Small but remarkably varied, Costa Rica has a stunning mix of tall volcanoes, verdant jungles, immaculate beaches, and lots of animals. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this Central American gem is a refuge for adventure seekers, environmentalists, and leisure seekers both. Costa Rica has something for everyone whether your preferred activity is surfing gorgeous coasts, hiking through misty cloud forests, or seeing rare species in protected national parks. This is a must-visit country with great biodiversity, environmentally sustainable tourism, and welcoming “Pura Vida” way of life.
From the fiery terrain of Arenal Volcano to the energetic Caribbean culture of Puerto Viejo, this guide covers the best places to visit in Costa Rica, together with the best times to travel, how to get there, what to do, and the must-try local cuisine.
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So, let’s find out the best places to visit in Costa Rica
1. Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
Location: Northern Costa Rica, Alajuela Province
Among the most famous natural beauties in Costa Rica is Arenal Volcano. Rising above the hamlet of La Fortuna, this almost flawless conical volcano provides an amazing background for both leisure and adventure. Although the volcano is in a resting phase right now, its surrounds show hot springs, waterfalls, and rich woods bursting with life. With chances for zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and white-water rafting as well as a quiet haven for those wishing to relax in mineral-rich hot springs, Arenal appeals to thrill-seekers.
Best time to visit: December to April (dry season).
Pricing: Entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park costs $15 per person; hot springs range in price from $30 to $90 based on the resort; adventure trips go from $50 to $100.
Activities: Hiking around Arenal Volcano; Relaxing in natural hot springs; Zip-lining and canopy tours; Waterfall rappelling at La Fortuna Waterfall; White-water rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiquí River.
Transportation: Private shuttle.
Foods to Try: Try casado (rice, beans, plantains, salad, and protein); arroz con pollo (chicken and rice); fresh tropical fruit juices.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Location: Northwestern Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province
Visitors at Monteverde, a magical location where they can stroll across misty cloud forests hung in the heavens, can Hundreds of bird species, including the elusive dazzling quetzal, call this hub biodiversity. Through hanging bridges, canopy tours, and guided nighttime hikes, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Reserve offer an unmatched chance to investigate Costa Rica’s varied ecosystems. Visiting here emphasises the need of sustainability and conservation and offers an educational as well as an adventure.
Ideal Time to Visit is December through May (for drier weather).
Activities: Coffee and chocolate farm tours; hiking over the Cloud Forest Reserve; birdwatching—resplendent quetzal spotting; suspension bridge hikes.
Pricing: Entry to Cloud Forest Reserve costs $25 per person; guided night trips run $30 to $50; zip-lining trips run $50 to $80.
Transportation: By car it’s 3.5-hour trip from San José; By bus with indirect routes accessible from San José (~$10-$15); Shared shuttle – $50-$70 per person.
Foods to Try: Tamales; Gallo Pinto — a typical rice and bean breakfast; handcrafted cheese (Monteverde is renowned for dairy goods).
3. Manuel Antonio National Park
Location: Central Pacific Coast, Puntarenas Province
Though tiny in scale, Manuel Antonio National Park is bursting in natural beauty and plenty of species. Combining white-sand beaches, rich jungles, and a large population of capuchin monkeys, sloths, and vibrant toucans, this coastal treasure is Both nature enthusiasts and beachgoers will find the park a top choice since it provides a range of walking paths leading to panoramic views and private beaches. Manuel Antonio is the ideal mix of action and leisure since the adjacent town of Quepos offers first-rate hotels and restaurants.
Best time to visit: December to April is the ideal time to visit (dry season for best observation of the local fauna).
Activities: Kayaking over the neighbouring mangroves; swimming and snorkelling at the immaculate beaches; hiking throughout the park to see sloths and monkeys.
Pricing: Entrance to National Park is $18 per person; guided trips run between $30 and $60.
Transportation: Direct bus from San José ($8-$12); 3-hour drive from San José by automobile. Domestic flights from Quepos cost $80 to $150.
Foods to Try: Coconut flan; Patacones (fried green plantains); Ceviche—fresh fish cured in citrus juices.
