21 Lovely 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 energetic volcano ceased its continuous eruptions in 2010. Beforehand, Arenal Volcano was often called some of the energetic volcano experiences within the nation, attracting guests for steady explosions since 1968.

Though most exercise has ceased, it might resume in months or years. Other than the volcano, the realm is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers that adventure-seeking vacationers can discover.

• Location: Northern a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and early Summer time (for clear views of the volcano and fewer crowds).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Journey seekers, hikers, and scorching spring fans.
• Actions on provide: Mountaineering, ziplining, soaking in scorching springs, birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring hanging bridges.
• Lodging: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal Observatory Lodge, and La Fortuna accommodations similar to Volcano Lodge.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the encircling space stuffed with lush greenery and distinctive previous lava circulate.
• Discovering the most important 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 excellent place has now reached legendary standing, particularly amongst kind-hearted guests! Sadly, the nation’s stray canine downside is comparatively extreme, and this place was set as much as assist a handful of them.

This excellent canine sanctuary is 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 in search of one other canine on your furry compadre to play with, the ability permits guests to come back to play with the canines, go for frolicsome hikes, and even convey their canines alongside for playdates!

I extremely suggest this place for one thing very completely different to do in your journey! 

• Location: Central a part of the nation, close to Alajuela.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for comfy strolling situations on the paths).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Animal lovers and households focused on canine welfare.
• Actions on provide: Guided canine hikes, wildlife viewing, volunteering, and exploring mountain trails.
• Lodging: Native guesthouses in Carrizal, accommodations in Alajuela like Xandari Resort & Spa.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights

• Having fun with a enjoyable hike with the canines alongside the attractive terrain and capturing movie footage that my Instagram followers liked!
• Studying concerning the sanctuary from the pleasant homeowners.

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 possibly can see dolphins and whales offshore.

A go to to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio shouldn’t be missed. This park is open Tuesdays by Sundays all year long, however guests declare the very best time to go to is throughout the dry season of December by April.

The park presents improbable mountaineering alternatives and permits guests to benefit from the grandeur of the seas. Deliver your digicam and some snacks for the journey, however as with all nationwide parks, carry every thing to attenuate your impression on the wildlife.

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

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

• Location: Central Pacific a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (to expertise good climate for wildlife viewing and mountaineering).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Nature lovers, households, and beachgoers.
• Actions on provide: Wildlife viewing, mountaineering, swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, and seashore leisure.
• Lodging: Arenas del Mar Resort, Resort 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 by the mangrove forest and having fun with the tranquil sounds of the jungle.

5. Playa Samara

Seaside life is given on this nation, and Playa Samara is the place to go when in Guanacaste. Playa Samara shouldn’t be your typical seashore.

Its laid-back environment contributes to considerably longer lives for its residents than in different components of the nation. The individuals listed here are accepting; they benefit from the journey of experiencing life.

Wonderful meals and enjoyable water actions similar to snorkeling and diving are widespread 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 individuals, and the laid-back bohemian vibe. 

• Location: Western a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter and Spring (to get pleasure from sunny seashore days and calm waters).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Households, newbie surfers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on provide: Swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, browsing, horseback using, and fishing.
• Lodging: Resort 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 lovely coloured fish.
• Becoming a member of a morning yoga session on the seashore! 

6. Santa Teresa

Avid surfers from world wide know Santa Teresa. It’s among the many most well-known surfer meccas on the planet, and the environment of Santa Teresa depicts this laid-back character.

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

• Location: Southern a part of the Nicoya Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for glorious browsing situations and sunny climate).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Surfers, seashore lovers, and yoga fans.
• Actions on provide: Browsing, yoga, horseback using, 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 by the bohemian village stuffed with ice-cream cafes, purchasing boutiques and improbable 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 improbable browsing spot! 

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest

There’s a purpose Monteverde is without doubt one of the most tourist-frequented locations within the nation: it’s unbelievably lovely.

Lovely nationwide parks with undisturbed cloud forests, a whole lot 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 by the cloud forest, hen watching the place you possibly can 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.
• Finest time to go to: Spring (to see the forest at its greenest with fewer vacationers).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Birdwatchers, nature lovers, and hikers.
• Actions on provide: Mountaineering, cover excursions, birdwatching, ziplining, visiting butterfly gardens, and evening wildlife excursions.
• Lodging: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Resort Belmar, and El Establo Mountain Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Exploring the forest with an fascinating guided nighttime tour.
• Going mountaineering and discovering the suspended bridges amongst the magnificent scenic nature.
• Capturing some breathtaking Instagrammable pictures and pictures! 

