FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 17 years' worth of firsthand Costa Rica trip planning and travel advice compiled into hundreds of articles, plus exclusive discounts. Created by a Costa Rican and a four-time published Costa Rica guidebook author. Welcome, amigos, and as we say in Costa Rica, pura vida!
Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! eh? Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica Destination Tool, oversees the brand-new (summer 2023) Costa Rica Travel Shop, and designed the Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. Also, Nikki wrote the Costa Rica cover feature for Wanderlust Magazine's sustainability-focused Travel Green List issue, showcased Costa Rica destinations and experiences on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel show and podcast/radio show, and served as the Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist, a luxury travel brand. Want to show your appreciation for her free article below? Thank Nikki here. ❤️️
Get the Costa Rica info you need by browsing our article's TABLE OF CONTENTS:
If you’re planning your first trip to Costa Rica, you’re probably overwhelmed by the sheer volume of destinations there are to choose from. While our master list of places to visit in Costa Rica may add more destinations to your must-see list than you want (or can afford) to explore, it can also help you quickly identify Costa Rica’s top destinations and easily select your favorites according to the photos and descriptions that interest you the most. For your convenience, the following key is used to identify the region in Costa Rica where each destination is located:
(NI) Northern Inland Region
(CV) Central Valley & Highlands Region
(CB) Caribbean Region
(G) Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Region
(NP) Nicoya Peninsula Region
(CP) Central Pacific Region
(OP) Osa Peninsula Region
(SP) Southern Pacific Region
(SI) Southern Inland Region
If you’re overwhelmed by Costa Rica destination options and you want help narrowing down the best place(s) for you and your travel partner(s) or family to visit, consider using our Costa Rica Destination Tool.
Our Costa Rica Destination Tool allows you to filter 66 Costa Rica destination recommendations according to nearly 150 different criteria that span the following categories: geographical region, popularity, atmosphere/vibe/style, ecosystems, climate/temperature, cultural interests, must-have sites and attractions, must-experience tours and activities, accommodation types, and other must-haves and preferences. It takes one minute to use the tool, and you can use it as many times as you want to retrieve new Costa Rica destination recommendations according to new criteria selections.
Bajos del Toro, a tiny community sandwiched between high-altitude cloud forest and lowland plains, is home to a few beautiful waterfalls including Catarata del Toro and the twin waterfalls, Cataratas Las Gemelas, among others. The area’s unoccupied hiking trails explore one of Costa Rica’s few bright-blue rivers. For more information about Bajos del Toro’s waterfalls, don’t miss our related blog post 25+ Costa Rica Waterfalls & How To Visit Them During Your Trip. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Bajos del Toro.
Belen (G)
The small town of Belen, not typically visited as a destination on its own, is worth stopping at while traveling between Liberia and Santa Cruz along Highway 21 (see our related blog post Costa Rica Highway Conditions By Route for highway details). The town’s central park has a statue of a bull rider, which speaks to the province of Guanacaste’s rural roots.
Bijagua (NI)
Tucked between the Tenorio Volcano and the Miravalles Volcano is Bijagua, a small community most often visited during trips to the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Inside the park, you can hike to Costa Rica’s famous blue river, Rio Celeste. Outside the park, you can explore a frog garden, try your luck at spotting tapirs, and participate in rural tourism farming activities. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Bijagua.
Brasilito (G)
Though the northern Pacific beach town of Brasilito has its own beach (Playa Brasilito), the neighboring, crushed-shell beach of Playa Conchal is Brasilito’s primary draw. The area is also home to a pair of resort-quality accommodations, a golf course, and an entertaining chocolate tour, among other activities. For more information about Playa Conchal and Playa Brasilito, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Brasilito.
Cabuya (NP)
Near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula is the small coastal community of Cabuya. If you visit the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, you’ll pass through Cabuya along the way; a giant strangler fig tree welcomes you to the community. The town’s cemetery, which occupies an islet 500 meters off the coast of the community at Playa Cabuya, is accessible on foot at low tide. For more information about Playa Cabuya, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them.
