Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica knows how to impress.
It’s a place where lush rainforests stretch all the way to two sparkling coastlines, where the air is full of birdsong, and where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand.
If you’re planning a trip, here are eight places you won’t want to miss—starting with our favourite, the Osa Peninsula, where you’ll also find Maze Lodge.
1. Osa Peninsula – Best place for getting off the beaten path
If Costa Rica had a wild heart, it would be here in the Osa Peninsula. This remote part of the country is a mix of dense rainforest, winding rivers, and mangroves, edged by untouched beaches where you can easily feel a world away.
Mornings start with the calls of howler monkeys, flashes of scarlet macaws, and more birdlife than you could imagine. Days can be spent spotting spider monkeys in Corcovado National Park, known as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, or swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around Isla del Caño.
Staying at Maze Lodge makes it even more special. Tucked into the jungle and looking out over Bahía Drake, it’s a great base for whale watching (from December–April and July–October), kayaking through mangroves, or simply slowing down and soaking up the rhythm of nature.
2. La Fortuna – Best place for outdoor adventures
With the striking shape of Volcán Arenal in the background, La Fortuna is perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors. You can hike the Las Coladas Trail across old lava fields or cool off at the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall.
For more action, there’s canyon rappelling, exploring Venado Caves, ziplining above the rainforest, or kayaking on Lake Arenal. And after a busy day, nothing beats relaxing in the area’s natural hot springs.
3. Monteverde – Best place for birds, butterflies, and cloud forest canopy tours
High up in the mountains, Monteverde’s cloud forests feel like a different world. Here, hummingbirds flash by in bright colours, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the famous resplendent quetzal.
You can explore on foot at Curi-Cancha Reserve, or glide above the trees on a zipline. For a completely different experience, join a guided night walk to see sloths, frogs, and other creatures that come alive after dark.
4. Nicoya Peninsula – Best place for sand and surf
The Nicoya Peninsula has some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, from the lively surf of Santa Teresa to the calm, clear waters of Playa Sámara and the hidden sands of Playa Barrigona.
There’s a spot for everyone—surf schools for beginners, big waves for experienced riders, and plenty of quiet coves for those who just want to relax. Nicoya is also one of the world’s “Blue Zones,” where people are known for living long, healthy lives thanks to the lifestyle and surroundings.
5. Caribbean Coast – Best place for turtle spotting
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica has a slower pace and a unique Afro-Caribbean character. Tortuguero National Park is famous for green sea turtles nesting between July and October, but it’s also home to manatees, caimans, and a huge variety of birds.
Head further south for the laid-back vibe of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, or to Manzanillo for mangrove kayaking and coral reef snorkeling. If you can, get up early to watch the sunrise at Punta Uva—it’s unforgettable.
6. Manuel Antonio National Park – Best place for getting up close to wildlife
Small in size but big on beauty, Manuel Antonio National Park is a mix of rainforest, white-sand beaches, and wildlife. You might see squirrel monkeys, iguanas, or even a sloth during your walk along the trails.
Arrive early to enjoy the park before it gets busy, and think about joining a guided tour—they can help you spot some of the smaller, easy-to-miss animals.
7. The Central Valley – Best place for volcanoes, coffee, and rafting
Right in the middle of Costa Rica, the Central Valley is home to volcanoes, coffee farms, and one of the best rafting rivers in the country. On a clear day from the top of Irazú Volcano, you can sometimes see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
This is coffee country, so take a tour to learn how it’s grown, harvested, and roasted. Then, if you’re up for some adventure, head to the Pacuare River for an exciting day of white-water rafting.
8. San José – Best place for museums and nightlife
Costa Rica’s capital, San José, is worth spending a day or two in before or after your adventures. Visit the Museo de Oro or Museo de Jade, explore the lively Mercado Central, and in the evening, check out Barrio Escalante for its restaurants and craft beer spots.
It’s a city full of energy, with plenty to see and taste. A perfect place to spend your last day before returning home from a truly unforgettable adventure.
Final Word
Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the waves, or simply to relax in a hammock, Costa Rica has it all. But if you want to really experience its wildest and most untouched side, start where the rainforest meets the sea—the Osa Peninsula and Maze Lodge.
