21 Stunning Locations To Go to In Costa Rica

2. Arenal Volcano 

For vacationers who need to go to an actual volcano with little probability 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 called probably the most lively volcano experiences within the nation, attracting guests for steady explosions since 1968.

Though most exercise has ceased, it may 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.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and early Summer time (for clear views of the volcano and fewer crowds).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Journey seekers, hikers, and sizzling spring fanatics.
• Actions on supply: Climbing, ziplining, soaking in sizzling springs, birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring hanging bridges.
• Lodging: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal Observatory Lodge, and La Fortuna resorts similar to Volcano Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the encompassing space full of lush greenery and distinctive previous lava circulate.
• Discovering the biggest 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 drawback is comparatively extreme, and this place was set as much as assist a handful of them.

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

It’s the largest no-kill facility in Costa Rica, house to over 1300 canines. In case you are an avid canine lover or searching for one other canine in your furry compadre to play with, the power permits guests to come back to play with the canines, go for frolicsome hikes, and even carry their canines 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.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for snug strolling circumstances on the paths).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Animal lovers and households occupied with canine welfare.
• Actions on supply: Guided canine hikes, wildlife viewing, volunteering, and exploring mountain trails.
• Lodging: Native guesthouses in Carrizal, resorts in Alajuela like Xandari Resort & Spa.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights

• Having fun with a enjoyable hike with the canines alongside the gorgeous terrain and capturing movie footage that my Instagram followers cherished!
• 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 via Sundays all year long, however guests declare the very best time to go to is through the dry season of December via April.

The park affords incredible mountain climbing alternatives and permits guests to benefit from the grandeur of the seas. Deliver your digital camera and some snacks for the journey, however as with all nationwide parks, carry every thing to attenuate your influence on the wildlife.

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

They may look official however usually are not affiliated with the park. Please don’t fall for his or her tips. Pay on the park’s entrance on the finish of the highway.

• Location: Central Pacific a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (to expertise good climate for wildlife viewing and mountain climbing).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Nature lovers, households, and beachgoers.
• Actions on supply: Wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, and seashore leisure.
• Lodging: Arenas del Mar Resort, Lodge 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 via the mangrove forest and having fun with the tranquil sounds of the jungle.

5. Playa Samara

Seashore life is given on this nation, and Playa Samara is the place to go when in Guanacaste. Playa Samara will not be your typical seashore.

Its laid-back ambiance contributes to considerably longer lives for its residents than in different elements of the nation. The folks listed here 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.

Situated 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 folks, and the laid-back bohemian vibe. 

• Location: Western a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter and Spring (to take pleasure in sunny seashore days and calm waters).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Households, newbie surfers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on supply: Swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, browsing, horseback driving, and fishing.
• Lodging: Lodge 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 all over the world know Santa Teresa. It’s among the many most well-known surfer meccas on this planet, and the ambiance of Santa Teresa depicts this laid-back persona.

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

• Location: Southern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for glorious browsing circumstances and sunny climate).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Surfers, seashore lovers, and yoga fanatics.
• Actions on supply: 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 via the bohemian village full of ice-cream cafes, buying boutiques and incredible eating places.
• Dancing the evening away at a seashore get together, 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 motive Monteverde is among the most tourist-frequented locations within the nation: it’s unbelievably stunning.

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

The outside actions listed here are infinite, together with hikes via 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 enjoyable and having fun with nature from the quaint city of Santa Elena.

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

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the forest with an attention-grabbing guided nighttime tour.
• Going mountain climbing and discovering the suspended bridges amongst the magnificent scenic nature.
• Capturing some breathtaking Instagrammable pictures and photographs! 

8. Isla del Coco

This space is a mecca for skilled divers from all over the world. Situated 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 called Coco Island, supply the chance to discover historical caves and even will let you see caves and rock etchings by those that have traveled earlier than you. On land, additionally, you will discover a whole lot of pigs roaming across the island.

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

My favourite highlights…

• Occurring a scuba diving tour, the marine life was so colourful! 
• Exploring the attention-grabbing 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 probably the most stunning seashores within the nation. The white sand seashore is product of thousands and thousands of crushed seashells, and I really like the way it glows in pink and white shades. The water is evident and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and boating.

It might be on the Pacific Coast, however the water and sand will idiot you into considering you’re on the Caribbean. The close by cities of Playa Brasilito and Playa Flamingo have resorts and lodging. In my view, that is additionally an incredible family-friendly vacation spot. 

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, alongside the Pacific coast.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for dry, sunny seashore days and crystal-clear water).
• Who would take pleasure in it: {Couples}, snorkelers, and sunbathers.
• Actions on supply: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, jet snowboarding, and beachcombing.
• Lodging: The Westin Reserva Conchal, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, and Conchal Lodge.
• 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 all the 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 numerous parks within the nation, with canals, seashores, and marshland.

You’ll be able to lease kayaks or canoes and discover the wetlands, recognizing numerous wildlife, similar to caymans, birds, and crocodiles. This space is most well-known for its turtle hatching on the seashore at evening.

• Location: Northeastern Caribbean coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Late Summer time and Fall (to witness the turtle nesting season).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Wildlife fanatics and turtle watchers.
• Actions on supply: Boat excursions, kayaking, wildlife viewing, turtle watching, mountain climbing, 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 singular fantastic eating expertise on the Katonga Floating Restaurant.
• Taking a stroll alongside the seashore’s tender sand, which was an ideal spot to look at the sundown. 

