Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Depending on what experiences you’re after will determine the best area to visit.

For adventure, Arenal Volcano National Park is the best. White water rafting, volcano hiking, lush jungles and exclusive lodges – it’s the perfect destination for all travellers and beautifully encapsulates the outdoor activities found in Costa Rica.

For wildlife, Manuel Antonio National Park is an excellent viewing spot for sloths, red-eye tree frogs, monkeys, iguanas and more. Rainforests meet the beach here, so you’ll have a wealth of landscapes to explore.

For true beach stays, the Caribbean Coast is where to visit. This is where you get those idyllic soft sands and vibrant coral reefs.

For your first time in Costa Rica, Arenal and Osa Peninsula are two must-haves for your itinerary. Any trip here will involve a bit of hopping around (with easy transfers thanks to your travel specialist), but we recommend Arenal and Osa Peninsula for all our first-time itineraries.

Arenal is the heart of Costa Rica. It’s a central location with a range of accommodation to suit all types of travellers and houses one of the most iconic landmarks in Costa Rica – the Arenal Volcano. Osa Peninsula then takes you south, offering up wildlife, beaches with great surf and national parks on a platter.

We recommend visiting the Pacific coast or the western side of Costa Rica. This is where you’ll find the famous surf scene and access to more adventurous activities.

However, the Caribbean coast is still special in its own right. Tortuguero has an exceptional array of flora and fauna, including a sea turtle hatching season. The calm Caribbean waters may be more enticing for those with little ones or wanting a more relaxing end to their stay in Costa Rica.