4. Tamarindo – Costa Rica
Location: North Pacific Coast, Guanacaste Province
On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is an energetic beach town well-known for its golden beaches, first-rate surfing conditions, and active nightlife. Travellers wishing to tan, pick surf lessons, or engage in exciting ocean excursions such sport fishing and sailing will find it to be a perfect location. Beyond the beaches, Tamarindo is near Las Baulas National Marine Park, where guests may see leatherback sea turtles nesting. Tamarindo is the best coastal vacation whether your preferred activity is riding the surf or lounging at a beachside café.
December to April is the ideal visiting season for optimal surfing conditions.
Activities: ATV and Horseback Riding Tours; Surfing and Paddle boarding; Sunset sailing.
Pricing: Price ranges from $10 to $20 daily for surfboard rentals; $60 to $90 for sunset catamaran excursions; $50 to $80 for horseback riding.
Transportation: 4–5 hour travel from San José by automobile; Direct buses from San José ($10-15). Tamarindo Airport domestic flights cost $80 to $150.
Foods to Try: Batidos (fresh fruit smoothies), seafood tacos, Chifrijo—pork, beans, and rice dish.
5. Tortuguero National Park
Location: Northeastern Costa Rica, Limón Province
Because of its complex system of canals, rich forest, and many species, Tortuguero National Park is sometimes referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica.” The sea turtle nesting grounds of this far-off paradise on the Caribbean coast are most well-known, especially the threatened green sea turtles who deposit their eggs on its coast. The streams of the park present an amazing chance to see sloths, river otters, caimans, and hundreds of bird species. Perfect for those yearning raw nature and adventure, Tortuguero is reachable only by boat or plane.
Best time to visit: July to October(turtle hatching season).
Activities include birdwatching and jungle walks; turtle nesting trips; canoe and boat safaris.
Pricing: Entrance to National Park: $15 per person; boat trips range in cost from $25 to $50.
Transportation: boat 1-hour voyage from La Pavona or Moín; aircraft domestic from San José (~$80-$150).
Foods to Try: Caribbean-style seafood dishes; rice and beans using coconut milk.
6. Corcovado National Park
Location: Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas Province
Covering great rainforests, mangroves, and unspoiled beaches, Corcovado National Park is among the most biodiverse sites on Earth. Nestled on the Osa Peninsula, this tough paradise boasts dolphins, jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Because of its pure nature and unparalleled observations of species, Corcovado is sometimes referred to as the “crown gem” of Costa Rica’s national park system. A visit to Corcovado guarantees an amazing experience with nature at its most unspoiled, whether your trip is multi-day in the forest or boat trip along the shore.
Best time to visit: December to April(dry season).
Activities: Beach discovery; Wildlife walks; Snorkelling and Diving at Caño Island.
Pricing: $15 per person for the park entrance; Guided tours run $90–$150.
Transportation is by boat or plane from Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez.
Foods to Try: Pipa Fria—cold coconut water; Fresh seafood.
7. Puerto Viejo
Location: Limón Province, Caribbean Coast
Vibrant Caribbean hamlet Puerto Viejo de Talamanca boasts beautiful beaches, Afro-Caribbean history, and a laid-back vibe. Its reggae-oriented music, cuisine, and breathtaking coastline landscape are well-known. While environmentalists explore the Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, surfers swarm Puerto Viejo to ride the renowned Salsa Brava waves. Complete with great food, friendly residents, and some of the best beaches on the Caribbean coast, the town offers a distinctive cultural experience with its mix of Costa Rican and Jamaican influences.
Best times to visit: February to April; September to October
Activities include visiting Jaguar Rescue Centre, surfing at Playa Cocles, snorkelling in Cahuita National Park.
Pricing: Prices range for surf instruction from $30 to $50; bike rentals are $5 to $10 daily.
Transportation: 4.5-hour bus travel from San José ($12); 4-hour auto drive from San José.
Foods to Try: Jerk chicken; Rondón, Caribbean seafood stew.
