One of the reasons we travel is to appreciate and experience the different kinds of beauty in this world. One destination that allows you to experience different kinds of beauty all at once is Costa Rica. Located in Central America, the island country features natural geographical wonders alongside warm and friendly people, delicious local cuisine, and exciting activities. In fact, it is perhaps one of the few places in the world that can be considered a utopia. The country has been consistently hailed as the happiest country in the world.
Costa Rica’s philosophy of “pura vida”, translated as “pure life”, is the heart of this country’s laid back lifestyle. For the ticas and ticos of the island, living a simple life and appreciating what they have is the key to happiness. This is especially easy to live by in Costa Rica, where every corner of it has natural beauty. The country contains almost 6% of the world’s biodiversity, after all.
Experience Pura Vida on the gorgeous island with our guide on the things to do in Costa Rica.
1. Get started at San Jose
Interior view of the National Theatre of Costa Rica in San José | Kenneth Lu, Wikimedia Commons
National Theater, San José, Costa Rica | The Tico Times, YouTube
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica. This lively city is the perfect home base for your Caribbean adventure. The culture and arts are a pride and joy to the rapidly growing city, as it has a number of museums, theaters, and other spaces to explore.
Visit one of the must-sees in San Jose: The National Theater of Costa Rica. The ornate Neoclassical theater was built in 1897 and exudes the beauty the country is known for. You can explore the exquisite interiors on a guided tour inside the theater. The theater is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
National Theater of Costa Rica
Avenida 2, calle1, Catedral, San José, Costa Rica
Admission: $10 for foreigners; free for children under 12
Ph: +506 2010 1100
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• La Esquina de Buenos Aires (4.7/5 stars, Argentinian, $$$)
• Fritos (4.7/5 stars, Korean, $$)
• Empanadas El fronton (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near National Theater of Costa Rica.
The best hotel to stay near National Theater of Costa Rica based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici Conf. Center (8.5/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
2. Spend a week in the Nicoya Peninsula
A gorgeous crystal blue oceans of the Nicoya Peninsula | Corey Wooten, Getty Images
The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the five Blue Zones in the world – places where people noticeably have healthier and longer lives. At face value, it’s easy to understand why. The peninsula has a high concentration of natural beauty, from gorgeous secluded beaches, like Nosara Beach, to charming wildlife. It is the most popular place to visit as it is home to most of the country’s attractions.
Nicoya Peninsula
Nicoya, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Pico Feliz Vegan Ice Cream and Vegan Food (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Abbocato Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Hoppe’s Fast & Fresh Restaurant (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Nicoya Peninsula.
The best hotel to stay near Nicoya Peninsula based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
3. See the picture-perfect Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano landscape in a sunny day | Esdelval, Getty Images
Located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the Arenal Volcano is unmissable. The active volcano rises to 1,633 meters high and its distinct, perfect symmetrical cone shape can be seen from miles away. The surrounding areas have trails where you can go deep into the rainforest, skirt lava fields, and stumble upon hot springs. The park also has other activities like horseback riding, butterfly gardens, and zip lines.
Arenal Volcano
Calle Real el Castillo, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Admission: $15 for adult foreigners and $5 for children
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Volkova Bistro (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• La Ventanita (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Restaurante Tierra Mía (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Arenal Volcano.
The best hotel to stay near Arenal Volcano based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Arenal Springs Resort (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
4. Hike through the Manuel Antonio National Park
Tourists take pictures of Capuchin monkeys at Manuel Antonio National Park | Bob Hilscher, Getty Images
Spanning over 683 hectares, the Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the world’s most beautiful and biodiverse parks. Located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the country’s smallest national park has stunning rainforests, beaches, and coral reefs and abundant wildlife. Established in 1972, the park aims to preserve the rich biodiversity of this area for future generations.
