Costa Rica is a beautiful country located in Central America which is best known for its volcanic mountains, lush forest, and mesmerizing landscapes. A country of hot sands, ripened coconuts, wildlife, and mountainous terrains, Costa Rica’s beauty is boundless. From peaks of volcanoes to visiting the cloud forests or enjoying the virgin beaches, you will be surprised to discover what Costa Rica has to offer. These are the best places to go in Costa Rica which one should not miss in this beautiful country. Whether you are a solo traveler or a group wondering where to go in Costa Rica, the following are the 15 best places to visit in Costa Rica.
Table of Contents
Best Places to Go in Costa Rica
1. Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is one of the most famous places in Costa Rica. This almost perfectly shaped volcano was one of the most active ones on the planet. Its activity has comparatively lowered in recent years. There are beautiful scenery around Arenal and many things to do in and around the region. Just nearby is a town La Fortuna, where tourists can relax in hot springs from the geothermal activity of the volcano or enjoy adventures like canopy tours, waterfall rappel, and river rafting. Hence, Arenal can be regarded as the best place to visit in Costa Rica for the adventurous natural world.
How to reach: Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. From there, it’s a 3-hour drive to La Fortuna, the nearest town to Arenal Volcano. You can rent a car, take a private shuttle,
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the best places to visit for those who like Costa Rican nature and wildlife. Situated at a great height from sea level, this is one of the most famous misty canopy forests and biodiverse areas. The chilly fog hovers around the forest which can be witnessed clearly when you take a tour of the canopy on a suspension bridge. It is one of the few habitats that support all six species of the cat family such as Jaguars, Pumas, Margays, Pcelots, Oncillas, and Jaguarundis. Monteverde makes it one of the best places to explore the beauty of Costa Rica.
How to reach: Fly into San José International Airport (SJO) and drive or take a shuttle for about 3.5 hours to Monteverde. Alternatively, you can fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) and take a 2.5-hour drive.
3. Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is the most visited national park among all the best places to visit in Costa Rica. It is a magical place where serene beaches and greenery of the forest come together perfectly and you can find a lot of species of flora and fauna. In addition to that this fourteen-hectare lagoon promotes endangered species as well as the marine environment. Visitors can expect to see monkeys, sloths, and different types of birds. Manuel Antonio has natural areas and easy trails for hiking witnessing breathtaking flora and fauna.
How to reach: The closest airport is Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP), which is 15 minutes from Manuel Antonio. You can also drive or take a shuttle from San José, which takes around 3 hours.
4. Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo Beach is on the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo offers you various activities such as boat safaris, surfing with great waves, plenty of dining options, and a vibrant nightlife. You can gaze at beautiful sunsets getting on the specific sunset cruise or you can just hop on the boat and go for a swim, snorkel, kayak, or even paddle boarding. This beach also provides you with ATV tours, you can also book a ziplining tour just outside of Tamarindo in addition to that Guachipelin Adventure combo tour is a highly-rated package for a full day of adventure that includes Ziplining, River Tubing, Horseback Riding, visiting volcanic mud bath, hot springs and many more.
How to Reach: Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) and drive about 1 hour to Tamarindo. Buses and shuttles are also available from Liberia or San José.
5. Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is also called the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica’. It is a unique destination that is known for its canals and observing turtle nesting sites. Unlike other national parks walking quietly isn’t necessary in fact the best way to observe this park is via boat. There are plenty of places to rent canoes and kayaks for a little adventure while watching nature. Some of the main attractions of Tortuguero are the Sea Green, Leatherback, and Hawksbill turtles that nest on the beaches of Tortuguero. If you are lucky you might be able to witness the newly hatched turtles race to the sea.
How to Reach: Fly into San José (SJO), then take a bus to La Pavona or Caño Blanco, followed by a boat ride to Tortuguero. Alternatively, you can take a short domestic flight from San José to Tortuguero.
6. Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is on the Osa Peninsula and is famous for its wildlife. It is probably one of the most popular tourist sites. The park offers adventures for those willing to hike, trail-blazing, and see wildlife encounters. The raw natural beauty of Corcovado is one of the world’s least explored rainforests.
How to reach: Fly into Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez from San José. From there, you can take a boat or arrange a guided tour to access the park.
7. La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful falls that is situated near the Arenal Volcano. The waterfall is about more than 200 feet long, falling into a clear pool of water. The visitors can trek down the stairs, and they can relax near the waterfall. Camping, taking photographs, and even having a picnic are allowed near the La Fortuna Waterfall. Located close to the Arenal, the park is becoming one of the favorite sites for tourists planning a volcanic and geothermally active nature of Costa Rica.
How to reach: Fly into San José (SJO) and drive about 3 hours to La Fortuna. You can also take a shuttle or bus service from San José or Liberia.
8. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located in the Caribbean and has a lush jungle, huge wildlife, and a very laid-back atmosphere. This exotic town is well-known for its reggae music and Caribbean food. People shop for local stuff, enjoy the nightlife, or take part in water-related activities like snorkeling and surfing.
How to reach: Fly into San José (SJO), then take a 4-hour bus or car ride to Puerto Viejo. Private shuttles or rental cars are other convenient options.
9. San José
San José is the capital of Costa Rica and is a rather large city with a booming population and full of history and culture. This city boasts on spring-like climate all around the year. This city is surrounded by majestic volcanos and green hills. World-class museums, Parks, Hotels, Theater, and Historic Buildings are some of its greatest attractions. The city has several eating joints and cultural attractions, including markets and artistic centers such as art galleries.
How to reach: Simply fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), as it is the main airport in the capital city.
10. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is one of the most famous parks with volcanoes and natural beauty. Tourists can also trek through the trails of the park from the tropical dry forest to the cloud forest and see some wildlife. Due to its geology featuring volcanic terrains hiking Rincón de la Vieja provides an excellent way of discovering more about the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
How to reach: Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR), and it’s about a 1-hour drive to the park. You can rent a car or take a shuttle.
11. Cahuita National Park
This park is situated on the Caribbean plain and offers a marvelous sight of beautiful corals and other marine attractions. The park has a good reputation for beautiful corals and different types of fish that can be seen in the water. It is also possible to take coastal trails through the tropical rainforest; the presence of monkeys and sloths is obligatory here. White sand beaches, turquoise blue sea, and diverse marine has to be one of the main attractions of Cahuita National Park.
How to reach: Fly into San José (SJO), then take a bus or car ride for about 4 hours to Cahuita on the Caribbean coast.
12. Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula is well-known for its amazing sandy coast and laid-back atmosphere. Areas such as Santa Teresa and Nosara are famous for their proper conditions for surfing as well as for practicing yoga. The peninsula has several towns and an attractive untouched coastline, which is more peaceful compared to most other tourist destinations. Some of the activities in which one may participate include surfing, yoga, shopping, and dining.
How to reach: Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) and drive 2-3 hours to reach destinations like Nosara or Santa Teresa. Ferries from Puntarenas to Paquera also provide access.
13. Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most isolated and remote rainforests of Costa Rica which also contains Corcovado National Park in its region. The views of untouched forests and several species of wildlife like the jaguar and the tapir. This Pristine Peninsula is bound on the northwest by Drake Bay. The area is home to varied species of animals and plants, making it a perfect holiday destination for nature lovers.
How to reach: Take a domestic flight from San José to Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay. You can also take a 5-6 hour drive from San José, but flying is quicker.
14. Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano is easy to reach as it is situated near San José and boasts one of the biggest volcanic craters in the world. Tourists can watch the constantly excreting volcanic crater, which has a small geothermal lake of acidic water. The Poás Volcano is easy enough to reach from the capital. It can be a perfect day trip that allows a glimpse of volcanic areas and the visitors can also appreciate the cultural manifestation of the communities surrounding the park such as Poasito, Fraijanes, and Varablanca.
How to reach: Fly into San José (SJO), and from there, it’s a 1-hour drive to Poás Volcano. You can take a rental car or a tour.
15. Dominical
Dominical is a tiny and quite relaxing beach village famous for surfing and gorgeous scenery. Dominical attracts surfers from all around the world. Apart from surfing Dominical offers golden beaches and is surrounded by rainforest. People can engage in eco-tourism like watching wildlife and visiting waterfalls close to the facility. Amazing beaches, and serene surroundings, with excellent waves, make Dominica the best place to visit in Costa Rica.
How to reach: Fly into Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP), then take a 45-minute drive to Dominical. It’s also a 3.5-hour drive from San José via the Costanera Highway.
| Average Weather in Costa Rica | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Avg. Temp. | Rainfall | Daylight Hours |
| January | 79 F | 0.3 inches | 11 hours |
| February | 80 F | 0.4 inches | 12 hours |
| March | 82 F | 0.5 inches | 12 hours |
| April | 83 F | 3.2 inches | 12 hours |
| May | 82 F | 10.5 inches | 13 hours |
| June | 81 F | 11.0 inches | 13 hours |
| July | 80 F | 7.2 inches | 13 hours |
| August | 81 F | 10.9 inches | 12 hours |
| September | 80 F | 14.0 inches | 12 hours |
| October | 80 F | 13.0 inches | 12 hours |
| November | 79 F | 5.3 inches | 12 hours |
| December | 78 F | 1.3 inches | 11 hours |
What to Pack
- If you’re going to the beach, pack your swimsuit, light clothes like tank tops, sundresses, sandals, and shorts. Bring a light long-sleeve shirt and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Costa Rica is near the equator, so don’t forget eco-friendly sunscreen. You’ll need it no matter where or when you visit. Also, pack eco-friendly bug spray. It’s better to bring these from home because they can be expensive in Costa Rica.
- For adventure activities like hiking and zip-lining, bring closed-toe shoes. If you plan to do things like white water rafting, swimming by waterfalls, or rappelling, pack water shoes too.
- Quick-dry pants are good for hiking and sports like horseback riding and zip-lining because shorts can be uncomfortable with harnesses or on horses.
- Always pack a rain jacket, even in the dry season. You might still get some rain.
- If you’re visiting San José, pack nice clothes for the city. Some restaurants and clubs there have dress codes, and you shouldn’t wear your beach clothes around town.
- If you’re going to higher places, like rainforests, it can get cold at night. Bring a sweatshirt or a fleece jacket for extra warmth. The green season can feel cooler, especially when it’s wet.
- A waterproof bag or cases for your phone and camera will help protect them from rain. Quick-dry clothes are also a good idea since the humidity is high.
Travel Tips
- Traveling during the green (rainy) season has some perks—there are fewer people, and hotels can be cheaper.
- Even in the green season, mornings are usually sunny, with rain in the afternoon. So, plan outdoor stuff for the morning, and always have a backup plan. Don’t forget your rain gear!
- It’s best to stay flexible and enjoy your trip. The rain helps keep the forests and wildlife so amazing!
- Some businesses may close in September and October because of heavy rains, so call ahead to check if they’re open.
- During the green months in the Central Valley and Pacific areas, the Caribbean and Northern Zone may have more sun. No matter when you visit Costa Rica, you can probably find sunny spots if you plan well.
Conclusion
These are the best places to go in Costa Rica that exemplify where to go in Costa Rica and what Costa Rica has to offer as a fantastic tourist attraction. Whether you are looking for a general tourist attraction in Costa Rica, or depending on a more extended list of places to visit in Costa Rica, each of them is memorable.
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