I didn’t expect Costa Rica to change how I travel, but it did. This country flipped my world upside down with its pura vida energy. Where else can you wake up to howler monkeys, chase waterfalls through rainforests, and end your day watching the sunset paint the Pacific gold?
After 3 visits over the years, let me share the most beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica that left me speechless. From the mist-covered peaks of Arenal Volcano to the wild beaches of the Osa Peninsula where toucans fly overhead, these 12 spots show why this slice of Central America is something else. The moment you spot your first sloth hanging in the jungle canopy, you’ll get it too.
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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Costa Rica
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Costa Rican adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to San José for just $150 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local sodas (small family restaurants) where a filling casado costs around 5,000 colones ($10). Visit the Central Market for fresh fruit and traditional snacks. Local bakeries sell affordable breakfast pastries and gallo pinto. Skip the restaurants in tourist towns like Tamarindo – they’re often three times the price!
- Transport: Use local buses (“buses públicos”) – they cost just 500-1,000 colones ($1-2) for city routes and are reliable. For intercity travel, companies like Tracopa and MEPE run comfortable buses between major destinations. Using local transport saves thousands of colones per trip.
Costa Rica is more expensive than most Central American countries, especially in tourist hotspots. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this beautiful country for much less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Costa Rica:
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Looking to visit the nicest spots in Central America? Costa Rica has got you covered. Here are all the best spots you should be aware of:
1. Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
- 📍 Location: Alajuela Province, northern Costa Rica
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure seekers 🧗, hot spring lovers 💦, volcano chasers 🌋
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Arenal 1968 Trail, soaking at Tabacón Hot Springs, wildlife spotting in the rainforest
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry trails and clear volcano views 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Los Lagos Spa & Resort – Family-friendly resort with hot springs and volcano views
Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic sights, with its perfect cone shape rising above the jungle. The nearby town of La Fortuna is the adventure hub of the north, offering easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and relaxing hot springs fed by the volcano’s geothermal energy.
The Arenal 1968 Trail gives you close-up views of old lava flows, while Tabacón and Ecotermales offer natural hot pools surrounded by tropical gardens. If you’re into wildlife, head out on a guided night walk to spot tree frogs, sloths, and colorful toucans hiding in the rainforest canopy.
La Fortuna also delivers serious thrills. You can try waterfall rappelling, ziplining through the forest, or horseback riding near the volcano’s base. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a balance of nature, adventure, and rest without needing to travel far between experiences.
2. Manuel Antonio National Park
- 📍 Location: Puntarenas Province, Central Pacific Coast
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife lovers 🦥, beachgoers 🏖️, casual hikers 👟
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Punta Catedral, relaxing at Manuel Antonio Beach, spotting monkeys and sloths
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry weather and peak wildlife viewing 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Jungle Beach Hotel – Cozy tropical escape near the park entrance and beach
Manuel Antonio National Park is a small but action-packed destination where the jungle meets the sea. It’s one of the best places in Costa Rica for wildlife, and you won’t need to search long before spotting monkeys, iguanas, and colorful birds along the trails.
The park is known for its scenic mix of rainforest and coastline. Punta Catedral offers a short hike with rewarding views, while Manuel Antonio Beach and Playa Espadilla Sur are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Pack snacks, water, and a towel, because you’ll want to stay a while.
Despite being popular, the park still feels wild. Early mornings are best if you want to avoid the crowds and catch animals at their most active. With its compact size, wide range of animals, and postcard beaches, this park is perfect for first-time visitors and nature fans alike.
New for 2026: You must book your entry ticket online at SINAC.go.cr at least 2 weeks in advance. They no longer sell tickets at the door, and scalpers outside charge 3x the price.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- 📍 Location: Puntarenas Province, Tilarán Mountains
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🐦, misty hikers 🌫️, nature photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Crossing suspension bridges, spotting the quetzal, joining a night wildlife tour
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for drier weather and clearer forest trails 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Belmar – Sustainable hilltop stay with panoramic views and forest access
Monteverde feels like stepping into a dream. The entire forest is often wrapped in clouds, creating a soft, green world filled with moss, orchids, and the sounds of distant birds. Every trail leads you deeper into an ecosystem that feels both alive and peaceful.
The best way to explore the cloud forest is by foot, especially on early morning hikes or canopy bridges that float above the treetops. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal or one of the many colorful hummingbirds darting through the mist.
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👉 Send me cheap 2026 flightsNighttime in Monteverde is just as magical. Guided night walks reveal a whole new side of the forest with glowing fungi, nocturnal animals, and sleeping birds. If you want a break from the heat and a deeper connection to Costa Rica’s wilder side, Monteverde is unforgettable.
