11 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Are you heading for the first time to Costa Rica? Costa Rica is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Central America, and here is our first-timers travel guide on the best places to visit in Costa Rica.
There are so many places to visit in Costa Rica that first-time visitors often feel overwhelmed by the endless variety. No wonder planning a holiday can often be challenging.
Where to go in Costa Rica is often the first question you ask after looking at the map for the first time. What places are worth visiting, and what areas can you with an easy conscience skip is the never-ending story of planning.
And Costa Rica won't make it easier for you, as the list of must-visit places is pretty long.
Costa Rica is, for many, a paradise on the planet earth. You will find there long stretches of beaches, active volcanoes, dense rainforests, hot springs, crystal clear rivers, exotic fauna and flora, and friendly locals.
As we were in the exact same position before our trip to Costa Rica, we decided to compile a list of our favorite places in the country that everyone should visit.
A week or two, which is a typical vacation length for the majority of travelers, is not much for Costa Rica, and you would need months to dig deeper and explore all areas and regions that are worth visiting.
After reading our compilation, we believe you will be able to narrow it down and find the right place(s) for you. We tried to include a bit of everything to help you plan your vacation in an as diverse manner as possible.
Honestly, we believe that you might want to consider visiting each of these places as they offer the best of Costa Rica.
So, here is the list of top places in Costa Rica a traveler shouldn't miss on their trip.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Known for its marvelous beaches, tropical rainforest, and diverse wildlife, Manuel Antonio National Park is often considered by many the best place to visit in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio is located on the Pacific side, roughly in the middle of Costa Rica, near the small coastal town of Quepos. The park is easily accessible from Quepos by car, bus, or with a tour.
Its golden sand beaches attract visitors from all over the world, as the glory of this national park exceeded Costa Rican borders a long time ago.
However, the popularity doesn't correspond with its size, as this is one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica. So the only fly in the ointment is the fact that Manuel Antonio National Park is often crowded, at least the most popular places in this park.
Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur are the park's crown jewels, but we preferred a more secluded rainforest trail leading further into the park to escape the frenzy of its famous spots.
One of the most popular ways to visit the park is to take a guided tour in the morning, and once it ends (tours usually take two or three hours), spend the rest of the day exploring the area on your own.
You can book a well-rated Manuel Antonio National Park Tour here.
Manuel Antonio National Park really is a top destination in Costa Rica, and no first-timers should skip it.
Remember that opening hours are from 7 AM to 4 PM, and the park is closed on Tuesdays, and the authorities limit the number of visitors per day.
Our travel advice? Arrive there as early as possible!
When looking for accommodation, you can either stay in Quepos or near the national park.
Wide Mouth Frog is a nice hostel in Quepos; Millenium Manuel Antonio is an affordable hotel only a short walk from the national park.
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Tortuguero National Park in the northeast of Costa Rica is a true heaven for wildlife spotting. Also known as the land of the turtles, the getaway to the park is Tortuguero village on the Caribbean coast.
Tortuguero is home to a dense network of navigable river canals and is best explored on a boat and with an experienced guide.
The similarity of this region to the Amazon in South America is striking. Ecotourism plays a vital role in Tortuguero, and the village can be reached only by boat or plane.
The climate is hot and humid and makes the visit to the park quite challenging, at least to the visitors who didn't come prepared or don't know what to expect.
The main attraction in Tortuguero is the sea turtles. And even though you can see them in other areas around Costa Rica, this is arguably the best place to go if you are interested in these marine reptiles. July to October is the peak season for green sea turtles.
Although the sea turtles are the main reason to visit Tortuguero National Park, the uniqueness of this area might be the deciding factor when arriving outside the nesting season.
The park is home to many species of monkeys, jaguars, migratory birds, snakes, and insects.
The area's remoteness is the main advantage (or disadvantage), depending on the point of view.
Be prepared for long and uncomfortable transportation times, but it's only a small price to pay for the privilege to visit this fragile environment.
Once you arrive there, you can stay in nice places such as Mawamba Lodge or a bit more budget-friendly Casa Marbella.
And last word of warning. The beaches in Tortuguero are not safe for swimming due to strong currents, sharks, and crocodiles.
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Monteverde region grew into one of the top attractions in Costa Rica due to its unique ecosystem and location. Due to the higher elevation, the cloud forest in Monteverde and Santa Elena holds very specific weather conditions where both fauna and flora thrive.
