The Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica [2024]
These are the most beautiful places in Costa Rica to visit on your next adventure
Do you want to experience Costa Rica’s famous pura vida lifestyle? Well you’ve come to the right place, as below are the most beautiful places in Costa Rica to give you a taste of this Central American paradise.
Costa Rica is a country which has long been at the top of my travel bucket list. In fact, it’s somewhere that I plan to explore from coast to coast, to experience its beautiful national parks, pristine beaches, and exotic wildlife. And, to help plan this adventure, I reached out to my fellow travel blogger, Tom Henty, who has travelled Costa Rica extensively.
Tom is the owner and author of Tom Henty’s Travel, and he has put together this list of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica to help both me and you plan the ultimate trip to Costa Rica.
So, read on to learn all about the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, from an expert!
About Costa Rica
With such an abundance of natural beauty, it can be hard to narrow down exactly where to visit in Costa Rica. Nature, sunshine, and pristine beaches makes this paradise a top choice for many travellers.
One of the biggest draws to Costa Rica is its rich biodiversity, which spans the whole country, and includes approximately 500,000 different species of animals and plants.
And, if you add in the country’s delicious food, endless outdoor adventures, and smiling locals, you have the perfect vacation destination.
Whether it is surfing in Tamarindo or Montezuma, or trekking in the rainforests of La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat. Or, if you’re just looking to unwind, there’s no better place, with peaceful and serene surroundings, rejuvenating wellness activities, and endless beaches to relax on.
Regardless of what type of traveller you are, if you’re in the process of planning your Costa Rica trip, or are just looking for some travel inspiration, this article is for you. The different destinations covered below each offer unique vibes and a variety of activities, along with a mixture of beautiful beaches and vast rainforests.
So, here are the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, plus some useful tips to help you plan your Central American adventure.
Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica
La Fortuna
Located in the in the Alajuela Province, La Fortuna is only 120 kilometres (75 miles) from San Jose, making this jungle town a very popular stop for international visitors to Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano
Without a doubt, the highlight of La Fortuna is the famous Arenal Volcano which towers above the whole region. This impressive wonder can be spotted from every corner of the small quirky town. And, to the local people, it’s a symbol of mother nature’s awe-inspiring power and mystery.
As La Fortuna is only around 15 kilometres (9 miles) away from the Arenal Volcano National Park, many visitor’s fill their itineraries with geothermal activities, such as natural hot springs, crater hikes, and volcanic spas and mud baths.
La Fortuna Waterfall
The Alajuela Province is also famous for its many beautiful waterfalls, including the popular La Fortuna Waterfall.
This 70-metre-high waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest and is famous for its powerful water, which cascades into a natural pool below. Visitors are also allowed to swim at the base of the waterfall which makes it a very popular choice for families. Plus, the waterfall is easy to get to, as it’s only a 5-minute drive away from the town.
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park
Another highlight on the outskirts of La Fortuna is the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park.
Situated inside the Arenal Volcano Park, the dense rainforest is home to many different species of birds and other animals, which can be spotted from different perspectives. The favourite views for visitors are from the high hanging suspension bridges, which are suspended among the ancient trees – many of which are hundreds of years old.
Taking a guided tour is the best way to see wildlife in the park, as a lot of the animals camouflage themselves in the dense greenery, so can be difficult to spot.
El Salto Swimming Hole
Or, if you’re on a budget, a great free activity to do is to visit the El Salto Swimming Hole.
Located right on the edge of town, this hidden swimming spot has a small waterfall leading into a beautiful green pool, perfect to cool off in. Plus, there’s a rope swing, and plenty of rock jumping opportunities to add a touch of adrenaline to your afternoon! Or, if you prefer to just sunbathe and relax amidst the beautiful surroundings, there are some great spots for this too.
Tamarindo
Heading west to the Pacific coast, Tamarindo is a one of the best choices for a beach destination. As a popular surfing town, this vibrant community has a Hawaii-like vibe and is the ideal place to ride the Pacific waves, no matter what level you are. Plus, the beach is one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica!
Tamarindo Beach
Famous for its surf schools and consistent waves, Tamarindo Beach is one of the best spots to learn to surf. Every day the ocean is filled with both beginners and surf veterans searching for the perfect wave.
In addition to the excellent surf, you won’t find many better sunset spots in Costa Rica than at Tamarindo Beach.
If you visit in the dry season, you can expect mostly clear skies, so the sunset can be enjoyed most nights during your trip. Seeing the sun dropping below the Pacific Ocean as you enjoy an ice cold beer during happy hour is a moment you will never forget.
And it’s not just the surf and sunset which make Tamarindo Beach one of the best spots in town. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beach, including relaxing with a beach massage, going horseback riding, and even just enjoying a leisurely stroll along the ocean.
Tamarindo Town
Sunshine and waves aren’t the only contributors to the pura vida lifestyle in Tamarindo. The bustling beach town is full of quaint cafés, lively beach bars, international restaurants, art installations, boutique shopping, and varied accommodation options set among the trees.
