Top 8 Destinations to Explore in Costa Rica

Boasting a rich and diverse culture alongside breathtaking natural landscapes, Costa Rica is a top choice on many travelers' itineraries, giving a glimpse of what paradise truly looks like.

Are you an adventure seeker craving an adrenaline rush? Hike through lush rainforests to active volcanoes. Or, if you need to unwind in stunning surroundings, choose from countless beautiful beaches dotting the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, each one a treasure.

Costa Rica’s motto, pura vida – pure life – reflects its ethos, with a quarter of its land designated as national parks and reserves teeming with wildlife amidst pristine nature. With so much to explore, where do you begin? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight must-visit places in Costa Rica.

1. La Fortuna

Top Destination for Outdoor Enthusiasts

The iconic cone of Volcán Arenal towers over La Fortuna. Though it captivated visitors with eruptions until 2010, climbing to its summit is now prohibited.

You can still experience its rugged lower slopes by hiking the Las Coladas trail, one of many unforgettable routes in Volcán Arenal National Park, located about 7km (10.5 miles) west of La Fortuna.

Venture down to the stunning waterfall, cascading through lush foliage into a crystal-clear pool, or explore the muddy depths of the Venado Caves on an exhilarating spelunking tour.

In the vicinity of Volcán Arenal National Park, you’ll find horseback riding, mountain biking, rappelling, and ziplining, as well as kayaking and windsurfing on Lake Arenal. The area's natural hot springs provide a perfect way to relax after all those adventures.

2. Osa Peninsula

Ideal Spot for Adventurous Travelers

The untamed and secluded Osa Peninsula is a paradise of rainforests, rivers, and mangroves, surrounded by unspoiled beaches.

Awaken to a symphony of chirps, calls, and the deep growls of howler monkeys. Observe spider monkeys showcasing their acrobatic skills in the treetops, while scarlet macaws squawk and groom themselves. This is just a typical morning in Parque Nacional Corcovado, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

The crystal-clear waters of Bahía Drake are inhabited by humpback whales and dolphins, serving as the gateway for diving and snorkeling excursions to the vibrant marine area of Isla del Caño.

Planning tip: The whale season typically spans from December to April and from July to October.

3. Monteverde

Premier destination for birdwatching, butterflies, and cloud forest canopy tours

Nestled away from Costa Rica’s sun-drenched beaches and humid rainforests, Monteverde’s mist-covered cloud forest reserves rise high along the country’s mountainous backbone. This area is a global hotspot for biodiversity, showcasing an astonishing variety of plant and animal life.

At Curi-Cancha – a former cattle ranch transformed into a private reserve – trails meander through primary, secondary, and open forests teeming with vibrant hummingbirds and boisterous toucans. Keep an eye out for the aptly named resplendent quetzal, with its striking green and red feathers and long tail – they are more visible during their mating season from March to June.

For a bird’s-eye perspective of the forest, experience the thrill of a zipline ride, gliding swiftly above the canopy – Sky Trek Monteverde features an automatic braking system, perfect for children and nervous adults.

Planning tip: Embark on a guided night walk to uncover a different aspect of the forest, where nocturnal creatures like sloths, snakes, and kinkajous become active, accompanied by the chorus of frogs.

4. The Nicoya Peninsula

Top destination for sand and surf

Renowned for its picture-perfect beaches and ideal Pacific waves, Nicoya offers options for surfers of every skill level.

Wildlife is also abundant: just north of the lively town of Tamarindo, Grande Beach – located within Las Baulas National Marine Park – serves as a nesting ground for leatherback turtles from October to March.

Some of the peninsula's top sandy spots include the wonderfully secluded Playa Barrigona and Sámara, favored by both locals and tourists for their calm, safe waters, perfect for beginner surfers. Further down, the off-the-beaten-path, jungle-fringed town of Santa Teresa – a longtime secret among savvy surfers – has transformed into a trendy hotspot filled with chic cafes, sushi bars, and boutique shops.

Representing the essence of pura vida, Nicoya is recognized as one of the world's five Blue Zones, where people enjoy longer lifespans due to their healthy lifestyles and breathtaking environment.

Planning tip: The surf season in Nicoya is from December to April; many surf schools close during the rainy months from August to November.

5. The Caribbean Coast

Top spot for turtle watching

Along Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, the waterlogged forest of Parque Nacional Tortuguero is often referred to as a mini Amazon. This region boasts 400 species of birds and serves as a nesting haven for green sea turtles from July to October. Keep an eye out for manatees, caimans, and crocodiles while navigating its narrow waterways by boat or kayak.

To the south lies the small Parque Nacional Cahuita along with its namesake village, which safeguards coastal rainforest, coral reefs, and unspoiled beaches. Further down, the relaxed town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the Caribbean Coast's most developed beach destination, known for its Afro-Caribbean atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

The quieter village of Manzanillo is located within the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, where you can snorkel in the reefs, kayak through mangroves, and trek along rainforest paths. Cycle 4 km (2.5 miles) to unwind on the beautiful palm-lined beach at Punta Uva – don’t forget to rise early for a breathtaking sunrise.

6. Manuel Antonio National Park

Best spot for close encounters with wildlife

With stunning volcanic-sand beaches and dense rainforest, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s smallest yet one of its most frequented national parks. Walking its well-marked trails is a great way to observe wildlife, though be prepared for company.

Look out for a black spiny-tailed iguana resting near the entrance, lively squirrel monkeys darting through the trees, or raccoons on the prowl for food. With a guide, you might even see a tiny, colorful poison dart frog or a sleepy three-toed sloth.

Planning tip: Arrive at the park before 10am to steer clear of tour groups and heat—it's open from 7am and closed on Tuesdays.

7. The Central Valley

Best destination for volcanoes, coffee, and rafting

Nestled in the center of the country, the Central Valley includes the cities of San José, Heredia, Cartago, and Alajuela, as well as three active volcanoes. Irazú, the highest in Costa Rica, offers views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts on clear days. Turrialba is the most active volcano, while at Poás, you can gaze into its vast craters—one bubbling with sulfurous mud and the other featuring a beautiful lagoon.

Near Poás, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens showcases a variety of natural attractions and hosts Costa Rica’s largest animal sanctuary. The town of Turrialba serves as the gateway for exhilarating white-water rafting on the breathtaking Pacuare River, known for its thrilling rapids.

Don't miss the chance to tour an organic coffee finca like Finca Rosa Blanca, where you can observe the process of coffee bean harvesting, drying, and roasting, followed by a delightful cupping session.

8. San José

Best spot for museums and nightlife

Don't skip the urban scene: San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, is a must-visit.

Explore an impressive collection of gold at the Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática, or marvel at the Museo de Jade, home to the largest pre-Columbian jade collection in the world. You can also admire the stunning architecture of the Teatro Nacional.

The lively Mercado Central is ideal for finding souvenirs, while the trendy Barrio Escalante serves as the city's culinary hub, offering farm-to-table dishes and local craft beers – don't forget the organic coffee for the next morning.

Tip for planning: If you're looking to explore multiple museums, consider purchasing a three-museum pass that includes access to the Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática, Museo de Jade, and Museo Nacional for great savings.