The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Costa Rica combines a lively culture with stunning natural landscapes, making it one of Central America’s most thrilling destinations. You can trek through cloud forests, enjoy geothermal springs and unwind on tropical beaches. Whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife or relaxation, there’s something for everyone.

1. La Fortuna

You’ll see the peaks of two volcanoes towering over green farmland and rainforest from almost any point in town. You can book zipline tours, walk across hanging bridges and go whitewater rafting in rivers fed by mountain streams. Hiking around the active Arenal Volcano or rappelling down waterfalls adds more excitement.

Thermal waters from Arenal’s geothermal activity run through various resorts. Some offer private pools, while others welcome day guests with many soaking areas. These springs make La Fortuna ideal for balancing thrill and relaxation.

• Location: Northern Highlands
• Best time to visit: December to April
• Activities on offer: Hot springs, ziplining, volcano hikes

2. Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula ranks among the most biologically rich places on Earth. Roughly 2.5% of the planet’s territorial biodiversity lives here, including half the species native to Costa Rica. Rainforests, mangroves and hidden beaches characterize the landscape. In Osa, you’ll find the Corcovado National Park, which has been a beacon of land conservation since 1975. You might spot jaguars, tapirs or scarlet macaws while trekking remote trails.

Puerto Jiménez offers access to eco-lodges and tours into the park. You can enjoy snorkeling around Caño Island, hiking along coastal paths or bird-watching from a jungle lodge.

• Location: Southwestern Costa Rica
• Best time to visit: December to April
• Activities on offer: Wildlife tours, snorkeling, jungle hikes

3. San José

San José, Costa Rica’s capital, blends history with modern energy. Though many travelers pass through quickly, the city offers cultural depth. Many museums — like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the National Theater — highlight Costa Rica’s artistic side.

Stroll Avenida Central for street food and shopping or explore Barrio Escalante’s growing food scene. Coffee lovers can tour local roasters to understand Costa Rica’s bean-to-cup story. As a home base for your trip, San José will connect you with both coasts and nearby volcanoes.

• Location: Central Valley
• Best time to visit: Mid-December to April
• Activities on offer: Museums, coffee tours, shopping

4. Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of the country’s most beloved beach towns, including Santa Teresa, Nosara and Montezuma. Though the roads can be bumpy, you’ll find incredible sunsets, tide pools and laid-back cafés.

Nosara offers yoga retreats and turtle nesting sites, while Santa Teresa features consistent surf and boutique stays. You can spend your days beach-hopping or hiking to hidden waterfalls. The setting attracts surfers, yogis and wellness travelers. It’s one of several places in Costa Rica that offer life-changing travel experiences thanks to its nature-focused, slow-paced rhythm.

• Location: Northwestern Pacific Coast
• Best time to visit: December to April
• Activities on offer: Surfing, yoga, turtle watching

5. Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica ranks among the world’s most biodiverse nations, as you’ll appreciate when visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. It combines lush jungle paths with pristine white-sand beaches. Within the park, the Savegre Biosphere Reserve safeguards marine and coastal habitats.

The park’s gentle trails allow you to see sloths, monkeys and tropical birds. After hiking, you can unwind at Playa Manuel Antonio or swim near the coves. This balance of nature and convenience draws families and solo travelers alike.

• Location: Central Pacific Coast
• Best time to visit: December to April
• Activities on offer: Beach hikes, wildlife spotting, swimming

6. Monteverde

Monteverde draws nature lovers from around the world. More than 100,000 travelers visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve each year. You can enjoy bird-watching among towering trees, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Suspension bridges and canopy walks let you move through the forest at treetop level. You may see hummingbirds, orchids or even elusive quetzals. Though the area feels remote, Monteverde’s eco-lodges and restaurants make it comfortable.Alongside other top things to do in Costa Rica, this area consistently ranks high for anyone seeking meaningful nature encounters.

• Location: North central Costa Rica
• Best time to visit: December to April
• Activities on offer: Canopy walks, bird-watching, hiking

7. Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park, on the Caribbean coast, is accessible only by boat or plane. Its remote setting protects a mosaic of canals, lagoons and tropical rainforest. Gliding through the waterways on a guided boat tour, you can spot caimans, monkeys and toucans moving through the dense vegetation.

The park also safeguards critical nesting grounds for green, loggerhead, hawksbill and giant leatherback turtles. Though green turtles remain endangered, Tortuguero offers a haven where approximately 30,000 females return annually to lay their eggs. This sanctuary is vital in preserving their reproductive cycle.

• Location: Northeastern Caribbean Coast
• Best time to visit: July to October
• Activities on offer: Boat tours, turtle watching, wildlife safaris

8. Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park is in northern Costa Rica. Its main attraction — the Río Celeste — is famous for its electric-blue water. This phenomenon occurs due to a unique combination of chemical and biological processes when the rivers Quebrada Agria and Río Buenavista meet.

You can hike through the forest to reach the waterfall, river and thermal hot springs. Though the trail can get muddy, the views make the effort worthwhile. Wildlife sightings include monkeys, poison dart frogs and tropical birds.

• Location: Northern Costa Rica
• Best time to visit: December to April
• Activities on offer: Hiking, hot springs, bird-watching

9. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

This destination features reggae vibes, vibrant colors and a strong Afro-Caribbean identity. The town attracts surfers, backpackers and food lovers.

You can bike along the coast to reach Playa Cocles, Punta Uva or Manzanillo. Sloths and howler monkeys often appear near the road. Local sodas and restaurants serve coconut-infused dishes that reflect the region’s culture.

• Location: Southern Caribbean Coast
• Best time to visit: February to April
• Activities on offer: Hiking, snorkeling, surfing

Plan Your Costa Rican Journey With Purpose

Costa Rica offers a unique mix of jungle, volcanoes and coastlines. Each region provides a distinct experience, whether you hike through Monteverde or unwind in Nicoya. Though you’ll enjoy modern comforts, wildlife remains a central draw thanks to the country’s impressive commitment to conservation. Popular destinations can get crowded, but even touristy towns offer quiet corners. You’ll return home with new stories, deeper connections and maybe a bit of “pura vida” in your step.