Plus, with a focus on health and wellbeing, there’s a vast range of fresh, local and healthy food options to choose from throughout the town. Enjoying a delicious meal in an idyllic setting is the perfect way to top off your stay by the Pacific.
Marino Las Baulas National Park
Just outside the centre of town lies the Marino Las Baulas National Park, which is home to some unique ecosystems that thrive in the estuary conditions. Mangroves, brackish water, and even some American crocodiles are key aspects of the area, drawing tourists in.
A two hour estuary boat tour with a knowledgeable guide will involve a cruise around the bay during low tide. You’ll get to travel through the vast network of mangroves and see plenty of native fauna and flora, as you learn about the distinct living conditions within the national park.
Or, if you’re up for even more of an adventure, you can take a guided kayak tour through the national park!
Monteverde
Although Monteverde is only a three hour drive away from La Fortuna, this small town in the forest offers a very different vibe.
As a result of the the region’s cooler climate, it has more lush greenery, cloud forests, and tranquillity. Many guests opt to stay in lodges here, or book themselves into peaceful retreats for an even more secluded getaway.
Santa Elena
A good place to base yourself during your stay in Monteverde is in the town of Santa Elena, which is situated 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the famous Cloud Forest Reserve.
In the enchanting town you will find a community vibe, some traditional eateries and authentic Costa Rican coffee shops. The Orchid Coffee Shop is a lovely spot to enjoy a filling breakfast and a traditional Costa Rican coffee before your day with nature and wildlife.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve protects over 10,000 hectares of rainforest and is iconic for its cloud coverage as a result of the high elevation of the forest. A visit in the rainy season will guarantee that you get to experience the clouds, as the high humidity and more frequent rainfall creates the perfect atmosphere.
And, if you want to have a completely different experience, then you should consider taking a night walking tour of the forest.
There are plenty of nocturnal surprises on this tour, as most of the forest’s wildlife comes out after the sun sets. And it’s not just about what you’ll see at night. The noises of the forest are deafening at night with the insects, frogs and bird’s distinct sounds creating a sensory overload in the darkness.
El Trapiche Farm
Costa Rica is famous for its coffee and chocolate, with Monteverde being known as one of the highest quality production regions for both. And, taking a trip to El Trapiche Farm, just outside of town, is a great introduction to the processes of making and exporting these products.
This is an awesome way to learn more about the culture and way of life in Costa Rica, as the farming industry plays a huge part in this Central American country. Sampling the chocolate at different stages of production was our favourite part of the tour!
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a Caribbean treasure in Costa Rica’s southeast, near the border with Panama. The east side of Costa Rica is more of a budget-friendly option for visitors, with less commercialised tourism, cheaper accommodation, and more family-owned soda restaurants serving cheap traditional meals.
The vibe in Puerto Viejo is noticeably different to the Pacific side as soon as you arrive. This is due to a strong Jamaican influence which manifests itself in reggae music, themed bars and Caribbean cuisine. The colourful architecture and wooden buildings also add to the town’s local charm.
A popular activity in Puerto Viejo is snorkelling, which usually includes a tour of the hundreds of acres of coral reef just off the coast. Cahuita National Park is the main spot, which offers visitors crystal clear waters, tropical fish, and vibrant coral reef. This national park is just under 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the centre of town.
Simply relaxing in the town is another great thing to do in Puerto Viejo. The shoreside beach bars in the centre of town play music throughout the day, and have some good deals for food and drinks.
Or, if you prefer to have a quieter day, then renting a bicycle and heading over to the small village of Punta Uva is a great option for a secluded beach. In fact, you’re likely to have most of the beach to yourself!
If the Pacific side is for fun and adventure, then the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is definitely for chilling and relaxation. With miles of sandy beaches, this is the perfect place to go off the grid and unwind in Costa Rica.
Montezuma
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of the Pacific Ocean and pristine nature, then Montezuma is a fantastic option. This small town is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, and offers a very laid back bohemian vibe.
As you arrive in the town, you’ll notice that it’s small, cosy, and a touch hipster. There are several fantastic bars and restaurants which offer live music, delicious home cooked food, and beautiful beach views.
And, in the mornings as the sun rises over Montezuma, the howler monkeys come out to play. The sounds of the rainforests act like an alarm clock for many visitors staying in or around the town centre, as the dense forest sits just back from the coastline.
If you’re planning to venture beyond the downtown area, the best way to explore is by renting an ATV. The roads can be difficult to navigate in spots, and there are some very steep hills, so it’s not always possible to get around in larger vehicles. Conveniently, there is a rental shop right in the town centre, with plenty of available vehicles.
Montezuma Waterfall
One of the first stops for visitors wanting to explore this beautiful part of Costa Rica is Montezuma Waterfall. Although, you will have to hike to get there!
The moderately challenging one mile hike to the bottom of the largest waterfall takes around 30 minutes and involves rock climbing and river hopping. But a nice cold dip to cool down amidst the picturesque surroundings makes the reward worth it!
