Places to Visit Costa Rica-Top 15 for 2022

Costa Rica is well known for its rich coasts, biodiversity, wildernesses, staggering cascades, and volcanoes. As you plan your trip to this beautiful country, here’s a list of the 15 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica.

Monteverde

places to visit costa rica

This place is filled with woodlands and is perfect for first time visitors who are ready to explore the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Sightseeing provides views of panthers, jaguars, exquisite ocelots, vivid toucans, sloths, bug monkeys, and innumerable critters. Trips in the antiquated wilds provide serious adventure. Zip lining is also available on many guided safari tours.

Tamarindo-Places to Visit Costa Rica

places to visit costa rica
places to visit costa rica

Sun-sprinkled Tamarindo draws enormous groups to its shimmering coastal Pacific seashores. Situated on the north of the Nicoya Peninsula, it flaunts almost a 2 mile stretch of sand. The shoreline has Leather-back turtles, for which the Playa Grande is known. Fishing sport enthusiasts are attracted to the area for its marlin and monster fishes. The expansive surf area is also a huge attraction. Additionally, the hotels, inns, hiker guesthouses, laid-back ocean bars, amazing public parks makes this area a popular tourist destination. It’s not difficult to understand why this is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica!

Arenal-Places to Visit Costa Rica

places to visit costa rica

The Arenal Volcano is a main attraction in Costa Rica. A world-renowned spot for for the outdoorsy, it has numerous climbing trails.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park

This is quite possibly the crown of parks in Costa Rica. Travelers love to clear through its grassed pathways and backwoods.

Located in the southern countryside, it is away from the hustle and bustle of the town.A surfer’s delight, it has beautiful ocean side hotels. The nature buffs will love seeing the insect-eating animals, squirrel monkeys, shaded macaws, sloths and superb margay felines.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca-Places to Visit Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

A perfect spot to listen to the rhythm and beats of island music, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beloved fishing town. A popular tourist destination, where visitors can immerse in the pleasures of the island. Walk to one of the many seaside bars and have an assortment of mixed drinks.

The sounds of the sea splashing at the nearby Salsa Brava is an attraction for surfers. Don’t leave without trying the amazing jambalaya being sold on the roadsides.

San Jose

places to visit costa rica

This metropolis is a sometimes overlooked spot by travelers as it seen more as a transit to explore other areas in Costa Rica. If you decide to stay here, you will be delighted to explore San Jose and see its Spanish architecture. Rich in culture, it has many historical locations where you can learn about pre-Columbian people. If you love night life, San Pedro is the perfect place for you.

Alajuela-Places to Visit Costa Rica

places to visit costa rica

Alajuela is the third biggest city in Costa Rica. Saturated with history and a strong political past, this city history includes stores of revolution and patriotism. One cannot leave without hearing how the famed Juan Santamaria, a declared national hero who fought for independence in Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

Listen to the sounds of parrots and other exotic birds as they fly over the glistening blue waters of two of the most famous beaches in Costa Rica , Teloro and Espadilla. These beaches are located in the Manuel Antonio National Park. From the sun, sand and sea of these beaches to exploring the forests filled with cotton and cedar trees, this is what Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer. As you explore you may see and hear the howling monkeys.

Jaco-Places to Visit Costa Rica

One of the most popular places for visitors in Costa Rica.  This fishing town is characterized by its gradual urbanization with housing schemes. The ocean side is however, still, the main attraction to surfers and sea lovers. Dance the night away at one of the popular discos or bars in the area.

Santa Teresa

Are you looking for a romantic vacation, filled with walks along the beach? If yes, this is the perfect spot for your next vacation. Coconut palms trees swaying in the wind and beautiful white sand beaches await your foot prints.

Tortuguero National Park-Places to Visit Costa Rica

Lagoons, rivers and endangered turtles are some of the things you will see at the Tortuguero National Park. This protected area is a collation of volcanic islands. Other attractions include the wildlife, so be prepared to see Jaguars, peacocks and howlers.

Chirripo National Park

123 acres of barely trodden forested areas, this is Chirripo National Park. Boasting the tallest mountain in Costa Rica, called Cerro Chirripó, it measures over 3800 meters above sea level. A perfect exploration for those who love seclusion.

Cartago-Places to Visit Costa Rica

The first city of Costa Rica, Cartago, is located at the foot of the Irazu Volcano. Immersed in unique culture, it is known as the first Spanish settlement.  Having had a series of earthquake,much  of its illustrious history was destroyed. This history can be explored by visiting the The Basilica of our lady of the Angels and Las Ruinas de la Parroquia. The former is home to “La Negrita”, a stone child statute/ Madonna. Described as a sacred relic, millions journey yearly to Cartago to offer prayer to the statute.

Montezuma

A quiet fishing town, Motezuma has a rustic outdoor atmosphere. A perfect location for those who want a retreat. It has eco resorts and inns.

Ricon de la Vieja National Park-Places to Visit Costa Rica

This park features the Ricon de la Vieja, one of the most active volacano in Costa Rica. Sulphur smoke and mud pool characterizes this attraction.

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