Manuel Antonio National Park
- Pristine white-sand beaches fringed by lush forest, where playful white-face capuchins and sloths laze in the treetops.
- A network of well-maintained trails (easy to moderate) that reward you with sweeping ocean views and hidden coves.
- Snorkeling in crystal bays; colorful parrotfish, eagle rays and sea turtles swim just offshore.
- Located in Quepos, with many attractions, tipical restaurants and facilities for travelers.
Tamarindo & Nosara (Guanacaste)
- World-class surf breaks for all levels—Tamarindo’s mellow “Beginner’s Left” and Nosara’s hollow barrels.
- Yoga studios and wellness retreats set among towering palms, offering daily classes, sound-healing sessions and vegan cafés.
- Vibrant nightlife during high season, with beachfront bars, live reggae nights and weekly farmers’ markets.
Marino Ballena & Uvita
- The “Whale Tail” sandbar emerges at low tide—an otherworldly natural sculpture that frames waterfalls at each end.
- Humpback whale watching (December–April and July–October) from zodiac tours or kayaks.
- Hidden snorkel sites where octopus, moray eels and reef sharks glide beneath coral outcrops.

Volcanic and High Mountains
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna
- Near-perfect conical volcano towering over the town of La Fortuna. Hike old lava flows at dawn to watch the sunlight kiss its summit.
- Natural hot springs (Baldi, Tabacón, EcoTermales) fed by Arenal’s geothermal activity—soak amid orchids and heliconias.
- La Fortuna Waterfall: a 70 m cascade plunging into an emerald pool; swim under the roar for a mini-adrenaline rush.
Poás & Irazú Volcanos
- Poás Volcano: stroll to its rim for a view of a steamy, turquoise crater lake. Wake up early to beat the clouds.
- Irazú Volcano: Costa Rica’s tallest active volcano. On a clear day you can see both Pacific and Caribbean coasts from the summit.
Rincon de la Vieja
- A playground of bubbling mud pots, sulfur vents and jungle trails.
- Waterfall rappelling and canopy zip-lining courses that thread through ancient Guanacaste woodlands.
- Horseback rides to hidden thermal pools where you can soak in mud baths believed to have skin-healing properties.

Cloud Forest & Highlands
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Mist-shrouded canopy alive with quetzals, three-toed sloths and a dizzying array of orchids and bromeliads.
- Skywalk hanging bridges that thread through 30 m treetops—experience the forest from a bird’s perspective.
- Night tours shining lights on kinkajous, tarantulas and glowing-eyed frogs that only come alive after dark.
San Gerardo de Dota and Los Quetzales Trail
- The premier spot to glimpse the resplendent quetzal—a bird of myths and shimmering green plumage.
- Gentle riverside hikes through oak-pine woodlands where trout fishing is king.
- Quaint lodges offering home-cooked trout dinners and decks for morning bird-watching.

Caribbean Coast & Lowlands
Tortuguero National Park
- A maze of inland canals accessible only by boat or small plane—paddle through banks alive with monkeys, caimans and river turtles.
- Turtle-nesting seasons (green turtles July–October; leatherbacks February–March)—join nocturnal guided walks to witness nesting and hatchling releases.
- Afro-Caribbean culture in the village of Tortuguero: spice-infused cuisine, reggae rhythms and handwoven baskets.
Cahuita & Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Cahuita National Park’s coral reefs teem with tropical fish, octopus and shy nurse sharks—snorkel from the beach or take a glass-bottom boat.
- Puerto Viejo’s surf breaks (“Salsa Brava” for experts) and a laid-back vibe with salsa dancing, reggae beats and coconut-infused dishes.

Inland Gems & Hidden Treasures
Tenorio & Río Celeste
- Hike to the fabled Río Celeste, whose surreal turquoise hue comes from a chemical reaction of volcanic minerals.
- Waterfalls, rapids and natural hot springs tucked within pristine rainforest.
- Bird-watching trails where bellbirds, toucans and motmots announce every turn.
Barra Honda Caves
- Expedition-style tours through limestone caverns draped with stalactites and stalagmites.
- A chance to see cave-dwelling bats, crickets and unique cave fauna in near-total darkness.
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado
- Often called “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” Rugged treks through primary rainforest where jaguars, tapirs and scarlet macaws roam free.
- Drakes Bay beaches fringed with palm groves—ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and off-grid beach camping.

Culture, Cuisine & Community
- Coffee Tours: Explore Tarrazú’s volcanic slopes, from bean-to-cup, and savor micro-lot brews in farm homestays.
- Chocolate Workshops: Learn cacao’s journey from tree to artisan chocolate, tasting single-origin varieties you won’t find at home.
- Indigenous Experiences: Visit Bribri or Boruca villages to witness traditional weaving, chicha-making and sit-down storytelling.

Practical Tips & Best Seasons
- Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Ideal for beach-hopping and volcano hikes; expect higher rates and more crowds.
- Green Season (May–Nov): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, waterfall-swimming at its prime—and afternoon showers that clear by sunset.
- Getting Around: Rent a 4×4 for remote roads, use budget-friendly shared shuttles between major hubs, or hop quick domestic flights on SANSA or Nature Air.
- Health & Safety: Tap water is drinkable in most towns; pack reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent; moderate your altitude changes to avoid headaches.

Must-Sees and Beyond
- Chase bioluminescent plankton trails off the Nicoya Peninsula by kayak.
- Volunteer on turtle conservation projects in Gandoca–Manzanillo.
- Sample street-food sodas serving casados (rice, beans, plantains, meat or fish) and refreshing agua de pipa (fresh coconut water).
Costa Rica’s soul lies in its balance—wild landscapes preserved beside vibrant communities, adventure woven into every step and a pervasive “Pura Vida” spirit. Ready to plan your trip, or curious about tailored itineraries for families, solo travelers or digital nomads? Let’s dive in!