than simply epic waves. Whereas the surf tradition is undoubtedly a giant draw, the world can be house to Las Baulas Nationwide Marine Park, the place you may witness leatherback turtles nesting from October to March.
For a distinct tempo, head inland for a horseback journey or ATV journey. Given its recognition, Tamarindo is well-equipped with numerous eating choices, from connoisseur eating places to informal beachside bars.
And if you happen to’re into buying, the city’s boutique shops supply native souvenirs and crafts.
11. Jaco
Jaco is a perfect spot for these seeking to mix seaside life with nightlife. By day, catch some waves or attempt paddleboarding and by night, benefit from the bustling bars and golf equipment that make Jaco one of many livelier Costa Rica locations to go to.
Past the seaside, you’ll discover actions like ATV excursions and zip-lining. For a quieter escape, close by Playa Hermosa affords a extra relaxed seaside environment and glorious surf circumstances.
Jaco is well accessible from San Jose or Liberia, making it a handy vacation spot for brief stays or lengthy weekend getaways.
12. Manuel Antonio
This gem on the Central Pacific coast is house to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, one among Costa Rica’s smallest but most biodiverse parks. Monkeys, sloths, and a myriad of fowl species could be noticed alongside the park’s well-maintained trails.
Whereas it’s tempting to beach-hop all day, take into account mountaineering to Cathedral Level for panoramic ocean views. In case you’re planning to go to the park, arrive early, it closes as soon as it reaches capability.
Moreover the park, the encircling space affords jet snowboarding and parasailing for adrenaline junkies.
13. Uvita
Identified for its iconic “Whale Tail” sandbar, Uvita is a part of the Marino Ballena Nationwide Park, a marine conservation space devoted to defending humpback whales and different sea creatures. You’re more likely to spot whales if you happen to go to between December and April or between July and September.
Past marine life, Uvita affords gorgeous waterfalls like Uvita Falls, the place you may take a refreshing dip. The realm’s eco-lodges and ocean-view villas make it probably the greatest locations to go to in Costa Rica for vacationers in search of each journey and luxury.
14. Dominical
Dominical is a small city that packs a giant punch when it comes to pure magnificence and out of doors actions. It’s a success amongst surfers for its constant waves, however it’s additionally a haven for wildlife fanatics.
Go to the Hacienda Baru Nationwide Wildlife Refuge for an opportunity to identify toucans, sloths, and monkeys. The city itself is relaxed with a splash of bohemian aptitude. It affords a spread of lodging choices, however the native tip is to guide a treehouse-style lodging for a bucket listing expertise.
In case you’re a fan of native crafts, don’t miss the Dominical Artisan Market.
15. San Jose
San Jose, the capital metropolis, usually serves as a gateway to different Costa Rica sights however the metropolis’s vibrant avenue artwork and bustling markets like Mercado Central supply a distinct style of Costa Rican tradition.
For museum lovers, the Jade Museum and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum are must-visits. And if you happen to’re searching for a gastronomic journey, no different place in Costa Rica affords such a various vary of eating choices, from native sodas (diners) to high-end worldwide delicacies.
16. La Paz Waterfall
Set within the Central Highlands, La Paz Waterfall is much less a singular attraction and extra a full-blown nature park.
The waterfall itself is a stunner, however you’ll additionally discover a butterfly observatory, a hummingbird backyard, and even a jungle cat exhibit on-site. The mountaineering paths listed below are user-friendly and well-signed, making them accessible for all ages.
In case you’re brief on time however desire a slice of Costa Rica’s biodiversity, La Paz affords all of it in a compact space. For an added expertise, some excursions mix La Paz with a espresso plantation go to.
17. Bajos del Toro Waterfall
Tucked away in a less-visited a part of Costa Rica, Bajos del Toro affords one of many nation’s most spectacular waterfalls—Catarata del Toro.
Plunging into an extinct volcanic crater, this waterfall is a feast for the eyes. The journey to get right here entails a rugged hike, so good footwear is a should.
Take into account visiting the close by Bosque de Paz Organic Reserve to take advantage of your journey to this secluded area. The realm isn’t swarming with vacationers, making it a chief location for these seeking to escape the crowds.
18. Tortuguero Nationwide Park
This Costa Rica attraction is finest identified for its sea turtle nesting websites. To actually expertise the magic, you’ll want to go to between July and October when the turtles come ashore to put their eggs. The park can be a labyrinth of waterways, so exploring by boat or kayak is a should.
Guided excursions might help you notice monkeys, iguanas, and even crocodiles lurking within the waters. Tortuguero is distant and requires a ship or airplane journey to achieve, however the additional effort pays off with unparalleled wildlife encounters.
19. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Located on the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo affords a distinct vibe with its Afro-Caribbean influences. Identified for its coral reefs and luxurious jungle, snorkeling and scuba diving are standard actions right here.
The close by Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is ideal for birdwatching and recognizing sloths.
For foodies, the native delicacies showcases coconut flavors and seafood. Bike leases are available and are a handy solution to discover neighboring seashores like Cocles and Punta Uva.
20. Corcovado Nationwide Park
Corcovado is a biodiverse powerhouse, usually hailed as one of the intense organic locations on Earth. The park is a treasure trove for nature lovers, providing an opportunity to see tapirs, anteaters, and the elusive jaguar if you happen to’re extremely fortunate.
Multi-day guided treks are the best way to go right here as they’ll take you thru completely different zones of the park, every with its personal numerous ecosystem. Be ready for an journey because the hikes are strenuous and the humidity could be intense.
21. Pavones
Final however not least, Pavones is a surfer’s dream and probably the greatest locations to go to in Costa Rica if you happen to’re eager to journey world-class waves. This sleepy city comes alive through the browsing season, attracting a worldwide crowd.
But it surely’s not all in regards to the surf, the world can be wealthy in wildlife, significantly birds. You may even catch sight of a migrating whale if you happen to go to between August and October. On account of its distant location, it’s much less crowded, making it a wonderful alternative for these in search of a extra secluded expertise.
Locations to Go to in Costa Rica Conclusion
Costa Rica is a treasure chest of numerous landscapes and adventures, providing a few of the finest locations to go to in Central America. Whether or not you’re drawn to the volcanic sizzling springs of La Fortuna, the colourful avenue life in San Jose, or the surf breaks in Nosara, every vacation spot brings a distinct expertise primarily based in your preferences.
Use this information to standard Costa Rica locations as your blueprint for an unforgettable journey. Now that you simply’re armed with particular particulars and journey suggestions, all that’s left is to discover these superb Costa Rica sights for your self.
Writer Bio
Haley is the founding father of the worldwide journey weblog, Haley Blackall Journey. She has travelled to 40+ international locations throughout 5 continents over the past 15 years. She likes to share in-depth journey guides and suggestions to assist travellers get essentially the most out of their trip time, together with her favorite boutique inns, issues to do and journey itineraries.
