The Best Places to Go in Costa Rica: Your Ultimate Travel Guide for 2025
- Aurélise Leroux
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering where to go first? Whether you're chasing waves, waterfalls, or wildlife, Costa Rica is bursting with unforgettable destinations. From misty cloud forests to golden beaches and everything in between, this guide will help you discover the best places to go in Costa Rica—and maybe even help you decide on the best area of Costa Rica to visit based on your travel style.
Costa Rica may be small, but every corner feels like a different world. You can surf in the Pacific in the morning and be hiking in a rainforest by the afternoon. Let’s break down the top places that make Costa Rica such a bucket-list-worthy destination.
1. La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano: Adventure Capital of Costa Rica
La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano, is one of the best places to go in Costa Rica for adventure lovers. This lush, volcano-dotted region is perfect for zip-lining, white water rafting, canyoning, and relaxing in natural hot springs.
Highlights:
Arenal Volcano National Park for hiking and views
The Hot Springs for a family soak
La Fortuna Waterfall (don’t skip the 500 steps down!)
Horseback riding, ATV tours, and wildlife night walks
Why visit?
It’s one of the most well-rounded destinations—great for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Plus, it’s relatively easy to get to from San José (around 3 hours).
2. Monteverde: Misty Cloud Forest Magic
If you want a cooler climate and the feeling of walking through the clouds, Monteverde is your spot. This is one of the best areas of Costa Rica to visit for nature lovers, especially birdwatchers.
Highlights:
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – home to the elusive resplendent quetzal
Hanging bridges, canopy tours, and night hikes
Butterfly gardens, frog ponds, and coffee farms
Why visit?
It’s peaceful, packed with biodiversity, and offers a totally different vibe from the beach towns. A great contrast to a coastal destination.
3. Manuel Antonio: Beaches and Wildlife in One
For many travelers, Manuel Antonio is the sweet spot between beach time and wildlife viewing. With its stunning national park and lively beach scene, it’s one of the best places to go in Costa Rica for first-time visitors.
Highlights:
Manuel Antonio National Park – monkeys, sloths, toucans, and white sand beaches
Surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling tours
Great mix of high-end resorts and budget hostels
Why visit?
You get jungle and beach in one place. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to choose between hiking and swimming.
4. Santa Teresa & Mal PaÃs: Laid-Back Surf Paradise
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a magnet for surfers, yogis, and digital nomads. It has a bohemian vibe, stunning sunsets, and some of the best waves in the country.
Highlights:
World-class surf breaks like Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa
Yoga retreats and boutique wellness stays
Tide pools, hidden waterfalls, and beach bonfires
Why visit?
If you want a low-key, barefoot luxury experience with epic sunsets, this might be the best area of Costa Rica to visit. Just be prepared for dusty roads and a bit of a trek to get there—worth it!
5. Tamarindo: Surf, Sun, and Social Life
Tamarindo is a bustling beach town on the northern Pacific coast and one of the most accessible surf towns in Costa Rica. It’s great for those looking for nightlife, restaurants, and activities all in one place.
Highlights:
Beginner-friendly surf lessons
Sunset sailing and snorkeling tours
Nearby wildlife spots like Las Baulas National Marine Park
Why visit?
It’s one of the best places to go in Costa Rica if you want a fun, lively beach town with amenities. Perfect for groups, young travelers, and families who want everything nearby.
6. Nosara: Wellness Meets Waves
Nosara is a chic, eco-conscious surf town that balances rustic charm with upscale wellness vibes. Think boutique hotels, smoothie bowls, and world-class yoga with a side of perfect waves.
Highlights:
Surfing at Playa Guiones
Daily yoga classes at studios like Bodhi Tree
ATV rides through jungle trails
Why visit?
Nosara attracts a more mature and wellness-focused crowd. If you're into health, healing, and holistic living, this could be the best area of Costa Rica to visit for you.
7. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Caribbean Cool
Switching coasts, Puerto Viejo brings a totally different flavor to Costa Rica. Located on the Caribbean side, it’s where Afro-Caribbean culture meets lush rainforest and gorgeous, uncrowded beaches.
Highlights:
Sloth Sanctuary and Jaguar Rescue Center
Salsa Brava surf break for experienced surfers
Reggae bars and Caribbean cuisine
Why visit?
Puerto Viejo is off the typical tourist path, making it ideal for travelers who want something less polished and more authentic. It’s colorful, diverse, and packed with character.
8. Osa Peninsula: Untamed Wilderness
If you're serious about wildlife and don’t mind a rugged adventure, the Osa Peninsula is where Costa Rica gets wild. Home to the Corcovado National Park, this is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Highlights:
Wildlife spotting: jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and more
Whale watching in Drake Bay
Remote ecolodges and guided rainforest hikes
Why visit?
This is Costa Rica in its rawest form. It’s not for everyone—but for true nature lovers, it’s easily one of the best places to go in Costa Rica.
9. Tortuguero: The Amazon of Costa Rica
Tortuguero is a unique water-based national park where canals replace roads and sea turtles steal the show. Located on the northeastern Caribbean coast, it’s only accessible by boat or plane.
Highlights:
Turtle nesting (July to October)
Boat safaris through mangrove-lined canals
Lush rainforests full of monkeys, caimans, and birds
Why visit?
The slow pace and remote setting make this a perfect destination for disconnecting. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and teeming with wildlife.
10. San José & Central Valley: Cultural Gateway
Often overlooked, San José and the Central Valley have more to offer than just the airport. It’s a great place to learn about Costa Rican history and culture before heading to the coast.
Highlights:
Museo Nacional and Jade Museum
Central Market food stalls
Day trips to coffee farms, Poás Volcano, or La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Why visit?
While it might not be the best area of Costa Rica to visit for long stays, it’s worth spending a night or two before or after your flight.
So, what’s the Best place in Costa Rica to visit?
It really depends on what kind of experience you're after:
For surf & sunsets: Santa Teresa or Tamarindo
For adventure & hot springs: La Fortuna
For wildlife & jungle beaches: Manuel Antonio or Osa Peninsula
For wellness & waves: Nosara
For culture & Caribbean vibes: Puerto Viejo
For a unique nature: Tortuguero or Monteverde
If you're short on time, pair one mountain/jungle destination with one beach town to get the best of both worlds.
Final Travel Tips for Visiting the Best Places in Costa Rica
Traveling in the dry season (December–April) it's best for the weather, but the green season (May–November) offers fewer crowds and lush scenery. For us, the green season it's the best time. The weather is changeable, but it doesn't stop you from enjoying it, and the prices are more attractive.
Rent a 4x4Â if you're going to remote areas like Santa Teresa or Monteverde.
Book in advance during peak times, especially if visiting popular spots like Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo.
Pack layers—the climate changes fast from coast to cloud forest. And don't forget a rain jacket or an umbrella (a downpour can happen quickly)
Pura Vida isn’t just a phrase; it’s a way of life. Slow down, smile, and enjoy every moment.
Costa Rica is a country that invites exploration, with every region offering something special. Whether you're after beaches, forests, wellness, or adrenaline, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences. With this guide, you're now equipped to choose the best places to go in Costa Rica and find the best area of Costa Rica to visit for your perfect vacation.
Where will you start your Costa Rica adventure?