Top Places to Visit Costa Rica

Brilliant red feathers and a piercing gaze - this scarlet macaws stands out against the rainforest canopy.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Considered as "the place to see", Arenal National Park is well-known for its volcanoes, its lake and abundant wildlife.

Bajos del Toro

Bajos del Toro is a small village nestled in the lush, forest covered mountains north of San Jose.

Two Scarlet macaws perch side by side, their vibrant plumage lighting up the Costa Rican forest.

Carara National Park

Go in search of the rare scarlet macaw, as well as many other birds and wildlife.

Caribbean Coast

Stunning white sandy beaches, excellent boutique hotels and a relaxed Afro-Caribbean atmosphere - perfect for beach lovers.

A tranquil bay framed by lush forested hills, offering stunning views of Costa Rica's unspoiled coastline.

Guanacaste Beaches

Located in the northwest on the Pacific Ocean, Guanacaste is known for its warm climate, incredible bird watching, and excellent surfing, snorkeling and beaches…

Wooden sign for Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio set beside a forested path leading to the beach.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is a small and unique coastal sanctuary, combining tropical rainforest, exotic wildlife, idyllic Pacific beaches and resorts from t…

Two guides walk along a moss-covered path surrounded by lush rainforest in Bajos del Toro.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde boasts a huge degree of biodiversity, with hundreds of species of migrating and endemic birds, including the famous but elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

An elegant outdoor table set for two overlooks the lush coastline and Pacific Ocean at Lagarta Lodge.

Nicoya Peninsula

Explore the jungle-clad hills of the southern tip of Guanacaste, with stunning beaches and excellent hotels and lodges.

Osa Peninsula & Corcovado

Covered by pristine primary lowland tropical rainforest, the Osa Peninsula is renowned for its biodiversity & endemic wildlife.

Pacuare River

An area of outstanding natural beauty on the Caribbean side of the Central Mountain Range with the wild Pacuare River offering a wide range of adventure sport a…

Thatched-roof beach hut with rustic wicker chairs and table, overlooking palm trees and the Pacific Ocean at Playa Esterillos.

Playa Esterillos Beach

Playa Esterillos is a wide sandy beach located in a secluded part of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

Puerto Caldera - Embark Cruise

Costa Rica's port city for cruises on the Pacific coast.

Rincon de la Vieja

Located in Guanacaste Province with waterfalls, hot springs, mineral rich streams and well marked trails to explore.

San Gerardo de Dota

A lush region of cloud forest and one of the best places to observe the Resplendent Quetzal - one of the most beautiful birds in Costa Rica.

A panoramic view of San Jose and Alajuela with scattered homes and lush greenery set against misty central mountains.

San Jose & Alajuela

San Jose lies amidst the central mountains, dividing the country between its Pacific, Caribbean coasts and its lowlands. Alajuela is the region just north, outs…

Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui is home to several nature reserves, rivers, protected areas and national parks and one of the last places to see the endangered Green Macaw

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Created in 1995, the Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets. Taking its name from the still active Tenorio volcano, the park off…

The Central Valley

A land of scenic volcanic hills, coffee plantations and Costa Rica's major cities.

Tourists explore the lush waterways of Tortuguero National Park by boat, guided through the dense tropical jungle.

Tortuguero Forest & Canals

Tortuguero is an area of lowland wet tropical forest and mangroves, famous for being the principal nesting site for various species of turtles.

Lush rainforest vegetation frames a distant view of Turrialba Volcano beneath a moody sky.

Turrialba Volcano National Park

Home to Costa Rica's 2nd tallest volcano and a haven for birdlife.

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Places to visit in Costa Rica