The 10 Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica [2025]
Looking for the most beautiful places in Costa Rica? Whether you’re planning your first trip or adding new spots to your itinerary, this list highlights some of the most breathtaking destinations in the country—from volcanoes and cloud forests to hidden beaches and vibrant jungle towns.
Costa Rica has been at the top of my bucket list for years, and after hearing about fellow travel blogger Tom’s adventures there, I couldn’t wait to share his favourite places. Tom has explored the country extensively and put together this list based on his personal highlights and most unforgettable stops along the way.
So if you’re dreaming of lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and picture-perfect beaches, here are 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica.
This post was written by Tom Henty, a UK-based travel blogger, Costa Rica expert, and guest writer for Chasing Chanelle.
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1. Manuel Antonio National Park
Small but incredibly biodiverse, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful and popular spots in Costa Rica—and for good reason. This lush coastal reserve is home to tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, and dramatic ocean viewpoints, all packed into one easy-to-explore area.
Despite its size, the park is teeming with wildlife. You’ll likely spot sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and rare birds along the trails—and if you visit during whale migration season, you might even see humpbacks from the clifftop lookouts.
Taking a guided tour is the best way to make the most of your visit and pick up some interesting facts about Costa Rica’s ecosystems and wildlife. We loved learning how the park’s ecosystems protect both marine life, as well as the forest’s creatures.
One of our most memorable moments here was witnessing the “monkey wars”—a dramatic daily showdown between the white-faced Capuchin monkeys and the howlers, who compete for territory with loud, aggressive calls echoing through the trees.
For a different perspective of the park, adrenaline-seekers can zip across one of Central America’s longest dual ziplines, with views over the canopy and beyond. The course includes hanging bridges, treetop platforms, and even ladders up towering trees, offering a thrilling way to see the forest from above.
Most visitors stay in the nearby town of Manuel Antonio, just ten minutes from the park entrance. With a laid-back vibe, ocean views, and plenty of restaurants and bars, it’s the perfect base for combining beach time with rainforest adventures.
2. La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
Nestled in the lush Alajuela Province, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most scenic and adventure-filled towns—made all the more dramatic by the iconic Arenal Volcano towering above it. The perfectly conical volcano dominates the skyline and adds an otherworldly backdrop to nearly every view in town.
Just outside La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park offers a playground of geothermal wonders—think natural hot springs, crater hikes, volcanic mud baths, and mist-covered rainforest trails.
One of our favourite stops was La Fortuna Waterfall, a spectacular 70-meter cascade that tumbles into a jungle-fringed pool where you can swim at the base. It’s easy to reach and a favourite among families and couples alike.
Another must-see is the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, where a network of suspension bridges winds through the forest canopy. From high above, you’ll get panoramic views and the chance to spot toucans, monkeys, and sloths nestled in the trees. A guided tour is the best way to see wildlife here as many of the animals are masters of camouflage, making them tricky to spot without help.
And if you’re traveling on a budget, don’t miss El Salto, a local swimming hole with a rope swing, small waterfall, and spots to sunbathe along the riverbanks. It’s just on the edge of town and a fun way to cool off in classic Costa Rican style.
3. Monteverde
Although just a three-hour drive from La Fortuna, Monteverde feels like a world away. Perched high in the mountains, this peaceful forest town is known for its cooler climate, misty cloud forests, and tranquil vibe. Many visitors stay in rustic lodges or forest retreats here, surrounded by the lush greenery and sounds of wildlife.
The nearby town of Santa Elena is a charming base, with cozy cafés, traditional sodas (local eateries), and community-run shops. One of our favourite spots was Orchid Coffee Shop—a great place for breakfast and a strong Costa Rican brew before heading into the forest.
The star attraction here is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which protects over 10,000 hectares of high-elevation rainforest. While September and October are usually the worst months to visit Costa Rica, visiting in the rainy season guarantees that you’ll get to experience the clouds, as the high humidity and more frequent rainfall creates the perfect atmosphere. Just make sure to come prepared with a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes as the trails can be muddy and slippery.
For a unique twist, book a night tour through the forest. After dark, Monteverde comes alive with the sounds of insects, frogs, and birds in a full sensory overload. Most of the wildlife here is nocturnal, so nighttime is when you’re most likely to spot some of its hidden inhabitants.
