Places To Visit In Costa Rica

Tourist Places In Costa Rica

Costa Rica has myriad natural wonders, from volcanoes to beaches, rainforests to rivers. Add these glorious tropical destinations to your travel itinerary, and be ready to be hypnotised by the beauty of this Central American country.

San Jose

The bustling capital city of Costa Rica is rich in history and culture. There are endless options for places to visit in San Jose, Costa Rica. The town is popular for its art galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions. You can shop in Avenida Central, have picnics at La Sabana Metropolitan Park, or look at pre-Columbian artefacts and the butterfly conservatory in the National Museum.

Highlights: Jade Museum, Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, Coronado, Los Quetzales National Park

Things to do: Walking Nature Tour, Go Ziplining in Carpinteria Hills, Visit a Local Coffee Farm, City Sightseeing Tour

Monteverde Cloud Reserve Forest

Monteverde is an idyllic town located at a 3-hour drive from San Jose. It is one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, and some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see are in Monteverde. The Cloud Reserve Forest is a gorgeous biodiversity hotspot in Monteverde.

Highlights: Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Curi-Cancha Reserve, The Bat Jungle

Things to do: Hiking, Butterfly watching at Monteverde Butterfly Reserve, Visiting the Orchid Garden

Pacuare River

Adventure lovers, get aboard! We’re sailing down the waters of the Pacuare River. Primitive rainforests, mighty waterfalls and tranquil pools surround the river. The river offers adventurers various grades of rapids that range from level II to IV. If you’re up for a challenge, the river awaits you.

Highlights: Primordial rainforest reserves, Natural pool, Waterfalls, Cabecar Indian communities

Things to do: Whitewater rafting, boating, riverboarding, enjoy a picnic by the banks

Montezuma

Montezuma is nothing short of a gorgeous slice of heaven. Despite a steady flow of visitors, it still retains an off-the-beaten-path feel. It has a nature reserve, stunning beaches, and an island nearby. Furthermore, there is no shortage of restaurants serving delicious local food.

Highlights: Mariposario butterfly garden, Montezuma Waterfalls, Cabuya Island, Turtle Island

Things to do: Floating in the rock pools at Playa Palmeras, swimming in the Montezuma Waterfalls, hiking at Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Arenal Volcano

Arenal is a majestic mountain with beautiful symmetry. Although the conical volcano has been dormant since 2010. Looking at its pastoral beauty, it’s easy to underestimate its power, but Arenal is only asleep and could wake up at any time

Highlights: La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Hanging Bridges, Venado Caves, Las Coladas trail

Things to do: rainforest hikes, relaxing in hot springs, ziplining for a bird's eye view of the volcano.

Celeste River

The Celeste River is among Costa Rica's most breathtaking natural wonders. Its turquoise waters seem lit from within, and reaching it is a good exercise. A hike up the hill and a journey through the rainforests, which takes about 3 hours, takes you to the river. The river is one of the most beloved places to visit in Costa Rica.

Highlights: Celeste River waterfall, Mirador viewpoint, Laguna Azul

Things to do: Tubing in Rio Celeste, Nature hike near Rio Celeste, Rio Celeste Adventure Park

Guanacaste Beaches

Blessed with beautiful weather and crystal-clear waters, this 200-kilometer stretch of the Pacific coast is known worldwide for its excellent surfing opportunities. The beaches are serene and rejuvenating, and you will wish that time would stop in that beautiful moment forever.

Highlights: Playa Conchal, Playa Grande, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Brasilito, Playa Dantas, Sugar Beach

Things to do: Snorkeling, sunset cruises, exploring the beach