Cahuita (CB)
Cahuita, adored for its laidback pace of living and Reggae-inspired vibe, is a beach town positioned on the southern Caribbean coast. Top draws include delicious Caribbean meals and the Cahuita National Park, a place where you can hike leisurely, spot monkeys, snorkel around a coral reef, and lounge on Playa Blanca, the park’s main beach. For more information about Playa Blanca, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Cahuita.
Canas (G)
You probably won’t visit the non-touristy town of Canas on purpose, but you may spend some time there if you participate in a safari float tour or a white-water rafting tour on one of two rivers in the area: the Tenorio River and the Corobici River. Alternatively, you may cruise past Canas on Highway 1 (see our related blog post Costa Rica Highway Conditions By Route for highway details) while traveling between Liberia and destinations to the east. Visible from the highway is the town’s plaza de toros (bullring), which sometimes hosts lively fiestas civicas (civic festivals).
Cano Negro (NI)
Home to the Cano Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge, the small, quiet community of Cano Negro is the preferred vacation spot of avid birders. The wetlands in and around this remote destination, which nears the border that Costa Rica shares with Nicaragua, are full of intriguing resident and migratory bird species, and a slew of other wildlife. To learn more about the refuge, don’t miss our related blog posts Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge: Know This Before You Visit. If you plan to spend time in this area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Cano Negro.
Carrillo (NP)
Peaceful Playa Carrillo, a beautiful beach on the Nicoya Peninsula that is void of development and glows each evening come sunset, is the main reason to visit the community of Carrillo. A small cluster of hotels and restaurants sit up a hill, a mere 5-minute drive from the beach. For more information about Playa Carrillo, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Carrillo.
Cartago (CV)
Oftentimes chilly and cloudy, the metropolis of Cartago, Costa Rica’s original capital city, sits just east of San Jose but at a higher elevation. Here, you’ll find unique sights of interest including a beautiful basilica, abandoned ruins, and the Irazu Volcano National Park, home to Costa Rica’s tallest volcano: the Irazu Volcano. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Cartago.
Dominical (CP)
You’ll find a decent amount of development in unembellished Dominical, a small beach town on the central Pacific coast just east of the Baru River, ranging from hostels and hotels to cafes, surf shops, and yoga centers. Not far from Dominical, the two-tiered Cataratas Nauyaca are a beautiful sight, as are the big waves that sometimes roll into Playa Dominical, the town’s principal beach. For more information about Playa Dominical, don’t miss our related blog post: Photos of Playa Dominical Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Dominical.
Drake Bay (OP)
On the northern half of the Osa Peninsula is Drake Bay, a destination most commonly accessed by travelers via boat or small plane. (If you wish to drive to Drake Bay, don’t miss our related blog post Driving To Drake Bay: Photos, Road Conditions, Routes, Drive Times, And More!) This remote spot nears the Corcovado National Park and is the closest land to Cano Island, a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Visits are often arranged as two, three, or four-day all-inclusive Drake Bay packages that cover transportation to and from the area, accommodations, meals, and adventure/nature tours. Playa Agujitas, Drake Bay’s main beach, is named after the small community that overlooks the bay. For more information about Playa Agujitas, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Drake Bay.
Swanky shops and trendy cafes fill the upscale shopping centers you’ll find in San Rafael de Escazu, a high-end suburb just west of San Jose on the south side of Highway 27 (see our related blog post Costa Rica Highway Conditions By Route for highway details). Lux chain hotels, a golf course, and some of Costa Rica’s best private hospitals are also found in Escazu. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Escazu.
Golfito (SP)
The heart of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is the colorful port town of Golfito. Few tourists come to stay in Golfito, but if you do, you can peer out over the town from a mirador (viewpoint), stroll around a sleepy marina, and shop at the locals’ beloved duty-free goods warehouse. (Golfito nears the border Costa Rica shares with Panama.) If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Golfito.