Explore the gorgeous expanse of this reserve with a knowledgeable guide. The park is open daily, except for Mondays, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica
Admission: $16, children under 12 are free of admission
Ph: (506) 2777-5185
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Arabelas Restaurante (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Azulëo Moroccan Cuisine (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Restaurant La Cocina (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Manuel Antonio National Park.
The best hotel to stay near Manuel Antonio National Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• GAIA Hotel & Reserve (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
5. Cool off at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Bridge in rainforest of Monteverde | PobladuraFCG, Getty Images
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve | Centro Científico Tropical, YouTube
In the mist-covered treetops of the MonteVerde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve lies 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. In fact, 10% of the plants in the area are exclusive to it and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. This lush rainforest oasis has a high elevation, thus offering a cool and refreshing escape from the sweltering tropical heat.
Take a day trip and hike the trails of the Cloud Forest and find out why National Geographic has called it the “jewel in the crown of cloud forests”.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Carretera a Reserva de Monteverde, Provincia de Puntarenas, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Admission: $25 per person and $12 per child from 6 to 12 years (Foreigners); $8 per person and $5 per child from 6 to 12 years (Local)
Ph: (506) 2645-5122
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Casa Flora (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Chicharrones Monteverde (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• La Cuchara Del Sabor (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
The best hotel to stay near Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Paradise Hot Springs (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
6. Watch wildlife at Corcovado National Park
White-faced capuchin monkey at National Park of Corcovado | gydyt0jas, Getty Images
With over 163 square miles and covering half of the Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park is one of the largest tropical rainforests in Central America. Because of its expanse and remote location, the rainforest has remained largely untouched. This makes it one of the best destinations to observe wildlife in their natural environments. Note that a licensed guide is required to explore the Corcovado National Park.
Corcovado National Park
Los Patos Sirena Trail, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Admission: $15 per person and a permit is required
Ph: (506) 2735-5036
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurante el Arado (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Tin Jo Asian Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Asian, $$)
• Los Almendros (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Corcovado National Park.
The best hotel to stay near Corcovado National Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Sheraton San Jose Hotel (9/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
7. Go surfing at Nosara Beach
Group of surfers at Nosara Beach | Nosara Beach
Located in the Nicoya Peninsula, the coastal town of Nosara offers one of the best beach and surfing destinations in Costa Rica. Nosara Beach region is a collection of three sandy and quiet beaches: Garza Beach, Guiones Beach, and Pelada Beach. Guiones Beach, an enormous white-sand beach, is the popular option for surfing as it has consistent surf-able waves throughout the year.
Catch waves in the early morning or just before the sun sets for spectacular views of the area.
Nosara Beach
Guanacaste, Provincia de Guanacaste, Ostional, Costa Rica
Ph: (506) 26820576
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurante Cochito (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• El Chivo Cantina (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• La Luna (4.5/5 stars, Mediterranean, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Nosara Beach.
The best hotel to stay near Nosara Beach based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge (9.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
8. Glimpse the sea turtles at Tortuguero National Park
Sea turtle diggin in the sand in Tortuguero National Park | arnogz, Getty Images
Located on the Northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, the Tortuguero National Park is named after the sea turtles who nest in the region, which have attracted animal lovers from all over the world. Four species of sea turtles visit Tortuguero for “arribada”, or mass sea turtle nesting: Green, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead sea turtles.
Spot these rare creatures as they return home to bring life to a new generation of these majestic sea turtles. Nighttime tours are held to view the turtles nesting on the beach
Tortuguero National Park
Limón Province, Costa Rica
Admission: $15 per person
Ph: +506 2522 6500
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Donde Richard (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Checho’s (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Soda kikín (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Tortuguero National Park.
The best hotel to stay near Tortuguero National Park based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Manatus Hotel (8.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
9. Enjoy simple pleasures at Montezuma
Sunset along the Pacific Ocean coast of Montezuma | SL_Photography, Getty Images
Off-the-beaten-path Montezuma embodies the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica. Located in the Southern Coast of Nicoya Peninsula, the remote beach town has maintained its laid back atmosphere despite the country‘s rapid rise in tourism. Though small and secluded, the town has many beaches and forests to explore, as well as a welcoming and vibrant community.
