Where to Go in Costa Rica? 17+ Best Places 2023

Costa Rica is a land of abundance, even though it is only the size of West Virginia. Its meaning in English is “rich coast.” It is said that Christopher Columbus found it in 1502. But Mother Nature is the only one who can take credit for its beautiful natural sights.

This peaceful country in Central America has long coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica has some of the most diverse ecosystems on earth, as well as beaches that are among the best in the world.

But it is easy to get overwhelmed regarding where to go in Costa Rica when you visit. Well, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This article will outline the best places to go in Costa Rica and all you need to make the best fun decisions.

What to Do and Where to Go in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano is a prominent landmark in Arenal, Costa Rica’s self-proclaimed adventure capital. It is a lovely park that encircles the Arenal Volcano. The park is filled with lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the volcano. There are also numerous hiking trails in the park that lead to waterfalls and other scenic areas.

This national park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, as well as breathtaking scenery. La Fortuna Waterfall is located in Arenal Volcano National Park and is a must-see! You can either hike to the top of the falls or swim in the pools below.

Manuel Antonio National Park

This park, named after President Manuel A. Figueres Ferrer (the father of democracy in Costa Rica), offers some incredible hikes through jungles and waterfalls!

Manuel Antonio National Park is located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast and is known for its beautiful Costa Rica beaches and lush rainforest.

There are numerous activities available in Manuel Antonio National Park, but some of the highlights include hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds as you explore the park.

Spend some time relaxing on the beach, which is the ideal way to end a day of adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Tamarindo

If you’re looking for a great place to visit in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a must-see! With its gentle waves along Tamarindo Beach, this beach town is known for its incredible surfing conditions, and it’s the ideal place to relax and soak up the sun.

Tamarindo also has a lot of great restaurants and bars, so you won’t have to go far to have a good time. Tamarindo’s culture is heavily influenced by its proximity to the beach. Locals are known for being laid-back and friendly, and everyone here is always up for a good time.

Tamarindo is also home to a diverse mix of cultures, which can be seen in the town’s architecture, food, and music. Tamarindo is a must-see for anyone looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

For good reason, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. This reserve is home to some of the country’s most fascinating wildlife, including howling monkeys, vibrant frogs, and jaguars.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve also has many beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails, making it an ideal place to get outside and explore.

Keep an eye out for brightly colored frogs and howling monkeys. If you’re looking for a place to unwind, stop by one of the reserve’s many charming cafes.

Cocos Island National Park

Cocos Island is vastly underappreciated, and its wonders rival those of the Galapagos Islands. This incredible national park in Costa Rica is extremely difficult to reach. It’s a large island that stretches almost all the way to Colombia.

Most people are unaware that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Isla del Coco is famous for its diving. It is appropriate for all levels of diversity, but the majority are intermediates.

The water is extremely cold, ranging between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the season. Year-round residents include white-tip reef sharks and humpback whales.

This national park is one of the most pristine in Costa Rica. On your trip, you might even see some dolphins.

Montezuma

There’s plenty to do in Montezuma, whether you want to relax on the beach or go exploring in the rainforest! The following are some of the best things to do in Montezuma:

Unwind on the beach.
Investigate the rainforest.
Fly through the trees on a zip line.
Go on a canopy tour.
Explore the nearby waterfalls.
Hike to the top of Montezuma Hill for panoramic views of the area.
Ride your horse on the beach.
Taste some of Costa Rica’s delectable cuisine.
Relax with a massage on the beach.

There are several options for getting to Montezuma from San Jose.

You have the option of taking the bus, taxi or renting a car. The most convenient option is to take a bus, which takes about 3 hours. Taxis are another option, but they can be costly.

If you want to rent a car, do your homework first because the roads can be difficult to navigate.

Bay of Papagayo & Papagayo Peninsula

The Papagayo Peninsula is a beautiful and secluded area on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforest. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation, the Papagayo Peninsula is definitely worth a visit.

This region is known for having some of the best resorts in Costa Rica. There are several beautiful beaches near the Papagayo Peninsula, each with its own distinct charm and attractions. Here are a few of the best to look into:

Playa Hermosa: This beach is famous for its beautiful white sand and clear waters. It’s unquestionably a swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling paradise.
Playa Panama: This beach is ideal for bodyboarding and surfing. It also has some of Costa Rica’s best seafood.
Playa Danta: This beach is ideal for those looking to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling are also popular activities.
Playa Ocotal: This beach is famous for its perfect, soft sand that stretches for miles along the coastline. It’s a great place to unwind or go for a morning walk.

Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja is a volcano in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country due to its beautiful natural scenery and wide range of activities.

Hiking, zip-lining, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and swimming are just a few of the activities available at Rincon de la Vieja.

The Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, Hacienda Guachipelin Volcano Ranch Hotel & Hot Springs, and Hotel Casa Conde are all excellent places to stay near Rincon de la Vieja. All of these resorts provide excellent amenities as well as spectacular views of the volcano.

Tortuguero National Park

Costa Rica has many beautiful places, but Tortuguero National Park is one of the most beautiful. It is best known for the large number of nesting leatherback sea turtles.