Lovely to escape to for a day is the uninhabited Isla Tortuga, which is a short boat ride off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Tours to Isla Tortuga depart from docks in Puntarenas (in the central Pacific region) and from Playa Curu inside the Curu National Wildlife Refuge (on the Nicoya Peninsula). Once on the island, you can snorkel or dive around underwater sites, rent watersport equipment for exploring the island’s crystalline waters, or simply enjoy the beach. For more information about beaches at Isla Tortuga, don’t miss our related blog posts Photos of Playa Tropical Costa Rica (Isla Tortuga, Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Personal Collection and 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them.
Jaco (CP)
On the central Pacific coast, the busy beach town of Jaco is the place to be if you want to meet new people and spend a night (or every night) out on the town. It has a wide range of hotels, more restaurants than you could possibly eat at, loads of shops, and enough surf schools to help you conquer the waves that roll into Playa Jaco, the town’s main beach. For more information about Playa Jaco, don’t miss our related blog post: Photos of Playa Jaco Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Jaco.
La Fortuna (Arenal) (NI)
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations, largely due to the long list of nature and adventure tours that run in and around town. From hikes to the La Fortuna Waterfall, exploration of hanging bridges, fun zip-line rides, wildlife exhibit visits, and so much more, there are enough activities to easily fill several days in the region. La Fortuna is also home to Costa Rica’s biggest and best collection of hot springs (12 and counting) thanks to its position at the base of the Arenal Volcano. To learn more about the experiences you can have in La Fortuna, don’t miss our related blog posts Must-Know Info About La Fortuna Costa Rica From Longtime Residents, La Fortuna Hotels: Where We Stay Around Arenal Costa Rica, or these other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to La Fortuna.
Most people who visit Liberia only graze the city’s outskirts, either on their way into or out of Costa Rica via the LIR airport (now called the Guanacaste Airport) or while traveling along Highway 21 (see our related blog post Costa Rica Highway Conditions By Route for highway details), a popular thoroughfare that leads to beaches on the northern Pacific coast. In the downtown core, there are a few small museums, restaurants, and bars but they typically don’t warrant spending a night in the city. Just west of downtown Liberia, near the airport, there’s an impressive art gallery and a souvenir store that runs a coffee tour if you’re looking for ways to kill time before a flight. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Liberia.
Limon (CB)
The port town of Limon, at the conjunction of Highway 32 and Highway 36 on the Caribbean coast (see our related blog post Costa Rica Highway Conditions By Route for highway details), isn’t a tourist town as much as it’s a gateway to beach destinations in the southern Caribbean region, namely Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and Manzanillo. You likely won’t spend much time in this city (which isn’t the safest place for tourists and is overrun with shipping containers), unless you arrive via a cruise ship that docks at the city’s port or you connect in Limon while using public transit or a domestic flight. The city does, however, have a few roadside stalls where you can pick up delicious Caribbean food, so those are worth a quick stop. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Limon.
Mal Pais (NP)
Often coupled with the nearby beach town of Santa Teresa, the quiet fishing community of Malpais (sometimes written as Mal Pais) is smaller and less developed than its neighbor. No more than a few establishments spread out over a winding road and a forested hill, Malpais hides in a secluded—almost deserted-feeling—corner of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. The best reason to visit the destination is to spend time at the tranquil Playa Los Suecos (also called Playa Cuevas). For more information about Playa Los Suecos, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Malpais.
At the end of one of Costa Rica’s easternmost roads, near the border that Costa Rica shares with Panama, lies Manzanillo, a small, low-key Caribbean beach town. Here, locals snooze or kick soccer balls on Playa Manzanillo (also called Playa Grande) while foreigners stroll through the beachfront Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The destination also has a great green macaw reintroduction center where macaws can be seen in the wild at close range. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Manzanillo.
Matapalo (G)
On the northern Pacific coast, south of Playas del Coco, is Matapalo, a small, unremarkable hamlet. Though there’s little in Matapalo to warrant a visit, the destination’s namesake beach—Playa Matapalo—is where you’ll find two of Costa Rica’s all-inclusive resorts. Atop the hill that overlooks the beach is an adventure park that’s equipped with ziplines, wildlife exhibits, and other attractions. For more information about Playa Matapalo, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Matapalo.
On the east side of the Nicoya Peninsula is Montezuma, a small community with a carefree vibe. Though most people come to Montezuma to revel in its hippiedom, others use the destination as a home base for day tours to the nearby Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve for a challenging hike, the Curu National Refuge for easy nature walks, Isla Tortuga for pristine waters, and/or the lovely Playas Las Manchas. For more information about Playa Las Manchas, don’t miss our related blog post: Photos Of Playa Las Manchas Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula) From Our Personal Collection. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Montezuma.
Nicoya (NP)
Though the closest most travelers come to the town of Nicoya is Highway 21 (see our related blog post Costa Rica Highway Conditions By Route for highway details), a main road on the Nicoya Peninsula that grazes the north end of the destination, if you happen to take a detour into town, there’s a picturesque Colonial church that’s worth laying your eyes on. Northeast of Nicoya is the Barra Honda National Park, where you can descend into and explore an underground cave.
Nosara (NP)
Home to a ton of ex-pats, the close-knit community of Nosara also has some of Costa Rica’s best surf and yoga studios and a collection of premium boutique hotels. Though stays here don’t usually come cheap, they provide an opportunity to spend time in a service-minded, comfortable, quiet community. An ideal destination for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free travelers, several of Nosara’s restaurants are health-conscious. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Nosara.
Nuevo Arenal (NI)
Positioned on the northeast side of Lago Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake, is Nuevo Arenal, a small community where a large number of expats (mainly retirees) enjoy quiet days spent overlooking the water. Lake-friendly watersports and bird-watching are the area’s best activities, though most people who visit want nothing more than to kick back and relax. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Nuevo Arenal.
Orosi (CV)
The lovely Orosi Valley, comprised of the town of Orosi and the villages of Cachi and Ujarras, is one of the more picturesque places you can visit in Costa Rica’s Central Valley and Highlands region, especially on the region’s east side. A few lookout places that showcase pretty landscapes appease day visitors, but if you stay for a few days, you can experience the destination’s national park, ruins, and (basic) hot springs. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Orosi.
Ostional (NP)
Though rare, the turtle nesting events that take place at Playa Ostional are the largest of their kind in Costa Rica. If you’d like to position yourself near the beach to witness the natural phenomenon, you can hole up in the tiny community of Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula. For more information about Playa Ostional, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them.
Papagayo (G)
The most concentrated collection of resorts (both all-inclusive and non-all-inclusive) fan out over the Papagayo Peninsula, which occupies an elevated landmass that divides the tranquil Culebra Bay from the open water of the Gulf of Papagayo and the Pacific Ocean. Combined with luxury rental properties and an immaculate golf course, Papagayo is a prime spot to have an exclusive, high-end vacation. For more information about beaches on the Papagayo Peninsula, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Papagayo.
Paquera (NP)
The small village of Paquera is best known for being one of two villages on the Nicoya Peninsula that welcome ferries from Puntarenas (the other is Playa Naranjo), making travel between the central Pacific region and the Nicoya Peninsula region quick and easy. Though it’s unlikely you’ll station yourself in Paquera directly, if you plan to stay at another beach town on the peninsula you may find yourself on a day tour to Paquera where hiking trails and beaches await inside the nearby Curu National Wildlife Refuge.
Playa Avellanas (G)
South of the many popular beaches that line the northern Pacific coast is Playa Avellanas, the gathering spot of surfers in search of great waves outside of bustling beach towns. Though a well-liked restaurant on the beach draws in plenty of day visitors, the destination is largely void of development and doesn’t receive many overnight guests. For more information about Playa Avellanas, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them.
Playa Flamingo (G)
One of the softest and most beautiful beaches to rest along the northern Pacific coast is Playa Flamingo, which sits on the west side of a town with the same name (on the east side of town is a marina). In and around the small but surprisingly developed town, you’ll find a resort, a shopping center, and fine residences and vacation homes. For more information about Playa Flamingo, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Playa Flamingo.
