Best places to visit in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, nestled in the heart of Central America, might just be one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Despite its modest size, the country offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored. But which attractions should you see in Costa Rica?

We’ve gathered 9 of the best places to visit on a tour to Costa Rica.

What is Costa Rica known for?

Costa Rica is especially known for its natural beauty and wildlife, which awe anyone who chooses to tour here. It stands as one of the world’s leading eco-tourism destinations, where you can witness both wild rainforests, national parks, and rare species up close. Plus, it’s fantastic to experience Costa Rica with children.

With around 500,000 species, Costa Rica represents more than 5% of the planet’s biodiversity – even though Costa Rica covers only about 0.03% of the earth’s surface.

Costa Rica makes a massive effort to protect its rich animal and plant life. As a result, more than 25% of the country’s area is dedicated to national parks and reserves, making it the country that allocates the largest portion of its territory to nature protection.

It’s therefore no surprise that many of Costa Rica’s greatest attractions involve nature and wildlife.

Monteverde Cloud Forest – one of Costa Rica’s top attractions

Amidst Costa Rica’s lush mountains, you’ll find the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Known as the “Forest in the Clouds,” it’s enveloped in a thick mist, creating an enchanting and mystical landscape. Here, where the fog moves along the branches and blankets the ground with a layer of moisture, you’ll discover an undisturbed oasis of biodiversity, where exotic birds, fascinating plants, and captivating wildlife thrive.

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most popular attractions, offering something for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a bit more excitement.

On a guided hike through the rainforest, you can experience the forest from above as you walk across the hanging bridges in the treetops. For those who fancy a thrill, we recommend a ziplining adventure where you’ll soar over the gorges and lush landscape via cables strung between the trees.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Visit the scenic Manuel Antonio National Park, where lush rainforest meets white sandy beaches with the rolling, turquoise sea.

Although Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s smallest, it attracts many visitors thanks to its rich wildlife and is one of the world’s most species-rich national parks. You might catch sight of some of the many colourful birds, such as toucans and hummingbirds, or spot one of the park’s four monkey species: squirrel monkeys, white-headed capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys.

Explore the forest on your own by following the marked trails or visit Manuel Antonio with a guide, who will provide surprising insights about the park’s fascinating wildlife and plant life.

Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica is home to a total of 112 volcanic sites, including both active areas and craters that have previously erupted. This makes the country an impressive destination for volcano enthusiasts.

One of the most popular volcanoes is the Arenal Volcano, which graces the landscape in the northern part of Costa Rica. Until 2010, it was Costa Rica’s most active volcano, intermittently spewing hot lava. After erupting for more than 40 years, the volcano is now in its resting phase. However, according to scientists, it remains active.

Although it’s currently not possible to witness its lava activity, Arenal Volcano, with its majestic presence and beautiful nature, remains an impressive sight. You can explore it on a guided hike where you’ll gain insight into its fascinating history, followed by a leisurely break in one of the town’s hot springs, where the water is naturally heated by the seismic activity beneath the ground. If you’re after more excitement, you can opt for a cycling tour and enjoy the stunning landscape around Lake Arenal, where you also have the chance to take a refreshing dip.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a charming town located at the foot of the impressive Arenal Volcano and surrounded by tropical rainforests. Here, you have the chance to explore the town at your own pace, allowing you to choose whether you’d like to embark on an adventure or take things easy.

If adventure is your thing, the town is the starting point for a variety of exciting activities, including river rafting on the rushing rivers or exploring fascinating underground caves. If relaxation is more your style, indulge in the steaming hot springs and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that the surrounding nature offers.

You can also visit the town’s captivating waterfall of the same name, fed by the Tenorio River and winding through the rainforest before it cascades 70 metres into a crystal-clear lagoon.

San José – Costa Rica’s capital

San José may not be the world’s most famous capital, but its lively atmosphere and numerous cultural experiences make it worth a visit.

