You finally decided to take that dream trip to Costa Rica you’ve been planning for years. With dense rainforests, stunning beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, this natural paradise is calling your name. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the happiest countries on Earth. Pack your bags, grab your passport, and let the journey begin to the best Places to Visit in Costa Rica!
There are so many amazing Places to Visit in Costa Rica, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top 7 spots you simply can’t miss. From secluded beaches and jungle waterfalls to active volcanoes and world-class surfing, Costa Rica offers something for every wanderlust spirit. Wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys, zip line through the treetops, and spot exotic birds, sloths, and turtles in their natural habitat. Adventure is out there – what are you waiting for? This is the trip of a lifetime and the perfect chance to reconnect with nature. Pura vida!
Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
One of the must-see Places to Visit in Costa Rica is the magnificent Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs. This natural wonder will fill you with excitement and wonder!
- The Arenal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Seeing the lava flow down the mountain at night is a spectacular sight you’ll never forget! During the day, you can hike through the lush rainforest surrounding the volcano and spot exotic wildlife.
- After hiking, soak your tired muscles in one of the many natural hot springs in the area. The mineral-rich waters are warm, soothing, and rejuvenating. Some resorts even have water slides for an extra thrill! My favorite hot springs are Tabacon Hot Springs Spa, with dozens of pools of varying temperatures scattered throughout the rainforest. Pure bliss!
- Other activities around Arenal include ziplining, whitewater rafting, kayaking, bird watching, and horseback riding. There’s so much to experience in this adventurous area, you’ll want to stay for at least 3-4 days. The charming town of La Fortuna, with many budget-friendly hotels and restaurants, makes a perfect base for exploring the region.
A trip to Arenal Volcano and the hot springs is a must for any bucket list. The combination of stunning scenery, exciting activities, and a chance to relax in therapeutic hot springs makes this one of the most unforgettable Places to Visit in Costa Rica. What are you waiting for? Start planning your thrilling getaway today!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
You simply can’t miss visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, one of the most stunning natural wonders in Costa Rica! This lush forest is teeming with life and adventure.
- Zipline through the misty canopy on an exhilarating canopy tour. Glide high above the forest floor, taking in breathtaking views of the cloud forest and spotting wildlife along the way. Your heart will race with excitement!
- Explore the hanging bridges walkway, a network of 8 suspension bridges high up in the forest canopy. This is a fantastic way to get an up-close look at the colorful birds, monkeys, sloths and orchids that call the cloud forest home.
- Go on a guided night tour to discover the forest’s nocturnal inhabitants like owls, frogs, tarantulas and bats. Who knows what creatures you might encounter in the dark!
- Hike one of the many trails to spot exotic birds, like the resplendent quetzal, or rare wildlife like the Baird’s tapir. With over 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds, you’ll want to keep your camera ready!
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a natural wonderland teeming with life, adventure and discovery around every corner. Whether ziplining through the misty canopy, spotting colorful birds from the hanging bridges or hiking through the dense forest, this is a place you’ll never forget. Add the Monteverde Cloud Forest to your bucket list of Places to Visit in Costa Rica today – your inner explorer will thank you!
Manuel Antonio National Park
A Natural Wonderland
Manuel Antonio National Park is an absolute must-see destination among the Places to Visit in Costa Rica. This lush rainforest paradise will fill you with delight at every turn! Over 100 inches of rain each year have created a verdant emerald jungle teeming with wildlife.
Prepare to spot sloths snoozing in the treetops, troops of squirrel monkeys swinging through the canopy, and colorful toucans with their oversized beaks. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar! The park is also home to over 100 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Talk about a nature lover’s dream come true!
Pristine Beaches Galore
In between adventures in the jungle, cool off at one of the park’s picture-perfect beaches. Manuel Antonio boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica, with soft white sand and turquoise blue waters. Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear – the snorkeling here is world-class! You’ll be swimming with schools of tropical fish in no time.
For beach bums, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing. If seclusion is what you seek, hike to the more remote Playa Puerto Escondido or Playa Punta Catedral. Their unspoiled beauty will leave you in awe.
An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Playground
Whether you’re an avid hiker, snorkeler or wildlife watcher, Manuel Antonio National Park has an adventure for you. Over 6 miles of hiking trails wind through the rainforest, leading to scenic vistas and isolated beaches. Go beach hopping by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The park offers ranger-guided tours, night tours and canopy tours for the ultimate eco experience.
With all its natural splendor and opportunities for outdoor recreation in a gorgeous setting, Manuel Antonio National Park deserves a top spot on your bucket list. An unforgettable trip to this Costa Rican wonderland will fill your heart and camera with cherished memories to last a lifetime. Pura vida!
Corcovado National Park
A Natural Wonderland Awaits
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, and Corcovado National Park is the crown jewel. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this should be at the very top of your bucket list! Covering one-third of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado protects the largest remaining tract of tropical rainforest in Central America. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Jurassic Park, with lush greenery as far as the eye can see.
