Did you know Costa Rica represents just 0.03% of the Earth’s surface but contains nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity? This tiny Central American country is truly a natural wonder waiting to be explored! Costa Rica tourism offers something special for every type of traveler.
Costa Rica’s breathtaking volcanoes, elusive quetzals, and pristine beaches await travelers seeking unforgettable experiences! The country’s incredible biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and warm local culture make it clear why Costa Rica travel has skyrocketed in popularity.
Below, I’ll walk you through the 15 absolute best places to visit in costa rica that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. From misty cloud forests to sun-drenched beaches, these destinations showcase why Costa Rica’s motto “Pura Vida” (pure life) perfectly captures the essence of this magical country!
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
When it comes to must do in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park offers a perfect wildlife paradise! This stunning coastal gem combines pristine white-sand beaches with lush rainforest teeming with animals.
Within minutes of entering, you’ll spot capuchin monkeys swinging overhead and sloths hiding in the trees. The beaches within the park feature crystal-clear waters ideal for cooling off after wildlife spotting.
For the best experience, arrive by 7am to beat both crowds and midday heat. Manuel Antonio delivers the quintessential Costa Rica things to do in one compact location.
2. Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal’s perfectly conical volcano creates one of the most dramatic backdrops in Central America! This iconic landmark dominates the landscape and provides endless photo opportunities.
Explore fascinating hiking trails through old lava fields and lush rainforest teeming with wildlife. The highlight of vacationing in Costa Rica near Arenal is soaking in natural hot springs with volcano views.
La Fortuna town serves as the perfect adventure base with options for every budget. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the best places in Costa Rica for combining nature and relaxation.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde’s mystical cloud forest offers the most unique things to do costa rica has for nature lovers! These misty mountain ecosystems provide a completely different experience than the mountain landscapes you’d encounter in places to visit in Tennessee, with both regions offering their own distinct natural beauty as you walk through forests where clouds literally pass through the trees.
Cross spectacular hanging bridges suspended high in the canopy for eye-level views of treetop wildlife. Thrill-seekers can soar across the forest on ziplines for an adrenaline-packed perspective.
Don’t miss the night tour when 80% of the forest’s wildlife awakens! Seeing glowing fungi, sleeping birds and active nocturnal creatures creates unforgettable memories.
4. Tortuguero National Park
The “Amazon of Costa Rica” is accessible only by boat or plane, creating a true wilderness experience! Tortuguero’s main attraction is witnessing sea turtles nesting on midnight beaches (July-October).
Glide through serpentine canals on boat tours for incredible wildlife encounters at every turn. Spot caimans gliding silently, howler monkeys creating jungle symphonies, and toucans flashing through the canopy.
Tortuguero village offers authentic Afro-Caribbean culture rarely seen elsewhere when visiting Costa Rica. Sample coconut-infused seafood dishes for a taste of this unique coastal region.
5. Tamarindo
Tamarindo blends perfect beaches with vibrant energy in Guanacaste Province! This stunning coastline rivals even the famous beaches you’ll find in places to visit in Mexico, but with a distinctly Costa Rican flavor that makes it one of the best places to go in Costa Rica for combining surfing with lively nightlife.
Catch waves suitable for every skill level from beginner to expert on Tamarindo’s golden shores. After surfing, join sunset catamaran cruises where you might spot dolphins and sea turtles.
Enjoy the bustling main street with international restaurants, boutique shops, and beachfront bars. Experience magical Pacific sunsets while dining with your toes literally in the sand.
6. Corcovado National Park
National Geographic called Corcovado “the most biologically intense place on Earth” for good reason! This wild park represents the ultimate destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Encounter all four Costa Rican monkey species plus opportunities to spot rarely seen animals like tapirs and jaguars. The park combines pristine rainforest, cloud forest, mangroves, and completely undeveloped beaches.
Walk along deserted shores where scarlet macaws fly overhead and tapir tracks dot the sand. This raw wilderness experience epitomizes what travel costa rica should be about.
7. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa has transformed from sleepy fishing village to bohemian beach paradise! This Nicoya Peninsula gem attracts a perfect blend of surfers, yogis, and travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Enjoy a stunning stretch of white sand with consistent waves and breathtaking sunsets daily. Santa Teresa surprisingly offers one of the best vacation spots in Costa Rica for foodies with farm-to-table restaurants.
Start your day with beachfront yoga as the sun rises over the peninsula. The laid-back yet sophisticated vibe makes Santa Teresa perfect for those seeking both relaxation and vibrant energy.
8. La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna’s magnificent 230-foot waterfall creates one of Costa Rica’s most impressive natural spectacles! The powerful cascade plunges into a stunning emerald pool surrounded by pristine rainforest.
