Your Essential Guide to Costa Rica’s Top Destinations

I first visited Costa Rica back in 2019, before the world changed, and I’ve returned three times since then. Each visit has shown me something new about this incredibly welcoming country – from watching sea turtles nest on empty beaches to sipping locally grown coffee in mountain villages where the morning mist rolls in like clockwork.

What makes Costa Rica special is how it packs so much into a country smaller than West Virginia. You can start your morning spotting toucans in a rainforest, spend your afternoon soaking in hot springs near an active volcano, and end your day watching the sunset on a Pacific beach. And the best part? The locals (or Ticos, as they call themselves) are always ready to share their “pura vida” way of life with visitors.

Ready to plan your Costa Rica adventure? I’ve combined my personal experiences with advice from local guides I’ve befriended over the years to create this list of the country’s best spots – from well-known destinations to hidden gems that most tourists miss.

Manuel Antonio National Park

If you’re searching for Costa Rica’s best wildlife encounters, head straight to Manuel Antonio National Park. Tucked along the Pacific Coast, this compact park packs in white-sand beaches, lush rainforest trails, and countless creatures like playful monkeys, slow-moving sloths, and colorful toucans that call these protected grounds home.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Located in central Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano National Park is home to one of the country’s most famous cone-shaped volcanoes. Unlike other parks in Costa Rica that focus solely on rainforests, Arenal offers a mix of volcanic landscapes and lush jungle. The volcano itself stands guard over the surrounding area, frequently covered in clouds but occasionally revealing its perfect symmetrical form. Thanks to the volcanic activity underground, you’ll find hot springs scattered throughout the region, where locals and tourists alike soak in the warm mineral waters. The park’s extensive network of hiking trails winds through old lava fields and secondary rainforest, while suspension bridges let you explore the canopy level where toucans and howler monkeys make their home.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Few places in Costa Rica capture the magic of a tropical rainforest quite like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This misty paradise sits high in the mountains, where low-hanging clouds create an ecosystem that feels almost otherworldly. As someone who’s hiked through many forests, I can tell you there’s something special about walking across hanging bridges suspended in the canopy while watching hummingbirds dart between orchids and bromeliads. The reserve spans over 26,000 acres, giving visitors plenty of space to spot rare birds like the resplendent quetzal, listen to howler monkeys in the distance, and explore trails that wind through moss-covered trees. It’s not the easiest place to reach – the roads are bumpy and long – but that’s exactly what’s helped preserve its wild character and kept the crowds manageable.

Tamarindo Beach

Catch some of Costa Rica’s best waves at Tamarindo Beach, a surfer’s paradise along the Pacific coast. This long stretch of sandy shore welcomes both beginners and experienced surfers with its consistent waves and several surf schools ready to get you up on a board. When you’re not riding the waves, kick back at one of the beachfront restaurants where you can sip fresh coconut water and watch the orange sun melt into the horizon. The nearby town offers plenty of shops, cafes, and bars, making it easy to fill your days with both adventure and relaxation.

Corcovado National Park

Tucked away on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park first caught my eye during my 2018 rainforest expedition. Often called “the Amazon of Costa Rica,” this remote paradise covers over 100,000 acres of pristine wilderness along the Pacific coast. Dense rainforest canopies and untouched beaches make up most of the landscape here, alongside winding hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls. The park’s remarkable biodiversity is home to countless species, from scarlet macaws to jaguars, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. The Sirena Ranger Station, positioned right in the heart of the park, offers visitors a chance to wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and spot tapirs wandering through the morning mist.

La Fortuna

Get up close with an active volcano when you visit La Fortuna, home to the towering Arenal Volcano. The small town serves as the perfect base for outdoor adventures, from hiking through lava fields to soaking in natural hot springs heated by volcanic activity. You can spend your days chasing waterfalls, zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, or spotting toucans and sloths on guided nature walks. For a relaxing evening, head to one of the many thermal spa resorts where you can unwind in mineral-rich pools while watching the sunset behind the volcano’s silhouette.

Drake Bay

Have you ever watched dolphins play in crystal-clear waters while scarlet macaws soar overhead? That’s just another day in Drake Bay, a remote paradise tucked away on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. This hidden coastal gem, accessible mainly by boat or small plane, sits right next to Corcovado National Park – one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Here you can spot toucans from your breakfast table, snorkel with sea turtles at Caño Island, or trek through rainforest trails where jaguars still roam free. The bay’s handful of eco-lodges blend perfectly into the jungle setting, letting you wake up to howler monkeys instead of alarm clocks.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca draws visitors with its laid-back beach atmosphere and rich Afro-Caribbean culture. The area combines pristine beaches like Playa Cocles and Punta Uva with dense rainforest, making it a natural playground for both beach lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. While many come for the excellent surfing conditions at Salsa Brava reef break, the town offers much more than just waves. You can bike along coastal paths, spot sloths in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, or sample local flavors at beachside restaurants. The blend of reggae music, traditional cuisine, and friendly locals creates an atmosphere that’s different from Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and you’ll find something interesting to do here whether you visit during the dry or green season.