Once you arrive, get ready for adventure! There are dozens of hiking trails to explore, ranging from easy nature walks to multi-day treks. Spot exotic wildlife in their natural habitat, like scarlet macaws, tapirs, and four species of monkeys. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar! The park is also home to the largest concentration of flora and fauna in the country. Discover new species of birds, reptiles and amphibians around every turn.
The coastal areas offer pristine beaches where sea turtles nest, as well as opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking and sport fishing. Camp under the stars and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. It’s a totally immersive experience you’ll never forget.
A few tips for your trek:
•Hire a guide. The trails can be difficult to navigate alone and a guide will help you spot more wildlife.
•Pack essentials only. You’ll be carrying everything in and out, so keep it lightweight.
•Bring rain protection. Corcovado gets over 6,000 mm of rain per year, so be prepared for wet weather.
•Wear proper hiking attire. The terrain varies from beaches to mountainous rainforest, so sturdy shoes, quick-dry clothes and bug spray are must-haves.
•Book tours in advance. Access to the park is tightly regulated, so reserve spots for tours, camping, and lodging ahead of your trip.
An adventure in Corcovado National Park will create lifelong memories. Discover this natural wonderland and experience Costa Rica at its finest. The wild beauty will leave you in awe and longing to return again someday. This is one place you’ll never forget!
Tortuguero National Park
A Natural Wonderland
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, and Tortuguero National Park is the crown jewel. This secluded region in the northeastern corner of the country is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Jurassic Park, with lush rainforests, winding rivers, and wildlife around every turn.
Once you arrive by boat or plane, the adventure begins. There are no roads in Tortuguero, so you get around by walking, biking or boating the canals. Everywhere you look, you’ll spot birds, monkeys, sloths, caimans and more in their natural habitat. With over 400 bird species, it’s a prime spot for bird watching. You might catch a glimpse of the rare green macaw or a colorful keel-billed toucan.
The main attraction is the sea turtles. Tortuguero means “place of turtles” in Spanish, and thousands of green sea turtles nest here every year. Witnessing the egg laying and hatching of baby turtles is a breathtaking experience you’ll never forget. The park also protects manatees, crocodiles and jaguars.
Whether you stay at an eco-lodge in the jungle or camp on the beach, Tortuguero offers an authentic adventure into one of the most pristine rainforests on the planet. Some tips for your trip:
•The rainy season from May to November is the best time to spot wildlife, though it will be very wet! The dry season offers more sunshine if you want to avoid the rain.
•Take a boat tour of the canals to see the most wildlife. Guides know the best spots to find animals in their habitat.
•Watch for sea turtles nesting at night, especially from July to October. But don’t use flashlights or touch the turtles.
•Explore the hiking trails to spot monkeys, sloths and exotic birds. The trails around the national park entrance and your lodge are usually very lush.
•Bring rain jackets, hiking boots, binoculars, mosquito repellant and a camera with a long zoom lens.
•Relax in a hammock and unplug from the world. Tortuguero is a place to immerse yourself in nature.
Tortuguero National Park is a natural wonderland you have to experience at least once. Let your inner explorer out and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Poas Volcano National Park
A Natural Wonderland Awaits
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, and Poas Volcano National Park showcases some of the country’s most stunning natural beauty. Nestled in the Central Valley, this scenic park is home to lush rainforest, stunning waterfalls, and an active volcano. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this ecological wonderland!
Once inside the park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life jungle. Lush green rainforest surrounds the winding road leading up to the volcano, with massive trees, colorful flowers, and exotic birds at every turn. The main attraction is the massive Poas Volcano, one of the world’s largest active craters. At over a mile wide, the sight of this bubbling cauldron will leave you in awe. Billowing smoke and the acrid smell of sulfur fill the air, a reminder of the power churning below.
For the best view, hike to the crater lookout point. The trail winds through dwarf cloud forest, with gnarled trees cloaked in moss and mist. You might spot the rare resplendent quetzal or a troop of spider monkeys swinging through the canopy. At the top, the sight of the teal-colored crater lake, nearly 2,000 feet deep, will take your breath away.
Other must-sees include:
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a series of five scenic waterfalls surrounded by hiking trails.
- The park’s visitor center, with exhibits on the area’s natural history, geology, and wildlife.
- One of the many scenic picnic areas, perfect for a relaxing lunch with a view.
Whether you spend a few hours or a whole day exploring, Poas Volcano National Park will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Costa Rica’s natural beauty is on full display here, with wonders around every turn. Add this ecological gem to your bucket list—you won’t regret it!
Rio Celeste at Tenorio Volcano National Park
A Turquoise Wonderland
Costa Rica is a natural paradise filled with rainforests, beaches and wildlife, but one of the most spectacular sights is Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The vibrant blue waters of Rio Celeste are a must-see bucket list destination.
