What To See And Do In Costa Rica

Oct 09, 2023 By Juliana Daniel

Because of the incredible variety of habitats, animals, and activities that can be found within its relatively narrow borders, Costa Rica has become a popular tourist destination. Beachgoers, resort guests, and hikers aren't the only ones who may enjoy their time in this Central American nation. It's simple to pick Costa Rica as a vacation location, but this guide will help you narrow your options to the best of the best!

Beach of Tamarindo

Tamarindo is one of the most visited places in Costa Rica, and with good reason. The vibrant seaside town on the northern Nicoya Peninsula features cheap and luxurious lodging options, a thriving nightlife, and beautiful, surfable beaches.

Although the city has many establishments to choose from, the surrounding tropical dry forest and adjoining wetlands are home to spectacular wildlife, not to mention the world-famous surf. Playa Tamarindo has everything for everyone, making it the perfect holiday destination.

Monteverde

The Monteverde cloud forest is an ecotourist's dream. Central Costa Rica, among the rolling hills. The highland highlands rainforest is home to many flora and fauna not found anywhere else on Earth. If you want to see rare birds like the bellbird and the dazzling quetzal in their natural habitat.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is the spot for you if you've ever dreamed of relaxing on a Costa Rican beach with a view of the Pacific Ocean and the lush forest in the background. Both the beach and the Manuel Antonio National Park forest are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the white-faced capuchin monkey, the howler monkey, the sloth, and many others. Manuel Antonio is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its wide variety of lodging and dining options.

La Fortuna

The volcanic Arenal Volcano in northern Costa Rica creates natural hot springs in the rivers below the town of La Fortuna. Many hotels and resorts have taken use of the natural hot springs that run through their properties to develop luxurious spas. Arenal Volcano National Park is only one of many places to go hiking in the beautiful cloud forest mountains and see breathtaking waterfalls. Cerro Chato, an extinct volcano with a turquoise lake in its crater, is my favorite trek, and it may be combined with a trip to the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall.

Santa Teresa

Some of the most extraordinary surfing and stunning beaches in Costa Rica may be found in Santa Teresa, a coastal forest on the country's southern Nicoya Peninsula. The town's extensive white sand beach, lush vegetation, and mild Pacific seas draw surfers, yogis, and adventurers from all around.

Parque Nacional Tortuguero

Tortuguero National Park is widely recognized as the cradle of sea turtle conservation efforts located on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The conservation efforts that started in the 1950s have led to an unprecedented yearly nesting rate of 50,000 green turtles in Tortuguero. From May through October, you may observe the excellent nesting process of sea turtles with the help of a local guide. You may also see a lot of fascinating animals in the canals and rivers nearby.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park, on the isolated Osa Peninsula, is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful destinations. Protecting the most extensive tract of primary forest on the American Pacific coast, this park is among the greatest in Costa Rica. It has been called "the most ecologically intensive area on earth" by National Geographic.

It's the furthest away, but nature enthusiasts should make the effort to get there. I was fortunate to have a home near the park's boundary, where sightings of tapir, squirrel monkeys, and sea turtles were frequent.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Puerto Viejo, a tiny town on the southeast coast of Costa Rica, is known for its enthusiastic celebration of its Caribbean heritage. Tourists visit Puerto Viejo because it has the pure blue water typical of the Caribbean Sea, a laid-back island atmosphere, and nonstop reggae music. The community is home to lively nightlife, excellent diving, coastal jungle hiking, and a high concentration of sloths.

Sámara

Sámara is a popular tourist destination on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its long, white sand beaches and reliable surf. Sámara, in my view, is one of the most well-rounded beach locations in Costa Rica due to its natural beauty, diversity of bars and restaurants, and accessibility to many fantastic neighboring sites.