last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Costa Rica
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Location Map of Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Costa Rica has three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Cocos Island National Park (1997)
A UNESCO-listed island home to significant wildlife and lush tropical rainforest, also renowned for diving. Access is tightly regulated.
A UNESCO-listed island home to significant wildlife and lush tropical rainforest, also renowned for diving. Access is tightly regulated.
La Amistad National Park (1983)
Spanning both Panama and Costa Rica, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts rich plant diversity and offers numerous trekking opportunities.
Spanning both Panama and Costa Rica, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts rich plant diversity and offers numerous trekking opportunities.
Guanacaste Conservation Area (1999)
This UNESCO-listed natural area covers nearly 1,500 km² and includes Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks, as well as the small coastal reserve of Junquillal Bay.
This UNESCO-listed natural area covers nearly 1,500 km² and includes Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks, as well as the small coastal reserve of Junquillal Bay.
Pacific Coast
Dominical
Originally a fishing village, the place is now renowned for surfing. You can also fish, see whales, or enjoy some outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
Originally a fishing village, the place is now renowned for surfing. You can also fish, see whales, or enjoy some outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
Golfito
This small town near Panama has recently become a hotspot for deep-sea fishing. It’s also a duty-free zone, a stop for some cruise ships, a favorite for its nearby beaches, and the departure point for ferries to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado.
This small town near Panama has recently become a hotspot for deep-sea fishing. It’s also a duty-free zone, a stop for some cruise ships, a favorite for its nearby beaches, and the departure point for ferries to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado.
Isla San Lucas
This island in the Gulf of Nicoya is a former prison that can still be visited. Also worth seeing are some small pre-Columbian remains and beaches.
This island in the Gulf of Nicoya is a former prison that can still be visited. Also worth seeing are some small pre-Columbian remains and beaches.
Jaco
This is "the" spot on the Pacific coast for those who love surfing and nightlife in a setting and atmosphere (plus prices) very much "Surf City"—quite different from what you might imagine of Costa Rica.
This is "the" spot on the Pacific coast for those who love surfing and nightlife in a setting and atmosphere (plus prices) very much "Surf City"—quite different from what you might imagine of Costa Rica.
Liberia
The large city in the northwest has an international airport and is primarily a good base for exploring the parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area or the nearby beaches (Playa Coco, Hermosa, etc.). Otherwise, the city itself has little to offer.
The large city in the northwest has an international airport and is primarily a good base for exploring the parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area or the nearby beaches (Playa Coco, Hermosa, etc.). Otherwise, the city itself has little to offer.
Montezuma
Despite its current upscale development, this coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula has long been an excellent "base for backpackers" looking to explore the region and nearby beaches, some of which are renowned for surfing.
Despite its current upscale development, this coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula has long been an excellent "base for backpackers" looking to explore the region and nearby beaches, some of which are renowned for surfing.
Nicoya Peninsula
This large mountainous peninsula is a popular tourist destination with its many beaches, some of which are deserted, its small seaside villages, and its numerous (small) parks and nature reserves to explore if you have time for wildlife and landscapes.
This large mountainous peninsula is a popular tourist destination with its many beaches, some of which are deserted, its small seaside villages, and its numerous (small) parks and nature reserves to explore if you have time for wildlife and landscapes.
Esterillos Beach
Not far from Jaco, the beach and its surroundings are popular for their tranquility and opportunities for surfing, diving, and walking or horseback riding.
Not far from Jaco, the beach and its surroundings are popular for their tranquility and opportunities for surfing, diving, and walking or horseback riding.
Puntarenas
The main city on the west coast is primarily a road hub, the departure point for boats to Nicoya, and also a docking location for some cruise ships.
The main city on the west coast is primarily a road hub, the departure point for boats to Nicoya, and also a docking location for some cruise ships.
Quepos
The oldest tourist resort in Costa Rica. Though it offers only moderate interest, its proximity to Manuel Antonio Park and its tourist facilities, along with a bit of nightlife, make it a popular base for visitors exploring the park.
The oldest tourist resort in Costa Rica. Though it offers only moderate interest, its proximity to Manuel Antonio Park and its tourist facilities, along with a bit of nightlife, make it a popular base for visitors exploring the park.
Tamarindo
A town near Liberia known for sea turtle nesting. But like Jacó, it’s also—and especially—a favorite spot for surfers and those who enjoy the lively atmosphere that comes with it.