As you hike through the lush rainforest, the sound of rushing water fills your ears. Rounding a corner, an incredible turquoise river comes into view – it’s as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale! The intense blue color is caused by aluminum sulfate and other minerals in the water. In the sunlight, the turquoise literally glows.
There are two stunning waterfalls along the trail. The first is Rio Celeste Waterfall, a mystical cascade of bright blue water plummeting into a pool below. The second is the Teñideros, where two rivers of different colors – one blue and one clear – merge in a swirl of turquoise. It’s a natural wonder and photographer’s paradise!
- Wear hiking boots and be prepared to get wet – you’ll want to swim in the tempting blue waters!
- The park is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Admission fees apply.
- It’s best visited in the dry season from December to April when the river is most vibrant.
- You can see Rio Celeste on a day trip from La Fortuna or Liberia.
- There are basic amenities and accommodation within the park if you want to stay overnight.
Rio Celeste is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Costa Rica. The stunning blue waters and verdant rainforest scenery will leave you in awe. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica, visiting Rio Celeste should be at the top of your list! This natural wonder is waiting to be explored.
La Fortuna Waterfall
A Thundering Waterfall Nestled in the Rainforest
One of the top must-see spots in Costa Rica is the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall. Located in the northern region, this thundering cascade plunges over 230 feet into a misty pool surrounded by lush rainforest. The hike down to the base of the falls is filled with photo ops of colorful birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.
Once you arrive at the falls, the power and beauty will take your breath away! Feel the energy in the air as millions of gallons of water crash onto the rocks below. On a hot day, take a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off and soak in the peaceful ambiance. For the adventurous, you can even go cliff jumping from spots around 15 to 25 feet high. Just be very careful, as the rocks can be slippery.
After visiting the falls, explore the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park, home to the still-active Arenal Volcano. Hike one of the many trails to spot wildlife like sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys in their native habitat. Or check out the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a series of suspension bridges high up in the forest canopy. At night, you may even see the bright red lava flows down the side of the volcano!
A trip to La Fortuna Waterfall should be at the top of your Costa Rica bucket list. The raw power of nature, opportunities for adventure, and abundance of wildlife will create memories to last a lifetime. Some tips for your visit:
• Wear sturdy shoes with good traction for the hike down to the falls. It can get muddy and slippery.
• Bring a waterproof camera or case. You’ll want to capture the waterfall up close!
• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the falls. There are no food options once you hike down.
• Go early, around 8 am. The falls tend to get crowded, especially in high season.
• There is an entrance fee of around $15 USD per person. The hike takes 20-30 minutes round trip.
Let the call of the wild lead you to discover the wonders of La Fortuna Waterfall! An exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget.
Places to Visit in Costa Rica FAQ: Planning Your Adventure
Costa Rica is a natural wonderland filled with rainforests, beaches, and wildlife. If you’re planning an adventure to this eco-paradise, here are some must-see places you simply can’t miss!
Arenal Volcano
This active volcano is one of the most popular attractions in Costa Rica. You can hike through lush rainforest trails, spot wildlife like sloths and toucans, and soak in natural hot springs heated by the volcano. The best views are from Arenal Observatory Lodge, where you might even see lava flows and eruptions at night!
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Explore one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. This misty, mountainous cloud forest is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 2,500 plant species. You can walk along suspension bridges, zip line through the canopy, and spot the rare resplendent quetzal.
Manuel Antonio National Park
This stunning park on the Pacific coast combines rainforest, beaches and wildlife. You might see sloths, monkeys, iguanas and over 100 species of birds. The pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing.
Tortuguero National Park
Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” this park protects rainforests, wetlands and beaches that sea turtles use as nesting grounds. You can only access the park by boat or plane, so it remains largely undeveloped. Go on jungle hikes, canoe rides and nighttime turtle tours.
Poás Volcano
At Poás Volcano, you can peer right into an active crater over a mile wide and 1,000 feet deep! It’s one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world. The hike to the crater rim passes through cloud forest with stunning views. You might spot toucans, hummingbirds or the rare resplendent quetzal.
Costa Rica offers natural wonders around every turn. With rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and wildlife galore, you’ll never run out of adventures in this eco-paradise. Start planning your trip and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!
Conclusion
You’ve now discovered some of the most amazing Places to Visit in Costa Rica including stunning natural and cultural wonders Costa Rica has to offer. From misty cloud forests to smoldering volcanoes, this tiny country is packed with an array of landscapes and adventures unlike anywhere else. What are you waiting for? Start planning your Costa Rican getaway today and experience the pura vida lifestyle for yourself. With so much beauty around every corner, your bucket list trip to Costa Rica will create memories to last a lifetime. Don’t forget your camera – and sense of wonder! The colorful wildlife, rushing rivers, and vibrant culture are calling your name. Costa Rica awaits, so go discover your own personal paradise in this eco-friendly escape. The only question now is, where will your Costa Rican adventure begin?
