Costa Rica has been blessed with more than its fair share of natural beauty for such a small country. It is dotted with sublime beaches and tropical national parks.
It’s an excellent destination for visitors, but choosing where to visit can be challenging. From my many trips to this unique country, here are my favorite places…
1. Playa Uvita
Just south of Marino Ballena National Park, which regularly sees whales, is the stunning sandbar known as the Whale’s Tail at Playa Uvita.
When the tide is low, a sandbar extends like a whale tail-shaped peninsula into the ocean. The town has plenty of bars and restaurants and is an excellent place for whale watching during the mating season.
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting the most beautiful waterfall in the country, Nauyaca Waterfall, I loved the natural swimming pools at the base.
- Watching the sun go down over the ocean at Uvita Beach and admiring the sky as it turns orange and pink.
- Taking a beginner’s surfing lesson at Bodhi Surf school.
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2. Arenal Volcano
For travelers who want to visit a real volcano with little chance of hazardous geothermic activity, Arenal Volcano is the place to go.
This once highly active volcano ceased its continual eruptions in 2010. Previously, Arenal Volcano was known as one of the most active volcano experiences in the country, attracting visitors for continuous explosions since 1968.
Although most activity has ceased, it could resume in months or years. Apart from the volcano, the area is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers that adventure-seeking tourists can explore.
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the surrounding area filled with lush greenery and unique old lava flow.
- Discovering the largest lake in the country, Lake Arenal and going paddleboarding.
- Walking to get the best views of the volcano by taking the trail along the hanging bridges.
3. Territorio De Zaguates (aka doggy paradise)
This wonderful place has now reached legendary status, especially among kind-hearted visitors! Sadly, the country’s stray dog problem is relatively severe, and this place was set up to help a handful of them. This wonderful dog sanctuary is called “The Land of a Thousand Strays.”
It is the largest no-kill facility in Costa Rica, home to over 1300 dogs. If you are an avid dog lover or looking for another dog for your furry compadre to play with, the facility allows visitors to come to play with the dogs, go for playful hikes, and even bring their dogs along for playdates!
I highly recommend this place for something very different to do on your trip!
- Find out more about how to visit the Land of the Thousand Strays
My personal highlights
- Enjoying a fun hike with the dogs along the beautiful terrain and capturing film footage that my Instagram followers loved!
- Learning about the sanctuary from the friendly owners.
4. Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is consistently listed as the best wilderness beach in the country. The undeveloped, jungle-surrounded beaches are stunning with white sand and blue-green water.
Wildlife spotting is accessible here. Monkeys and lizards often cover the beach; during mating season, you can see dolphins and whales offshore.
A visit to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio should not be missed. This park is open Tuesdays through Sundays throughout the year, but visitors claim the best time to visit is during the dry season of December through April.
The park offers fantastic hiking opportunities and allows visitors to enjoy the grandeur of the seas. Bring your camera and a few snacks for the journey, but as with all national parks, carry everything to minimize your impact on the wildlife.
A helpful hint: Admission to the park is $16 for adults, and children under 12 are free. However, many vendors along the road to the park will try to sell you admission tickets and tours.
They will look official but are not affiliated with the park. Please do not fall for their tricks. Pay at the park’s entrance at the end of the road.
My favorite highlights…
- Taking a dip in the clear turquoise-colored waters.
- Taking a guided tour around the stunning park.
- Going kayaking through the mangrove forest and enjoying the tranquil sounds of the jungle.
5. Playa Samara
Beach life is given in this country, and Playa Samara is the place to go when in Guanacaste. Playa Samara is not your typical beach.
Its laid-back atmosphere contributes to substantially longer lives for its residents than in other parts of the country. The people here are accepting; they enjoy the journey of experiencing life.
Excellent food and fun water activities such as snorkeling and diving are common here. Your quintessential beach experience awaits at Playa Samara.
Located on the southern Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste, visitors here also love organic food, yoga, surfing, wild horses, friendly people, and the laid-back bohemian vibe.
My highlights…
- Sipping on a signature cocktail at the beach club and watching the sunset.
- Going snorkelling and seeing beautiful colored fish.
- Joining a morning yoga session on the beach!