This park is well-known for its lush tropical rainforest and miles of pristine beaches. It’s also a fantastic place to see wildlife, such as monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles. Tortuguero National Park is a must-see for anyone looking for an unforgettable natural experience.

There are many excellent places to stay near Tortuguero National Park, but the Mawamba Lodge is one of the best. This lodge is located in the heart of the park and provides guests with a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience.

Nosara

The Nicoya Peninsula, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, is known for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforest. Nosara, Tamarindo, and Santa Teresa are among the best places to visit on the Nicoya Peninsula.

If you’re looking for an amazing beach vacation destination, Nosara in Costa Rica is a must-see. This small town on the Pacific Coast is known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforest.

From surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to ziplining and wildlife viewing, Nosara has something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for an exciting tropical getaway, add Nosara to your itinerary!

Irazu Volcan National Park

This park is home to Costa Rica’s second most active volcano as well as some spectacular natural hot springs.

The Iraz Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations. Iraz, the country’s second most active volcano, inspired the park’s name.

The volcano is part of the Tenorio Volcano National Park and is located in the Cordillera Central mountain range. Iraz Volcano National Park, which covers an area of 58 square kilometers, was established in 1965.

The park’s diverse landscapes include rainforest, cloud forest, paramo, and lava fields. Hot springs, waterfalls, and crater lakes are also available to visitors.

The Iraz Volcano is famous for its spectacular eruptions, which can be seen from a long distance away. The last major eruption occurred only 20 years ago.

Dominical

Dominical is an island retreat for tropical backpackers, with rickety wooden houses, stunning beaches, budget lodgings, laid-back restaurants, and a decent ambiance.

It is one of the best surfing spots in Central America.

Surfers visiting the area are trapped, and their visits frequently extend. Dominical also attracts a wealthy clientele who prefer small luxury hotels on hills or overlooking the town’s outskirts.

They’re typically separated from one another, allowing guests to get up close and personal with species like howler monkeys rousing them at sunrise and toucans flying by pools.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

If you want to have a truly unique Costa Rican experience, go to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This town is located in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region and has a very different vibe from the rest of the country.

It has tiny cantinas and run-down restaurants, with the aroma of coconut curries and reggaeton music filling the air. If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation spot, make Puerto Viejo de Talamanca a priority.

San Jose

San José, Costa Rica’s capital, has a plethora of exciting activities. The city is clean and friendly, with a mix of century-old and modern structures. Every day of the year, there are activities in the city, so it’s difficult not to find something you enjoy.

The following are some of the best things to see and do in San José:

Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica, which houses exhibits on the country’s history, culture, and natural history.
Take a stroll through Plaza de la Cultura, which features stunning architecture and several museums.
Take a stroll through the vibrant markets near the National Theatre.
La Sabana Park’s lush botanical gardens are a must-see.
Try Costa Rican cuisine at one of the city’s numerous restaurants.
Visit the Gold Museum, which houses exhibits of Costa Rican treasures like pre-Columbian gold.

Meanwhile, your budget and your preferences determine the best places to stay in San José.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are many hostels and budget hotels to choose from. However, if you want something a little more luxurious, there are some excellent options available.

The following are some of the best places to stay in San José:

The Costa Rican Times Hotel, which is located in the city center and provides excellent amenities such as a restaurant, bar, and pool.
The Alta Hotel is a boutique hotel located in a quiet neighborhood with lovely gardens.
The Marriott Costa Rica Hotel is one of the city’s largest and most luxurious hotels.

Puntarenas

Puntarenas, a lovely coastal city, is only about an hour and a half from San José. There are plenty of things to do in Puntarenas Province, such as taking a boat tour, bird watching, or eating delicious food.

Some of the best things to do in Puntarenas are as follows:

Take a boat tour and marvel at the stunning ocean views and abundant wildlife, which include dolphins, sea turtles, and birds.
Visit the Whale Marine Biological Center in Corcovado National Park to see aquatic wildlife.

Explore Playa Bonita Natural Reserve

The best places to stay in Puntarenas are also determined by your budget and your preferences. If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, the Hotel Las Brisas is a good option. The hotel has basic amenities like hot water and Wi-Fi, but it also has a fantastic beachfront view.

The Costa Rica Marriott Hotel is an excellent choice for those seeking luxury. The hotel has everything you need for a luxurious vacation, including multiple restaurants and beach access.

Central Valley and Highlands

The Central Valley is home to the majority of the population. Here are some cities that are unquestionably worth a visit. The area has attractions such as coffee plantations and delicious restaurants, making it a great place to experience culture as well as nature.