And, if you want a real adventure, you can combine a visit to the falls with a guided ATV, zipline and waterfall tour!
El Chorro Waterfall
Another must-visit waterfall in Montezuma is the El Chorro Waterfall. This unique waterfall is one of the only seven in the world which cascades directly into the sea!
Located at Playa Cocalitos, you can hike to the waterfall from Montezuma. The round trip is 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) long and takes around 2 hours each way. But we recommend dedicating a whole day to finding and experiencing this remarkable waterfall, since it’s one of the most picturesque spots on Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline.
Beaches
In addition to its stunning waterfalls, Montezuma is also filled with long beautiful beaches surrounded by jungle. Thanks to the tree-line overhanging the sand, there are plenty of secluded shady spots where you can relax on the beach all day.
Montezuma also has a nice mix of easily accessible and central beaches, as well as remote spots which you have to hike, horseback ride or drive to, and are ideal for a more secluded beach day.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Out of the 30 National Parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is the most popular with international visitors. Even though it’s small, the variety of wildlife is impressive. And, it has superb infrastructure, with well-maintained walkways which have created more accessible hiking trails for all ages and fitness levels to enjoy.
Taking a guided tour will help you to learn some interesting facts about Costa Rica’s wildlife, with the park’s ecosystems protecting marine life, as well as the forest’s creatures.
We enjoyed hearing our guide explain about the monkey wars in the park while we could actually hear the loud aggressive noises they were making. Apparently there are territorial battles between the white-faced Capuchin and howler monkeys on a daily basis.
Other popular animals to spot in or around Manuel Antonio National Park include sloths, reptiles, crocodiles and rare birds. And, during the migration seasons, visitors can get a glimpse of different species of whales from several scenic ocean viewpoints.
Inside Manuel Antonio Park, there is also one of Central America’s longest dual ziplines, which offers not only a thrilling ride, but also a unique perspective of the park from the canopy. As you race your friends across the forest, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the forest’s inhabitants from above.
The zip line route includes hanging bridges, treetop platforms, and manmade ladders to help you climb some of the tallest trees in the park.
Most of the park’s visitors stay in the small town of Manuel Antonio, which is around a ten minute drive away. Here, you’ll find an array of accommodation options, restaurants and bars, so you can mix things up from the tranquility of the forest to a more social vibe with your fellow travellers.
Getting Around Costa Rica
Although Costa Rica is a relatively small country compared to other popular destinations, its poor infrastructure and geographical landscape can make it tricky to get around.
Generally, renting a car is the best option for a shorter trip. This is especially true if you’re visiting in a larger group, as shuttle buses are expensive, so it’s much more cost effective to split a car rental between several travellers.
If you prefer to take shuttles, you’ll find the more frequent shuttle services in the dry season, when there are more tourists moving around the country.
The cheapest option to travel around Costa Rica would be to get the public bus. But the bus can take far too long and many journeys aren’t direct, so it’s not very practical. Therefore, it’s not an option we would recommend.
How long is needed for a Costa Rica trip?
Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for any length of time. You could easily fill a travel itinerary for up to six months without getting bored! Or, if you only have a couple of days, you could just spend it relaxing in one of the country’s many beach resorts.
However, ten days to two weeks is the sweet spot for the majority of people heading to Costa Rica. This is partially because it’s a practical amount of time to take off work, but also because Costa Rica is quite expensive, so spending more time than this will end up becoming very pricey.
The ideal ten day itinerary will include exploring culture in the capital, visiting a famous rainforest such as La Fortuna or Monteverde, and stopping at a couple of beach destinations like Tamarindo and Montezuma on the Pacific side. If you would prefer to visit the Caribbean side, then Puerto Viejo is the most popular addition to travellers’ itineraries.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Your travel plans will dictate which time of year is best to visit Costa Rica, however, most visitors plan their itineraries around outdoor adventures.
Therefore, the dry season from November to May is your best option. Long sunny days and minimal rainfall creates the ideal conditions for exploring this beautiful country. Although, as to be expected, prices are usually higher during this time, and there are often more crowds.
On the other hand, September and October are usually the worst months to visit Costa Rica, since this is the height of the rainy season.
Although there are still some dry spells throughout the day during these months, the humidity can reach as high as 90% since there’s such a huge amount of rainfall. It’s also a much more difficult time to plan outdoor activities in advance, as they could be a washout, due to higher water levels, ruined hiking trails, and unpredictable weather.
Wrap Up – Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica
So, there you have it, some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica to visit on your next trip!
Your length of stay, preferred activities and budget will of course dictate which of these beautiful destinations you’re able to tick off. But, hopefully this list has helped you to narrow down the spots at the top of your bucket list.
Finally, for the best possible experience, we recommend including at least one beach town and one national park in your itinerary, to experience the stunning diversity of Costa Rica. Our personal favourite is La Fortuna, as the jungle town offers adventure and relaxation in equal measure, and the picturesque Arenal volcano backdrop will never cease to amaze!
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