The private conservation efforts and rainy weather keep Monteverde relatively unspoiled and resistant to mass tourism.
Needless to say, activities such as ziplining, coffee tours, horseback riding, or canopy tours are popular in Monteverde, making this area even more attractive than ever.
Adventure Combo Tours in Monteverde are among the most popular ones.
Maybe it seems like a silly reason, but we have a soft spot for Monteverde Cloud Forest as it was the first place we spotted the elusive resplendent quetzal all by ourselves without a guide.
It might be only a minor achievement for Lucie, but she often reminds it, and we have to cherish it nevertheless.
The best trail in Monteverde was Sendero El Puente, which features a long suspension bridge amid the cloud forest's treetops.
Getting to Monteverde takes time as the local roads are not in good conditions nor for faint-hearted.
A small village of Santa Elena is a gateway to Monteverde region.
It's also a place where you will find plenty of hotels such as Monteverde Lodge and Gardens or Camino Verde.
Monteverde sits at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level, and the climate is misty and humid.
Also, the weather temperatures sit rather low than you would probably expect, and the mean annual temperature hovers between 16 to 18 Celsius.
Make sure to bring a proper rain jacket, and don't forget to pack a warmer layer or two.
Monteverde is also a popular place in Costa Rica for Night Tours, and if you have a chance, we would only recommend this activity to you.
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
Corcovado National Park is the epitome of Costa Rica's biodiversity and unspoiled environment. For many travelers, Corcovado is the main reason to visit Costa Rica.
Located in the southwest of Costa Rica near Panamanian borders, Corcovado National Park is home to the largest primary forest on the American Pacific.
The national park covers one-third of the Osa Peninsula, and due to its unique nature (National Geographic called it "the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity"), it is popular with both scientists and tourists.
The waters of the Pacific Ocean surround almost the entire peninsula and are rich in marine life. Spotting of humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, bull sharks, or even killer whales is possible in these areas. A deep and impenetrable rainforest is home to thousands of species.
In Corcovado, you have a high chance to see monkeys (there are four species in Costa Rica), scarlet macaws, both two-toed and three-toed sloths, butterflies, spiders, snakes, and a large variety of insects.
Jaguars are also present in Corcovado, though they are nocturnal hunters and vary rarely seen (though you can sometimes see the footprints of a wildcat).
On top of that, American crocodiles and spectacled caimans patrol the rivers.
As there is a possibility of hiking in Corcovado, which includes fording some of these rivers, the presence of these predators makes this activity, not for everyone.
Even some endangered animals, such as the harpy eagle or Baird's tapir, are sometimes spotted in the park.
Getting to Corcovado is not easy nor cheap; that's what keeps mass tourism at bay.
Two entry points to Corcovado National Park are Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay. Puerto Jimenez is connected by road with the rest of Costa Rica, while Drake Bay is accessible only by boat.
Staying at a lodge in Drake Bay is one of the most popular ways to explore Corcovado, as all of them also offer day trips into the rainforest.
Sunset Lodge and Hotel Finca Maresia are good choices when it comes to accommodation in Drake Bay.
To get the most of Corcovado, head to Sirena Ranger Station, which you can reach by boat, plane, or foot.
Before visiting Corcovado, you need to obtain a permit, which costs 15 USD per person per day.
Nowadays, it's mandatory to be accompanied by an accredited guide to enter Corcovado National Park. A few years back, tourists were allowed to enter without one, but it's not possible anymore.
From our own experience, hiking in a remote jungle without a local guide can be potentially dangerous, plus you won't spot as much wildlife, so we really support this idea.
A knowledgeable naturalist guide in Corcovado can make your trip unforgettable while keeping you safe.
JACO
After arriving in Jaco for the first time, you soon realize that it's a little bit different from the rest of Costa Rican coastal towns.
The city is buzzing with life, and the contrast with quiet national parks couldn't be more prominent.
The main strip running through the city is lined with hotels, stores, restaurants, and bars, and if you are looking for some excitement in Costa Rica, Jaco is the place to go.
The tourist vibes are strong in Jaco, but it shouldn't discourage you from visiting it.
The advantage is that you can easily find good accommodation such as Hotel Ibiza or Hotel Mar de Luz, and all the services and facilities you need.