8. Isla del Coco

This space is a mecca for knowledgeable divers from world wide. 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, often known as Coco Island, provide the chance to discover historic caves and even mean you can 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.
• Finest time to go to: Summer time (for the very best diving situations and marine life encounters).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Scuba divers, marine life fans, and journey vacationers.
• Actions on provide: Scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife pictures, mountaineering, and marine life exploration.
• Lodging: No lodging on the island, liveaboard boats like Okeanos Aggressor for divers.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Happening a scuba diving tour, the marine life was so colourful! 
• Exploring the fascinating caves and forests. 
• Mountaineering to the waterfall and dipping within the waters on the base of it.

9. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is persistently rated as some of the lovely seashores within the nation. The white sand seashore is made from tens of millions of crushed seashells, and I really like the way it glows in pink and white shades. The water is evident and excellent for swimming, snorkelling, and boating.

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

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, alongside the Pacific coast.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for dry, sunny seashore days and crystal-clear water).
• Who would get pleasure from it: {Couples}, snorkelers, and sunbathers.
• Actions on provide: Swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, jet snowboarding, and beachcombing.
• Lodging: The Westin Reserva Conchal, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, and Conchal Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Enjoyable 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 without doubt one of the most numerous parks within the nation, with canals, seashores, and marshland.

You possibly can hire 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.
• Finest time to go to: Late Summer time and Fall (to witness the turtle nesting season).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Wildlife fans and turtle watchers.
• Actions on provide: Boat excursions, kayaking, wildlife viewing, turtle watching, mountaineering, 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 effective eating expertise on the Katonga Floating Restaurant.
• Taking a stroll alongside the seashore’s mushy sand, which was an ideal spot to observe the sundown. 

11. Montezuma

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

There’s additionally a well-liked 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.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and early Summer time (for nice climate and luxurious inexperienced environment).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Backpackers, nature lovers, and beachgoers.
• Actions on provide: Mountaineering to waterfalls, seashore walks, swimming, yoga, snorkeling, and ATV excursions.
• Lodging: Ylang Ylang Seaside Resort, El Sano Banano Village Resort, and Resort Amor de Mar.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Visiting the epic Montezuma Waterfalls which was simply beautiful! 
• Having fun with stay 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 by way of 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 stay within the jungle and are sighted usually. Outdated-growth bushes and beautiful flowers are in all places. This park actually embodies the pure jungle great thing about this nation!

• Location: Southwestern a part of the Osa Peninsula, alongside the Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for drier situations and simpler entry to trails).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Wildlife fans, photographers, and hikers.
• Actions on provide: Mountaineering, 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. 
• Mountaineering the designated trails to discover by the attractive bushes 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 excellent for snorkelling when the solar shines, and the ocean turns into flat. Surfers find it irresistible throughout storms and massive swells.

The golden sand and turquoise ocean are distinctly Caribbean. When you go deep sufficient, the jungle is stuffed with unbelievable animals, together with howler monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

• Location: Southeastern Caribbean coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for the very best seashore climate and wildlife recognizing).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Households, nature lovers, and wildlife photographers.
• Actions on provide: Birdwatching, mountaineering, snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and swimming.
• Lodging: Almonds and Corals Lodge, Congo Bongo Ecolodges, and Resort 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 bushes! 
• Seeing the tremendous cute sloths! 

14. Isla Tortuga

Isla Tortuga is precisely what it feels like. It’s an island which is house to a singular neighborhood of turtles. Turtle Island is the widespread identify for this enjoyable, unspoiled environment.

Guests can select from a number of tour alternatives and actions similar to scuba diving, cover excursions, and mountaineering. 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 succeed in its sandy shores.

• Location: Off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula.
• Finest time to go to: Winter and Spring (for clear skies and calm sea situations).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Snorkelers, day-trippers, and seashore lovers.
• Actions on provide: Snorkeling, swimming, banana boat rides, kayaking, seashore video games, and mountaineering trails.
• Lodging: Accessible by way of boat excursions, close by stays embody Tambor Tropical Resort, and Tango Mar Seaside Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

• Taking a guided sea kayaking tour. It’s tougher work to paddle than on a lake, however the surroundings made it value 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 outlets which lined the shore.

15. Poas Volcano

Arenal could also be the most well-liked energetic volcano within the nation, however Poas, simply an hour exterior of San Jose, is without doubt one of the most lovely locations within the nation.