Tortuguero National Park

Located along Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park feels like nature’s own maze of waterways and rainforest. Much like other parks in the country, it’s home to monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. But unlike the rest, you won’t find any roads here – boats are the only way to get around. The park got its name from the sea turtles that nest on its beaches, and between July and October, you can watch these ancient creatures lay their eggs in the dark sand. Because of its unique network of canals and lagoons, locals often call it the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” and as you glide through the narrow waterways in a small boat, past hanging vines and listening to howler monkeys in the distance, you’ll understand why.

Santa Teresa

Located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa began as a quiet fishing village before evolving into one of the country’s top surf spots back in the early 2000s. This laid-back beach town stretches along four kilometers of Pacific coastline, where dirt roads connect small cafes, yoga studios, and surf shops that cater to a mix of locals and travelers. The waves here break consistently throughout the year, making it a magnet for surfers of all skill levels, while the nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve offers hiking trails through dry tropical forest. As the sun sets, the beach becomes a gathering spot where people come to watch the orange sky reflect off the water – a daily ritual that captures the pure simplicity of Costa Rican beach life.

Nosara

The bohemian beach town of Nosara first caught my eye back in 2019 during my quest for Costa Rica’s best surf spots. Tucked along the Nicoya Peninsula’s Pacific coast, Nosara stands out for its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to keeping development low-key. The town spans several beaches, with Playa Guiones being the main attraction where surfers of all levels ride waves along its 4-mile stretch of sand. Beyond the shoreline, yoga studios and organic cafes dot the dusty roads, while howler monkeys swing through the protected forests that reach right up to the beach. What makes Nosara special is how it’s managed to keep its natural character intact – there are no beachfront buildings or large resorts, just simple paths leading through the trees to the ocean.

Montezuma

I always tell nature lovers to head straight to Montezuma when visiting Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Tucked away on the southern tip, this laid-back beach town combines pristine shorelines with dense jungle, creating the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The area is known for its three-tiered Montezuma Waterfall, where visitors can swim in natural pools, and its long stretches of beach where you’ll often spot howler monkeys swinging through the trees overhead.

Jaco

Just an hour from San Jose, Jaco stands as one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns along the Pacific coast. I first visited this lively surf spot in 2018, drawn by tales of its consistent waves and laid-back vibe. The 2.5-mile stretch of dark sand beach forms the backbone of the town, where beginner surfers mix with seasoned pros riding the waves from sunrise to sunset. Beyond the beach, Jaco’s main street pulses with local restaurants, craft beer bars, and small surf shops, while the surrounding hills hide luxury condos and boutique hotels with views across the bay. The nearby Carara National Park offers a peaceful escape, where scarlet macaws soar between the trees and hiking trails wind through thick rainforest.

Samara Beach

Samara Beach is one of those places in Costa Rica that feels like it was plucked straight from a laid-back traveler’s daydream. This long stretch of palm-fringed coastline on the Nicoya Peninsula offers the kind of gentle waves that make both beginning surfers and swimming families feel right at home. Unlike some of Costa Rica’s more crowded beaches, Samara maintains its small-town charm, where local restaurants serve fresh catch-of-the-day right on the sand and beach dogs lounge in the shade of almond trees. It’s not the kind of place you visit for wild parties or luxury resorts – instead, you come here to slow down, maybe take a surf lesson, and watch the sun paint the sky pink as fishing boats drift back to shore.

Peninsula Papagayo

Peninsula Papagayo represents the luxurious side of Costa Rica that most travelers only dream about. This exclusive 1,400-acre paradise on the northern Pacific coast brings together high-end resorts, private beaches, and world-class golf courses in a setting that feels distinctly Costa Rican. It’s not a destination for budget travelers – the peninsula caters to those seeking five-star comforts – but those who make the investment find themselves in a unique position to experience both luxury and nature. From spotting howler monkeys while lounging by infinity pools to accessing hidden coves only reachable by boat, Papagayo offers a different take on the typical Costa Rican adventure.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Hidden in Costa Rica’s northern highlands, Tenorio Volcano National Park first caught my eye in 2018 during a quest to find the country’s most colorful rivers. The park’s crown jewel, Rio Celeste, winds through dense rainforest with its impossible-to-miss bright blue waters that look like someone poured paint into the stream. Local legend says the color came from God washing his paintbrushes after coloring the sky, but it’s actually a natural optical illusion created by mineral particles in the water. Beyond the famous river, the park offers well-maintained hiking trails that lead you past bubbling hot springs, small waterfalls, and viewing points where you can spot toucans and howler monkeys in the canopy above.

Mal Pais

For surfers looking to escape the crowds, Mal Pais is the perfect hideaway on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. This laid-back beach town stretches along 4 miles of Pacific coastline, offering consistent waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. Beyond the breaks, you’ll find a mix of unpaved roads winding through jungle terrain, small local restaurants serving fresh seafood, and enough yoga studios to help you find your zen after a day on the water.

Uvita

Have you ever seen a beach that looks exactly like a whale’s tail from above? That’s what you’ll find in Uvita, a laid-back coastal town where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. Part of Costa Rica’s famous Costa Ballena (Whale Coast), this hidden gem is one of the best places to spot migrating humpback whales from July to October. You can spend your days exploring the unique rock formations and waterfalls in Marina Ballena National Park, or catch some waves at the uncrowded beaches that stretch for miles along the coastline.