Top 10 Costa Rican Highlights

Costa Rica, with its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, winding rivers, incredible wildlife, and eco-friendly outlook, has soared in popularity over recent years.

And it’s easy to see why. Its spectacular national parks and reserves make up 25% of the country’s land area and offer exciting experiences such as canyoning, white water rafting, and zip-lining. Along its sun-drenched coastlines covering the Pacific and the Caribbean sea, the beaches are equally incredible, offering world-class surf, turquoise waters, and breath-taking sunsets. And for animal lovers, Costa Rica is a true paradise – home to turtles, macaws, sloths and more.

Added to that, the warm ‘Pura Vida’ spirit of the locals, a reputation as one of the happiest and safest countries in Central America, year-round tropical weather and pioneering eco-tourism – it’s a dream destination!

Costa Rica is small enough to explore many of its highlights in one multi-centre holiday, so why not pick and mix from our top 10 highlights and discover this fabulous Central American gem for yourself.  Or take a look at our suggested Costa Rica multi-centre itineraries.

 

Our eShores Top 10 Costa Rican hot spots in a nutshell:

 10 – San José:  The vibrant capital city with culture, history and fabulous food.

 09 – Tamarindo: Surf, beaches, fun and relaxation.

 08 – Cahuita National Park: Marine life, coral reefs, and a mix of jungle and beach.

 07 – Osa Peninsula / Corcovado National Park: Remote and off-the beaten path for nature lovers.

 06 – Poás Volcano National Park:  Explore the active volcano and cloud forests.

 05 – Rincón de la Vieja National Park: Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and adventure.

 04 – Manuel Antonio National Park: Sublime beaches along the Pacific coast.

 03 – Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: An otherworldly experience in the mountains.

 02 – Tortuguero National Park: Canals, wildlife, turtles and the Caribbean Coast.

 01 – Arenal Volcano National Park: Dramatic volcanic landscapes and hot spring.

 

San José: For a mix of culture, nature, and history

San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, is the natural starting point for exploring the country’s diverse beauty and charm. Quickly gaining recognition as a hotspot for foodies, the city boasts a dynamic culinary scene with the trendy Barrio Escalante at its gastronomic heart, offering innovative restaurants and lively bars. Added to this, there is a thriving craft beer culture and the chance to sample some of the world’s finest coffee.

To see the cultural side of the city, head to the stunning Teatro Nacional, with its neo-classical architecture, and explore ancient artifacts at the Museo del Jade (jade museum) and Museo de Oro (gold museum).  Wander through the Barrio Amón, where historic mansions have been turned into art galleries and cafes, and stroll around the Central Market with its hundreds of eclectic stalls.  For a break from the city hubbub, take a moment to relax in the Parque La Sabana, which has plenty of shade to shelter from the Costa Rican sunshine.

The valleys surrounding San José are often visited in tandem with a visit to the city. The Orosi Valley is especially stunning, with its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and the dramatic backdrop of the Talamanca Mountains. The valley is also home to the historic Orosi Church, one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica.  The Valley of the Saints (Valle de los Santos) is similarly breath-taking, offering stunning views of coffee plantations nestled in the hills and dramatic mountain vistas. This area is perfect for coffee tours, where you can learn about Costa Rica’s coffee-making process while soaking in the views of forests and mountains.

 

Tamarindo & Nearby Beaches: For a sublime beachside getaway

Tamarindo, located on the Pacific coast in the Guanacaste region, is one of the country’s most vibrant beach towns. Known for its bustling atmosphere, it offers a lively mix of world-class surf, buzzing nightlife, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. The main beach, Playa Tamarindo, is popular for its consistent surf conditions, although if you’re looking for a more tranquil, less touristy beach nearby, head to Playa Avellanas or Playa Langosta, which offer a quieter, more laid-back experience.

For nature lovers, Playa Grande, located just north of Tamarindo, is a protected nesting ground for the sea turtle, and visiting from October to March allows you to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.  Beyond turtles, the area is ideal for exploring the rich biodiversity of Marino Las Baulas National Park, where you can cruise around its mangroves on boat or kayak tours.

For an even more tranquil getaway, Punta Islita, a remote area on the Nicoya Peninsula, offers a luxurious and peaceful escape with stunning beachfront views, perfect for those looking for a quieter coastal experience.

 

Cahuita National Park: For Coral Reefs & Sandy beaches

 Also on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, the Cahuita National Park offers both tropical rainforest and vibrant marine life. Some of the park’s trail system runs right alongside the beach, with the jungle literally coming up to the path. This means you can take a break and enjoy the warm waters or relax on the sandy shores as you explore the trails.

You’re likely to encounter wildlife monkeys, toucans, lizards, iguanas, raccoons, and a variety of colourful birds.  For the underwater lovers, the park’s extensive coral reef is home to tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles – offering the perfect opportunity for snorkelling.

 

Corcovado National Park / Isla del Caño:  For off-the-beaten track nature experiences

 The remote Osa Peninsula on the southern pacific coast offers an authentic, off-the-grid experience from which to explore some of Costa Rica’s most untouched natural beauty. It is home to the Corcovado National Park, known as the jewel in the crown of Costa Rica’s national parks.

Access is limited to maintain its preservation, and it can only be reached by boat or small planes, so a tour is a must.  The park spans approximately 164 square miles of dense rainforest, mangroves and beaches that house a fascinating range of creatures such as jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, sloths, and over a hundred of species of birds.

 

A popular place to stay in the region is Drake bay which offers a great base for exploring the park.  The bay is also close to the beautiful Isla del Caño (Cano Island) which is a must-visit for those interested in the underwater world, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, such as sea turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish.