Montezuma
Puntarenas Province, Paquera, Costa Rica
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Ubin (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Soda la naranja (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Clandestina (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Montezuma.
The best hotel to stay near Montezuma based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Kalapiti Luxury Jungle Suites (9.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
10. Stay golden at Guanacaste
Waves coming in on the beach in Guanacaste | kjorgen, Getty Images
Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, Guanacaste, is brimming with potential. The province is best known for its beautiful and unique sandy beaches. The romantic Playa Flamingo is known for its pristine blue waters and ethereal pinkish-white sands. The rugged Playa Conchal has shores made up entirely of crushed up seashells. Playa Grande a wide expanse of beach perfect for multi-colored sunset viewings. Playa Tamarindo is the ultimate surf and water-activity paradise. Get your tan on under the sun on any of the gorgeous beaches in Guanacaste.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• El Callejero (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Qi Wok / Wok y Sushi Bar (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Masala Indian Restaurant (4.8/5 stars, Indian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Guanacaste.
The best hotel to stay near Guanacaste based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa – Rincón de la Vieja (8.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
11. Discover Jaco
View of multi-coloured Jaco name sign with birds and animals | Bob Hilscher, Getty Images
Tucked in the north of Manuel Antonio National Park is Jaco, a sleepy seaside town. While the town is known for its surfing and nightlife, it offers so much more. With its isolated location, Jaco promises an exclusive and intimate atmosphere to enjoy its secluded beaches, exciting water sports, and luxury accommodations.
Jaco
Jaco, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Soda Garabito (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Maraja Argentinian Food (4.9/5 stars, Argentinian, $$)
• Soda Jacó Rústico (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Jaco.
The best hotel to stay near Jaco based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
12. Chill out at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
People at the beach in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | Tiago_Fernandez, Getty Images
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a hip town in Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Popular with surfers, backpackers, and the younger generation, the laid back Rasta party town is one of the happening spots in the Puntarenas Province. Like the rest of Costa Rica, there is also an abundance of sandy beaches and surfing areas to explore.
Relax to reggae vibes of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and live up to the classic reggae song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo, Puntarenas Province, Lepanto, Costa Rica
Admission: Free
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Go Baby Go (5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Cheeky Monkey (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Cocomar Comida Caribeña (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
The best hotel to stay near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Lanna Ban Hotel (8.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
13. El Toledo Coffee Tour
El Toledo Coffee Tour | El Toledo Coffee Tour, YouTube
One of Costa Rica’s pride is in its production of high quality and strong-flavored coffee beans. It is even considered one of the best coffees in the world!
Learn about the coffee industry and the process of creating and growing well-renowned coffee beans in a family-owned sustainable organic coffee farm: El Toledo Coffee Plantation. The informative tour takes you through the areas of coffee plantation and includes a sampling of the different coffees and products created from coffee beans.
El Toledo Coffee Tour
Gabriel Calderon V, Cafe el Toledo. Altos de San Isidro, Atenas, Alajuela Province, San Isidro, 20504, Costa Rica
Admission: +506 8711 1221
Ph: $20 per person, children under 10 years old don’t pay
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Restaurante Vista Del Valle (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Complejo Deportivo y Recreativo El Bosque (4.8/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Chicharronera El Trapiche (4.5/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near El Toledo Coffee Tour.
The best hotel to stay near El Toledo Coffee Tour based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• The Retreat Costa Rica (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
14. Soak in Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon Hot Springs | The World Factbook, Wikimedia Commons
Located between the Arenal Volcano and the Arenal Volcano National Park, Tabacon is the destination to have an intimate and relaxing experience with nature. Tabacon is home to Costa Rica’s largest group of naturally flowing hot springs. Indulge in any of the five main springs, with the mineral waters naturally heated underground by the volcano’s magma.