And don’t miss the chance to learn about Costa Rica’s coffee and chocolate culture at El Trapiche Farm, just outside town. The tour offers a hands-on look at how these two staples are grown, processed, and exported. Sampling chocolate at each stage of production was easily one of the tastiest parts of our trip!
4. Corcovado National Park (Osa Peninsula)
If you want to experience Costa Rica at its wildest and most untouched, Corcovado National Park on the remote Osa Peninsula is a must. Often called one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, this rainforest is teeming with life—from tapirs and monkeys to scarlet macaws and even the elusive jaguar.
One of the biggest draws to Costa Rica is its rich biodiversity, and Corcovado is where that truly shines. Home to around 2.5% of the planet’s entire biodiversity, it offers some of the best chances to spot rare species in their natural habitat—without the crowds found in more touristy areas.
Getting here takes a bit more effort, but the reward is more than worth it. The sense of isolation, the raw beauty of the forest, and the opportunity to fully disconnect make it one of the most unforgettable places I visited in Costa Rica.
The easiest way to explore the park is by booking a guided tour in advance, which not only takes care of the logistics but also gives you the best chance of spotting wildlife with the help of an expert local guide.
5. Tamarindo
On Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Tamarindo is one of the country’s most beautiful and lively beach towns. With its golden sands, consistent waves, and laid-back surf culture, it’s the kind of place that captures you instantly—and keeps you coming back.
Tamarindo Beach is famous for its surf-friendly waves, making it one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn how to surf. Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned surfer, the ocean is almost always dotted with boards chasing the perfect ride. And when the sun begins to set, the beach transforms—Tamarindo is known for some of the best sunsets in the country. Watching the sky light up in orange and pink while sipping a cold beer during happy hour is a moment you won’t forget.
Beyond the surf and scenery, Tamarindo has plenty to offer. You can unwind with a beach massage, go horseback riding along the shore, take a sunset cruise, or even go deep sea fishing!
The town itself is vibrant and welcoming, filled with cafés, juice bars, boutique shops, and an impressive range of international restaurants. There’s a big focus on wellness here, with lots of fresh, healthy food options and a relaxed, pura vida lifestyle that’s easy to fall into.
Just outside town lies Marino Las Baulas National Park, a protected estuary known for its unique mangrove ecosystems. Guided boat or kayak tours through the park are a great way to spot wildlife—think monkeys, birds, and even the occasional crocodile—as you weave through the mangrove-lined channels.
6. Santa Teresa
Tucked away on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a laid-back surf town with a bohemian vibe and jaw-dropping sunsets. The beaches here are long, wild, and backed by lush jungle—perfect for surfing at Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa, or simply strolling along the sand with bare feet and no agenda.
Even if you’re not into surfing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the coastline. Snorkelling, fishing, and boat tours are all popular here, offering the chance to explore the area’s marine life and rugged beauty from a different perspective. And, for a truly unique experience, you can take a kayak tour after dark to see bioluminescent algae in the water all around you.
The town itself is small and scattered, with dusty roads, open-air restaurants, and a barefoot, slow-living atmosphere that instantly puts you on island time. What I loved most was the mix of locals, expats, and travellers all blending into the same laid-back rhythm. It’s one of those places you plan to stay a couple of days—and end up lingering far longer.
7. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Tucked away on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast near the Panama border, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a colourful and laid-back beach town that feels worlds apart from the more commercialized Pacific side.
The Caribbean coast is often more budget-friendly, with affordable guesthouses, family-run sodas (local restaurants), and fewer crowds. But it’s the unique cultural vibe that really sets Puerto Viejo apart. Influenced by Afro-Caribbean heritage, you’ll find reggae beats drifting through the air, vibrant murals on wooden buildings, and local menus featuring Caribbean-style rice, beans, and jerk-seasoned dishes.
One of the best things to do here is snorkelling in Cahuita National Park, just 20 minutes from town. The park is home to one of the largest coral reef systems in the country, with calm, clear waters and tropical fish visible right from the surface.
Back in town, you can sip cocktails at beachfront bars, sway in a hammock to the music, or just enjoy the slower pace of life. And if you’re up for a mini adventure, rent a bike and ride out to Punta Uva—a quiet, secluded beach with calm turquoise water, perfect for swimming and relaxing under the palm trees.