A town near Liberia known for sea turtle nesting. But like Jacó, it’s also—and especially—a favorite spot for surfers and those who enjoy the lively atmosphere that comes with it.
Natural Heritage
Isla del Cano
This island off the Osa Peninsula is a popular tourist destination for ecotourism, diving, and whale watching.
This island off the Osa Peninsula is a popular tourist destination for ecotourism, diving, and whale watching.
Carara National Park
This forest park a few kilometres north of Jacó is renowned for its birdlife, particularly its large population of parrots. Carara is also home to crocodiles, several species of snakes, monkeys, and a few mammals.
This forest park a few kilometres north of Jacó is renowned for its birdlife, particularly its large population of parrots. Carara is also home to crocodiles, several species of snakes, monkeys, and a few mammals.
Cocos Island National Park
A UNESCO-listed island home to significant wildlife and lush tropical rainforest, also renowned for diving. Access is tightly regulated.
A UNESCO-listed island home to significant wildlife and lush tropical rainforest, also renowned for diving. Access is tightly regulated.
Corcovado National Park
While Corcovado is one of the least accessible parks to visit, it is also among the most rewarding in terms of landscapes, wildlife, and hiking opportunities. It is located on the Osa Peninsula.
While Corcovado is one of the least accessible parks to visit, it is also among the most rewarding in terms of landscapes, wildlife, and hiking opportunities. It is located on the Osa Peninsula.
Guanacaste National Park
In the northwest of the country, this park is home to many birds and monkeys.
In the northwest of the country, this park is home to many birds and monkeys.
Manuel Antonio National Park
This is the country's most visited park, home to the Poás Volcano. Visitors come to explore its landscapes, beaches, hiking trails, and diving spots.
This is the country's most visited park, home to the Poás Volcano. Visitors come to explore its landscapes, beaches, hiking trails, and diving spots.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Visitors love this site for its wildlife (birds, monkeys, jaguars) and landscapes featuring geysers, fumaroles, volcanic mud pots, and waterfalls. It’s the most interesting park in the entire Guanacaste Conservation Area.
Visitors love this site for its wildlife (birds, monkeys, jaguars) and landscapes featuring geysers, fumaroles, volcanic mud pots, and waterfalls. It’s the most interesting park in the entire Guanacaste Conservation Area.
Santa Rosa National Park
Although the area offers a fairly beautiful environment, various animal and plant species, and peaceful beaches, it was designated a national park primarily to protect the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa, which can be explored through a museum.
Although the area offers a fairly beautiful environment, various animal and plant species, and peaceful beaches, it was designated a national park primarily to protect the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa, which can be explored through a museum.
Ballena Marine National Park
The area is renowned for humpback whale watching, snorkeling, and its surrounding beaches.
The area is renowned for humpback whale watching, snorkeling, and its surrounding beaches.
Ostional Wildlife Reserve
This small reserve is renowned as the world's top site for sea turtle nesting. Activity peaks between July and December.
This small reserve is renowned as the world's top site for sea turtle nesting. Activity peaks between July and December.
Guanacaste Conservation Area
This UNESCO-listed natural area covers nearly 1,500 km² and includes Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks, as well as the small coastal reserve of Junquillal Bay.
This UNESCO-listed natural area covers nearly 1,500 km² and includes Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks, as well as the small coastal reserve of Junquillal Bay.
Mountain Ranges, Plains, and Central Valleys
Alajuela
While not a major tourist destination in itself, this city near the capital is used by many travellers as an alternative to San Jose for accommodation and as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
While not a major tourist destination in itself, this city near the capital is used by many travellers as an alternative to San Jose for accommodation and as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Cartago
It’s the greater suburb of San Jose and the country’s religious "capital". It is home to the Basilica of Los Angeles and the ruins of the Santiago Apostol Church.
It’s the greater suburb of San Jose and the country’s religious "capital". It is home to the Basilica of Los Angeles and the ruins of the Santiago Apostol Church.
Ciudad Quesada
The town is surrounded by several hot springs, some of which have been developed into tourist areas.
The town is surrounded by several hot springs, some of which have been developed into tourist areas.
Guyabo
The site of Guyabo is one of the few pre-Columbian remains in Costa Rica. While not the most "spectacular," its value lies more in its historical significance than its tourist appeal.
The site of Guyabo is one of the few pre-Columbian remains in Costa Rica. While not the most "spectacular," its value lies more in its historical significance than its tourist appeal.
Heredia
A university town on the outskirts of the capital with a few more or less historic buildings.
