Places to go in Costa Rica

In the lush highlands of Costa Rica lies the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the absolute highlights of this incredible country. Wrapped in mist and alive with birdsong, it’s the perfect spot for wildlife lovers. The forest here is unique with moss-covered trees, hanging orchids and sounds of rustling leaves all around. Here, over 50% of the plants and animals are only native to this specific kind of forest, meaning it’s unlikely you’ll find anywhere else quite like Monteverde on your travels. On a tour through the cloud forest, you will likely spot howler monkeys and capuchins high in the canopy, vibrant frogs and butterflies joining you on the trail and dazzling hummingbirds zipping around. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the shy quetzal, with its emerald green feathers and streaming tail.

The rainforests of Tortuguero are truly magnificent. Tucked away on Costa Rica’s Carribbean Coast, this amazing place can only be accessed from the water – no cars, just boats, kayaks and walking trails await in this protected haven. Navigate this incredible landscape in the early hours of the morning, via its meandering rivers, for an unforgettable adventure. This way, you can get out before the wildlife has been disturbed and witness the animals in their natural habitat. The number one draw to Tortuguero has to be the turtles. If you visit Costa Rica during the nesting season (July – October), you will be able to witness the magic of green sea turtles coming ashore at night to dig their nests in the sand and prepare to lay their eggs. If you visit in September and October, you will likely get to see some of the tiny hatchlings emerge from the nests and make their way into the sea for the first time.

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, far from the usual tourist trail, in this peaceful jungle retreat. Nestled on the banks of the San Carlos River, Boca Tapada is part of the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge, an area of lush wetlands, lagoons and rainforest, protected for conservation. Here you will hear calls of howler monkeys among the trees, and colourful birds flying through the canopy. With over 400 species of birds recorded in Boca Tapada, it’s the perfect destination for birdwatchers and enthusiasts. You can spot toucans, king vultures, roseate spoonbills, hummingbirds and even the endangered great green macaw, which nests in the almond trees. As well as birds, there is plenty of wildlife and natural beauty to be discovered on a boat tour of the San Carlos River. As you glide along the winding waterways, passing lush rainforests, keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, caiman and river turtles in the water below, or basking along the banks. Experience a unique stay in a treehouse or lodge and head out on the guided night walk, in which you can encounter the local wildlife and culture, for a particularly unique adventure.

Known for its golden sandy beaches, surf towns and captivating natural beauty, this area of the northwest coast is an unmissable part of Costa Rica. On the southern tip of the peninsula lies the laid-back paradise of Montezuma. Here, you’ll find colourful buildings home to art shops, beach cafes and yoga studios, with the sounds of reggae filling the salty sea air. There are picturesque waterfalls to be discovered on a nearby hike, natural pools that form at low tide, as well as surf beaches just a short drive away. Staying in a beautiful lodge with incredible views over the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be sharing the space with some wild neighbours – howler monkeys swinging above, iguanas basking in the sun and tropical birds passing by your window.

Over on the eastern side of the peninsula and less visited by travellers, is Isla Venado. This tiny island is a quiet, relaxed place, home to a traditional fishing community. Here, you will get an authentic island experience with low-key glamping accommodation, a boat trip to an even smaller island where you’ll get to explore on foot, hiking through the jungle and relaxing on the white sandy shores, before returning to your slice of paradise for the night.

Hidden in the clouds among the Talamanca Mountains is the charming town of San Gerardo de Dota. Less visited than other places in Costa Rica, this is one of the best places to spot the famous quetzal. Take a day trip into the forest to spot these iconic birds feeding off avocado trees, as well as vibrant toucans, graceful nightingales, and so many other beautiful birds waiting to be discovered. Stay in a traditional mountain lodge where you can relax to the sounds of the forest and feel immersed in Costa Rica’s nature.

Considered one of the most remote biodiverse regions in the world, this park contains tropical ecosystems with Pacific beaches, mangrove swamps, and rainforests across the lowlands and mountains. You can either explore it by water, by catching a speedboat through the channels or go on a challenging hike through the jungle. Corcovado is one of the few places in Costa Rica where you have a high chance of spotting all four monkey species and if you head out on a guided hike, keep your eyes peeled for sloths lazing in the trees, anteaters searching for snacks and, if you’re really lucky, a rare jaguar lurking in the distance. You will need a relative level of fitness for the hike as the conditions can be challenging, with long, muddy trails and high humidity, but you will be rewarded with incredible experiences around every corner, with amazing wildlife sightings, refreshing dips in waterfalls and the unique experience of being completely immersed in one of Costa Rica’s wildest and most remote regions.

This picture-perfect, family-friendly beach boasts white sands and turquoise blue sea, the ideal place to relax and unwind. Samara Beach is protected by an offshore coral reef, meaning that the waters here are relatively calm, with some small, gentle waves, perfect for beginners learning to surf. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not grab a board and try surfing for yourself, or hire a kayak to explore the shallow waters? If you’d prefer to kick back and embrace the laid-back atmosphere, of course, there’s plenty of space to relax on the sands, under the shade of the tropical palm trees.

The perfect combination of striking volcanic landscapes, lush jungle trails and bubbling hot springs – Rincon de Vieja is a unique gem, packed full of adventure. While this geothermal hotspot isn’t exactly a secret, just a 2-hour drive from Liberia airport, you will find fewer crowds than more well-known national parks such as La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, making it an essential stop if you’re seeking wild, unspoilt nature. You’ll be able to get up close to geothermal activity, bubbling mud pools and a wide variety of plants and animal species. Like the rest of Costa Rica, this place is wonderful for bird watching.

One of the most iconic places in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is the gateway to the awesome Arenal volcano, as well as an array of wildlife, lakes and natural hot springs. Arenal Volcano was once one of the most active volcanoes in the world, but now a dormant part of the incredible landscape. Although you can’t actually climb or summit the volcano itself, there are plenty of beautiful trails around the base where you can enjoy striking views over the lava fields and the surrounding lush green jungle. For the best panoramic views of Arenal Volcano, get yourself to the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa and take a guided hike to find out more.

For even more Costa Rica travel tips, head to our inspiration page below.