Playa de Jaco is a long stretch of fine sand attracting many visitors and surfers from around the world, and the town is known for many travel agencies offering a large selection of both adrenaline and regular tours.
We couldn't resist taking a canyoning tour in Jaco, but you can also go ziplining, surfing, fishing, kayaking, or hiking.
Also, nightlife plays an important role in Jaco, and if that's your thing, you won't find many places in Costa Rica as lively as this area.
However, our favorite activity in Jaco was unsurprisingly connected with nature. Only 20 minutes (by car or local bus) north of the town, Carara National Park is a natural stronghold of peace and serenity.
Carara is home to many bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Sloths dangle from the trees, scarlet macaws fly high in the treetops, while spider monkeys jump over branches with natural ease.
Although the trails in the park are relatively well-marked, consider hiring a local guide to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Continue driving north, and in about two minutes, you reach the famous Crocodile Bridge hanging over the River Tarcoles.
This is only a quick stop, but it's well worth it. The river creates a natural border of Carara National Park and is home to American Crocodiles.
In addition, their favorite spot is right under the bridge. The crocs are not always out, but the chances to spot at least one are high.
Moreover, the number of crocodiles you can spot there is often in double digits.
Seeing the crocodiles from above and from a safe distance is the big selling point here. We strongly advise you to stay on the bridge for your safety.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
SAN JOSE
San Jose is the capital city in Costa Rica, and we were a bit reluctant to put it on our list. But since every other place is connected with nature, we thought it would make a nice change for once to include the cultural heart of Costa Rica among the top places to visit in the country.
Located in Costa Rican Central Valley, San Jose and its surrounding areas are home to almost half of the entire Costa Rican population.
The city was founded in 1736. For many travelers, the largest city in the country is also the first place they visit in Costa Rica, depending on their time of flight.
However, the vast majority of them rush to explore the beaches and rainforests and often don't spend any time in the city.
For some, San Jose is not worth visiting, while others say there are some worthwhile things to do. If we had to choose, we would probably say that you don't need to spend much time in San Jose, and if you are on a strict schedule, it's perfectly fine to skip it entirely.
From the capital cities in Central America, we enjoyed Panama City the most (by far), so if you plan on visiting both countries, save some time for this one.
Simply put, San Jose is not a typical tourist city, and there is a lot of traffic and noise. Many visitors decide to leave quickly after realizing there is not much to do and that they are wasting their precious holiday time there.
However, if you decide to spend a day in San Jose, you shouldn't miss the Downtown area as it has plenty of hotels, stores, and tourist attractions.
Some safe(r) neighborhoods surrounding the downtown are Barrio Amon and Aranjuez in the north, Barrio Escalante and Los Yoses in the east, or La Sabana in the west.
San Jose is a large city, and choosing the right district to stay in is essential to cut your travel time. Hotels in the city center vary from affordable places such as Costa Rica Guesthouse to luxury hotels such as Gran Hotel by Hilton.
And what are the things to do in San Jose? Gold Museum (Museum del Oro) is a must-visit place in San Jose as it's featuring some fascinating artifacts from the pre-Columbian era.
Also, having a typical Costa Rican meal in a nice restaurant might be tempting for some travelers. Fine dining is getting increasingly popular in San Jose, though you need a bit bigger budget for it.
To stretch your legs, head out to Parque La Sabana, known for its greenery, trees, open spaces, and modern multipurpose stadium.
Staying safe in San Jose is essential, as some neighborhoods don't have the best reputation or are even dangerous.
Luckily, the hazardous places are mostly located in the areas around the city (without any tourist attractions), so there is no reason to go there in the first place.
When walking in the city center, don't flash your valuables, keep your cash in the hotel, and avoid certain areas at night.
In addition, you can always take a San Jose City Tour if don't want to wander around the city alone.
BALLENA MARINE NATIONAL PARK
On the way from Corcovado National Park to Manuel Antonio National Park lies a small coastal town called Uvita. And Ballena Marine National Park is the main reason why to visit this Costa Rican gem.
Although you can find some beautiful inland places in Uvita, such as Catarata Uvita (which is, by the way, a very refreshing waterfall), this area's main attraction is the ocean and its colossal inhabitants.
Ballena means a whale in Spanish (the official name is Parque Nacional Marino Ballena), so it's not surprising that this national park is home to migrating whales, mostly humpback whales.