Descend 500 steps through lush jungle filled with butterflies and tropical birds. Reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear pool beneath this thundering natural wonder.
Arrive before 8am for the magical experience of having this paradise almost to yourself. La Fortuna Waterfall represents what to see in Costa Rica at its most spectacular.
9. Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Step into an otherworldly landscape at Rincon de la Vieja with its bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles! The dramatic volcanic terrain creates vistas reminiscent of the red rock formations found in places to visit in Utah, yet with a tropical twist that feels like walking on another planet.
Marvel at how wildlife thrives alongside geothermal features in this harsh environment. Spot monkeys, coatis and tropical birds against the backdrop of volcanic vents.
Adventure seekers can combine volcano visits with nearby river tubing, waterfall rappelling, and horseback riding. These diverse experiences make it one of the best places to visit Costa Rica for those seeking unique thrills.
10. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Experience a completely different Costa Rica on the Caribbean coast with reggae rhythms and vibrant culture! Puerto Viejo blends Afro-Caribbean, indigenous and expat influences into a unique cultural melting pot.
Explore beaches with distinct personalities, Cocles for surfing, Punta Uva for snorkeling, and Manzanillo for pristine nature. The laid-back atmosphere provides a perfect counterpoint to the Pacific coast.
Sample Caribbean-infused cuisine with coconut, ginger and spices unlike anywhere else in the country. Puerto Viejo offers where to go in Costa Rica for those seeking cultural diversity beyond beaches.
11. Dominical
Dominical perfectly balances serious surf culture with untamed natural beauty! This South Pacific gem maintains authentic charm with dirt roads and a distinctly bohemian atmosphere.
Powerful waves attract dedicated surfers while nearby Nauyaca Waterfall offers one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular double-tiered cascades. Experience both ocean and jungle adventures from one perfect base.
Join the nightly beach sunset ritual where locals and travelers gather to celebrate another perfect day. Dominical exemplifies best things to do in Costa Rica for those seeking authenticity without crowds.
12. Samara
Samara offers the perfect family-friendly beach experience with gentle waves in a protected bay! This Nicoya Peninsula gem provides safe swimming conditions thanks to an offshore coral reef.
Parents love the relaxed atmosphere while kids enjoy building sandcastles on the wide, gradual beach. Samara ranks among the best places to travel in Costa Rica for multi-generational trips.
Experience authentic Costa Rican community where locals and visitors genuinely mix. The twice-weekly farmers market showcases local produce, crafts and live music in a truly local atmosphere.
13. Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park delivers the perfect Caribbean triple threat, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife-rich forests! The flat, easy coastal trail makes wildlife viewing accessible for all fitness levels.
Spot monkeys swinging through trees directly over golden beaches where swimming is encouraged. Unlike most protected areas, Cahuita operates on a donation basis rather than charging entrance fees.
Snorkel Costa Rica’s largest coral reef system with over 35 species of coral and 123 fish species. Cahuita represents costa rica places to visit at their most accessible and diverse.
14. Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste’s surreal turquoise-blue water looks photoshopped but is completely natural! This stunning phenomenon occurs when two rivers merge, creating a chemical reaction that produces the electric blue color.
Hike through pristine rainforest to discover the “teñidero“, the exact spot where clear water magically transforms to blue. Continue to a stunning waterfall, bubbling hot springs, and viewpoints along well-maintained trails.
Visit on sunny mornings when the celestial blue color appears most vivid and otherworldly. Rio Celeste represents one of the most magical costa rica destinations for nature photographers.
15. Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park
Uvita’s claim to fame is the perfect whale-tail sandbar that emerges during low tide! This natural phenomenon creates Costa Rica’s most unique beach formation and spectacular aerial views.
Experience the longest whale-watching season in the world as humpbacks from both hemispheres visit these protected waters. This makes it one of the best places in Costa Rica for guaranteed whale sightings during migration periods.
Enjoy Uvita’s perfect balance of development and nature with eco-minded accommodations and restaurants. The area’s waterfall-filled mountains and pristine beaches create the ideal combination for nature lovers.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica packs extraordinary biodiversity into a country smaller than West Virginia! From misty cloud forests to palm-fringed beaches, these 15 Costa Rica destinations deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences for every type of traveler.
The best part of Costa Rica to visit depends entirely on your interests, wildlife enthusiasts should prioritize Corcovado, adventure seekers will love Arenal, while beach lovers might never leave the Pacific coast. No matter your preference, you’ll find perfect spots among these destinations.
Looking for more travel inspiration? With so many amazing destinations around the world, your next adventure is always waiting!
Whatever things to do in Costa Rica you choose, prepare to be transformed by this remarkable country where “Pura Vida” isn’t just a saying, it’s a way of life that might just follow you home! ¡Pura Vida!
