Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to experience a real-life paradise? Get
ready to pack your bags and explore the stunning beauty of Costa Rica!
In this video, we'll take you on a thrilling virtual tour of 15 must-visit attractions and
destinations that will blow your mind away. From the mesmerizing Arenal Volcano to the breathtaking
Manuel Antonio National Park, you won't be able to resist the allure of this beautiful country. So,
buckle up and join us as we navigate through the lush green forests, sparkling beaches, and
fascinating wildlife. It's time to get excited and start planning your dream vacation to Costa Rica!
Costa Rica is a diverse country with many natural attractions, including beaches,
forests, and wildlife. It appeals to a wide range of travelers, from bird watchers and luxury
travelers to surfers and backpackers. While the city of San Jose has great museums and cultural
attractions, real treasures are found outside the capital in the forests and coastal towns.
The Pacific Coast has many beautiful beaches and towns, with Guanacaste being a particularly
popular destination. Inland, the forest-covered mountains offer adventures such as volcanoes,
waterfalls, ziplining, and wildlife viewing. The south of the country is the best place to
go if you want to see a lot of wildlife. The Caribbean coast has its own unique
cultural vibe and calm waters. To help you plan your trip, we have compiled a list of
the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica. number 15, Manuel Antonio National Park,
Manuel Antonio National Park is situated on the outskirts of Manuel Antonio town and is a
must-visit destination in Costa Rica for wildlife enthusiasts. Apart from its stunning soft-sand
beaches, the park offers an opportunity to spot a variety of animals such as howler monkeys,
squirrel monkeys, sloths, white-nosed coatimundis, and capuchins. Additionally, you can also see
beautiful iridescent butterflies and colorful birds while walking the trails. Although you
can explore the park on your own, you can have a more comprehensive experience by joining a guided
tour. Guides possess telescopes and tripods, which can enhance your wildlife viewing and photography
experience. Another advantage of visiting Manuel Antonio National Park is that you
can easily find hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets in the nearby town of Manuel Antonio.
The primary hub of activity in the town revolves around the picturesque oceanfront beach. The beach
attracts both sunbathers and surfers, and surf lessons are available for novices. The restaurants
and stores situated across the road on the hillside can get a bit noisy in the evenings. For
those seeking a luxurious retreat, Manuel Antonio is home to one of Costa Rica's top beach resorts,
making it an ideal spot for an extended stay. number 14: Arenal Volcano,
The Arenal Volcano National Park, situated in the rugged Cordillera de Tilarán,
is a popular spot for observing volcanoes in the country. The highlight of the park is the
Arenal Volcano, a cone-shaped mountain that often emits huge ash columns from its crater.
From AD one thousand five hundred until a massive eruption in 1968, Arenal was dormant. The eruption
killed 82 people and destroyed two villages. Since then, the volcano has been active, and
visitors may witness anything from a cloud of ash to glowing red lava depending on the day or week.
The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife with about half of Costa Rican's birds,
reptiles, amphibians, and mammals represented within its boundaries.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge was established in 1987 as a private observatory and is now
the only lodge located within Arenal Volcano National Park. Situated on the south side of
the volcano on a macadamia nut farm, the lodge offers breathtaking views of both the volcano
and Arenal Lake. The area is surrounded by a plethora of hiking trails that lead to beautiful
waterfalls and old and recent lava flows. number 13, Monteverde and the Cloud Forests,
The Cloud Forests in Monteverde and Santa Elena are a must-visit for eco-tourism enthusiasts in
Costa Rica. These forests are perfect for nature lovers who want to explore unique
plants and wildlife without straying too far from civilization. The moisture provided by the clouds
creates a perfect habitat for various animals and plants. Bird-watching is a popular activity here,
but you can also spot mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Keep an eye out for colorful frogs
and howler monkeys. While jaguars and pumas are more elusive, you might get lucky. Hiking and
canopy tours are the ideal ways to experience the forest. The canopy tours include zip lines,
bridges, and cable cars, adding to the excitement and thrill of your visit.
Monteverde and Santa Elena are the primary hubs for tourism in this region, offering a wide
range of amenities such as lodging, dining, and local shopping outlets including art galleries.
The location of this area is towards the northwest of San Juan and can be reached via a four-hour bus
journey. Due to the altitude, it can get chilly here, so it is advisable to carry warm clothing.
number 12, Tamarindo, Tamarindo is an ideal destination
for those seeking an energetic beach town to stay in for a while. Situated in Guanacaste's Nicoya
Peninsula, Tamarindo has become a popular spot for surfing, beaches, and merrymaking. Once a peaceful
fishing village, the town now offers a diverse selection of eateries and lodgings for tourists.
The town is situated along the stunning Tamarindo Beach,
a broad crescent that stretches for about 1.5 kilometers. The region is renowned for surfing,
with various breaks suitable for both seasoned and novice surfers. The most significant waves
typically occur in November and December. The Tamarindo region is a great place for
sustainable and environmentally-friendly activities such as snorkeling, diving,
horseback riding, ziplining, and turtle-watching during the nesting season.