Therefore, whale watching is one of the best things to do in Ballena Marine National Park.
Every year, humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of North America and (where they feed) to warmer waters to breed. Their Antarctic counterparts arrive at these shores as well but at a different time of the year.
Therefore, timing your visit is crucial to increase your chances of spotting these marine mammals.
The best time to see humpback whales migrating from the north is from December to April, while Antarctic Humpback Whales tours depart from July to November.
As you can clearly see, Costa Rica has a strategic location on the whale's journey for reproduction and is often considered one of the best places to watch whales in the world.
As you probably expect, whales are not the only reason to visit Ballena National Park.
The marine park is home to many species of turtles, dolphins, and birds, and you can spot green turtles, olive ridley sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, magnificent frigate birds, brown pelicans, little blue herons, and much more.
You can explore the Uvita beach within the park on foot, and the entrance fee is 6 USD.
The most incredible fact about Ballena Marine National Park is that during the low tide, the sandy beach ends with a rocky formation and reminds a whale tail from the aerial view. Coincidence? We don't think so.
It's easy to walk to the park from Uvita on foot, especially if you stay closer to the beach in accommodation such as Uvita Paradise or Forest Lodge.
If you regularly bring a drone for your international holidays, you might be tempted to use it there.
Note that flying a drone in Costa Rica is not easy. You need to register it with DGAC and must be compliant with the very strict drone regulations. Also, flying a drone in Costa Rican national parks might have specific rules.
SAMARA
Guanacaste Province is home to many amazing Costa Rican travel destinations, and you won't make a mistake by visiting any of these places. We quite liked Samara's relaxed vibes, and that's why we put it on our list.
Located on the Pacific Coast in the northwest of Costa Rica, Samara is not that sleepy fishing village that used to be but still keeps its lovely charm in spite of its ever-growing popularity.
Samara features beautiful nature and waterfalls, but the most convincing reason to visit it is the beautiful beaches.
Once you reach Samara, it's time to unwind. And believe us, it might be something you need after a tiring drive along the winding Costa Rican roads or many bumpy bus rides.
Playa Samara is the top attraction in the town known for its shallow waters and post-card coconut trees lining the entire stretch of fine-sanded heaven.
Taking surf lessons for beginners is a must in Samara as the sea is quite forgiving here. Though, if you are heading to Nicaragua, you can leave it for San Juan del Sur to save some money.
Playa Buena Vista and Playa Carillo are less-visited beaches in the town's vicinity and the main reason to stay in Samara for another day or two.
Samara is often overlooked by international travelers looking for fun and excitement, which often visit Tamarindo instead, but that's the beauty of this coastal town.
People often can't decide between Samara and Tamarindo, but the answer to this question is actually quite dull. Samara is a more laid back and far less developed town, whether Tamarindo has bars, resorts, nightlife, and a big surfing scene.
So we would rephrase the question of whether Tamarindo or Jaco is better, and that mostly depends on your travel itinerary, as both towns are quite far from each other.
For the rest of of us, Samara will do just fine.
It's true, there is not much to do in Samara except for sunbaking on the exceptional beaches, but that might be the main selling point for many.
And when you combine the small-town feel, and beautiful beaches with accommodation such as Good Life Lodge or Hotel Belvedere, you will get the perfect blend of tastes.
RIO CELESTE
Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to one of the best of Costa Rica's natural wonders. The park contains a beautiful waterfall with the bluest pool ever hidden in the lush forest.
The blue color of Rio Celeste seems almost unreal, but we now know that a physical phenomenon is responsible for the coloration, not God who left his painting brush in the river while painting the sky, as the legend says.
Rio Celeste means light blue river, and the translation is not far from the truth. Rio Celeste Waterfall Trail is easy to moderately challenging 3 kilometers in-and-out trail and the only hiking trail within this area.
The trail gets muddy after rain, so you might want to bring proper hiking boots and trekking poles if you have knee or stability problems.
Don't stop at the waterfall, as the most intriguing place, Los Tenideros, is still ahead. The trail ends at the point where two rivers merge and create this whole spectacular show.
To catch a breath when hiking, read information boards with scientific explanations to learn more about this area. If you are into science, this might be fascinating reading for you.
