It seems a bit cliché to say, but Costa Rica is a magical destination, a nature lover’s paradise. Lush, rainforest covered mountains, breathtaking vistas, clear mountain streams, palm lined beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, are just a few things you can expect from this bio-diverse paradise.
You can get a taste of the country in 7 days, but if you want to really enjoy yourself, plan a minimum of two weeks to enjoy what the locals call “pura vida”, the pure life.
Here is the ultimate list of must-visit places to make your Costa Rican adventure unforgettable.
Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s second most-visited park, and for good reason. Here, the rainforest spills into stunning beaches, creating a haven for wildlife like mischievous capuchin monkeys and scandalous scarlet macaws.
Don’t Miss: The pristine beaches with waters that shift from aqua to emerald green.
Pro Tip: Enjoy lunch at El Avión, a restaurant built around a Fairchild C-123 plane from the Iran-Contra Affair.
The town of La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s iconic landmarks. The area offers endless activities for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike.
Top Experiences: Thermal hot springs, waterfall hikes, canopy tours, and watersports on Lake Arenal.
Don’t Miss: The luxurious hot springs at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa.
The Central Valley offers a mix of city highlights and rural charm.
City Highlights: The Mercado Central, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and National Theater.
Don’t Miss: Tour farms like Doka Coffee Plantation to learn how your morning brew makes it to your cup.
Known for its stunning beaches and sunny climate, Guanacaste is a favorite among beach lovers and luxury travelers.
Top Beaches: Tamarindo is a lively surf town with bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Playa Flamingo is laid-back and upscale, with a new marina. Playa Conchal has white sand and turquoise waters perfect for relaxing.
Don’t Miss: Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where volcanic activity creates surreal landscapes of hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pools.
Limón, on the Atlantic coast, has a unique Afro-Caribbean culture that sets it apart.
Top Spots: Puerto Viejo, a reggae-infused town with a laid-back vibe and Cahuita National Park, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Cultural Highlight: Limón’s rich Afro-Caribbean heritage dates back to the late 1800s when Jamaican laborers came to build the railway. Today, their influence shines through in the local music, food, and traditions.
This is one of the wildest, most pristine areas of Costa Rica, located on the Southern Pacific coast near the border with Panamá. Corcovado National Park is well known for its tree top lodges and an abundance of wildlife, including the big cats of Costa Rica, the jaguar and puma.
Can’t Miss: Corcovado National Park, famous for its rainforests and rare wildlife like jaguars and pumas.
Top Spot: Golfito, a world-class fishing village on the calm waters of Golfo Dulce, known for record-breaking catches.
The former capital of Costa Rica blends history with stunning natural landscapes.
Top Highlights: Basilica de Los Ángeles, home to Costa Rica’s patron saint, and Orosi Valley, featuring Lake Cachí and the ruins of Ujarrás.
Don’t Miss: Irazú Volcano, famous for its otherworldly, moon-like crater.
This high-altitude region is famous for award-winning coffee and breathtaking mountain views.
Don’t Miss: San Gerardo de Dota, a tranquil village perfect for spotting the Resplendent Quetzal.
Top Highlight: Cerro de la Muerte, the highest point on the Pan-American Highway.
Monteverde is a nature lover’s paradise with misty cloud forests and abundant wildlife.
Interesting History: Founded by Quakers in the 1940s, the area retains its rustic charm with unpaved roads.
Top Experiences: Canopy tours, hanging bridges, and cloud forest trails.
At 12,536 feet, Mt. Chirripó offers unbeatable views and a challenging hike.
The Reward: On clear days, see both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the summit.
Tip: Reserve your spot up to six months in advance due to limited capacity.
Jacó is extremely popular with locals due to its proximity to the capital of San José and the rest of the Central Valley. The beach itself is 7 miles long and offers world-class surfing. Restaurants and nightlife abound in Jacó, offering something for everyone.
Top Highlights: Surf world-class waves at Jacó Beach or enjoy fresh oysters and scallops on Isla Tortuga.
Alternative Beaches: For a quieter vibe, visit Herradura, Hermosa, or Esterillos.
This remote northern Atlantic region is a maze of canals, mangroves, and natural beauty.
What to Expect: No cars here—boats are the only way to explore.
Don’t Miss: Witness the arribadas, when thousands of sea turtles come ashore to nest.
Costa Rica is a country bursting with natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re hiking up volcanoes, soaking in thermal hot springs, or relaxing on pristine beaches, you’ll quickly discover why so many people fall in love with this paradise.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our luxury property listings to find your dream home in the world’s best climate and start living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Real Estate Broker
+506-8854-7721
Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
The leading full-service brokerage specializing in luxury residential real estate in Atenas, Costa Rica.
Our team provides personalized guidance and support through every step of the home buying journey.
