The best places to visit in Costa Rica

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN COSTA RICA

Top Destination

Discover La Fortuna, Monteverde, Guanacaste’s Gold Coast and other must-see destinations, where spectacular nature meets warm hospitality. Each place offers unique experiences: hot springs, hanging bridges, cloud forests, boat safaris and dreamy beaches. Start exploring the highlights below and connect them into a smooth itinerary.

Papagayo GulfBeach

Papagayo Gulf

Calm bays, snorkeling and upscale stays near Liberia’s easy airport access.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Tortuguero CanalsWildlife

Tortuguero Canals

Jungle canals, sea turtles (seasonal) and dawn boat tours through lush waterways.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Rincón de la ViejaVolcanoes & Adventure

Rincón de la Vieja

A thrilling combination of geothermal adventure, volcanic landscapes, and dry forest biodiversity in Guanacaste.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Sámara BeachBeach & Family

Sámara Beach

A welcoming coastal town offering tranquil waves for beginner surfers, estuary wildlife, and holistic wellness.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
San Gerardo de DotaCloud Forest & Birdwatching

San Gerardo de Dota

A serene, high-altitude cloud forest famous for crisp air, rushing rivers, and spotting the resplendent quetzal.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
San José & Central ValleyCulture & City

San José & Central Valley

The cultural heart of Costa Rica, offering world-class museums, historic theaters, and easy access to colonial towns and volcanoes.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Santa Teresa & Mal PaísSurf & Wellness

Santa Teresa & Mal País

A bohemian surf paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula, famous for consistent waves, world-class yoga, and breathtaking Pacific sunsets.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
SarapiquíRainforest & Rafting

Sarapiquí

A lush rainforest and river-rapids hotspot, perfect for white-water rafting, wildlife hikes, and ecological discovery.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Tamarindo BeachSurf & Sun

Tamarindo Beach

Costa Rica’s premier surf and sun destination, blending lively beach culture with top-tier water sports and upscale dining.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Tortuguero National ParkJungle & Canals

Tortuguero National Park

Costa Rica’s remote Amazon-like coastal rainforest, known for its dramatic canal system, prolific wildlife, and seasonal turtle nesting.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Turrialba & Pacuare RiverVolcanoes & Rapids

Turrialba & Pacuare River

Combine volcanic highland scenery and world-class white-water rafting for the perfect adventure getaway.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »

Alternative Destination

If the Arenal–La Fortuna region is busy, diversify your route with lesser–known destinations, where spectacular nature meets authentic communities. These alternatives pair beautifully with Arenal or stand alone for slow travel days.

Tour TitleCertified

Tour Title

Quieter trails, authentic towns and eco-lodges off the main circuit—great for slow travel.

ARTICLE/TOUR TITLECertified

ARTICLE/TOUR TITLE

Swap crowds for wildlife-rich wetlands, blue rivers or rustic beach hamlets nearby.

Beaches

With 1,200+ kilometers of shoreline spanning different climates, Costa Rica’s beaches vary widely—from the tranquil coves in the Papagayo Gulf to the expansive surf of Tamarindo. Pick based on sea conditions, access and the type of vibe you want for your trip.

Playa ConchalBeach

Playa Conchal

Shimmering shell sands and calm water—great for families and snorkeling days.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Tamarindo BayBeach

Tamarindo Bay

Surf breaks, sunset catamarans and a lively dining scene on the Gold Coast.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Papagayo BaysBeach

Papagayo Bays

Protected coves for kayaking and snorkeling, minutes from LIR airport.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »
Playa GrandeBeach

Playa Grande

Part of Las Baulas National Park—turtle nesting (seasonal) and uncrowded sands.

Guide • 3 min readExplore »

National Parks

Costa Rica is a world leader in conservation, with more than a quarter of the country protected as national parks or reserves. Our favorite parks offer easy day hikes, wildlife-rich wetlands, scenic volcano lookouts and ranger-led trails—perfect to add to your itinerary.

Tour TitleCategory

Tour Title

Lush trails, wildlife sightings and steaming vents around Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes.

ARTICLE/TOUR TITLECategory

ARTICLE/TOUR TITLE

Best parks for birding, lava fields and cloud-forest lookouts—plus how to plan your visit.

Contact

Contact US

Please feel free to contact us… We will be happy to help you with your vacations in Costa Rica

TripAdvisor Best of the Best 2023