Some visitors decide to go with a local guide, but it might be a good idea to go alone this time to immerse in the beauty of this place entirely.
We would consider taking a Rio Celeste Tour if you don't have your own transport though.
There is a safe parking lot at the entrance for four dollars if you have a rental car.
The entrance fee to Rio Celeste is 12 dollars per person.
Remember that the color is weather-dependent and might not be that blue during or after heavy rain, which is especially true if you visit Rio Celeste in the rainy season.
Bijagua, a small village northwest of Tenorio National Park, is ideal for spending a night before visiting the park.
Despite its small size, Bijagua offers superb accommodation.
Hotels such as Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel or Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge will make your stay unforgettable.
POAS VOLCANO
Our list of must-visit places in Costa Rica wouldn't be complete without mentioning an active volcano.
Sure, Costa Rica has dozens of volcanoes, but it's actually not easy to choose the best one, as each volcano might not be open for visitors due to seismic events.
Mother nature hides her cards well, and visiting an active Costa Rican volcano requires a bit of luck (and a handful of dollars).
Once the most visited volcano in Costa Rica, Poas is the best example to illustrate the fact that not all things are given in the world.
Poas was closed for a couple of years due to seismic activity, but it's now partially reopened. You can see the active crater, but some trails remain closed, and the situation can go either way.
Nowadays, you can spend only twenty minutes at Poas, and you need a reservation (for a certain time of the day), wear a helmet, and be accompanied by a guide for your safety.
The seismic activity is not the only obstacle in your way, as Poas is often shrouded in clouds, and the visit to this place might leave a bad taste in your mouth, as sometimes you won't see it at all.
However, if you are lucky, Poas is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica.
Due to its proximity to San Jose, Poas is often among the first places you can travel to, and you can't choose a better introduction to this Central American country than this epic fuming volcano.
Seeing the raw power that's been shaping the country for millions of years is an unforgettable experience. Poas Volcano is 2708 meters above sea level, and the high altitude creates an aura of a special place you won't visit every day.
A common travel tip regarding Poas Volcano is to arrive there in the morning, as the volcano is often hidden in the clouds and fog.
You can drive to Poas by car, or you can take a Poas Volcano Tour from San Jose.
If you decide to visit Poas without a tour, note that you can drive there directly from the Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela without the necessity of navigating around San Jose.
It's also well-worth checking the weather forecast before you book the tour or reserve time slot, though it's not almighty.
And last bit of advice, before you go, always double-check whether the particular volcano you want to visit is open or not.
The entrance ticket to Poas Volcano is 15 USD per person.
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
The area surrounding the currently not-active Arenal Volcano is loaded with incredible sights, abundant wildlife, and natural attractions.
The iconic photo of the conical Arenal Volcano towering above the lush green rainforest know people who haven't even visited Costa Rica, and it serves as a magnet for tourists from all over the world.
Visiting the Arenal Volcano National Park is on every Costa Rica travel itinerary, and you would have a hard time finding a more popular place in the country.
Even though it's prohibited to hike to Arenal Volcano's crater (it's not safe), the area has many aces up in the sleeve.
Visitors can see a large variety of animals in the park, and the area offers a vast selection of tours.
Thrill-seekers have Arenal on their radar as it is dubbed the adventure capital of Costa Rica.
Sixty meters high, La Fortuna Waterfall, plummets into a pool surrounded by dense rainforest, and the lookout can be reached via a short undemanding hike.
And did we mention that you can visit the hot springs in Arenal? The days can be long, tiring, and packed with activities in the Arenal area, so soaking up into a pool of hot thermal water at the end of the day sounds very exciting.
Arenal Combo Tours are super popular, and offer to visit the best places in only one day, which is handy if you are short on time.
It sounds so far too good to be true, doesn't it? There are a few drawbacks you should consider before you go.
To get the most of the Arenal Volcano area, you need a rental car or take an organized tour to get around. Sometimes, both.
On top of that, entrance fees to hanging bridges, hot springs, or other attractions are not cheap either.
And for some budget travelers, this might be a significant obstacle in the way and reason to visit some more budget-friendly places in Costa Rica.
Nevertheless, La Fortuna serves as a base for exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, and you can find nice accommodation there.
However, the best hotels and lodges such as Casa Torre Eco-Lodge or Casa Luna Hotel and Spa are located outside the town.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