 

Poás Volcano National Park/La Paz Waterfall :  For Volcanoes & Waterfalls

Just a short drive from San José, Poás Volcano is one of the country’s most iconic and easily accessible active volcanoes.  It’s famous for its huge crater, one of the largest in the world at about a mile wide, and has a dramatic yellow/green sulphuric lagoon at its base.  Head to the Crater Observation Deck, where you’ll be treated to an up-close view of the crater and its lagoon. If you’re up for a hike, you can also visit the Botos Lagoon Observation Deck along the Botos Trail, where you can gaze at the beautifully serene Botos crater lake surrounded by lush forest.  The park’s trails also lead you through cloud forests, where you might spot various wildlife, including birds, butterflies, small mammals and hundreds of different types of flora and fauna.

Around 30 minutes from Poás, you’ll find the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, with its series of beautiful waterfalls where you can visit the on-site wildlife exhibits, including a butterfly observatory and hummingbird garden.

 

Rincón de la Vieja National Park: For volcanic landscapes and waterfalls

Rincón de la Vieja National Park, located in the heart of the Guanacaste region, offers a mix of natural wonders and activities. The park is dominated by the active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and one of the park’s main highlights is the Las Pailas Trail, a 3.5km circular path that takes you through the volcano’s geothermal features, including boiling mud pots, sulphuric steam vents, and steaming fumaroles.

As you may expect, the park is a haven for wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and coatis, which you can spot along the trails. You can also hike to stunning waterfalls such as Oropendola and La Victoria to take a refreshing dip in the waters. For a spot of adventure, try horseback riding, zip lining, or tubing along the Río Colorado.

If you’re seeking more river thrills, you could head to the nearby Río Tenorio to try your hand at whitewater rafting.   Coursing through grade 3 and 4 rapids and lush tropical landscapes, it’s the perfect activity for the more adventurous travellers.

 

Manuel Antonio National Park:  Pristine beaches & Tropical Jungles

Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica for beach lovers, thanks to its stunning coastline, warm Pacific waters, and the combination of beach and nature experiences. The park is home to Playa Manuel Antonio, a picture-perfect crescent of white sand framed by emerald waters, whilst the nearby Playa Espadilla, offers equally breathtaking views and the perfect setting for relaxing, swimming, and water sports.

Beyond the beaches, the park offers plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities. On jungle trails, you can expect to see monkeys, sloths, and lots of colourful birds.  The nearby town of Quepos is also a must-visit with some great restaurants and a bustling market.  Other highlights include zip-lining through the rainforest, and boat and catamaran tours with a chance to snorkel and spot dolphins.

 

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: For an otherworldly nature experience

Located in the mountains, about 60 miles from Arenal, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most famous cloud forests in the world. A cloud forest is a unique type of tropical forest found at higher elevations, with its defining feature being its constant cloud cover or mist, which forms when warm air from the lowlands rises, cools, and condenses at these higher altitudes.

As you explore the extensive network of trails, the dense fog that blankets the Monteverde Cloud Forest creates an almost surreal, magical environment.  You can also spot wildlife including sloths, monkeys, and the maybe the elusive quetzal, a colourful bird with brilliant green, red, and blue feathers, found mainly in cloud forests.  For a unique experience, you could join a night tour to observe the forest’s nocturnal creatures.

The Aventura Adventure Park, located near Monteverde, is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. This canopy tour offers multiple ziplines, a hammock bridge, a rappel, and even a huge Tarzan swing! The highlight though is its zipline, the longest in Costa Rica, spanning over 5,220 feet (1,590 metres).

 

Tortuguero National Park: For canals, wildlife and sea turtles.

Nestled along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coastline, the Tortuguero National Park may be remote, but its isolation only adds to its appeal making it one-of-a-kind experience. Tortuguero is often considered as one of the country’s most pristine and untouched natural wonders, and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica’.  The park boasts a huge network of canals and plays a vital role in turtle conservation. In fact, it’s one of the country’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles, including the leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and green sea turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs.

To explore the park’s vast wetlands, rainforests, and wildlife, it’s best to take a kayak or canoe along its canal system where you can spot monkeys, herons, caimans, and even elusive creatures such as jaguars if you’re lucky. For the ultimate experience, take a guided night tour through the park, when you’ll get a fascinating view of the nocturnal creatures including sloths, raccoons, frogs, and snakes.

 

Arenal Volcano National Park: For dramatic landscapes and geothermal relaxation.

Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the northern region of the central valley, near the town of La Fortuna. The park is centred around the active Arenal volcano, known for its iconic symmetrical shape, with many of the park’s trails and viewpoints strategically positioned to offer views of its peak.

Beyond the volcano, the surrounding ecosystem is fascinating to explore, with lush rainforests, ancient lava fields, geothermal activity, and a wide array of wildlife. Take a dip in the natural hot springs that are heated by the volcano or cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall.  There’s plenty for wildlife enthusiasts with opportunities to spot monkeys, sloths, toucans, and a wide variety of other exotic species. There’s also lots of adventure to be found, including abseiling down crashing waterfalls, white-water rafting, and zip-lining through the rainforest canopy – perfect for those looking for a shot of adrenaline!

 

As you explore Costa Rica’s national parks, beaches, and charming towns, you’ll quickly understand why it has become one of the world’s top eco-tourism destinations and so beloved by holidaymakers from all over the world. From pristine beaches and incredible landscapes to thrilling outdoor adventures and a warmth that permeates both its people and culture, Costa Rica offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.