Regions and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Costa Rica
Map of Must-See Areas
Our Favorite Places, Regions, and Sites in Costa Rica
The Caribbean Coast
A must-see region for its natural and cultural attractions.
You can meet the Afro-Caribbean community of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca near Limón, stay with the Bribri people in the community of Yorkin, witness leatherback turtles laying their eggs in the village of Gandoca, visit a banana or cacao plantation, immerse yourself in nature at Tortuguero National Park, explore the seabed off the coast of Cahuita… not to mention relaxing on the Caribbean beaches to the beat of reggae.
It feels as if you’re no longer in Costa Rica.
The Southern Mountain Ranges
The Talamanca mountain range features numerous peaks over 3,000 meters in elevation, the highest of which, Chirripó, rises to 3,820 meters.
South of Cerro de la Muerte, San Gerardo de Dota is a small rural village renowned for birdwatching, particularly for the resplendent quetzal. Located at an elevation of 2,000 to 3,000 meters, Los Quetzales Park is crisscrossed by streams and lakes and offers numerous hiking opportunities.
The Guanacaste Region
More than 300 km of coastline and 70 different beaches line the vast province of Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica.
Fishing, swimming, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, and turtle and bird watching are all part of the experience along this coastline.
But Guanacaste is also home to a large number of parks and reserves that protect lakes, volcanoes, forests, and caves.
It’s truly a country within a country.
Central and South Pacific
Whether you’re a hiker, nature lover, angler, or simply want nothing more than to relax on idyllic beaches, the Pacific Coast offers all these options.
Manuel Antonio National Park is a gem of stunning landscapes and abundant flora and fauna. Further north, Carara National Park is one of the last places where you can still spot scarlet macaws. Surfers won’t want to miss the chance to ride the waves at Playa Hermosa or Dominical. Finally, you can watch humpback whales migrate at Marino Ballena National Park.
The Osa Peninsula
Not only does the wild Osa Peninsula boast the most beautiful stretches of rainforest on Central America’s Pacific coast, but it is also home to Corcovado National Park, which is home to 3.5% of the world’s biodiversity.
Sheltered from the swells of the Pacific Ocean, the peninsula attracts whales and dolphins that come there to breed. Lovers of marine life won’t want to miss a trip into the clear, warm waters of the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve.
The Nicoya Peninsula
Discover the art of “Pura Vida” among picturesque villages, seaside resorts, and pristine beaches.
In the heart of the Pacific, the beaches invite you to relax and enjoy seaside activities. At certain times of the year, you can spot dolphins and sea turtles there.
The region is the perfect way to wrap up a road trip through Costa Rica.
The Northern Plains
The region will delight lovers of nature, adventure, and agritourism.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is the ideal starting point for outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking) and agritourism (cacao, pineapple, palm hearts).
You can also enjoy the lush natural surroundings (birds, heliconias, biological stations). Caño Negro, a marshland area, will delight birdwatchers with its flocks of migratory birds, including roseate spoonbills, jabirus, and cormorants.
Agricultural Costa Rica.
Monteverde
The Monteverde region is one of the greenest in Costa Rica.
The Monteverde Biological Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, most of which are “unique” in the world.
The various trails—including hiking trails and suspension bridge walks—offer opportunities to observe the surrounding vegetation. Several hundred species of birds, butterflies, amphibians, and mammals have been identified there. In addition, there are thousands of plant and insect species.
The Central Valley
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a city surrounded by lush valleys (Orosi and Turrialba) and active volcanoes (Poás and Irazú).
History and culture enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Gold Museum and the National Theater.
The region also offers wonderful opportunities for walks among agricultural fincas (coffee, tropical fruits), botanical gardens (orchids, etc.), and nature parks (Tapanti, etc.). Active travelers can go hiking (on foot or on horseback) or take on the rivers with a rafting adventure.
Costa Rica at its most authentic.
Sites and Volcanoes in the Northwest
A must-visit region for observing Costa Rica’s active volcanoes.
In Arenal, you can watch the lava flows and enjoy the hot springs; in Rincón de la Vieja, you can observe geothermal activity and enjoy its benefits, and in Tenorio Park, be sure to hike to the Rio Celeste with its incredible turquoise waters.
The region is also a popular destination for adventure seekers (canyoning, horseback riding, rafting, ATV riding) and nature lovers (with numerous parks and reserves).
The Caribbean Coast
The Southern Mountain Ranges
The Guanacaste Region
Central and South Pacific
The Osa Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula
The Northern Plains
Monteverde
The Central Valley
Sites and Volcanoes in the Northwest
Other travel ideas
Birdwatching Trip Discovering the Birds of Costa Rica
Nature Tour: Costa Rica – Nicaragua in 2 weeks
Treks and Hikes in Costa Rica Natural Sites and Exploration
