Top 10 Places to Visit in Costa Rica
- Arenal (volcano)
Costa Rica’s most active volcano puts on a beautiful show of glowing orange lava flow and eruptions most every night. To see a volcano in action like this is a once in a lifetime experience. Throw in the surrounding areas lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, rain forests, and wildlife and you will see why Arenal is a must for everyone traveling to Costa Rica.
- Monteverde (nature/adventure)
One of the 7 marvels of Costa Rica, Monteverde offers visitors a chance to see literally hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles and plants. The brilliant quetzal resides here seasonally and this site has more species of orchid in one place than any other in the world. Adventure activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, and ziplining through the cloud forest.
- Tamarindo (beach)
Although Tamarindo has been perceived as a top surfers destination, the beaches offer much more than. Two of which are wonderful for advanced surfers. People flock from all over the world to come watch the turtles nest on the Marino Las Baulas National Park. Other activities include: ziplining, horseback riding, fishing, snorkeling, and nightlife. With the local airstrips daily flights from San Jose, it is considerably accessible and won’t disappoint with its multitude of activities.
- Isla del Coco (marine wildlife scuba – nature)
Scuba divers will be in underwater heaven in the waters of Isla del Coco. With its many species of sharks, dolphins, large fish, turtles and even whales it has been named one of the 10 best diving places in the world by to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. The dense tropical forests on the island are just a bonus to what is in the water and you may even find some of the rumored hidden treasure!
- Manuel Antonio (nature with the park / beach)
The smallest national park in Costa Rica packs the biggest bang for your buck! Manuel Antonio has been listed in the book “1000 Places to See Before You Die” and it’s no wonder. The park is the home to sloths, monkeys, marmots, iguanas, snakes, dolphins, numerous varieties of birds, and so many other exotic animals you cannot list them all in such a short space….literally hundreds of species. Manuel Antonio is a must and does not disappoint.
- Pacuare (which is located in Turrialba – rafting!)
Rafting the Rio Pacuare, deemed one of the top 10 river trips in the world by National Geographic, is as breathtaking as it is exhilarating. Most of the river corridor is spectacular first generation rain forest filled with parakeets, monkeys, river otters, anteaters, raccoons, and large cats (though they are rarely seen). Undertaking the River Pacuare in your whitewater adventure, and staying at the lodge which sits on a nest of jungle, is one of the most surreal experiences you will ever do.
- Sarapiqui (nature)
There is something for everyone at Sarapiqui. For the adventurist white water rafting and canopy tours, for those searching a more peaceful retreat, yoga centers, butterfly and frog gardens, and horseback riding. The flora and fauna are said to be unparalleled here compared with anywhere else, hosting half of the countries 850 species of birds; it is a birdwatcher’s paradise. This region is a truly unique area that is a gateway to many other attractions in Costa Rica.
- Corcovado
All of Costa Rica’s monkey species can be seen here, along with hundreds of species of birds, numerous species of large cats, caiman, and even crocodiles! This park’s biodiversity and natural beauty are unbelievable. Be prepared to be blown away by what National Geographic has called it “the most biologically intense place on Earth”..
- Dominical (Jungle lodges and virgin beaches)
Dominical is a heaven for surfers with its waves of up to 10 feet high! Though it’s a busy area, you wont find the beaches as crowded as those in North America and you will experience some of the charming culture of Costa Rica. This area also offers kayaking, horseback riding, hiking to waterfalls, and watching whales and turtles. The Jungle Lodge accommodations are extraordinary and the beaches are some of the best in Latin America.
- Rincon de la Vieja
This national park is paradise; there is no other way to put it. There are gorgeous waterfalls and freshwater lakes to swim in, hiking trails through lush rainforest to the top of the volcano, ziplining canopy tours, rafting, and atv rides. The wildlife is abundant and the views are spectacular.