The following are some of the best things to see and do in the Central Valley:

Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you can hike through trails, swim in natural pools, zip line over one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls, or ride the Sky Tram to get up close and personal with the falls.
Visit Llorona Hot Springs for a relaxing and exciting day with family or friends.
Check out Selva Verde, an animal rescue center that helps injured animals reintegrate into the wild, to see if you can spot monkeys, toucans, sloths, and other exotic wildlife.
Enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee or cocoa grown and harvested by Costa Rican farmers.
Visit the Poás Volcano National Park, where you can hike around an active volcano and enjoy panoramic views from observation points.
Learn about Costa Rican history at the Casa Presidencial Museum, where exhibits focus on Costa Rica’s history in relation to global events.
At Museo de los Nios, an interactive museum for children where they can play with arts and crafts and dress up in historical costumes, you can see what life was like in Costa Rica decades ago.

Las Catalinas

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach town to visit in Costa Rica, Las Catalinas is a must-see. This picturesque town on the Pacific coast is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

There’s a lot to do in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica, from swimming and sunbathing on the beach to hiking and exploring the lush green forests.

Furthermore, the town has a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a few small shops. So, whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an action-packed vacation, Las Catalinas is definitely worth considering!

Traveling to Las Catalinas is simple but adventurous; simply fly into Liberia Airport and take a private shuttle or rent a car. You’ll drive on the Monkey Trail near the Congo Trail, where you’ll have the opportunity to cross your first river.

Catarate Del Toro Waterfall

An incredible volcanic landscape with a dramatic waterfall in the crater and lush green forest and tropical plants surrounding it. The waterfall is located within an extinct volcano’s crater and is best viewed at sunrise. It’s well worth getting up that early for. This is one of the most stunning places on the planet.

Although it is technically located just outside of San Jose, this small beach town is home to some incredible hotels and resorts. It is simple to get to Catarate Del Toro Waterfall. Simply follow the signs from San Jose to Cartago on the highway. You can’t miss it because it’s right next to the highway.

National Park

The Corcovado National Park is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. This park is known for its incredible wildlife and is located on the remote Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica.

In the park, you can see typical Costa Rican animals such as jaguars, tapirs, and monkeys, and it’s also a great place to go birdwatching.

There are several options for lodging near Corcovado National Park. The Osa Canopy Lodge, located just outside the park, is one of the best. This lodge has breathtaking views of the rainforest and a variety of activities in Costa Rica, such as hiking, birdwatching, and zip-lining.

The Lapa Rios Eco Lodge is another excellent option. This lodge, which is also just outside the park, has cabins with views of the rainforest and river below. It also offers a variety of activities, including hikes, birdwatching, and yoga classes.

If you want something a little more opulent, stay at the Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge. This luxury lodge is right on the beach and has luxury cabins. It also provides surfing instruction, yoga classes, and massages. Corcovado National Park is ideal for both nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Jaco

Jaco is a town on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. It’s a popular tourist destination because of its beaches, which provide excellent surfing and swimming opportunities.

Jaco also has a number of restaurants and hotels, as well as a number of convenience stores and other businesses. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Jaco, there are several options available, including apartments, hotels, and hostels.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Jaco, there are several options available, including apartments, hotels, and hostels.

Some of the best places to stay in Jaco are as follows:

Apartotel Flamboyant – This apartment complex features spacious and comfortable apartments, as well as a swimming pool and a gym.
Hotel Cocal and Casino – This hotel has excellent amenities, such as a casino, a spa, and several restaurants.
Pura Vida Hostel – This hostel provides comfortable and affordable lodging in a great location.

Playa Conchal

There is plenty to do in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy, whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the area’s natural beauty.

Some of the best things to do in Playa Conchal are as follows:

Unwind on the beach.
Swim in the crystal clear water.
Hike through the tropical rainforest.
Learn about the local culture by visiting nearby villages.
Take a boat tour along the area’s stunning coastline.
Take a catamaran tour along the coast and snorkel among the stunning coral reefs.

There are numerous lodging options in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica. You’ll find something to suit your needs and budget, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels.

Here are some of the best Playa Conchal hotels:

Luxury resorts: If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing experience, check out one of Playa Conchal’s many luxury resorts. These resorts have everything from private beaches to world-class restaurants and will make your vacation unforgettable.
Budget-friendly hostels: Don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget! There are also many inexpensive hostels in Playa Conchal. These hostels offer clean and comfortable beds, making them an excellent choice for solo travelers and backpackers.
To get there, take a bus from San Jose to Liberia, then a bus to Playa Pan de Azucar. Liberia is about an hour and a half away from Playa Conchal. The best way to get there is by car, but if you don’t have one, make sure to take the direct bus.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park is known for its lush vegetation and diverse habitats, which make it an ideal location for observing a wide range of wildlife. Monkeys, jaguars, and pumas, as well as a wide variety of birds, are among the animals you can expect to see in the park.

There are a few excellent options for lodging near Braulio Carrillo National Park. The Hotel Cabinas El Parque, which is located directly inside the park, is most likely the best place to stay.

Other excellent choices include the Posada El Quetzal and the Hotel Don Carlos, both located just outside the park.

Islas Murcielagos

The Islas Murcielagos, also known as the Bat Islands, is a collection of uninhabited islands off the coast of Costa Rica. These islands are best known for their excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, as well as their marine animal populations, which include dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving experience, make the Islas Murcielagos a priority. This is one of the best places in Central America to scuba dive… if you dare to enter the waters.