6. Santa Teresa
Avid surfers from around the world know Santa Teresa. It is among the most famous surfer meccas in the world, and the atmosphere of Santa Teresa depicts this laid-back personality.
The landscape includes not merely beaches but beautiful rainforests to explore. Snorkeling, surfing, bird watching, and hiking are among the best activities to do in Santa Teresa, and rest assured, there is a photo op around every corner!
My favorite highlights…
- Wandering through the bohemian village filled with ice-cream cafes, shopping boutiques and fantastic restaurants.
- Dancing the night away at a beach party, this is when the surfers and travelers all come out to play!
- Trying surfing again, the rough waves made this a fantastic surfing spot!
7. Monteverde Cloud Forest
There is a reason Monteverde is one of the most tourist-frequented places in the country: it is unbelievably beautiful.
Beautiful national parks with undisturbed cloud forests, hundreds of species of birds, epic views, and volcanoes make it an eco-lover’s dream.
The outdoor activities here are endless, including hikes through the cloud forest, bird watching where you can spot the endangered Quetzal, canopy tours, walking across a suspension bridge, touring butterfly gardens, and simply relaxing and enjoying nature from the quaint town of Santa Elena.
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the forest with an interesting guided nighttime tour.
- Going hiking and discovering the suspended bridges amongst the magnificent scenic nature.
- Capturing some breathtaking Instagrammable shots and footage!
8. Isla del Coco
This area is a mecca for experienced divers from around the world. Located south of the mainland, Isla del Coco is teeming with marine life, including white-tipped sharks and hammerheads.
The shimmering waters of this island, also known as Coco Island, offer the opportunity to explore ancient caves and even allow you to see caves and rock etchings by those who have traveled before you. On land, you will also notice a lot of pigs roaming around the island.
My favorite highlights…
- Going on a scuba diving excursion, the marine life was so colorful!
- Exploring the interesting caves and forests.
- Hiking to the waterfall and dipping in the waters at the base of it.
9. Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The white sand beach is made of millions of crushed seashells, and I love how it glows in pink and white shades. The water is clear and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and boating.
It may be on the Pacific Coast, but the water and sand will fool you into thinking you’re on the Caribbean. The nearby towns of Playa Brasilito and Playa Flamingo have hotels and accommodations. In my opinion, this is also a great family-friendly destination.
My highlights…
- Relaxing to the sound of the waves whilst having a massage on the white shell shores.
- Hiring a jet ski and having fun out on the bright blue waters.
- Walking the entire stretch of the beach and admiring the colors.
10. Tortuguero
Across the country on the Caribbean is the mangrove forest and turtle nesting site of Tortuguero. This is one of the most diverse parks in the country, with canals, beaches, and marshland.
You can rent kayaks or canoes and explore the wetlands, spotting various wildlife, such as caymans, birds, and crocodiles. This area is most famous for its turtle hatching on the beach at night.
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the canals, rivers and lagoons on a guided boat tour.
- Having a unique fine dining experience at the Katonga Floating Restaurant.
- Taking a walk along the beach’s soft sand, which was a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
11. Montezuma
This is a wonderful gem located in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s mostly known for its long sandy beach, surrounding jungle, and coves.
There’s also a popular surf beach in the area, Romelia Wildlife Reserve, a turtle sanctuary and hatchery, and even Montezuma Waterfall, comprising cascades and natural pools.
It’s a laid-back place with a hippie beach town vibe, where visitors can spend their days kicking back and enjoying the sea, sun, and sand!
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting the epic Montezuma Waterfalls which was just stunning!
- Enjoying live music at Cafe Restaurant Organico.
- Checking out the organic Saturday market and sampling the produce.
12. Corcovado National Park
National Geographic named the Osa Peninsula the most intense place on earth in terms of biodiversity. Corcovado National Park is truly undisturbed wilderness, particularly surrounding the La Sirena River.
The beaches are wild and stunning, with sharks and crocodiles swimming in the river mouth.
Animals like pumas, peccaries, monkeys, and tapirs live in the jungle and are sighted often. Old-growth trees and gorgeous flowers are everywhere. This park truly embodies the pure jungle beauty of this country!
My favorite highlights…
- Taking a scenic boat ride to the arrive at the park.
- Booking an overnight stay in the jungle.
- Hiking the designated trails to explore through the beautiful trees and flowers.
13. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
The Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is on the far south Caribbean coast next to Panama. Its gorgeous hidden beaches are perfect for snorkelling when the sun shines, and the sea becomes flat. Surfers love it during storms and big swells.
The golden sand and turquoise ocean are distinctly Caribbean. If you go deep enough, the jungle is filled with incredible animals, including howler monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.
My personal highlights…
- Going snorkelling, the water was so clear!
- Taking a stroll along the golden sand shores which were lined with dreamy coconut palms and almond trees!
- Seeing the super cute sloths!
14. Isla Tortuga
Isla Tortuga is exactly what it sounds like. It is an island which is home to a unique community of turtles. Turtle Island is the common name for this relaxing, unspoiled atmosphere.
Visitors can choose from several tour opportunities and activities such as scuba diving, canopy tours, and hiking. Still, many tourists choose to relax on the beach and enjoy the quiet simply.
Isla Tortuga can only be reached by boat, and it will take approximately one hour to reach its sandy shores.
My favorite highlights…
- Taking a guided sea kayaking excursion. It’s more challenging work to paddle than on a lake, but the scenery made it worth it!
- Dining out on a BBQ on the beach, the combination of great food and views was divine!
- Picking up a souvenir from the cute shops which lined the shore.
15. Poas Volcano
Arenal may be the most popular active volcano in the country, but Poas, just an hour outside of San Jose, is one of the most beautiful places in the country.
In the center of the main volcano crater is a blue-green lake that emits bubbles and smoke.
The park surrounding the volcano is dense with wildlife, clouds, and rainforests. On a clear day, the volcano’s top can be seen from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
My favorite highlights…
- Capturing Insta-worthy shots of the unique, vibrant lake!
- Seeing the gorgeous views that stretch across the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on a clear day.
- Exploring out the nearby lush rainforests on a guided tour.
16. Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is not in the center of town. It is an area that is perfectly off the beaten path. This hidden gem is approximately 90 minutes from San Jose, but you must walk awhile. Bajos del Toro, however, is truly worth the walk.
It is a private reserve full of stunning waterfalls and unique pools. If you want to enjoy the water in a tropical setting and take epic pictures of your journey, Bajos del Toro delivers perfectly.
My highlights…
- Visiting one of the coldest waterfalls in the country, Blue Falls!
- Hiking along the Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco which was filled with color and stunning scenery!
- Having a go at canyoning.
17. Tamarindo Beach
This beach is known for surfing, but many choose to kick back and stay for a while. Located in the Guanacaste province, it started as a small village and has now grown into one of the most popular places to visit in the Central American country.
It’s a long and pretty sandy beach with fantastic waves. However, there can be a strong current, so caution is advised if you’re a newbie surfer. If you fancy a try, hotels in the area can set you up with a nearby water sports rental.
My favorite highlights…
- Watching the surfers, this area is known to have some of the best breaks in the world.
- Exploring on a private ATV tour, the scenic forests, rivers and countryside were really photogenic!
- Soaring through the air on a zipline at Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks.
18. Rio de Celeste
With glowing milky blue waters, I personally think it’s easy to understand why the Rio de Celeste is so loved!
Inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio de Celeste gets its opalescent hue from the volcano’s sulfur and calcium carbonate mix. Enjoy the river by playing in the waterfall or soaking in the hot springs.
My personal highlights…
- Chilling out in the gorgeous hot springs
- Taking a refreshing dip in the base of the waterfall.
- Taking Instaworthy photos!
19. Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Have you ever wanted to see an active volcano up close? Many people find this notion exciting, and you can get your volcanic fix in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
The park is known for high levels of geothermic activity, and hiking up Rincon de la Vieja, an active volcano, is a remarkable experience.
Geothermic studies are common in the area, and if you have ever wanted to learn about volcanic activity, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is an excellent resource. It is not all about education but offers some insanely beautiful photo ops, as waterfalls are a fantastic attraction in this area.
My highlights…
- Hiking up to the active volcano, the panormanic views were incredible!
- Swimming and relaxing in the stunning blue hot springs, a natural outdoor spa.