Within the heart 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 prime will be seen from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

• Location: Central a part of the nation, in Alajuela province.
• Finest time to go to: Spring (for fewer crowds and clear views of the crater lake).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Geology fans, households, and nature explorers.
• Actions on provide: Mountaineering, exploring volcanic craters, birdwatching, and visiting close by botanical gardens.
• Lodging: Poás Lodge, Peace Lodge at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and Altura Resort.
• 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 shouldn’t be within the heart 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 will need to stroll awhile. Bajos del Toro, nonetheless, is really definitely worth the stroll.

It’s a non-public reserve stuffed 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.
• Finest time to go to: Spring (for lush inexperienced landscapes and waterfall exploration).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Waterfall lovers, hikers, and photographers.
• Actions on provide: Mountaineering to waterfalls, birdwatching, canyoning, nature pictures, and wildlife commentary.
• 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! 
• Mountaineering alongside the Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco which was stuffed with coloration and beautiful surroundings! 
• Having a go at canyoning. 

17. Tamarindo Seaside

This seashore is understood for browsing, however many select to chill and keep for some time. Situated within the Guanacaste province, it began as a small village and has now grown into some of the common locations to go to within the Central American nation.

It’s an extended and fairly sandy seashore with improbable waves. Nevertheless, there could be a sturdy present, so warning is suggested in case you’re a beginner surfer. When you fancy a strive, accommodations within the space can set you up with a close-by water sports activities rental.

• Location: Northwestern Pacific coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for constant sunshine and nice browsing situations).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Surfers, party-goers, and seashore lovers.
• Actions on provide: Browsing, swimming, seashore walks, kayaking, snorkeling, and horseback using.
• Lodging: Tamarindo Diria Seaside Resort, Cala Luna Boutique Resort, and Resort Capitan Suizo.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights…

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

18. Rio de Celeste

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

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 scorching springs.

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

My private highlights…

• Chilling out within the beautiful scorching 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 wished to see an energetic volcano up shut? Many individuals discover this notion thrilling, and you may get your volcanic repair in Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park.

The park is understood for top ranges of geothermic exercise, and mountaineering up Rincon de la Vieja, an energetic volcano, is a outstanding expertise.

Geothermic research are widespread within the space, and if in case you have ever wished to find out about volcanic exercise, Rincon de la Vieja Nationwide Park is a wonderful useful resource. It’s not all about schooling however presents some insanely lovely photograph ops, as waterfalls are a improbable attraction on this space.

• Location: Northwestern a part of the nation, in Guanacaste province.
• Finest time to go to: Winter (for simpler mountaineering and to see energetic volcanic exercise).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Hikers, journey seekers, and scorching spring fans.
• Actions on provide: Mountaineering, volcanic mud baths, scorching springs soaking, birdwatching, horseback using, and ziplining.
• Lodging: Hacienda Guachipelin, Blue River Resort & Scorching Springs, and Borinquen Mountain Resort.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Mountaineering as much as the energetic volcano, the panormanic views have been unbelievable! 
• Swimming and enjoyable within the beautiful blue scorching springs, a pure outside spa. 
• Going river tubing! 

20. Playa Ostional

Situated in probably the greatest seashore cities within the nation, this is without doubt one of the most unbelievable sights! It’s the arribada of a whole lot of hundreds of leatherback turtles on the seashores of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

The week earlier than the brand new moon, a whole lot to a whole lot of hundreds of feminine turtles come onto the shore at evening to put their eggs.

When the eggs hatch a number of weeks later, contributors 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.
• Finest time to go to: Fall (to witness the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Wildlife fans focused on turtle nesting.
• Actions on provide: Turtle watching, swimming, sunbathing, seashore walks, and wildlife commentary.
• Lodging: Nosara Seaside Resort, 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 presents numerous points of interest.

San José is break up into neighborhoods which are referred to as barrios. Some of the iconic is Barrio Amón, the place you possibly can discover a vital a part of the town’s historical past. It’s additionally a spot the place you possibly can go to some of the magnificent architectural websites within the nation.

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

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for nice temperatures and fewer wet days).
• Who would get pleasure from it: Historical past buffs, tradition seekers, and concrete explorers.
• Actions on provide: Museum visits, metropolis excursions, cultural performances, meals tasting, historic sightseeing, and purchasing.
• Lodging: Resort 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 stuffed with tales.
• Strolling by the 6-acres of the fantastically ready Japanese Friendship Backyard.
• Being impressed by the fascinating displays on the Tech Museum of Innovation.