11. Montezuma

This can be a great gem situated within the southern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s largely recognized for its lengthy sandy seashore, surrounding jungle, and coves.

There’s additionally a preferred 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.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and early Summer time (for nice climate and plush inexperienced environment).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Backpackers, nature lovers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on supply: Climbing to waterfalls, seashore walks, swimming, yoga, snorkeling, and ATV excursions.
• Lodging: Ylang Ylang Seashore Resort, El Sano Banano Village Lodge, and Lodge Amor de Mar.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting the epic Montezuma Waterfalls which was simply beautiful! 
• Having fun with reside 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 when it comes to biodiversity. Corcovado Nationwide Park is really 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 reside within the jungle and are sighted usually. Previous-growth timber and lovely flowers are in all places. This park really embodies the pure jungle great thing about this nation!

• Location: Southwestern a part of the Osa Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for drier circumstances and simpler entry to trails).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Wildlife fanatics, photographers, and hikers.
• Actions on supply: 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 via the gorgeous timber and flowers.

13. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is on the far south Caribbean coast subsequent to Panama. Its beautiful hidden seashores are good 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.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the very best seashore climate and wildlife recognizing).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Households, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers.
• Actions on supply: Birdwatching, mountain climbing, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and swimming.
• Lodging: Almonds and Corals Lodge, Congo Bongo Ecolodges, and Lodge Shawandha.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights…

• Going snorkelling, the water was so clear! 
• Taking a stroll alongside the golden sand shores which have 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 house to a singular neighborhood of turtles. Turtle Island is the frequent title for this enjoyable, unspoiled ambiance.

Guests can select from a number of tour alternatives and actions similar to scuba diving, cover excursions, and mountain climbing. Nonetheless, many vacationers select to loosen up 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 achieve its sandy shores.

• Location: Off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter and Spring (for clear skies and calm sea circumstances).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Snorkelers, day-trippers, and seashore lovers.
• Actions on supply: Snorkeling, swimming, banana boat rides, kayaking, seashore video games, and mountain climbing trails.
• Lodging: Accessible by way of boat excursions, close by stays embrace Tambor Tropical Resort, and Tango Mar Seashore Lodge.
• 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 preferred 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 principle 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 high might be seen from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

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

My favourite highlights…

• Capturing Insta-worthy pictures of the distinctive, vibrant lake! 
• Seeing the beautiful 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 will not 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 have to stroll awhile. Bajos del Toro, nevertheless, is really well worth the stroll.

It’s a non-public reserve filled 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.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring (for lush inexperienced landscapes and waterfall exploration).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Waterfall lovers, hikers, and photographers.
• Actions on supply: Climbing to waterfalls, birdwatching, canyoning, nature images, and wildlife statement.
• 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 Seashore

This seashore is thought for browsing, however many select to sit back and keep for some time. Situated within the Guanacaste province, it began as a small village and has now grown into probably the most widespread 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 robust present, so warning is suggested when you’re a beginner surfer. For those who fancy a strive, resorts within the space can set you up with a close-by water sports activities rental.

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

My favourite highlights…

• Watching the surfers, this space is thought to have a few of the finest breaks on this planet.
• Exploring on a personal ATV tour, the scenic forests, rivers and countryside have been actually photogenic! 
• Hovering via the air on a zipline at Zipline & Aerial Journey Parks.

18. Rio de Celeste

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

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 enjoying within the waterfall or soaking within the sizzling springs.

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

My private highlights…

• Chilling out within the beautiful sizzling springs
• Taking a refreshing dip within the base of the waterfall. 
• Taking Instaworthy photographs!

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 will get your volcanic repair in Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park.

The park is thought for top ranges of geothermic exercise, and mountain climbing 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 study volcanic exercise, Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park is a superb useful resource. It’s not all about schooling however affords some insanely stunning picture ops, as waterfalls are a incredible attraction on this space.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, in Guanacaste province.
• Greatest time to go to: Winter (for simpler mountain climbing and to see lively volcanic exercise).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Hikers, journey seekers, and sizzling spring fanatics.
• Actions on supply: Climbing, volcanic mud baths, sizzling springs soaking, birdwatching, horseback driving, and ziplining.
• Lodging: Hacienda Guachipelin, Blue River Resort & Sizzling Springs, and Borinquen Mountain Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Climbing as much as the lively volcano, the panormanic views have been unimaginable! 
• Swimming and enjoyable within the beautiful blue sizzling springs, a pure outside spa. 
• Going river tubing! 

20. Playa Ostional

Situated in top-of-the-line seashore cities within the nation, this is among the most unimaginable sights! It’s the arribada of lots of of 1000’s of leatherback turtles on the seashores of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

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

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

• Location: Northwestern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Fall (to witness the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Wildlife fanatics occupied with turtle nesting.
• Actions on supply: Turtle watching, swimming, sunbathing, seashore walks, and wildlife statement.
• Lodging: Nosara Seashore Lodge, 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 numerous sights.

San José is break up into neighborhoods which can be known as barrios. Some of the 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 probably the most magnificent architectural websites within the nation.

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

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for nice temperatures and fewer wet days).
• Who would take pleasure in it: Historical past buffs, tradition seekers, and concrete explorers.
• Actions on supply: Museum visits, metropolis excursions, cultural performances, meals tasting, historic sightseeing, and buying.
• Lodging: Lodge 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 via the 6-acres of the fantastically ready Japanese Friendship Backyard.
• Being impressed by the fascinating displays on the Tech Museum of Innovation.