A university town on the outskirts of the capital with a few more or less historic buildings.
La Fortuna
This village has always been the tourist base for discovering the Arenal Volcano and its surroundings, particularly the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall.
This village has always been the tourist base for discovering the Arenal Volcano and its surroundings, particularly the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall.
Los Chiles
This large town is the starting point for reaching neighboring Nicaragua by boat along the rivers. The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, with its birds and mammals, is right nearby.
This large town is the starting point for reaching neighboring Nicaragua by boat along the rivers. The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, with its birds and mammals, is right nearby.
Sarchi
This town north of San Jose is essentially the country’s craft capital (and home to the famous decorated wooden carts), with its many shops.
This town north of San Jose is essentially the country’s craft capital (and home to the famous decorated wooden carts), with its many shops.
Turrialba
The small town near the volcano of the same name is known for its canyoning, hydrospeed, and especially rafting on the Pacuare or Reventazón rivers.
The small town near the volcano of the same name is known for its canyoning, hydrospeed, and especially rafting on the Pacuare or Reventazón rivers.
Orosi Valley
A traditional outing spot from the capital, the small valley offers beautiful landscapes with its numerous coffee plantations, as well as one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica, located in the village of Orosi.
A traditional outing spot from the capital, the small valley offers beautiful landscapes with its numerous coffee plantations, as well as one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica, located in the village of Orosi.
Natural Heritage
La Paz Waterfalls
A developed set of waterfalls (with butterfly and hummingbird farms) north of Alajuela.
A developed set of waterfalls (with butterfly and hummingbird farms) north of Alajuela.
Monteverde
The area is considered a major ecotourism hub in the country and attracts large crowds. Its tourism revolves around the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, complemented by various sites offering nature-based sports and wildlife attractions of varying interest.
The area is considered a major ecotourism hub in the country and attracts large crowds. Its tourism revolves around the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, complemented by various sites offering nature-based sports and wildlife attractions of varying interest.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
One of the country's largest and most spectacular parks, featuring jungle, waterfalls, volcanoes, and especially its rich wildlife and flora. Among the animals are monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, various mammals, and numerous birds. The site also offers some trekking opportunities.
One of the country's largest and most spectacular parks, featuring jungle, waterfalls, volcanoes, and especially its rich wildlife and flora. Among the animals are monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, various mammals, and numerous birds. The site also offers some trekking opportunities.
Chirripó National Park
At 3,820 m, Chirripó is Costa Rica's highest peak. Its main attraction for tourists lies in its landscapes and a relatively easy ascent, typically completed over two or three days.
At 3,820 m, Chirripó is Costa Rica's highest peak. Its main attraction for tourists lies in its landscapes and a relatively easy ascent, typically completed over two or three days.
La Amistad National Park
Spanning both Panama and Costa Rica, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts rich plant diversity and offers numerous trekking opportunities.
Spanning both Panama and Costa Rica, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts rich plant diversity and offers numerous trekking opportunities.
Tapantí National Park
A vast rainforest with diverse wildlife and flora, extending from the Orosi Valley.
A vast rainforest with diverse wildlife and flora, extending from the Orosi Valley.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
This volcanic area offers stunning landscapes with waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and small lakes.
This volcanic area offers stunning landscapes with waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and small lakes.
Arenal Volcano
It spewed lava for over forty years until 2010. Now less dramatic, the site is still visited from the village of La Fortuna for its landscapes, forest, hot springs, and outdoor activity options.
It spewed lava for over forty years until 2010. Now less dramatic, the site is still visited from the village of La Fortuna for its landscapes, forest, hot springs, and outdoor activity options.
Irazú Volcano
Though less active or spectacular than other volcanoes like Poás or Arenal, this one is just as popular with visitors. The fact that its summit is accessible by road is a major factor.
Though less active or spectacular than other volcanoes like Poás or Arenal, this one is just as popular with visitors. The fact that its summit is accessible by road is a major factor.
Poás Volcano
With two small lakes in its craters, Poás is one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, regularly experiencing minor eruptions and fumaroles. Close to the capital and easily accessible, it is quite popular.
With two small lakes in its craters, Poás is one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, regularly experiencing minor eruptions and fumaroles. Close to the capital and easily accessible, it is quite popular.
Turrialba Volcano
This is another active volcano in the San José region. Harder to reach and farther from the capital than Poás or Irazú, it is also much less visited. Geologically, it is closely linked to the nearby Irazú Volcano.
