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A country so lush over half of it is blanketed in forest, Costa Rica sets the bar sky high as far as outdoor destinations are concerned. It’s bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, and enjoys both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Most notable is the biodiversity—one can experience dense tropical rainforests and high-altitude ecosystems as well as mangroves and marine habitats (complete with colorful coral reefs and open ocean).
It’s no wonder, then, that Costa Rica’s quintessential phrase is “pura vida” (Spanish for “pure life”); this appreciation for a peaceful, positive lifestyle is baked into the country’s mentality and sets a laidback tone for visitors. For those in search of adventure, choose from adrenaline-fueled pursuits like whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and zip-lining. If you’re in need of a mental reset, the country’s yoga retreats and wellness spas are world-renowned. And if you’re eager to check a few new species off your birdwatching list, you’ll be pleased to learn there are around a thousand within Costa Rica alone. (Other wildlife sightings might include monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and crocodiles.)
Warm all year round, there’s no bad time to plan a trip here. Ahead, 11 of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, from active volcanoes and national parks to remote rivers and tumbling waterfalls.
Catch Waves Along the Nicoya Peninsula
Beginners and seasoned surfers alike gravitate toward this peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast thanks to its warm waters and consistent swells. If you’re new to catching waves, sign up for a surf camp somewhere like Nosara or Tamarindo where there are breaks for all skill levels and plenty of instructors on hand. Or there’s Santa Teresa with its acclaimed points and breaks like La Lora (a favorite, though more challenging). Nicoya Peninsula’s many beaches and waves—which break all year round—lend the ideal surf getaway.
Stay Here: Silvestre Nosara is a nine-room boutique property located a stone’s throw from the ocean’s edge. When you’re not spending time in your residence (there are homey amenities like a kitchen, washer/dryer unit, and a barrel sauna), mosey up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy a drink by the infinity pool.
Explore Las Catalinas, a Car-Free Beach Town
This coastal hilltop town overlooking the Pacific shores of Guanacaste is made all the more idyllic thanks to its no-car policy. Las Catalinas stretches across 1,200 acres and oozes neighborhood charm with its walkability between local shops and cobblestone plazas. There’s plenty of outdoor activity that’s accessible here as well, like the single-track mountain biking trails that offer panoramic ocean views.
Stay Here: Santarena Hotel took inspiration from old mansions peppered along coastal cities like Havana and Cartagena for its look and feel. This 45-key property has a lovely courtyard as well as a rooftop terrace and pool (a perfect spot for catching the sunset).
Traverse the Arenal Volcano
It’s hard to take a bad picture of Arenal—this imposing volcano has a symmetrical shape and rises up from lush lowlands. And, up until 2010, it was Costa Rica’s most active volcano (it’s currently dormant). Adventurers can traverse Arenal by zip line, horseback, ATV, or simply hiking. Also, be sure to take a dip in one of the many hot springs, such as Rio Chollín, which is free to access and surrounded by rainforest.
Stay Here: Nayara Tented Camp epitomizes the eco retreat experience in Costa Rica with its safari-esque glamping amenities. You’ll be positioned at the foot of the volcano and surrounded by wildlife (most notably the cute sloths). Also not to be missed: the terraces with built-in, hot spring-fed pools.
Explore Ancient Rainforest on Osa Peninsula
If you’re eager for adventure, this intensely biodiverse corner of Costa Rica should be on your itinerary. The Osa Peninsula is home to Corcovado National Park where explorers can experience old-growth wet forests and 13 different ecosystems, from cloud forests to mangrove swamps. This is also where much of the country’s wildlife thrives, including the ever-elusive jaguar.
Stay Here: Lapa Rios Lodge sits on a 1,000-acre private nature reserve on the Osa Peninsula. The lodge is acclaimed for its sustainability and has a conservation program for local flora and fauna. Guests can soak in the wild surroundings from the property’s indoor-outdoor bungalows.
Go Whitewater Rafting in the Pacuare River
The Pacuare River flows into the Caribbean and is largely considered the crown jewel for whitewater rafting in Costa Rica. The backdrop is something like a postcard—lush tropical rainforest, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls surround you as you roar down the iconic rapids. If it piques your interest, book an overnight rafting trip that stops midway at an eco-lodge.
