Where to Go in Costa Rica

As the capital city and home to the country’s main international airport, San Jose is often the starting and ending point for a visit to Costa Rica. That said, once travelers have discovered the charm of the historic city centre, many of the best sites are still to be found in the wider region, so it’s well worth exploring further afield. If you are planning to stay a few days in San Jose, here’s our pick of the 11 best day trips from San Jose in Costa Rica.

Regarded by many as the jewel of Central America, Costa Rica is a bucket-list destination that is guaranteed to deliver. From towering volcanoes and vast rainforests to pristine beaches with excellent surf, this relatively small country has it all. Want to dive right in, but not sure where to start? Here is our guide to the 10 best places to visit in Costa Rica.

With its pristine wilderness and excellent ecotourism system, Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to adventure as a family. Venturing outdoors tends to inspire adults and kids alike, and in this country, cloud forests, tropical jungles, and sunny beaches won’t disappoint. Plan your next trip with our list of top destinations for a family vacation in Costa Rica.

With a coastline on two oceans, the Central American nation of Costa Rica is known for its phenomenal beaches, of which one of the finest is Playa Hermosa. Meaning ‘beautiful beach’ in Spanish, Playa Hermosa is aptly named. Edged with shade-giving trees, and situated between two forested mountains, its off-white sands are rarely as crowded as nearby beaches such as Playa Conchal, making it the perfect place to seek out a combination of undisturbed tranquility and beachside activities as different as sailing and wildlife spotting.

Whether you are staring spellbound at a titanic plume of water plunging majestically into an abyss or watching a set of rushing cascades scurrying down an idyllic stream, Costa Rica's waterfalls will leave you with enduring memories. From lush green tropical forest-clad slopes to mist-shrouded cloud forests, surely no other country plays host to such idyllic waterfalls. Aside from the mesmerizing falls themselves, you’ll encounter bejeweled butterflies, rainbow-hued hummingbirds and jungles bursting with wildlife.Here are 9 of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica. Don’t miss out on visiting these waterfalls while you are in the country!

With roughly 200 volcanic formations outlining its landscape, Costa Rica is the perfect escape for travelers looking to soak up some peace and tranquility. The hot springs in Costa Rica are safe enough to bathe in, and unlike what you might have imagined, you’ll be spoiled for choice as far as options go. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at 6 of the most popular natural hot springs to visit on a trip to Costa Rica, essentially providing you with all the need-to-know details before you embark on your trip!

If you think a trip to Costa Rica consists of nothing but tours to beaches and rainforests, then you need to think again. With the Coco and Caribbean tectonic plates crashing together and creating more than 200 volcanos from Guatemala to Panama, Costa Rica is home to more than 110 volcanos, many of which are still bubbling. The landscapes that surround the volcanos of Costa Rica are intriguing and sport a wide range of diversity from cloud forests to rainforests to alien arid landscapes that prove to be a volcanic playground for thrill-seekers. Now you are wondering which the best volcano in Costa Rica for you is to visit. Don’t worry here is a quick rundown on our five favorites in no particular order.

A trip to Costa Rica is likely to be a completely unique experience and one that you will not likely forget. As one of the world’s most biodiverse places, the opportunities for exotic wildlife encounters alone make Costa Rica an unrivaled holiday destination. Though vacationers head to this country to enjoy many of its natural treasures, spending some time discovering the interesting, exotic animals native to Costa Rica is obligatory. From land to sea, there is so much to explore and learn about. To help guide you in planning your tour, here is a list of the best destinations to observe unique and plentiful wildlife in Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica consistently takes the lead as one of the top fishing destinations around the globe. The country is known for its many fishing world championships and anglers often make record-breaking catches here. But fishing in Costa Rica isn’t just reserved for the pros. With an excellent variety of offshore, inshore, and freshwater options, fishing can be enjoyed by all. When planning your Costa Rica tour, consider these top fishing destinations for a “reel” good time.

Finding the perfect honeymoon destination to celebrate wedding bliss is an exciting (and sometimes agonizing!) task. If you are considering a honeymoon holiday in Costa Rica, however, finding a slice of paradise will be a breeze. Costa Rica offers a great variety of destinations and things to do that will take your romance to the next level. Whether you seek thrilling activities, relaxation, pampering, or curious exploration in charming villages, this country brings magical memories to all who visit. Truly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place in Costa Rica that wouldn’t make a great getaway. To help you decide where to spend your romantic honeymoon trip in Costa Rica, here are some of the top destinations to consider. Don't miss out on visiting these locations while on a honeymoon in Costa Rica.

For decades, surf enthusiasts have been touring the best surf spots in Costa Rica in search of world-class waves. With a seemingly endless list of incredible beach destinations offering some of the best surfing in the world, you may need some help planning surf stops for your next Costa Rica tour. Here is our list of the best surf sites in Costa Rica, highlighting a variety of beach vibes and skill levels.

There is a reason why Costa Rica welcomes over 2 million visitors each year and is a top pick from the best tropical vacation spots. The country is a playground for nature lovers and with some of the most inviting beaches in the world, travelers can easily plan a Costa Rica beach vacation. From black sand beaches and sleepy palms to roaring surf and nightlife, the best beaches in Costa Rica include diverse opportunities for enjoyment. With a seemingly endless landscape of beaches, it can be hard to choose where to travel. Here is a breakdown of the top beaches in Costa Rica in no particular order, to help you plan your Costa Rica trip. The map of Costa Rica shows the locations of the best beaches to visit in Costa Rica.