4. Tamarindo
- 📍 Location: Guanacaste Province, Pacific Coast
- 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄, sunset chasers 🌅, social travelers 🍹
- 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing at Playa Tamarindo, cruising the coast by catamaran, exploring Las Baulas National Park
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for great waves and sunny beach days 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel – Relaxed upscale stay with direct beach access
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular surf towns, and it lives up to the hype. The waves here are consistent, the sunsets are unreal, and the laid-back vibe makes it easy to settle in. It’s the kind of place where you’ll meet people from around the world without trying too hard.
Surfing is a major draw, but Tamarindo offers more than just waves. You can hop on a catamaran to snorkel and spot sea turtles, book a sportfishing trip, or walk into the protected mangroves of Las Baulas National Park. The town also has tons of cafés and beach bars to wind down after a full day.
It’s a good base for those who want both adventure and comfort. Everything is close, the beach is always in reach, and the energy picks up after dark with live music and late-night food spots. If you want the surf and sunsets but crave a ‘dirt road, barefoot luxury’ vibe that is huge for 2026, head south to Nosara or Santa Teresa instead.
5. Tortuguero National Park
- 📍 Location: Limón Province, Caribbean Coast
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife lovers 🐢, boat adventurers 🚣, peaceful explorers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sea turtles nest, kayaking jungle canals, visiting Tortuguero Village
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to October for sea turtle nesting season 🐢
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mawamba Lodge – Riverside eco-lodge with guided canal tours and nature access
Tortuguero feels like Costa Rica’s version of the Amazon. You get around by boat instead of road, and the jungle wraps around you in every direction. The canals are calm and peaceful, filled with wildlife hiding just beyond the banks.
One of the highlights here is seeing endangered green sea turtles nesting on the beach at night. Local guides help protect the area and teach you about the turtles, making the experience feel respectful and meaningful. Kayaking through the smaller canals is also a great way to get close to birds, monkeys, and even caiman.
Tortuguero Village is car-free and full of local color. You’ll find fresh food, handmade crafts, and friendly locals who love to share stories. It’s a quiet, remote experience that feels far from the crowds and closer to Costa Rica’s wild, natural core.
6. Corcovado National Park
- 📍 Location: Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas Province
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife fans 🐾, serious hikers 🥾, off-grid travelers 🌴
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to San Pedrillo Waterfall, spotting scarlet macaws, walking the Sirena Station trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April for dry trails and better animal sightings 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Luna Lodge – Secluded eco-lodge near the park with guided wildlife hikes and ocean views
Corcovado is one of the wildest places in Costa Rica. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, this park protects massive stretches of untouched rainforest, beaches, and rare wildlife. It’s often called the most biologically intense place on Earth, and it truly feels that way once you’re inside.
You can reach the park by boat or small plane, and most visitors stay near Carate or Drake Bay. Hiking to ranger stations like Sirena or San Pedrillo is a full-on experience, with chances to see tapirs, monkeys, and even wild cats. Local guides are required and help you find animals you’d never spot alone.
The trails are long and the conditions are rugged, but the reward is next-level. This is where Costa Rica feels raw and real. If you want an adventure that pushes you and shows nature at its most powerful, Corcovado delivers.
7. Puerto Viejo and the South Caribbean Coast
- 📍 Location: Limón Province, Caribbean Coast
- 🏆 Best For: Beach cruisers 🚲, culture lovers 🎶, snorkelers 🐠
- 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling at Cahuita National Park, biking to Playa Cocles, enjoying Caribbean cuisine
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October for sunny days on the Caribbean side ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Banana Azul – Colorful beachfront escape with local charm and ocean views
Puerto Viejo brings a different flavor to Costa Rica. Located on the Caribbean side, this beach town is known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, vibrant music, and unique food scene. It feels laid-back and local, with reggae playing in beach bars and bikes replacing cars on quiet roads.
The coast is lined with wild beaches, from black-sand Playa Negra to golden Playa Punta Uva. You can snorkel the coral reefs of Cahuita, explore lush trails in the jungle, or just swing in a hammock while sipping fresh coconut water. The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming.
Food here is a standout, with flavors like jerk chicken, coconut rice and beans, and fried plantains. The people are friendly and proud of their roots. A chill beach trip with personality is exactly what Puerto Viejo delivers, offering something you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
8. Rincon de la Vieja National Park
- 📍 Location: Guanacaste Province, northwestern Costa Rica
- 🏆 Best For: Volcano lovers 🌋, adventure travelers 🧗, hot spring seekers 💧
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Las Pailas trail, soaking in natural hot springs, horseback riding to waterfalls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for clear skies and accessible trails 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hacienda Guachipelín – Rustic lodge with thermal springs and guided tours inside the park
Rincón de la Vieja is one of Costa Rica’s most exciting volcanic parks. The trails wind past steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and tropical waterfalls, giving visitors a close-up view of geothermal activity surrounded by dry forest and jungle.
One of the best hikes is Las Pailas, where you’ll pass volcanic craters and flowing rivers. The park is also home to hot springs that you can soak in after a long trek. Adventure lovers can zipline through the canopy, tube down rivers, or take a horseback ride into the forest.