Playa Grande (G)
Once Costa Rica’s go-to place to see leatherback sea turtles bury their eggs in the sand, today’s Playa Grande is celebrated for its beloved surf break. The gentle yin to next-door Tamarindo’s more active yang, Playa Grande is also where you’ll find the peaceful estuary that weaves throughout the Marino Las Baulas National Park. For more information about Playa Grande, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Playa Grande.
Playa Naranjo is one of two villages on the Nicoya Peninsula that welcome ferries from Puntarenas (the other is Paquera). You’re likely to only step foot in Playa Naranjo if you’re driving yourself to destinations in the north half of the Nicoya Peninsula (such as Carrillo, Samara, Nosara, or Ostional) or destinations further up the Pacific coast, and you opted to take a ferry for part of the journey to reduce your overall drive time.
Playas del Coco (G)
If you want to station yourself in a coastal town that has plenty of people, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, plus a bustling beachfront (on Playa del Coco) that always has something going on, Playas del Coco may be the right destination for you. The town also serves as a jumping-off place where tours to adventure parks, dive and snorkel sites, and other attractions depart. For more information about Playa del Coco, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Playas del Coco.
Poasito / Vara Blanca (CV)
Poasito and Vera Blanca, two small, neighboring, high-elevation communities that sit north of Alajuela, reel in travelers with worthwhile attractions, including coffee farms, waterfalls, and wildlife exhibits. Most sought-after are visits to the Poas Volcano’s active crater within the Poas Volcano National Park. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Poasito/Vera Blanca.
Potrero / Surfside (G)
Sandwiched between two upper-end beach communities (Las Catalinas and Playa Flamingo), the village of Potrero provides a more humble stay. Though there’s little to do directly in Potrero, day tours to activities operated in nearby towns are easy to arrange. A handful of expats reside in Surfside, a community that’s adjacent to Potrero’s south end at Playa Potrero. For more information about Playa Potrero, don’t miss our related blog post: 80+ Costa Rica Beaches (In Photos) And Where To Find Them. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Potrero/Surfside.
Puerto Jimenez (OP)
One of Costa Rica’s southernmost destinations is the down-to-earth fishing town of Puerto Jimenez, which sits on the Osa Peninsula between the Golfo Dulce and the Corcovado National Park. Though most visitors arrive with plans to hike the national park, the destination provides a few unique experiences such as panning for gold. Playa Preciosa (also named Playa Platanares) is the town’s principal beach. For more information about Playa Preciosa, don’t miss our related blog post: Photos of Playa Preciosa Costa Rica (Osa Peninsula) From Our Personal Collection. If you plan to spend time in this area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Puerto Jimenez.
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui (CB)
The humid, lowland region that contains Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is a great place to explore rainforest reserves, go bird-watching, and raft the Sarapiqui River. Though the destination is named after its largest town (Puerto Viejo), the Sarapiqui area encompasses two other communities: La Virgin and Chilamate. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.
Puntarenas serves as a sending-off point to a few popular Costa Rica destinations. Multiday dive tours on liveaboard boats depart to Coco Island (also called Cocos Island), and ferries depart for the villages of Paquera and Naranjo on the Nicoya Peninsula where onward travel to beach towns like Samara, Nosara, Tambor, Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Malpais is common. In Puntarenas proper, a pedestrian boulevard catches most travelers’ attention, especially those who arrive at the port city via cruise ship. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Puntarenas.
Birders in search of high-elevation bird species flock to the San Gerardo de Dota area, which stretches out down a mountain in a region that houses Costa Rica’s highest peaks. Oftentimes chilly and cloudy thanks to its position among the cloud forest, this destination has humble, cozy lodges. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best trout fishing and trout-based meals in the country. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to San Gerardo de Dota.
San Jose (CV)
Costa Rica’s current capital city, San Jose, is steeped in culture, architecture, and history. The destination is a perfect choice if you want to explore museums, stroll along pedestrian boulevards, or simply take in the sights of a buzzing metropolis. The city is also home to unique hotels, an eclectic assortment of restaurants, and several bars that range in style from pubs to clubs. For more information about San Jose, don’t miss our related blog post 15 Things To Do In San Jose Costa Rica (And 3 Things To Skip Doing), as well as our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to San Jose.
