7 Best National Parks in Costa Rica

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica may not be as well-known as the Pacific side, but it's an outdoor adventure that should not be overlooked if you seek an exotic location packed full of nature, wildlife, and white sandy beaches. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast (the right-hand or eastern side when looking at a map) might be higher in humidity and have more rainfall, but what it loses in weather it makes up for with its diverse abundance of flora and fauna. The Caribbean coast is also much less developed than its Pacific cousin, meaning it sees fewer tourists — a plus point in our book and likely so for those seeking an adventurous trip in Costa Rica! You'll find rainforests to explore, superb surfing, snorkeling on coral reefs, reggae party towns, and some unmistakable Caribbean charm. Read on to discover just a small taste of what Costa Rica’s Caribbean vacations can offer you.

Costa Rica is blessed with two beautiful coastlines, the Caribbean coast, and the Pacific coast. Although both sides have stunning spots to visit, enjoying Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is one of the best ways to spend your next Costa Rica trip. Warm sunny days on palm-lined beaches, inviting surf, and wilderness treks through the dense jungle are just some of the hallmark experiences to be had in this oasis. Whether you seek all-inclusive luxury or rustic backpacking adventures, consider these destinations, activities, and attractions for an exhilarating vacation.

Rincón de la Vieja is one of the most memorable destinations in Costa Rica for adventurists who dare to wander in this volcanic hotspot. Home to the country’s largest and most active volcano, Rincón National Park in Costa Rica offers unrivaled opportunities to witness geothermal activity, enjoy adventure activities in pristine rainforest, and explore the rural wilderness in Costa Rican cowboy countryside. This park is lesser-known to travelers sticking to the main tourist trail, which only adds to its enchantment as one of Costa Rica’s best wilderness destinations. Its relative remoteness serves to maintain its abundant and diverse wildlife population as well as its natural beauty. Experiences here are markedly authentic and exude a more intimate feel than many other major destinations. To help with planning your trip to Rincon de la Vieja as part of a Costa Rica tour, we’ve prepared this guide with the best things to do and tips for travel in this incredible national park in Costa Rica.

An island paradise complete with white sandy beaches, azure waters, and tall coconut trees swaying to the rhythm of the undeniable sense of luxury and tranquility, this is what lies in store to travelers visiting Tortuga Island in Costa Rica. A quick 90-minute boat ride from Puntarenas (with some of the most epic scenery along the way) is how you’ll start your Tortuga Island tour, and once you’re there, we’re pretty sure it will capture your heart and soul for good. In this guide, we’ll be giving you the lowdown on all you need to know about Tortuga Island in Costa Rica.

Rio Celeste (the Celeste River) is a 14-kilometer-long stretch of vivid turquoise water that flows through the Tenorio Volcano National Park in northwestern Costa Rica. Its ethereal light-blue hue is caused by a chemical reaction between sulfur and carbonate, which are formed in volcanic soil. The crown jewel of this scenic stretch is the 90-meter-tall waterfalls that plunge into an azure lagoon framed with luscious greenery. The best way to soak up this slice of paradise during a Costa Rica tour is via a scenic trail that runs for about 6 kilometers along the most beautiful portion of the river. The Rio Celeste waterfall hike will take you through the dense tropical vegetation, along an intriguing confluence, and over small wooden bridges. Here are some basic tips to help you plan out your Rio Celeste tour and make the most out of your visit.

Central Costa Rica’s famous La Fortuna waterfall is located on the outskirts of La Fortuna village in Arenal Volcano National Park. Meaning ‘the fortune’ in Spanish, the waterfall and ecological reserve is the area’s best-kept secret. The crystalline water of the Arenal River tumbles from a height of 70 – 75 meters over the cliff to form this beautiful waterfall. Located on the slopes of the dormant Arenal volcano, La Fortuna carries waters from the rainforests of the Arenal Mountain ranges. Visiting La Fortuna waterfall is a must for anyone on a Costa Rica tour, especially for those who love nature and want to breathe the fresh mountain air. The spectacular waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and iconic Costa Rican wildlife including toucans and monkeys. The area is well-maintained by the town of La Fortuna and has a parking lot, restrooms, cafe, and gift shop at the top of the waterfall. There is also an orchid trail and butterfly garden within the reserve. Here is everything you need to know about the falls, including how to reach the waterfall ecological reserve and things to do in the area.

Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica serves up one of the most intriguing vacation atmospheres in the country. The excellent location in Guanacaste means you can enjoy relaxing on beaches, tramping through forests, exploring national parks and reserves, or indulging in local festivities. Adventure activities, wildlife, and nightlife are plentiful, making this spot a perfect destination on the Pacific side of Costa Rica for individuals, couples, and families alike. Listed here is a breakdown of our favorite sites and activities for the best holiday in Tamarindo.

The Nicoya Peninsula lies on Costa Rica’s spectacular Pacific Coast. Shared between the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas, it’s a popular destination for those seeking well-earned rest and recuperation time on their trip to Costa Rica. Highly regarded for its beautiful and often secluded beaches, it is also of interest due to its number of nature reserves, including Cabo Blanco. Further, all these sights are within easy reach of world-class hotels and a plethora of innovative restaurants.

Long gone are the days when the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica was one of the country’s most important transport routes, connecting the farms and plantations of the interior lowlands with the outside world. Still a fascinating area for anyone interested in agriculture, the Sarapiqui river valley has also managed to reinvent itself as Costa Rica’s ultimate destination for those wanting to try white water rafting. But if that isn’t enough to tempt you to visit Sarapiqui, then the nearby areas of protected land such as Braulio Carrillo National Park offers some of the Central American nation’s finest wildlife viewing opportunities too.

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is a green treasure-house of unspoiled rainforest. Swathed in green, jaguars, and ocelots rule here, sharing their domain with scarlet macaws, toucans, howler monkeys, and ever-inquisitive squirrel monkeys. The Osa Peninsula is a magical place where tapirs surf on Encanta La Vida and a rugged coastline swathed in untouched forest reaches out to thriving marine habitats, a must-include for your Costa Rica trip.

A trip to Costa Rica just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its most iconic volcano. Inspiring school science projects for years, Arenal Volcano stands majestically as a perfectly symmetrical cone puffing steam into the clouds. While the active Arenal Volcano is the most popular attraction here, Arenal Volcano National Park is actually home to two volcanoes. The other, Cerro Chato, is considered extinct and has long been a destination for adventurous tourists. Sightseeing around the volcanic wonders becomes all the more interesting as you discover the fascinating ecology of the park. Covered by a mixture of vibrant tropical rainforest and open grasslands, this park is rich in flora and fauna due to its fertile landscape. Plan a day trip or stay for a few days. Either way, this national park and the surrounding town of La Fortuna offer plenty of interesting areas to explore.

Looking for a quintessential adventure tour in Costa Rica, but short on time? Or perhaps you’d like to balance your next trip with a mix of land and sea exploration. No matter your travel plans, make sure to visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Lush tropical rainforests, picturesque beaches, mangroves, lagoons, and colorful reef make this destination an excellent bet to sample some of Costa Rica’s unique treasures. Though this park is the country’s smallest among the national parks of Costa Rica, it is packed with rich biodiversity and history. Wildlife is abundant and the vistas are grand. Definitely bring a camera to capture the blissful moments; with scenery this iconic, you might just find yourself making postcards! To help you discover the many gems hidden in this park, read this overview of sites, activities, and tips for visiting.