Wildlife is part of the experience too. You might spot howler monkeys, toucans, or even coatis while walking the paths. It’s a great destination for people who want more than just a scenic view. With its dramatic landscapes and active adventures, Rincón de la Vieja is a highlight in northern Costa Rica.
- Read also: Where to Fly in Costa Rica
9. Guanacaste Province
- 📍 Location: Northwestern Costa Rica, Pacific Coast
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, surfers 🏄, sun seekers ☀️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing at Playa Grande, swimming at Playa Flamingo, visiting coastal towns like Tamarindo
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry days and consistent beach weather 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Gilded Iguana – Modern surf hotel with tropical gardens near Playa Guiones
Guanacaste is a top choice for anyone craving sun, waves, and a long stretch of coastline to explore. This province covers much of Costa Rica’s Pacific shore, with more than 200 kilometers of beaches and some of the most reliable weather in the country.
Towns like Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Playas del Coco make perfect beach bases with great food, nightlife, and easy access to the water. Inland, you’ll find dry forests, waterfalls, and national parks like Rincón de la Vieja, which adds variety to the surf-and-sand experience.
Sunsets in Guanacaste are unreal. Locals and visitors gather each night to watch the sky shift from gold to purple as the waves roll in. Whether you want surf lessons, quiet swimming spots, or busy beach bars, this region has the right mix of activity and calm.
- Read next: One Week in Costa Rica Itinerary
10. Ballena Marine National Park
- 📍 Location: South Pacific Coast near Uvita
- 🏆 Best For: Whale watchers 🐋, snorkelers 🤿, ocean lovers 🌊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the whale-tail sandbar at low tide, joining a whale-watching tour, snorkeling near coral reefs
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to October for southern humpback whale migration 🐳
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Vista Ballena Hotel – Cliffside eco-lodge with panoramic ocean views above Uvita
Ballena Marine National Park protects one of Costa Rica’s most stunning stretches of coastline. Its most iconic feature is a naturally shaped whale-tail sandbar that appears during low tide, creating a surreal spot to walk, take photos, or watch the waves roll in from both sides.
This area is also one of the best places in Central America to see humpback whales. They migrate here from both hemispheres, and local boat tours often get close enough for unforgettable encounters. Snorkeling is another highlight, with calm waters and coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
The nearby town of Uvita serves as the perfect gateway, offering eco-lodges, beach cafés, and quiet roads leading into the jungle. The park combines beautiful scenery with meaningful conservation, making it a favorite for travelers who want both nature and something a little magical.
11. Irazú Volcano National Park
- 📍 Location: Cartago Province, central Costa Rica
- 🏆 Best For: Volcano views 🌋, day trippers 🚗, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to the crater, viewing both oceans on a clear day, visiting nearby Cartago
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to March for cloud-free mornings and best visibility 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Grandpas Hotel – Charming hillside cabins near Cartago with views of the volcano
Irazú Volcano is Costa Rica’s tallest active volcano and a day trip favorite from San José. Its summit reaches over 11,000 feet, offering views of a massive crater filled with green water and, on rare days, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
The terrain is different from other parks in the country. Instead of dense rainforest, you’ll find volcanic ash, barren hills, and cool alpine air. A short paved path leads from the parking area to the main lookout, making it easy to access for all kinds of travelers.
Nearby, the city of Cartago has historic churches and peaceful cafés where you can refuel after a morning on the mountain. Irazú is perfect for travelers who want high-elevation views and a quick but scenic escape from the central valley.
- Read next: Costa Rica Hidden Gems
12. Rio Celeste (Tenorio Volcano National Park)
- 📍 Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park, Northern Highlands
- 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, hikers 🥾, nature lovers 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing the neon blue waterfall, hiking to “Los Teñideros,” spotting tapirs in the rainforest
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April (Dry season is mandatory; rain turns the blue river brown) ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel – Luxury bungalows tucked right into the rainforest near the park entrance
Rio Celeste is the definition of “unreal.” Local legend says that when God finished painting the sky, he washed his brushes in this river, turning it a vivid, electric blue. In reality, it’s a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals, but standing in front of that neon blue waterfall, the legend feels just as plausible.
The hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park is roughly 3.5 miles (roundtrip) and can get incredibly muddy, but the payoff is worth every step. The trail leads you past the iconic waterfall, thermal mud pits (“borbollones”), and finally to “Los Teñideros,” the magical spot where two clear rivers meet and instantly turn that signature turquoise shade. I highly recommend doing one of these tours: either the river tubing from La Fortuna or the full-day hike!
⚠️ 2026 Reality Check: Unlike some other waterfalls in Costa Rica, swimming is strictly prohibited inside the national park to preserve the ecosystem. Also, this park has exploded in popularity. You must book your entry tickets online via the SINAC website in advance, or you will be turned away at the gate. Arrive at 8AM sharp to beat the tour buses and have the blue lagoon to yourself!
- Read next: Best Costa Rica Spots for Digital Nomads
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