San Ramon (CV)
Travelers have a tendency to zip past the city of San Ramon on their way to La Fortuna/Arenal from San Jose or Alajuela (or vice versa) but there’s a lot that’s worth seeing in and around town, including an ornate church in the downtown core and botanical gardens on the outskirts of town amid cloud forest. Southeast of San Ramon, the small town of Pavones hosts Costa Rica’s largest fair in January of each year. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to San Ramon.
Santa Cruz (G)
Santa Cruz, the quintessential Costa Rican town you may pass through if you travel the Nicoya Peninsula’s popular Highway 21, has a monument that pays tribute to Costa Rica’s national musical instrument: the marimba. The town also nears Guaitil, a community that’s rich in indigenous culture and pottery handicrafts.
The many handpainted, brightly colored oxcarts you’ll see in Costa Rica are manufactured in Sarchi, the artisan capital of Costa Rica. Here, you can visit old factories that produce the wooden oxcarts and watch artists paint the carts with bold designs. Shops that sell replica oxcart handicrafts are open for browsing. For more information about Sarchi, don’t miss our related blog post 5 Free Things To Do In Grecia, Sarchi, And Zarcero Costa Rica, as well as our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Sarchi.
Sierpe (OP)
At the edge of the Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands sits the tiny community of Sierpe. This destination serves as a jumping-off place where hiking tours in the Corcovado National Park and dive and snorkel sites around Cano Island depart. Sierpe is also where you’ll find archaeological spheres that belonged to pre-Columbian indigenous groups. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Sierpe.
Siquirres (CB)
Siquirres isn’t a tourist destination per se but it’s a frequented destination nonetheless since the Pacuare River, a popular river for white-water rafting, flows alongside the town. Since rafting tours on the Pacuare River depart from other cities in Costa Rica and provide transportation to and from the river, you likely won’t spend much time in Siquirres proper, which isn’t the safest place for tourists. But if you want to experience the country’s best rafting tour, visiting Siquirres—even on a day trip from a different town—is a must. To learn more about white-water rafting the Pacuare River, don’t miss our related blog post: Pacuare River Rafting Tour: Must-Know Info From A Former River Guide.
Tamarindo (G)
One of Costa Rica’s most social beach towns is the northern Pacific coast’s Tamarindo. This surf town is much more than its beloved break; it has a store-lined main drag that’s great for shopping, lots of restaurants (including plenty on the beach), an active nightlife, and an upbeat vibe. Nearly everything you might want in a coastal community (save for solitude) can be found in Tamarindo. For more information about Playa Tamarindo, don’t miss our related blog post: Photos of Playa Tamarindo Costa Rica (Guanacaste) From Our Personal Collection. If you plan to spend time in this area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Tamarindo.
Tambor (NP)
Unfrequented Tambor, a small village on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a good option if you want to enjoy a beach community that’s void of crowds. Though there isn’t much to see or do at this destination except golf and lay your eyes on a non-swimmable waterfall, the Curu National Wildlife Refuge and the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve exist in the region and are accessible via day tours from Tambor. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Tambor.
Tarcoles (CP)
Across a busy highway from the Carara National Park sits the hamlet of Tarcoles. This destination typically hosts visitors on day tours from nearby towns who come to take boat tours around the Tarcoles River for the purpose of bird-watching or to see the large number of crocodiles that reside in the area. Individuals who prefer to gaze at the crocodiles at a distance do so from the road bridge on Highway 34 that crosses the river. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our related blog post Visiting The Carara National Park—Photos & Brief (5-Minute Read): Tarcoles, Costa Rica, as well as our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Tarcoles.
Tortuguero (CB)
Accessible only by boat or small plane, the community of Tortuguero sits along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast. Nature lovers come to boat around calm canals; spot birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife inside the Tortuguero National Park; and bask in the tranquility that the remote destination provides. For more information about Tortuguero don’t miss our related blog post Is Tortuguero Worth Visiting? and our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Tortuguero.