In the city, which has been Costa Rica’s capital since the 19th century, you’ll find a wealth of museums where you can delve into the country’s history. For example, drop by the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, Costa Rica’s national museum. Here, you can marvel at intriguing archaeological collections.

Additionally, San José boasts many historic buildings that testify to Costa Rica’s proud cultural heritage. Visit, for instance, the beautiful Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, the national theatre, which hosts a wide array of performances and tours every year. The theatre’s elegant architecture and rich history make it an essential stop for anyone wanting to learn more about the city’s past.

If your day is all about shopping, there’s plenty of opportunity for that in the capital. Visit Mercado Central – the largest market in the city, operating since 1880. Sip a cup of Costa Rican coffee at one of the cafés or shop for local handicrafts in one of the over 200 stalls.

Playa Sámara

Surrounded by palm trees and azure beaches on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, you’ll find the small, cosy coastal town of Playa Sámara. Look forward to relaxing in idyllic surroundings, whether by taking a refreshing swim in the warm waves or feeling the sand between your toes on a leisurely stroll along the beach.

If you wish to combine your beach days with a bit of adventure, the area offers a variety of activities such as a kayak trip to the small island of Chora, where you can experience the fascinating underwater life, or a boat trip to meet playful dolphins.

You can also wander down the town’s dusty main street and take in the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere while discovering cosy cafés, unique shops, and local bars where you can enjoy a drink under the warm sun.

Corcovado National Park

With its diverse nature and rich wildlife, it’s no surprise that Corcovado National Park is known as the jewel in the crown of Costa Rica’s national parks.

The park, which covers about 3% of Costa Rica’s total area, has been hailed as one of the most ‘biologically intense’ places on earth by National Geographic. Here, more than 50% of Costa Rica’s animal and plant species reside, showcasing the area’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Together with a skilled guide, you can take a hike through the lush rainforest, where green leaves cover the landscape and lianas dangle from tall trees. Here, you can encounter fascinating wildlife such as monkeys, tapirs, sloths, anteaters, and with a bit of luck, jaguars and pumas.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park, located in the northeast of the country, is one of Costa Rica’s most renowned parks. The park spans an impressive area of approximately 77,000 hectares, including a variety of ecosystems such as dense tropical rainforests, mysterious mangrove forests, long sandy beaches, and marine areas teeming with rich marine life.

You can spot many different animals in Tortuguero, including iguanas, sloths, caimans, tapirs, and several types of monkeys, such as spider, howler, and capuchin monkeys. However, Tortuguero is arguably most famous for its sea turtles.

Tortuguero is internationally recognised for being the western hemisphere’s largest nesting ground for green sea turtles. If you wish to witness these unique turtles, Tortuguero National Park is the perfect place to visit, especially between July and October. During this period, thousands of turtles flock to the protected beaches to lay their eggs, which hatch 60 days later – between September and October – and begin their journey into the sea.

Rincon de la Vieja

A lesser-visited, yet pristine national park in northwestern Costa Rica is Rincon de la Vieja. What makes this national park particularly unique is its volcanic landscape, with striking rock formations and steep slopes bearing witness to the geothermal forces beneath the ground.

You can explore Rincón de la Vieja on a hike through the park, where you’ll marvel at tropical forests with beautiful waterfalls and exciting wildlife including monkeys, coatis, and many tropical birds.

The park’s main attraction, the 1,895-metre-high, active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, which lends the park its name, serves as a powerful reminder of the area’s volcanic origins. The strong geothermal activity can be observed throughout the park in the form of fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud.

Ready to explore Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers a multitude of places just waiting to be discovered. When you choose to tour with TourCompass, we ensure that you experience some of the best places and must-see attractions.

Take a closer look at our tours to Costa Rica and find the one that suits your desires.

Not sure which tour to choose? Contact our travel specialists who are ready to assist you in making the most of your visit to Costa Rica.

One thing is for certain: in Costa Rica, unforgettable experiences are guaranteed!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller