21 Stunning Locations To Go to In Costa Rica

2. Arenal Volcano 

For vacationers who need to go to an actual volcano with little likelihood of hazardous geothermic exercise, Arenal Volcano is the place to go.

This as soon as extremely lively volcano ceased its continuous eruptions in 2010. Beforehand, Arenal Volcano was often known as one of the crucial lively volcano experiences within the nation, attracting guests for steady explosions since 1968.

Though most exercise has ceased, it might resume in months or years. Aside from the volcano, the world is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers that adventure-seeking vacationers can discover.

• Location: Northern a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and early Summer time (for clear views of the volcano and fewer crowds).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Journey seekers, hikers, and scorching spring fans.
• Actions on provide: Climbing, ziplining, soaking in scorching springs, birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring hanging bridges.
• Lodging: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal Observatory Lodge, and La Fortuna motels similar to Volcano Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the encircling space full of lush greenery and distinctive previous lava circulate.
• Discovering the most important lake within the nation, Lake Arenal and going paddleboarding.
• Strolling to get the very best views of the volcano by taking the path alongside the hanging bridges.

3. Territorio De Zaguates (aka doggy paradise)

This glorious place has now reached legendary standing, particularly amongst kind-hearted guests! Sadly, the nation’s stray canine downside is comparatively extreme, and this place was set as much as assist a handful of them.

This glorious canine sanctuary is known as “The Land of a Thousand Strays.”

It’s the largest no-kill facility in Costa Rica, residence to over 1300 canine. In case you are an avid canine lover or on the lookout for one other canine on your furry compadre to play with, the power permits guests to come back to play with the canine, go for frolicsome hikes, and even convey their canine alongside for playdates!

I extremely advocate this place for one thing very completely different to do in your journey! 

• Location: Central a part of the nation, close to Alajuela.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for snug strolling circumstances on the paths).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Animal lovers and households concerned about canine welfare.
• Actions on provide: Guided canine hikes, wildlife viewing, volunteering, and exploring mountain trails.
• Lodging: Native guesthouses in Carrizal, motels in Alajuela like Xandari Resort & Spa.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights

• Having fun with a enjoyable hike with the canine alongside the attractive terrain and capturing movie footage that my Instagram followers beloved!
• Studying concerning the sanctuary from the pleasant house owners.

4. Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park

Manuel Antonio is persistently listed as the very best wilderness seashore within the nation. The undeveloped, jungle-surrounded seashores are beautiful with white sand and blue-green water.

Wildlife recognizing is accessible right here. Monkeys and lizards usually cowl the seashore; throughout mating season, you’ll be able to see dolphins and whales offshore.

A go to to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio shouldn’t be missed. This park is open Tuesdays by means of Sundays all year long, however guests declare the very best time to go to is in the course of the dry season of December by means of April.

The park affords incredible mountaineering alternatives and permits guests to benefit from the grandeur of the seas. Convey your digicam and some snacks for the journey, however as with all nationwide parks, carry every little thing to reduce your impression on the wildlife.

A useful trace: Admission to the park is $16 for adults, and youngsters underneath 12 are free. Nonetheless, many distributors alongside the street to the park will attempt to promote you admission tickets and excursions.

They are going to look official however will not be affiliated with the park. Please don’t fall for his or her methods. Pay on the park’s entrance on the finish of the street.

• Location: Central Pacific a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (to expertise good climate for wildlife viewing and mountaineering).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Nature lovers, households, and beachgoers.
• Actions on provide: Wildlife viewing, mountaineering, swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, and seashore rest.
• Lodging: Arenas del Mar Resort, Resort Costa Verde, and Tulemar Bungalows.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a dip within the clear turquoise-colored waters.
• Taking a guided tour across the beautiful park.
• Going kayaking by means of the mangrove forest and having fun with the tranquil sounds of the jungle.

5. Playa Samara

Seaside life is given on this nation, and Playa Samara is the place to go when in Guanacaste. Playa Samara shouldn’t be your typical seashore.

Its laid-back environment contributes to considerably longer lives for its residents than in different components of the nation. The individuals listed below are accepting; they benefit from the journey of experiencing life.

Glorious meals and enjoyable water actions similar to snorkeling and diving are frequent right here. Your quintessential seashore expertise awaits at Playa Samara.

Positioned on the southern Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula within the province of Guanacaste, guests right here additionally love natural meals, yoga, browsing, wild horses, pleasant individuals, and the laid-back bohemian vibe. 

• Location: Western a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter and Spring (to get pleasure from sunny seashore days and calm waters).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Households, newbie surfers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on provide: Swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, browsing, horseback driving, and fishing.
• Lodging: Resort Giada, Villas Kalimba, and the Samara Tree Home Inn.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Sipping on a signature cocktail on the seashore membership and watching the sundown.
• Going snorkelling and seeing stunning coloured fish.
• Becoming a member of a morning yoga session on the seashore! 

6. Santa Teresa

Avid surfers from world wide know Santa Teresa. It’s among the many most well-known surfer meccas on this planet, and the environment of Santa Teresa depicts this laid-back persona.

The panorama contains not merely seashores however stunning rainforests to discover. Snorkeling, browsing, fowl watching, and mountaineering are among the many finest actions to do in Santa Teresa, and relaxation assured, there’s a photograph op round each nook! 

• Location: Southern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for glorious browsing circumstances and sunny climate).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Surfers, seashore lovers, and yoga fans.
• Actions on provide: Browsing, yoga, horseback driving, seashore volleyball, snorkeling, and sundown viewing.
• Lodging: Selina Santa Teresa North, Pranamar Villas, and the Florblanca Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Wandering by means of the bohemian village full of ice-cream cafes, purchasing boutiques and incredible eating places.
• Dancing the night time away at a seashore celebration, that is when the surfers and vacationers all come out to play!
• Attempting browsing once more, the tough waves made this a incredible browsing spot! 

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest

There’s a cause Monteverde is among the most tourist-frequented locations within the nation: it’s unbelievably stunning.

Stunning nationwide parks with undisturbed cloud forests, tons of of species of birds, epic views, and volcanoes make it an eco-lover’s dream.

The out of doors actions listed below are limitless, together with hikes by means of the cloud forest, fowl watching the place you’ll be able to spot the endangered Quetzal, cover excursions, strolling throughout a suspension bridge, touring butterfly gardens, and easily stress-free and having fun with nature from the quaint city of Santa Elena.

• Location: North-central a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring (to see the forest at its greenest with fewer vacationers).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Birdwatchers, nature lovers, and hikers.
• Actions on provide: Climbing, cover excursions, birdwatching, ziplining, visiting butterfly gardens, and night time wildlife excursions.
• Lodging: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Resort Belmar, and El Establo Mountain Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the forest with an fascinating guided nighttime tour.
• Going mountaineering and discovering the suspended bridges amongst the magnificent scenic nature.
• Capturing some breathtaking Instagrammable pictures and pictures! 

8. Isla del Coco

This space is a mecca for knowledgeable divers from world wide. Positioned south of the mainland, Isla del Coco is teeming with marine life, together with white-tipped sharks and hammerheads.

The shimmering waters of this island, also referred to as Coco Island, provide the chance to discover historical caves and even let you see caves and rock etchings by those that have traveled earlier than you. On land, additionally, you will discover lots of pigs roaming across the island.

• Location: Off the southwestern coast of the nation within the Pacific Ocean.
• Finest time to go to: Summer time (for the very best diving circumstances and marine life encounters).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Scuba divers, marine life fans, and journey vacationers.
• Actions on provide: Scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife images, mountaineering, and marine life exploration.
• Lodging: No lodging on the island, liveaboard boats like Okeanos Aggressor for divers.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Happening a scuba diving tour, the marine life was so colourful! 
• Exploring the fascinating caves and forests. 
• Climbing to the waterfall and dipping within the waters on the base of it.

9. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is persistently rated as one of the crucial stunning seashores within the nation. The white sand seashore is made from hundreds of thousands of crushed seashells, and I like the way it glows in pink and white shades. The water is obvious and excellent for swimming, snorkelling, and boating.

It could be on the Pacific Coast, however the water and sand will idiot you into pondering you’re on the Caribbean. The close by cities of Playa Brasilito and Playa Flamingo have motels and lodging. For my part, that is additionally an awesome family-friendly vacation spot. 

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, alongside the Pacific coast.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for dry, sunny seashore days and crystal-clear water).
• Who would get pleasure from it: {Couples}, snorkelers, and sunbathers.
• Actions on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, jet snowboarding, and beachcombing.
• Lodging: The Westin Reserva Conchal, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, and Conchal Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Stress-free to the sound of the waves while having a therapeutic massage on the white shell shores.
• Hiring a jet ski and having enjoyable out on the intense blue waters.
• Strolling the whole stretch of the seashore and admiring the colours.

10. Tortuguero

Throughout the nation on the Caribbean is the mangrove forest and turtle nesting web site of Tortuguero. This is among the most various parks within the nation, with canals, seashores, and marshland.

You may hire kayaks or canoes and discover the wetlands, recognizing varied wildlife, similar to caymans, birds, and crocodiles. This space is most well-known for its turtle hatching on the seashore at night time.

• Location: Northeastern Caribbean coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Late Summer time and Fall (to witness the turtle nesting season).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Wildlife fans and turtle watchers.
• Actions on provide: Boat excursions, kayaking, wildlife viewing, turtle watching, mountaineering, and birdwatching.
• Lodging: Mawamba Lodge, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, and Evergreen Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the canals, rivers and lagoons on a guided boat tour.
• Having a novel fantastic eating expertise on the Katonga Floating Restaurant.
• Taking a stroll alongside the seashore’s delicate sand, which was an ideal spot to look at the sundown. 

11. Montezuma

It is a fantastic gem positioned within the southern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s principally recognized for its lengthy sandy seashore, surrounding jungle, and coves.

There’s additionally a well-liked surf seashore within the space, Romelia Wildlife Reserve, a turtle sanctuary and hatchery, and even Montezuma Waterfall, comprising cascades and pure swimming pools.

It’s a laid-back place with a hippie seashore city vibe, the place guests can spend their days kicking again and having fun with the ocean, solar, and sand!

• Location: Southeastern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and early Summer time (for nice climate and plush inexperienced environment).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Backpackers, nature lovers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on provide: Climbing to waterfalls, seashore walks, swimming, yoga, snorkeling, and ATV excursions.
• Lodging: Ylang Ylang Seaside Resort, El Sano Banano Village Resort, and Resort Amor de Mar.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting the epic Montezuma Waterfalls which was simply beautiful! 
• Having fun with dwell music at Cafe Restaurant Organico.
• Trying out the natural Saturday market and sampling the produce.

12. Corcovado Nationwide Park

Nationwide Geographic named the Osa Peninsula essentially the most intense place on earth by way of biodiversity. Corcovado Nationwide Park is actually undisturbed wilderness, notably surrounding the La Sirena River.

The seashores are wild and beautiful, with sharks and crocodiles swimming within the river mouth.

Animals like pumas, peccaries, monkeys, and tapirs dwell within the jungle and are sighted usually. Outdated-growth timber and lovely flowers are in all places. This park actually embodies the pure jungle fantastic thing about this nation!

• Location: Southwestern a part of the Osa Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for drier circumstances and simpler entry to trails).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Wildlife fans, photographers, and hikers.
• Actions on provide: Climbing, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, tenting, guided nature excursions, and swimming in waterfalls.
• Lodging: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort, La Leona Eco Lodge, and Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a scenic boat trip to the arrive on the park.
• Reserving an in a single day keep within the jungle. 
• Climbing the designated trails to discover by means of the attractive timber and flowers.

13. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is on the far south Caribbean coast subsequent to Panama. Its attractive hidden seashores are excellent for snorkelling when the solar shines, and the ocean turns into flat. Surfers like it throughout storms and large swells.

The golden sand and turquoise ocean are distinctly Caribbean. For those who go deep sufficient, the jungle is full of unimaginable animals, together with howler monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

• Location: Southeastern Caribbean coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for the very best seashore climate and wildlife recognizing).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Households, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers.
• Actions on provide: Birdwatching, mountaineering, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and swimming.
• Lodging: Almonds and Corals Lodge, Congo Bongo Ecolodges, and Resort Shawandha.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights…

• Going snorkelling, the water was so clear! 
• Taking a stroll alongside the golden sand shores which had been lined with dreamy coconut palms and almond timber! 
• Seeing the tremendous cute sloths! 

