Costa Rica is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Whether you’re into adventure sports, wildlife spotting, or just looking to kick back on the beach, Costa Rica has something for everyone. But with so much to see and do, planning a trip to Costa Rica can be a bit daunting. So in this Costa Rica Travel Guide, I wanted to share my top 13 favourite places to visit in Costa Rica.
13 Best places to visit in Costa Rica
1. Puerto jimenez
This is a hidden gem in the Osa Peninsula. It is quite far from the mainland and is considered one of the most biodiverse places in the world.
In Puerto Jimenez, you can find all kinds of services you might need along your way that you won’t be able to find in any other places.
2. Dominical
If you are low on budget and can only spend a little to relax this haven has got you covered. Dominical is a backpacker’s paradise with interesting dirt streets, amazingly beautiful beaches, cheap lodging, impressive casual open-air restaurants, and a good vibe.
Captivating sanctuaries are everywhere in the area. So when you stroll around a place you can easily spot the next ones without going far.
3. Irazu Volcano National Park
Thrillers who were looking for an amazing adventure to add to their list may like this wonder. The Irazu volcano national park highlights the nation’s highest volcano whose name is the same as the park.
It soars up to 3342 meters. This majestic site also features incredible lunar-like landscape craters which measure over 1050 meters in diameter and are 300 meters deep. At the volcano’s peak, its trails are marked so it isn’t hard to navigate the direction.
4. The National Theater in San Jose
For explorers who are into theater arts and want to spot some marvelous sights that can motivate them to do better in their field, this magnificent hub in Costa Rica will be a perfect discovery.
Highly recognized by locals the national theater in San Jose is their legendary pride, for it is the town’s most astonishing building. It has such an interesting architectural style featuring a classical renaissance called facade flourished with remarkable symbols of dance, music, and fame.
5. Rincon De La Vieja National Park
There are still are views of nature in this paradise. Before you can encounter the phenomenal views you must pass through a 9.6-kilometer trail where you can have the chance to win a spectacular ecosystem.
The Rincon de la Vieja national park is home to splendid wildlife animal species including tapirs, sloths, monkeys, and large cats such as jaguars, pumas, and ocelots. While hiking it is possible to see any of them.
6. Uvita
There is a small coastal town situated in the south-central area of the Pacific, known to be a popular surfing destination. There is stunning nature and wildlife including humpback whales.
The main highlight is Marino Ballena National Park. Uvita is an ideal paradise for those who want to detach themselves from large crowds and busy cities, as this town is not in the sights of most tourists.
Nature lovers will certainly fall in love with this beautiful place especially if they visit Cano island, a perfect haven for those who want to relax and soothe themselves with the impressive environment.
7. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
If you are a nature enthusiast and love to spot magnificent paradises that will let you have a moment to reconnect then you might want to add this precious gem to your list.
This must-see haven in Costa Rica has been starting to trend among tourists. La Paz waterfall gardens are more than just an exceptional park. Aside from covering an astonishing area of 70 acres this place in Costa Rica has been a habitat for various wildlife creatures like monkeys, butterflies, hummingbirds, and many more.
There is also the phenomenal la Paz waterfall where you can see water falling 37 meters down to the pool under it.
8. Bajos Del Toro
Passionate hikers and dedicated trackers might be surprised by this remarkable haven. This majestic place is a small rural farming village which is also a local favorite. As they can have a peaceful moment in this place because it is not that hot a place for tourists.
Bajos del Toro is said to be another off-the-beaten-path hiking place. Venturing this haven? Don’t miss out on their major highlight, the Catarata del toro waterfall.
9. Turrialba
Great recreational activities in outdoor sports are popular in this place that features their best hubs especially for mountain biking trails and fantastic river sports sites.
Turrialba has a great collection of amazing adventures, interesting cultures, and dazzling nature. Among its main highlights is the triable volcano. Even though it has a lot more wondrous attractions most of them remain untouched and undiscovered by explorers which makes it intriguing to visit.
10. Santa Teresa
For those in search of pristine beaches try exploring Santa Teresa. It is known to be a marvelous sight for surfing.
Aside from that popular water sport, this paradise in Costa Rica is also a great yoga and wellness destination. You can meditate, reflect and concentrate.
11. Puerto Viejo
Dreaming of a Caribbean voyage? Treat yourself to this haven that is widely recognized for its laid-back and chill vibes similar to Caribbean sights.
Puerto Viejo has fantastic white sand beaches and impressive crystal waters that are snorkeler’s favorite. You can fill up on some of the best iconic dishes that can satisfy your hunger.
12. Playas Del Coco
Playas del coco was once a small and sleepy fishing village and now it is one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica.
There are several activities to do in this paradise including fishing. You can also go beach hopping by boat as the islands that surround this place can only be accessed that way.
Recently this has become a popular haven for American and Canadian retirees.
13. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde cloud reserve is such an enchanting hub, it’s like it’s from another world. It may go beyond the beauty you know.
Founded in the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range this reserve is among the nation’s most greatly envied havens due to its unbelievable beauty, unique biodiversity, and richness and activities.
What you shouldn’t miss in this place is crossing over the skywalks which are suspension bridges.
Also, read Best Rock Climbing Places in the USA (Top 10 Places).
Conclusion:
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April. Costa Rica is a country that is greatly recognized as one of the world’s biggest natural playgrounds. There are lots of amazing places to visit in Costa Rica.
Which of these astounding places in Costa Rica would you like to visit? Comment below, we are excited to hear where you want to play. Thanks for reading travelers. Happy traveling!
