7 Amazing Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? This post gives an overview of some best places to visit in the country! Whether you’re looking for beaches or mountains, you can find it in Costa Rica. 

Here are 7 amazing places to visit in Costa Rica that are definitely worth the trip! 

1) La Fortuna

The town of La Fortuna is best known for its amazing views of Arenal Volcano and its relaxing natural hot springs. This beautiful part of Costa Rica is a must-see if you’re traveling to the country!

In La Fortuna, you can visit Arenal Lake and Arenal Volcano – if you’re lucky, you’ll see the top, which is usually covered in fog. Arenal Volcano National Park is home to lots of animals, including sloths and agouti, so keep your eyes out!

La Fortuna is also famous for its natural hot springs, which are definitely worth a visit. There are plenty of options for any budget, from the free spring that is popular with the locals to more luxury options for those looking to really get away and relax.

For more tips on what to do in La Fortuna, check out this post.

2) Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio Park in Manuel Antonio is one of the most famous nature reserves in the country. It’s a great place to go to the beach and see wildlife. I saw so many capuchin monkeys while I was here – so cute!

To protect Manuel Antonio’s fragile ecosystems, the park only sells a limited number of tickets each day. Be sure to book early if you’re planning a visit.

3) Monteverde

The Monteverde region is located high in the hills of the Puntarenas province in Costa Rica.

It is famous for its majestic cloud forests, which visitors can explore on the ground or via hanging bridges. Local organizations in Monteverde have worked hard to restore and preserve these unique and fragile ecosystems.

If you’re looking for some adrenaline, Monteverde is also home to a couple of adventure parks where thrill seekers can zip-line or bungee jump while enjoying beautiful cloud forest views.

For more tips on visiting Monteverde, check out this post. 

4) Uvita

Uvita is known for its unique “whale tail” shaped shoreline. Its beaches are part of Marino Ballena National Park and are a great place to hang out on the sand and soak up the sun.

Uvita is also a convenient access point for several waterfalls, including the stunning Nauyaca waterfall, which is about 30 minutes away by car.

5) Drake Bay

Drake Bay is a bit more off the beaten path. It’s right on the edge of Corcovado National Park, and the most common way to reach it is by boat. Common activities here include jungle hikes and scuba diving or snorkeling tours.

Unlike some other parts of Costa Rica, there isn’t much of a party vibe here. Drake Bay is pretty quiet and remote and is best for nature lovers and those looking to get off the grid for a while.

6) Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is located on the more Caribbean-influenced Pacific side of Costa Rica. It is known as a great surf spot and for its beautiful black sand beaches. It can be pretty touristy, but it’s definitely worth a stop.

Puerto Viejo has more of a hippie vibe than some of the other spots on this list and is a great place to go if you are looking for delicious vegan food and the occasional fire-spinning party.

7) Pavones

Pavones is also a bit of a hike to get to, but it’s famous among surfers for being the second-longest left wave in the world.

If you’re an avid surfer, this is definitely the place to be!

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These seven spots were some of my favorite places to visit in Costa Rica!

There are definitely more great spots in the country that weren’t included in this list – for example, I did not visit the Nicoya peninsula during my stay because prices were quite high at the time I was traveling, but I’ve heard it’s lovely.

I hope this post is helpful to you in planning your dream trip to Costa Rica! For more useful trip-planning info, check out Traveling Costa Rica on a Budget: Top 10 Money-Saving Tips.