14. Isla Tortuga

Isla Tortuga is precisely what it appears like. It’s an island which is residence to a novel group of turtles. Turtle Island is the frequent identify for this stress-free, unspoiled environment.

Guests can select from a number of tour alternatives and actions similar to scuba diving, cover excursions, and mountaineering. Nonetheless, many vacationers select to chill out on the seashore and benefit from the quiet merely.

Isla Tortuga can solely be reached by boat, and it’ll take roughly one hour to succeed in its sandy shores.

• Location: Off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula.
• Finest time to go to: Winter and Spring (for clear skies and calm sea circumstances).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Snorkelers, day-trippers, and seashore lovers.
• Actions on provide: Snorkeling, swimming, banana boat rides, kayaking, seashore video games, and mountaineering trails.
• Lodging: Accessible by way of boat excursions, close by stays embrace Tambor Tropical Resort, and Tango Mar Seaside Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a guided sea kayaking tour. It’s more difficult work to paddle than on a lake, however the surroundings made it price it!
• Eating out on a BBQ on the seashore, the mix of nice meals and views was divine!
• Selecting up a memento from the lovable retailers which lined the shore.

15. Poas Volcano

Arenal could also be the most well-liked lively volcano within the nation, however Poas, simply an hour exterior of San Jose, is among the most stunning locations within the nation.

Within the middle of the primary 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 transparent day, the volcano’s prime may be seen from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

• Location: Central a part of the nation, in Alajuela province.
• Finest time to go to: Spring (for fewer crowds and clear views of the crater lake).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Geology fans, households, and nature explorers.
• Actions on provide: Climbing, exploring volcanic craters, birdwatching, and visiting close by botanical gardens.
• Lodging: Poás Lodge, Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and Altura Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Capturing Insta-worthy pictures of the distinctive, vibrant lake! 
• Seeing the attractive views that stretch throughout the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on a transparent day.
• Exploring out the close by lush rainforests on a guided tour. 

16. Bajos del Toro

Bajos del Toro shouldn’t be within the middle of city. It’s an space that’s completely off the crushed path. This hidden gem is roughly 90 minutes from San Jose, however you should stroll awhile. Bajos del Toro, nonetheless, is actually definitely worth the stroll.

It’s a non-public reserve stuffed with beautiful waterfalls and distinctive swimming pools. If you wish to benefit from the water in a tropical setting and take epic footage of your journey, Bajos del Toro delivers completely.

• Location: Central highlands of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring (for lush inexperienced landscapes and waterfall exploration).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Waterfall lovers, hikers, and photographers.
• Actions on provide: Climbing to waterfalls, birdwatching, canyoning, nature images, and wildlife remark.
• Lodging: El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Bosque de Paz Lodge, and Catarata del Toro Cabins.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Visiting one of many coldest waterfalls within the nation, Blue Falls! 
• Climbing alongside the Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco which was full of shade and beautiful surroundings! 
• Having a go at canyoning. 

17. Tamarindo Seaside

This seashore is understood for browsing, however many select to chill and keep for some time. Positioned within the Guanacaste province, it began as a small village and has now grown into one of the crucial in style locations to go to within the Central American nation.

It’s a protracted and fairly sandy seashore with incredible waves. Nonetheless, there is usually a sturdy present, so warning is suggested if you happen to’re a beginner surfer. For those who fancy a attempt, motels within the space can set you up with a close-by water sports activities rental.

• Location: Northwestern Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for constant sunshine and nice browsing circumstances).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Surfers, party-goers, and seashore lovers.
• Actions on provide: Browsing, swimming, seashore walks, kayaking, snorkeling, and horseback driving.
• Lodging: Tamarindo Diria Seaside Resort, Cala Luna Boutique Resort, and Resort Capitan Suizo.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Watching the surfers, this space is understood to have a number of the finest breaks on this planet.
• Exploring on a non-public ATV tour, the scenic forests, rivers and countryside had been actually photogenic! 
• Hovering by means of the air on a zipline at Zipline & Aerial Journey Parks.