To access the mineral hot springs, guests can opt for a day pass or book accommodations in Tabacon. In the house, guests have free access to the springs.
Tabacon Hot Springs
Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Admission: $94 per adult with lunch or dinner, $42 per child 6 – 11 in high season. $85 per adult and $38 per child in low season
Ph: +506 2479 2099
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• La Ventanita (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Restaurante Tierra Mía (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Soda Víquez (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Tabacon Hot Springs.
The best hotel to stay near Tabacon Hot Springs based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Nayara Gardens (9.7/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
15. Visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Foggy Templo Waterfall in the La Paz Waterfall Gardens | Wildnerdpix, Getty Images
Just an hour’s drive from San Jose, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a no-brainer day trip adventure. It features the essential Costa Rica experiences without getting too far from the capital city. At around 5,000 feet up from sea level, it features a cloud forest with exotic wildlife and scenic views of the waterfalls.
For an indulgent option, treat yourself by staying a few nights at Peace Lodge, a luxury boutique lodge right in the heart of the eco-park. The accommodation allows guests to visit the park before and after opening hours, ensuring a more immersive experience.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
126, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Admission: Tourists – $48.00 + taxes Adult, $32.00 + taxes Child; Locals – $28.00 + taxes Adult, $19.00 + taxes Child
Ph: +506 2482 2720
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Jalapeños Central (4.6/5 stars, Mexican, $$$)
• Naans & Curries – An Ethnic Indian Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Indian, $$)
• Soda Mima (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
The best hotel to stay near La Paz Waterfall Gardens based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen (8.8/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
16. See the green-tinted lake of the Irazu Volcano
Irazu Colcano crater lake | Simon Dannhauer, Getty Images
Costa Rica is a country full of volcanoes, over sixty volcanos to be precise. Irazu Volcano is one of the six active volcanoes of the country. At 11,260 feet tall, it is also the tallest active volcano. While not as picturesque as Arenal Volcano, since Irazu’s summit is usually covered in clouds, it has another interesting feature. The volcano has two main craters, one of which contains Diego de la Haya, a vibrant, green-tinted crater lake. The green hue is due to the minerals existing in the crater
Irazu Volcano
Lecheria San Gerardo, Cartago Province, Costa Rica
Admission: $15 per adult, $5 per child
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Tiquicia Rest & Coffee (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Hierba Buena (4.9/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Indian Palace Restaurant (4.6/5 stars, Modern Indian, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Irazu Volcano.
The best hotel to stay near Irazu Volcano based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Gran hotel Costa Rica Curio a Collection by Hilton (9.3/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
17. Live in a treehouse
The Amazing Treehouse and Nature Observatorio | interwaymedia, YouTube
Eco-lodges are gaining popularity in Costa Rica. They are popular with tourists who are looking to have a closer experience with the sights and sounds of nature. One of the popular treehouse getaways is Nature Observatorio. The unique accommodation takes you deep within the rainforest and up to 25 meters or 8 stories, to the ultimate treehouse experience. The house can be shared by a maximum of 4 people.
Nature Observatorio
2km North from “El Arbol”, Manzanillo Limon, 00010, Costa Rica
Admission: High Season – $230 per person Adult, $150 per person Junior; Low Season – $200 per person Adult, $120 per person Junior
Ph: (506) 8628-2663
Get directions
Best place to eat nearby, according to locals and visitors:
• Hamburguesas Caseras (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$$)
• Rapipollo (4.7/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
• Mister Sabor (4.6/5 stars, Restaurant, $$)
See the full list of places to eat near Nature Observatorio.
The best hotel to stay near Nature Observatorio based on overall price, location, and amenities according to travelers:
• Lanna Ban Hotel (8.4/10 stars, $$$) – Booking.com
Like this article? Share it!
Subscribe to get more travel tips and guides like these to your inbox.
