Top Destinations to Visit in Costa Rica
Costa RicaCosta Rica is such an amazing country that it can be difficult to know where to go first. To get you started, here's a list of the best places to go in Costa Rica. Explore popular destinations like Arenal Lake and Arenal Volcano, or Monteverde's cloud forests. By no means is this an exhaustive list of places to go in Costa Rica, but it is a great list of Costa Rica points of interest. Remember, adding popular destinations to your travel to-do list isn't a bad thing. When you're trying to decide where to go in Costa Rica, heading to at least one or two hot spots ensures that you're not missing any of the beauty or magic associated with legitimate 'must see' destinations.
Costa Rica's top destinations offer you a wide range of activities and accommodations that have attracted visitors from all over the world. In many of these destinations, you'll find yourself captivated by the unique natural landscape and habitat — like the breathtaking beaches of Manuel Antonio. For a cultural or outdoor getaway, in Puerto Viejo, you'll find well-established Native American traditions and excursions in the nearby Cahuita National Park. Seeking a cosmopolitan tropical getaway? You'll be drawn to Papagayo Gulf's luxury hotels, and the nightlife and restaurant options which accompany them. This is Costa Rica your way!
Costa Rica Highlights
A curated look at the best Costa Rica has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
The charming and welcoming town of La Fortuna is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends. The only requisite is that you love outdoor adventure! So if you can’t wait to spend your vacation in the fresh air, biking, kayaking, hiking, and more, then discover why the Arenal region is just what you need. Best of all, you can enjoy luxe accommodations that boast volcanic views, and pamper yourself with a luxurious soak in a hot spring. Nature is waiting for you, and she’s easy to find when you book your Arenal adventure with Anywhere.
Explore DestinationManuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoilt beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone whether you have young children or college-bound teens. See a variety of Costa Rica’s animals when you peek into tide pools and hike through forests; experience the subtle thrill of birding when you cross a variety of species off of your ‘seen’ list. The best part? This is just the beginning of all of the beauty, excitement, and adventure awaiting you in Manuel Antonio.
Explore DestinationTamarindo
Once a quiet surf beach and fishing hamlet, Tamarindo is now a beach town with the infrastructure Western travelers have come to expect. Located on the Central West Coast of Guanacaste, Tamarindo still boasts unspoilt beaches and incredible biodiversity — despite the town’s recent and ongoing development. Come for fun in the sun and stay for the laid back vibe that is so characteristic of the region.
Explore DestinationMonteverde Costa Rica Vacations
Heed the call of the great outdoors and let your next vacation take you to beautiful Monteverde, Costa Rica. Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air.
Explore DestinationDrake Bay
Resting on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) is an adventure-seeker's paradise. It is named after Sir Francis Drake, who is believed to have ventured here in the late 16th century. Travelers here take on some of his adventurous spirit on treks through the primary rainforest.
Explore DestinationPuerto Viejo de Limon
Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it's surfing, Puerto Viejo de Limon beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side. The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself. A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.
Explore DestinationMal Pais- Santa Teresa
Some things just come in pairs — socks and shoes, milk and cookies, Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica… These twin beach towns are near each other, but offer you a very different vacation experience, balancing your need for excitement, activity, and infrastructure against your desire to enjoy a quiet, calm, uncrowded getaway. Discover why surfing in the dynamic Santa Teresa plus fishing in the charming Mal Paí equal a Costa Rica beach vacation that’s the total experience.
Explore DestinationNosara Costa Rica
Nosara's beach town of Guiones is a tucked-away delight with lucrative real estate, vibrant flora, and a world-class white sand beach. The town, which has a sizeable population of ex-pats, presents no shortage of accommodations. Many of these accommodations are private, luxurious, and immersed in natural beauty.
Explore DestinationJaco
Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley and is one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a 2.5 mile (4 km) strip which offers world renowned surfing and more.
Explore DestinationTortuguero
The Caribbean Coast is home to the beautiful town of Tortuguero and it's National Park. This sun drenched zone with its sparsely spaced coastal villages offers a completely laid back and relaxed atmosphere. The culture is vastly different on this coast compared to the rest of the country with its prominent Afro-Caribbean influence notable as well in the delicious cuisine found here.
Explore DestinationRincon de la Vieja
Encompassed by the scenic Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Rincon de la Vieja cinder volcano sits amid 34,800 acres of national park territory. It is a great place to escape from Guanacaste's sun-splashed beaches and to enjoy cool air, refreshing waterfalls, beautiful birds, and fantastic hiking. Its unique environment offers a different kind of Guanacaste vacation experience.
Explore DestinationFeatured Costa Rica Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Costa Rica itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
The Perfect Getaway for Two
This romantic getaway is anything but cliche! Explore the jungles of Arenal and Monteverde, and the beaches of Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo on this sun soaked adventure.
This Was Heaven on Earth
Anywhere is the company we will book our trips again and again. We will recommend YOU to everyone. Costa Rica is a heaven on earth. We are so happy to have had a reliable car to cover so much millage in 8 days and get to experience so many different climate and sceneries in just a short time. It was amazing to be connected to the locals and experience so much nature, culture, beauty, comfort, joy and hospitality in a short time. Thank you Anywhere. You are one of the best finds we have landed in our lives. Your team and your knowledge deserves a gold medal.
An Adventure-Packed Family Reunion
Costa Rica is a great country, everyone is willing to help you.
Caribbean, Mountains, & Pacific Beaches
I have already recommended Anywhere.com to others. Both the trip planning and the trip itself was a pleasant experience. I appreciated the ability to customize the trip to our desires, and for the ability to contact and get Anywhere's assistance when things didn't go as planned.
The Most Memorable Honeymoon Ever
Our first but definitely not last time in Costa Rica. We loved all the areas, people, activities, food, everything. Been gushing about our trip to our family and friends since we got back.
The Ultimate Pura Vida Party
Costa Rica is an unforgettable paradise. 5% of the world's total bio diversity. We can't wait to go back and we'll definitely be booking our next adventures through Anywhere Costa and their networks of amazing companies, guides etc that they work with. Book with them and you'll be so happy that you did.
Costa Rica 101: A Solo Adventure
You don’t have to travel with anyone to see the world — think of all the people you’ll meet along the way. Treat yourself to an epic solo adventure through Costa Rica.
Our Best Adventure Yet
An adventure awaits you, and who better to share it with than your best friends? Volcanoes, rappelling, zip lining, and sailing are just a few of the activities you’ll all enjoy.
A Mother & Son Coast to Coast Road Trip
One suggestion would be to let people know the amount of time to drive from hotel to hotel. If I would have known, I would have stayed longer in fewer hotels.
All-In-One Magical Family Vacation
Best trip ever! Costa Rica is absolutely beautiful and magical. All the drivers were waiting and all the accommodations arranged — Anywhere took care of every detail so we don’t have to stress.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
