Are you thinking about planning a trip to Costa Rica but aren’t quite sure what to see?
Then it’s a good thing you opened this article, because we’re here to tell you!
Let’s take a look at some of the most incredible places in this country and how to visit them all on an unforgettable adventure trip.
Five must-see places in Costa Rica
#1 The Arenal Volcano area
In north-central Costa Rica lies Arenal Volcano, one of the country’s most famous natural landmarks.
Arenal Volcano is active and stands 1,633 meters tall – although it has not erupted since 2010.
The lands surrounding the volcano are full of natural beauty and packed with fun things to do. For example, La Fortuna is one of the most popular towns to visit in the area, with a charming little church, a central park, and plenty of dining and accommodation options for travelers.
One very popular day trip is a visit to the powerful La Fortuna Waterfall.
Lake Arenal, meanwhile, is the largest lake in Costa Rica and is an ideal place for water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Other must-see places in Costa Rica near Arenal Volcano include the Venado Caves – featuring limestone rock formations and tunnels that are nearly 20 million years old – and the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, with many wetlands and rivers full of local wildlife.
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#2 The Caribbean coast
Costa Rica’s eastern coast is full of national parks, wildlife, and beautiful beaches.
For those who want to explore the natural world and see lots of exotic animals, while also having the chance to sunbathe and snorkel in the ocean, the Caribbean coast is the right place.
Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by boat or small plane, is one of the best places to admire natural beauty and see unique wildlife on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Here you can find many different animal species while walking among beaches, rainforests, and mangroves. One of the most interesting things here is the presence of several species of sea turtles that nest on the beaches between February and October.
Another ideal place on the Caribbean coast is the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Here you’ll find rainforests, beaches, mangroves, and wetlands, along with a huge variety of wild animals such as turtles, manatees, sloths, monkeys, dolphins, exotic birds, and more.
One last recommendation for animal lovers visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is the Tree of Life Wildlife Rescue Center in Limón Province.
Animals found in unfortunate situations are rescued and brought here so they can enjoy a better life and better health. It’s truly a heartwarming project.
#3 San José
San José is the capital of Costa Rica, located in the center of the country.
San José Airport is Costa Rica’s largest international airport, and its convenient location makes it easy to venture toward the Caribbean coast, the inland cloud forests, or the Pacific coast.
If you’re mainly interested in beaches, nature, and wildlife while in Costa Rica, there may not be much for you in San José, so you may want to head out of the city.
But for those who love history, art, museums, architecture, and culture, the capital is a great starting point for a trip to Costa Rica.
Start your stay in San José with a walk along Avenida Central, the heart of the city. This downtown area is full of shops, restaurants, bars, and museums, and in the evening it fills with musicians and street vendors.
The list of things to do in San José, Costa Rica, continues with:
- the National Theatre;
- the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design;
- the Central Market of San José;
- the Gold Museum;
- the Jade Museum;
- the National Museum.
In all of these places, you can truly dive into the local culture. From museums where you can learn about the nation’s history, artifacts, art, and architecture to tasting local food at the Central Market, you won’t be bored for a second while visiting San José.
#4 The cloud forests
Costa Rica’s highlands are dotted with true ‘cloud forests,’ areas rich in vegetation and very humid thanks to constant cloud cover.
The warm tropical temperatures are slightly softened by the heavy clouds, and the humidity allows plants and animals to thrive.
Costa Rica has several cloud forests where travelers can explore biodiversity. The most famous is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here you can do everything from hiking to zip-lining, and seek out long hanging bridges with incredible views over the rainforest.
The area also has many small villages with ecolodges, museums, and restaurants for travelers.
#5 The Pacific coast
If you ask other travelers where to stay in Costa Rica, they will probably answer: the Pacific coast.
This is where most of the best beaches are located and where surfers tend to gather.
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is divided into three sections: the North Pacific, the Central Pacific, and the South Pacific.
In the North Pacific you’ll find the Guanacaste region. Liberia, the capital of the area, is a charming city to visit.
Among the best things to do in Liberia are visiting La Agonía Church, the central market, the central park, and the Guanacaste Museum. Outside Liberia, you’ll find pristine beaches and lush national parks.
The Central Pacific coast is also home to beaches and national parks. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park and Carara National Park to explore the rainforest and spot fascinating tropical wildlife. Monkeys, macaws, and sloths are common in this region. Puntarenas Marine Park is an incredible place to discover marine life, with plenty of sharks, manta rays, and exotic fish. Jacó is the most popular town to visit, famous for surfing, nightlife, and beautiful beaches to enjoy.
Finally, Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast is just as beautiful, but much less touristy.
Visit the town of Ojochal to sample spectacular local cuisine, or head to the Térraba-Sierpe Wetlands for kayaking and exploring. There are many incredible nature reserves where you can spot whales and dolphins, including Corcovado National Park, Caño Island Biological Reserve, and Marino Ballena National Park.
Read also: Sekumpul Waterfalls in Bali: a natural wonder to visit at least once in a lifetime
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve looked at some of the places to see in Costa Rica.
But what if we told you that we’ve put together an amazing tour that covers the most beautiful spots in the country?!