18. Rio de Celeste

With glowing milky blue waters, I personally assume it’s straightforward to know why the Rio de Celeste is so beloved! 

Inside Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, the Rio de Celeste will get its opalescent hue from the volcano’s sulfur and calcium carbonate combine. Benefit from the river by taking part in within the waterfall or soaking within the scorching springs.

• Location: Northern a part of the nation, in Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park.
• Finest time to go to: Late Winter and early Spring (for higher path circumstances and vibrant blue river views).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.
• Actions on provide: Climbing, waterfall exploration, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and river walks.
• Lodging: Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort, Tenorio Lodge, and Posada Río Celeste Resort & Spa.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights…

• Chilling out within the attractive scorching springs
• Taking a refreshing dip within the base of the waterfall. 
• Taking Instaworthy images!

19. Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park

Have you ever ever needed to see an lively volcano up shut? Many individuals discover this notion thrilling, and you may get your volcanic repair in Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park.

The park is understood for top ranges of geothermic exercise, and mountaineering up Rincon de la Vieja, an lively volcano, is a outstanding expertise.

Geothermic research are frequent within the space, and in case you have ever needed to find out about volcanic exercise, Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park is a superb useful resource. It isn’t all about training however affords some insanely stunning photograph ops, as waterfalls are a incredible attraction on this space.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, in Guanacaste province.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for simpler mountaineering and to see lively volcanic exercise).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Hikers, journey seekers, and scorching spring fans.
• Actions on provide: Climbing, volcanic mud baths, scorching springs soaking, birdwatching, horseback driving, and ziplining.
• Lodging: Hacienda Guachipelin, Blue River Resort & Scorching Springs, and Borinquen Mountain Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Climbing as much as the lively volcano, the panormanic views had been unimaginable! 
• Swimming and stress-free within the beautiful blue scorching springs, a pure out of doors spa. 
• Going river tubing! 

20. Playa Ostional

Positioned in probably the greatest seashore cities within the nation, this is among the most unimaginable sights! It’s the arribada of tons of of 1000’s of leatherback turtles on the seashores of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

The week earlier than the brand new moon, tons of to tons of of 1000’s of feminine turtles come onto the shore at night time to put their eggs.

When the eggs hatch a number of weeks later, members come to the seashore to guard them from canine and vultures as they return to the ocean.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Fall (to witness the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Wildlife fans concerned about turtle nesting.
• Actions on provide: Turtle watching, swimming, sunbathing, seashore walks, and wildlife remark.
• Lodging: Nosara Seaside Resort, Lagarta Lodge, and eco-cabins at Ostional Turtle Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a stroll earlier than breakfast and listening to the sounds of nature within the forest.
• Reserving a sundown catamaran tour which included swimming and snorkelling earlier than watching the sundown.
• Eating al fresco at El Manglar Restaurant. 

21. San José

San José is the capital and largest metropolis, with a inhabitants of over 350,000. Though it’s recognized for its majestic volcanoes and inexperienced hills, San José additionally affords varied points of interest.

San José is cut up into neighborhoods which might be referred to as barrios. One of the vital iconic is Barrio Amón, the place you’ll be able to discover an important a part of town’s historical past. It’s additionally a spot the place you’ll be able to go to one of the crucial magnificent architectural websites within the nation.

The downtown half, El Centro, additionally has a mix of companies and cultural facilities. You can see something from retail retailers to world-class museums.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for nice temperatures and fewer wet days).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Historical past buffs, tradition seekers, and concrete explorers.
• Actions on provide: Museum visits, metropolis excursions, cultural performances, meals tasting, historic sightseeing, and purchasing.
• Lodging: Resort Grano de Oro, Hilton Backyard Inn La Sabana, and Radisson San José.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights

• Visiting the historic vacationer web site of Winchester Thriller Home which was full of tales.
• Strolling by means of the 6-acres of the fantastically ready Japanese Friendship Backyard.
• Being impressed by the fascinating reveals on the Tech Museum of Innovation.