Stay Here: Pacuare Lodge is a 20-suite luxury eco-hotel that sits on the banks of its namesake river. Expect it all: outdoor showers, spring-fed pools, an open-air spa, and natural design details like teak and bamboo.
Walk the Cloud Forest in Monteverde
A ‘cloud forest’ is a rare rainforest with low-level clouds that gives the illusion of walking through layers upon layers of misty clouds. In Costa Rica, the best place to do this is the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Visitors can explore over eight miles of trails, including a treetop stroll along several suspension bridges.
Stay Here: This Airbnb treehouse rental offers a true immersion into the wild Costa Rican landscape, from its forest view shower to the jacuzzi perched four meters high amongst the trees.
Spot Sea Turtles in Tortuguero National Park
Named after its resident reptiles, this park on the country’s northern Caribbean Coast feels utterly wild with its dense jungle and maze of canals. Unsurprisingly, exploring this area by boat (or kayak, or canoe) is a real treat. And during turtle nesting season—usually between March and October—you can go on a turtle walk with a licensed guide to spot four different species of sea turtles while they lay eggs.
Stay Here: Tortuga Lodge’s 29 rooms have picturesque views of the river, gardens, and surrounding rainforest and serve as a lovely home base for your outdoor adventure. The hotel offers several guided outings like kayaking the canals, a natural history boat excursion, and nighttime turtle tours.
Snorkel Coral Reefs on Peninsula Papagayo
Though the Caribbean side of Costa Rica often has clearer water, the Pacific coast has some of the top snorkeling sites in the country thanks to its marine diversity and unique geological features. Near Peninsula Papagayo, for example, Monkey’s Head was shaped by volcanic activity and the seafloor is both dramatic and spectacular to witness while snorkeling.
Stay Here: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo has something for every kind of traveler. Surf lessons for active types, a luxurious spa for wellness seekers, a tennis complex and golf course for leisure lovers, and plenty of oceanfront sun loungers and dining spots for the ultimate pura vida experience.
Experience a Coffee Plantation By ATV
You’re probably already familiar with Costa Rica’s prized coffee scene; the country is regarded for its high-quality beans and the landscape is prime for growing coffee (volcanic soil, high altitudes, and a tropical climate have a hand in that). If it’s available in the coffee region you’re visiting, book an ATV tour through a plantation to give your caffeine fix a touch of adventure.
Stay Here: Rancho Pacifico is a 15-minute drive from ATV Tour Uvita and is an adults-only resort perched in the rainforest. Every room has an ocean view and concierge can arrange adventures like waterfall rappelling, zip lining, horseback riding, and just about anything else.
Visit a Waterfall Garden in the Central Valley
If your idea of a perfect afternoon involves meandering around a tropical rainforest and animal sanctuary, passing five roaring waterfalls along the way, take note of this 70-acre garden. There are over 100 species of animals that visitors can see here (including jaguars, pumas, and sloths) and over two miles of cloud and rainforest hiking trails. Pack your camera.
Stay Here: El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a cloud forest hotel made up of 24 suites and villas. There’s plenty to see and do here, like soaking in the private outdoor hot tubs, indulging in a volcanic mud exfoliation at the spa, or enjoying a farm-to-table meal on property.
Go Whale Watching in Golfo Dulce
At its deepest, Golfo Dulce (“sweet gulf”) plunges around 700 feet down, making it a prime respite for humpback whales. This gulf (technically a tropical fjord) is a meeting point for migration routes of whales coming from both the northern and southern hemispheres, but the best time for whale watching is arguably with the southern humpbacks during the months of August, September, and October. This ‘whale heritage area’ is also a haven for other species like whale sharks, dolphins, and porpoises, all of which can be spotted aboard a boat tour.
Stay Here: Playa Cativo Lodge's open-air bungalows offer ocean or jungle views and sit on a private 1,000-acre reserve of pristine rainforest. Embark on your whale-watching tour from this luxury eco-lodge, conveniently located on the golfo dulce.