- Going river tubing!
20. Playa Ostional
Located in one of the best beach towns in the country, this is one of the most incredible sights! It is the arribada of hundreds of thousands of leatherback turtles on the beaches of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.
The week before the new moon, hundreds to hundreds of thousands of female turtles come onto the shore at night to lay their eggs.
When the eggs hatch several weeks later, participants come to the beach to protect them from dogs and vultures as they return to the sea.
My favorite highlights…
- Taking a walk before breakfast and listening to the sounds of nature in the forest.
- Booking a sunset catamaran tour which included swimming and snorkelling before watching the sunset.
- Dining al fresco at El Manglar Restaurant.
21. San José
San José is the capital and largest city, with a population of over 350,000. Although it’s known for its majestic volcanoes and green hills, San José also offers various attractions.
San José is split into neighborhoods that are called barrios. One of the most iconic is Barrio Amón, where you can explore a crucial part of the city’s history. It’s also a place where you can visit one of the most magnificent architectural sites in the country.
The downtown part, El Centro, also has a blend of businesses and cultural centers. You will find anything from retail shops to world-class museums.
My personal highlights
- Visiting the historic tourist site of Winchester Mystery House which was filled with stories.
- Strolling through the 6-acres of the beautifully prepared Japanese Friendship Garden.
- Being inspired by the fascinating exhibits at the Tech Museum of Innovation.
Great post! Costa Rica is definitely on my bucket list! Especially to see all the wildlife in their natural habitats!
Really great post, Costa Rica is also mine one of the most favorite place.
Costa Rica is undoubtedly a paradise, a world to discover and a place to be impressed by its unique flora and fauna and its beautiful people.
Some great spots you mentioned but I want to add in a lesser known spot. It’s a private reserve called Rancho Naturalista. It is one of the finest spots in Costa Rica for bird watching. Over 400 species of birds can be found here and the scenery is simply spectacular with views of the smoking Turrialba volcano. It is a magnet for photographers and nature lovers. I think this spot is worth mentioning and should make any list of top places in Costa Rica.
Great post! Costa Rica is definitely on my bucket list! Especially to see all the wildlife in their natural habitats!
Right now I’m doing most of my travels from the comfort of my home as my travels budget has gone down to zero after I bought a new apartment. Costa Rica is on my list of places to visit and it looks amazing, regardless of the photo you’re looking at. The beaches, the perfect blue waters, everything is calling me to book the next flight to Costa Rica.
I want to see a sloth in Costa Rica, they look so cute!
Wow what a beautiful looking country, would love to visit one day!
Costa Rica is a place that has escaped so far on my Latin America journey. This just moved it up the list!
Pleased to have inspired you, hope you make it there soon!
Amazing photos of the Monteverde Cloud Forest!
Hey guys – love the Playa Uvita’s Whale Tail. Doesn’t even seem real!
Frank (bbqboy)
Rio Celeste is one of my favorite places we’ve been to date – the water is so incredibly blue!
As always, such amazing photos! I would love to have seen a sloth up close during my trip, but in Monteverde they were hiding pretty well. Now I know where to look the next time I’m there!
I think the sloths are a very popular part of a trip to Costa Rica 🙂
We’ve heard that Manuel Antonio National Park is quite special – with a mix of beach and wildlife, it sounds right up our alley :-). And we’d love to see the howler monkeys in the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge…
One of the highlights of the two months we spent in Costa Rica was watching the Pacific Black Sea Turtle nest on a beach near Tamarindo. We spent time on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica as well as in central portion and have to agree – Costa Rica is truly a treasure for anyone who appreciates nature’s beauty!
Oh wow what an amazing place , that’s next years holiday sorted.
Really great post, Costa Rica is also mine one of the most favourite place. Love the photos too!
These are all amazing places! There’s so much more to see in Costa Rica, just an endless supply of natural beauty in the country. I especially loved the hills of Jaco, the Central Valley and of course Gulf of Papagayo in Guanacaste. You can find some of the most beautiful beaches there, and hidden too unlike Conchal so you can have them all to yourself. Pretty much the whole country is gorgeous!
Thanks Samantha for your Costa Rica tips, we love reading your blog 🙂