Top 10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Lush rainforests, active volcanoes, world-class beaches, exotic wildlife, and a “pura vida” vibe that makes every visit unforgettable, Costa Rica is high on many traveler's bucket list.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, beach bum, nature lover, or wellness seeker, Costa Rica delivers.

To help plan your adventure, we’ve rounded up the top 10 most beautiful places to visit across this tropical paradise—each one offering something unique and unforgettable.

🌋 1. Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna

Why Visit: Arenal is Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano, and La Fortuna is the gateway to all the adventure. Picture-perfect views, hot springs, and endless outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and waterfall rappelling.

Don’t Miss: Soaking in the natural hot springs at Tabacón or EcoTermales after a day of exploring.

🏝️ 2. Manuel Antonio National Park

Why Visit: Manuel Antonio is a lush coastal national park with turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and some of the best wildlife spotting in the country. Think monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and more.

Don’t Miss: The Punta Catedral trail for stunning ocean views and an easy hike.

🐢 3. Tortuguero National Park

Why Visit: Often called the "Amazon of Costa Rica," Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or small plane and offers an untouched, jungle-meets-river experience. It’s also a prime nesting site for sea turtles.

Don’t Miss: A sunrise canoe tour through the canals—you’ll see and hear the rainforest come alive.

🌊 4. Santa Teresa

Why Visit: A laid-back surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula with epic sunsets, great waves, boutique hotels, and a vibrant wellness scene. Santa Teresa is a little harder to get to—but worth every bump in the road.

Don’t Miss: Morning yoga followed by a smoothie bowl, and sunset surfing or beach bonfire.

🐒 5. Monteverde Cloud Forest

Why Visit: A misty, magical forest filled with unique biodiversity. Monteverde Cloud Forest is a great spot for bird watching, hanging bridges, and ziplining through the treetops.

Don’t Miss: The Selvatura hanging bridges and a guided night walk for a completely different perspective of the forest.

🦥 6. Corcovado National Park

Why Visit: Called “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic, Corcovado is a remote park on the Osa Peninsula. It's a paradise for hardcore nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Don’t Miss: A guided multi-day trek into the park—you’ll likely spot tapirs, scarlet macaws, and even jaguars.

🌴 7. Cahuita & Puerto Viejo

Why Visit: Located on the Caribbean coast, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo have a more relaxed Afro-Caribbean vibe, with reggae music, coconut rice, and less-developed beaches perfect for chilling.

Don’t Miss: Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park and biking along the coast from Puerto Viejo to Playa Punta Uva.

🐚 8. Isla del Coco (Cocos Island)

Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a diver’s paradise, Isla del Coco is famous for hammerhead shark sightings and dramatic underwater landscapes.

Don’t Miss: A live-aboard dive trip if you're an experienced diver looking for the adventure of a lifetime.

🐠 9. Gulf of Papagayo

Why Visit: Located in the Guanacaste province, this area has some of the most luxurious resorts in the country, plus calm beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Don’t Miss: A catamaran sunset cruise or paddleboarding in the gentle waves.

🦋 10. Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Why Visit: Often overlooked, Rincón de la Vieja National Park is home to waterfalls, hot springs, volcanic mud pots, and some of the best hiking in Costa Rica—without the crowds.

Don’t Miss: The Las Pailas trail loop and a relaxing soak in the Rio Negro Hot Springs afterward.

✈️ Pro Tips for Visiting Costa Rica in 2025

• Best Time to Visit: Dry season runs from December to April, but green season (May to November) offers fewer crowds and lush scenery.
• Getting Around: Rent a 4x4 if you're venturing off the beaten path—especially in rainy season.
• What to Pack: Lightweight clothing, rain gear, hiking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and binoculars.
• Local Vibes: Learn a few Spanish phrases and don’t forget to embrace “pura vida” (pure life)—it’s more than a phrase, it’s a lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica packs more natural beauty per square mile than almost anywhere else in the world. In 2025, travelers are craving meaningful experiences, and Costa Rica delivers—from cloud forests to coastlines, and everything in between.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for more, these 10 stunning destinations will show you the wild, beautiful heart of this Central American gem.