If the Pacific is where you go for surf and adventure, Puerto Viejo is where you go to truly unplug. It’s the kind of place where doing nothing at all feels like the best thing on the itinerary.
8. Rio Celeste
Tucked deep in the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most jaw-dropping natural sights. The river’s surreal turquoise colour—caused by volcanic minerals reacting in the water—is so vivid, it almost looks like it’s glowing.
The highlight is the Río Celeste Waterfall, which tumbles dramatically into a pool of vivid blue water surrounded by green jungle. The contrast is so surreal it almost looks photoshopped!
Getting to the waterfall requires a short but scenic hike along well-maintained trails through the national park. Along the way, you’ll pass bubbling thermal springs, scenic lookouts, and a spot called Los Teñideros, where two colourless rivers meet and suddenly turn blue.
While swimming at the waterfall itself isn’t allowed (to protect the delicate ecosystem), there is a designated free swimming area a little further downstream outside the park boundaries. Here, you can wade into the same turquoise waters and cool off after your hike.
Tip: Visit on a sunny day for the best visibility—the colour can appear more muted during heavy rain or cloudy weather. The park is best accessed by car, and there are plenty of eco-lodges and rural stays nearby if you want to spend the night immersed in nature.
9. Montezuma
If you’re after a mix of wild coastline, bohemian charm, and rainforest adventure, Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula ticks all the boxes. This small Pacific town has long attracted free spirits and laid-back travellers with its artsy cafés, beachfront bars, and jungle-meets-ocean setting.
The town itself is compact and cosy, with a slightly hipster vibe. You’ll find open-air restaurants serving home-cooked meals, bars hosting live music, and sandy streets perfect for strolling barefoot. And in the early mornings, the sounds of howler monkeys echo through town—nature’s own wake-up call, thanks to the dense jungle right behind the beach.
The best way to get around here is by renting an ATV. The roads are steep and rugged in parts, and an ATV gives you the freedom to explore Montezuma’s off-the-beaten-path gems.
One of the top attractions is the Montezuma Waterfalls, a stunning three-tiered cascade tucked into the forest just outside of town. Reaching the largest lower falls requires a moderately challenging 30-minute hike that involves some rock scrambling and river crossings—but it’s worth it for the refreshing swim at the bottom. For a real adventure, consider a guided ATV, zipline and waterfall tour, which combines multiple activities in one unforgettable day.
Another must-see is El Chorro Waterfall, one of only seven waterfalls in the world that spills directly into the sea. It’s located at Playa Cocalitos and can be reached via a scenic 12-km round-trip hike along the beach from Montezuma. Budget a full day for this journey—it’s one of the most unique and picturesque spots on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
And, when you’re not chasing waterfalls, Montezuma’s beaches offer a perfect place to unwind. Long stretches of sand are fringed by overhanging trees, offering natural shade and a sense of seclusion. Some beaches are just steps from the town centre, while others require a hike or horseback ride to reach—ideal for those seeking a more peaceful, remote vibe.
10. Uvita & the Whale’s Tail
Tucked along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, Uvita is a peaceful beach town best known for its iconic Whale’s Tail—a sandbar that stretches out into the ocean in the shape of a giant whale’s tail, only fully visible at low tide. It’s the centrepiece of Marino Ballena National Park, where humpback whales migrate twice a year to breed and raise their calves.
This stretch of coastline is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot marine life, with regular sightings of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles on boat tours during the migration seasons (January to March and July to October).
But Uvita isn’t just about the beach. The surrounding area is filled with lush jungle, cascading waterfalls like Uvita Waterfall and Nauyaca Falls, and eco-lodges tucked into the hillsides—perfect for a nature-filled escape at a slower pace.
What I love most about Uvita is its serenity. It’s less developed than other coastal towns, but just as beautiful, offering wide beaches, dense jungle, and a strong sense of connection to nature all around you.
Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica
So there you have it—10 of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica to add to your travel bucket list!
Your itinerary will naturally depend on how long you’re staying, your budget, and the kinds of experiences you’re after. But hopefully this list has helped you narrow things down and inspired you to start planning your adventure.
For the best experience, we recommend including at least one national park and one beach town—that way, you’ll get a true taste of Costa Rica’s incredible diversity. Our personal favorite? La Fortuna. With its perfect blend of jungle, volcano views, adventure, and relaxation, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
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