Turrialba (CV)
Off most tourists’ radar is the valley city of Turrialba, which is home to a volcano, a waterfall, an archaeological site, and gardens. Avid bikers love riding the mountainous roads that descend into and climb out of the city; they provide beautiful views of coffee and sugarcane plantations. If you plan to spend time in the area, don’t miss our Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Turrialba.
Uvita (CP)
On the central Pacific coast, the inland community of Uvita and the adjacent waterfront village of Bahia are where you’ll find the Marino Ballena National Park. Here, snorkel and dive trips to local sites and sites around Cano Island await, as do coastal boat trips for the purpose of whale- and dolphin-watching. This destination is also home to a whale-tail-shaped tombolo (at Playa Uvita) you can visit during low tide. For more information about Playa Uvita, don’t miss our related blog post: Photos of Playa Uvita Costa Rica (Central Pacific) From Our Personal Collection. If you plan to spend time in this area, don’t miss our other Costa Rica blog articles that can support your visit to Uvita/Bahia.
Do you have questions about particular destinations in Costa Rica, want to know how many destinations you should visit based on the amount of time you have to travel, or need to know how to best connect destinations on a vacation itinerary? No problem! When you’re ready, make an appointment here to communicate with me (Nikki) privately and we can discuss these and other topics to get your questions answered fast and your Costa Rica trip poised for success. Pura vida, amigos! 🙂
Hey, Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our blog! We're truly grateful for your time and preference.
Do you know that your spam-free reading experience is most important to us? Unlike some other Costa Rica blogs, we do not to sell your personal information, and we choose not to display ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing on our blog so we can keep your visit as distraction- and junk-free as possible. Because we prioritize your privacy, we don't earn money when you visit us, when you sign up for our e-course, or when you click on our links, which means the time and work we put into this blog—including its 300+ articles—is entirely voluntary! If you find our content valuable, and you'd like to thank us for making the trip-planning process easier and your Costa Rica vacation more enjoyable, please consider making a small donation ($1, $2, $3, or an amount of your choosing) to our blog. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it. 😊 Pura vida, amigos!
Click on the button above to donate through PayPal. (If you cannot see the PayPal button above, click here.) A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. PayPal donations are confidential; we never see your payment details.
Love our blog? Check out our other Costa Rica-related projects, too:
Summary
Article Name
Where To Go In Costa Rica: 70+
Description
See our master list of Costa Rica destinations for photos of 70+ places to consider when narrowing down where to go in Costa Rica.
The comment section of this article has moved! If you have a question or comment about our article above or Costa Rica travel in general, please post it in our Questions and Answers Forum on DIY Costa Rica, our sister website, where you can also access our private Costa Rica recommendations, our Costa Rica Destination Tool, and our Costa Rica Recommendations Map. See you there, amigos! 🙂
Author
Posts
Viewing 1 reply thread
The forum ‘Costa Rica Travel Blog Forum’ is closed to new topics and replies.
Short on time? Use our FREE electronic quick guide to instantly locate the exact Costa Rica advice or information you need among the hundreds of articles on our blog. No email or personal information required.
This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review our Privacy Policy, then click the button below to accept it.
If you do not accept the policy, we respect your choice 100%. Unfortunately, several of our website’s features, including our Questions and Answers Forum, rely on cookies to operate. Most are also run by themes, plugins, and other add-ons to our website that we do not and cannot control, which means the cookies you receive are mainly provided by third parties. Because simple actions like reading our articles, asking a question, and even visiting our website’s homepage require the use of cookies, it is not possible to explore or use our website without them. If you would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly (and sadly) ask that you do not visit our website. (Alternatively, you can try setting your browser to remove or reject browser cookies before visiting our website, but you may find that our website doesn’t function properly without them.) By visiting or submitting information through our website, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies, and the use of third-party cookies. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.
Thank you for understanding!
Remember my preference
In order for our site to remember that you accept our policy, please enable the Strictly Necessary Cookie.
If you leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able to save your preference. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again.
Tagged: costa rica, destinations