This is another active volcano in the San José region. Harder to reach and farther from the capital than Poás or Irazú, it is also much less visited. Geologically, it is closely linked to the nearby Irazú Volcano.
Caribbean Coast
Bribri
This large town on the Panamanian border is the center of the Indigenous community of the same name.
This large town on the Panamanian border is the center of the Indigenous community of the same name.
Cahuita
This "Afro-Caribbean" village, which has grown into a small town over time, is primarily known for its eponymous park, its beaches, and its snorkeling opportunities.
This "Afro-Caribbean" village, which has grown into a small town over time, is primarily known for its eponymous park, its beaches, and its snorkeling opportunities.
Limón
Also known as Puerto Limón, this is the main city on the Caribbean coast. Aside from its carnival, held every year on October 12 (the date Christopher Columbus landed here in 1502), the city has limited tourist appeal.
Also known as Puerto Limón, this is the main city on the Caribbean coast. Aside from its carnival, held every year on October 12 (the date Christopher Columbus landed here in 1502), the city has limited tourist appeal.
Puerto Viejo
Officially known as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this small coastal resort is popular with tourists, surfers, and to a lesser extent divers, thanks to its beaches and waves.
Officially known as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this small coastal resort is popular with tourists, surfers, and to a lesser extent divers, thanks to its beaches and waves.
Natural Heritage
Cahuita National Park
Bordering the village of the same name, it is both a terrestrial and marine park. Beyond its beaches, the site attracts visitors for its turtles, marine wildlife, and, incidentally, its monkeys and birds.
Bordering the village of the same name, it is both a terrestrial and marine park. Beyond its beaches, the site attracts visitors for its turtles, marine wildlife, and, incidentally, its monkeys and birds.
Tortuguero National Park
Although it's only accessible by plane or boat, it's one of the country's most visited parks, with the small village of the same name as its base. The site offers an exceptional environment of rainforest, marshes, and beaches, and is famous for its turtles.
Although it's only accessible by plane or boat, it's one of the country's most visited parks, with the small village of the same name as its base. The site offers an exceptional environment of rainforest, marshes, and beaches, and is famous for its turtles.
Must-see & highly recommended
Corcovado National Park
★★★★ While Corcovado is one of the least accessible parks to visit, it is also among the most rewarding in terms of landscapes, wildlife, and…
Tortuguero National Park
★★★★ Although it's only accessible by plane or boat, it's one of the country's most visited parks, with the small village of the same name as…
Nicoya Peninsula
★★★★ This large mountainous peninsula is a popular tourist destination with its many beaches, some of which are deserted, its small seaside…
Poás Volcano
★★★★ With two small lakes in its craters, Poás is one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, regularly experiencing minor eruptions and…
Recommended
Isla del Cano
★★★ This island off the Osa Peninsula is a popular tourist destination for ecotourism, diving, and whale watching.
Monteverde
★★★ The area is considered a major ecotourism hub in the country and attracts large crowds. Its tourism revolves around the Monteverde Cloud…
Braulio Carrillo National Park
★★★ One of the country's largest and most spectacular parks, featuring jungle, waterfalls, volcanoes, and especially its rich wildlife and…
Cahuita National Park
★★★ Bordering the village of the same name, it is both a terrestrial and marine park. Beyond its beaches, the site attracts visitors for its…
Manuel Antonio National Park
★★★ This is the country's most visited park, home to the Poás Volcano. Visitors come to explore its landscapes, beaches, hiking trails, and…
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
★★★ Visitors love this site for its wildlife (birds, monkeys, jaguars) and landscapes featuring geysers, fumaroles, volcanic mud pots, and…
Irazú Volcano
★★★ Though less active or spectacular than other volcanoes like Poás or Arenal, this one is just as popular with visitors. The fact that its…
Guanacaste Conservation Area
★★★ This UNESCO-listed natural area covers nearly 1,500 km² and includes Santa Rosa, Guanacaste, and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks, as well…
Worth a look / Other
Cahuita
★★ This "Afro-Caribbean" village, which has grown into a small town over time, is primarily known for its eponymous park, its beaches, and its…
Cartago
★★ It’s the greater suburb of San Jose and the country’s religious "capital". It is home to the Basilica of Los Angeles and the…
La Paz Waterfalls
★★ A developed set of waterfalls (with butterfly and hummingbird farms) north of Alajuela.
Montezuma
★★ Despite its current upscale development, this coastal village on the Nicoya Peninsula has long been an excellent "base for backpackers"…
Chirripó National Park
★★ At 3,820 m, Chirripó is Costa Rica's highest peak. Its main attraction for tourists lies in its landscapes and a relatively easy ascent…
Carara National Park
★★ This forest park a few kilometres north of Jacó is renowned for its birdlife, particularly its large population of parrots. Carara is also…
Cocos Island National Park
★★ A UNESCO-listed island home to significant wildlife and lush tropical rainforest, also renowned for diving. Access is tightly regulated.
Santa Rosa National Park
★★ Although the area offers a fairly beautiful environment, various animal and plant species, and peaceful beaches, it was designated a…
La Amistad National Park
★★ Spanning both Panama and Costa Rica, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts rich plant diversity and offers numerous trekking…
Tapantí National Park
★★ A vast rainforest with diverse wildlife and flora, extending from the Orosi Valley.
Esterillos Beach
★★ Not far from Jaco, the beach and its surroundings are popular for their tranquility and opportunities for surfing, diving, and walking or…
Puerto Viejo
★★ Officially known as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this small coastal resort is popular with tourists, surfers, and to a lesser extent divers…
Quepos
★★ The oldest tourist resort in Costa Rica. Though it offers only moderate interest, its proximity to Manuel Antonio Park and its tourist…
Ostional Wildlife Reserve
★★ This small reserve is renowned as the world's top site for sea turtle nesting. Activity peaks between July and December.
San Jose
★★ While not a must-see, the Costa Rican capital has a few interesting buildings and museums.
Orosi Valley
★★ A traditional outing spot from the capital, the small valley offers beautiful landscapes with its numerous coffee plantations, as well as…
Arenal Volcano
★★ It spewed lava for over forty years until 2010. Now less dramatic, the site is still visited from the village of La Fortuna for its…
Turrialba Volcano
★★ This is another active volcano in the San José region. Harder to reach and farther from the capital than Poás or Irazú, it is also much…
Alajuela
★ While not a major tourist destination in itself, this city near the capital is used by many travellers as an alternative to San Jose for…
Bribri
★ This large town on the Panamanian border is the center of the Indigenous community of the same name.
Ciudad Quesada
★ The town is surrounded by several hot springs, some of which have been developed into tourist areas.
Dominical
★ Originally a fishing village, the place is now renowned for surfing. You can also fish, see whales, or enjoy some outdoor activities in the…
Golfito
★ This small town near Panama has recently become a hotspot for deep-sea fishing. It’s also a duty-free zone, a stop for some cruise…
Guyabo
★ The site of Guyabo is one of the few pre-Columbian remains in Costa Rica. While not the most "spectacular," its value lies more in its…
Heredia
★ A university town on the outskirts of the capital with a few more or less historic buildings.
Isla San Lucas
★ This island in the Gulf of Nicoya is a former prison that can still be visited. Also worth seeing are some small pre-Columbian remains and…
Jaco
★ This is "the" spot on the Pacific coast for those who love surfing and nightlife in a setting and atmosphere (plus prices) very much "Surf…
Lankester Gardens
★ Near Cartago, this place is home to over 3,000 plant species, including orchids.
La Fortuna
★ This village has always been the tourist base for discovering the Arenal Volcano and its surroundings, particularly the beautiful La…
Liberia (Costa Rica)
★ The large city in the northwest has an international airport and is primarily a good base for exploring the parks in the Guanacaste…
Limón
★ Also known as Puerto Limón, this is the main city on the Caribbean coast. Aside from its carnival, held every year on October 12 (the date…
Los Chiles
★ This large town is the starting point for reaching neighboring Nicaragua by boat along the rivers. The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, with its…
Guanacaste National Park
★ In the northwest of the country, this park is home to many birds and monkeys.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
★ This volcanic area offers stunning landscapes with waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and small lakes.
Ballena Marine National Park
★ The area is renowned for humpback whale watching, snorkeling, and its surrounding beaches.
Puntarenas
★ The main city on the west coast is primarily a road hub, the departure point for boats to Nicoya, and also a docking location for some…
Sarchi
★ This town north of San Jose is essentially the country’s craft capital (and home to the famous decorated wooden carts), with its many…
Tamarindo
★ A town near Liberia known for sea turtle nesting. But like Jacó, it’s also—and especially—a favorite spot for surfers and…
Turrialba
★ The small town near the volcano of the same name is known for its canyoning, hydrospeed, and especially rafting on the Pacuare or…