Playa Grande, located nearby, is an essential breeding site for leatherback turtles. From
October to March, visitors can witness over 100 turtles nesting and laying eggs overnight.
number 11: Dominical,
Dominical is a popular spot for backpackers and surfers in Costa Rica. It's well-known for its
beautiful beaches, affordable accommodations, laid-back restaurants, and bohemian atmosphere.
However, if you venture into the surrounding mountains, you'll find high-end resorts,
small inns, and luxury rentals, catering to a more affluent crowd.
The town has a long stretch of beach that's perfect for lounging and swimming.
Local vendors set up tables under the shady trees, selling crafts and other items. The
town has undergone some changes in recent years, with paved roads and bricked sidewalks,
making it a more upscale tourist destination. There are also quieter beaches outside of town
where you can find your own secluded spot. Dominical is an excellent destination for
those who wish to witness wildlife in their natural habitat without having to travel too
far from civilization. Dominical is home to a variety of wildlife, including toucans,
monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws, which can be spotted even within the town itself.
Additionally, Dominical hosts the annual Envision Festival in late February or early March. This
festival is centered around music, arts, wellness, and sustainability, and offers a range of
activities such as yoga and other workshops. number 10, Jaco,
Jaco proves to be a great option for those seeking a change of scenery from San Jose
while still enjoying the amenities of a larger town. The beach is vast, delightful, and has a
lively atmosphere. The waves are moderate, making it ideal for surfing and swimming.
What makes Jaco stand out from other coastal towns along the Pacific is its modern apartments, shops,
excellent dining options, hotels, and other conveniences that attract ex-pats and retirees.
With its proximity to San Jose, less than two hours away,
Jaco is an accessible destination for those who want to get away from the city and explore
nearby beaches or attractions. number 9, Wildlife Viewing,
Costa Rica is a country known for its incredible wildlife and makes for a
unique travel destination. Although it may not have many cultural attractions,
the abundant wildlife experiences more than makeup for it. Wildlife sightings are frequent,
with monkeys, capuchins, scarlet macaws, and toucans easily spotted around town.
While there are no specific areas for wildlife sightings, visiting parks or taking tours with
knowledgeable guides will increase the chances of spotting some of the more elusive species.
Generally, you have a higher chance of spotting a diverse range of animals in the southern region
of Costa Rica. By taking a guided walking tour through Manuel Antonio National Park,
you can expect to see sloths, various types of monkeys, and several other animals. If you're
looking to stay at an eco-lodge, you can stay at the Osa Peninsula, or a mountainside resort
around Dominical, Uvita, or Ojochal, and you're likely to encounter some wildlife. However,
the northern region is not to be underestimated in terms of wildlife. Even if you're staying at
downtown Tamarindo, you can easily spot howler monkeys on the trees and overhead wires along
the streets. Keep your eyes open, and you're sure to come across some fascinating critters.
number 8, Tortuguero National Park, If you're looking for a unique and
unconventional experience, Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast is worth a visit.
Accessible only by boat or plane, this region is one of the wettest in the country and offers
a different experience than the rest of Costa Rica. The park is a vital nesting ground for
the green sea turtle, so the main activity here is turtle watching. Although there are many beaches,
the coastal area is not ideal for swimming due to rough surf and strong currents, and sharks
are common. Hundreds, and even thousands, of green and leatherback turtles can be seen
nesting and laying eggs on the beaches at night. Recent conservation initiatives have boosted the
number of turtles nesting in the region. From the hiking trails or boat trips along
the canals, visitors can spot monkeys, sloths, and kinkajous. Peccaries and tapirs are also present,
but they are more difficult to see. Freshwater turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and other
amphibians are also prevalent in the area. number 7, The National Theater in San Jose,
The National Theater in San José is a source of pride for Costa Ricans.
The coffee barons of the 1890s imposed a tax on coffee exports to fund its construction.
Skilled European artisans were brought in to design the building, which was completed in 1897.
The façade boasts classical Renaissance columns and statues of Dance, Music, and Fame.
The pink marble foyer showcases allegorical figures of Comedy and Tragedy,
as well as murals depicting Costa Rican life. The most famous of these is Arturo
Fontana's painting from Milan, which portrays coffee harvesting and export.
number 6, Irazu Volcano National Park, The Irazú Volcano, towering at 3,342 meters,
is the tallest active volcano in Costa Rica. Its peak boasts a lunar-like terrain with craters, the
most prominent of which is the 1,050-meter-wide and 300-meter-deep Principal Crater.
Additionally, the smaller Diego de la Haya Crater, with its occasional red appearance,
holds a small lime-green lake. Visitors can access these craters, along with two other smaller ones,
through marked trails. A pyroclastic cone, formed from fragmented volcanic rock,
is also visible in the area. On clear days, the summit offers breathtaking
views of both the Pacific and the Caribbean. number 5: Braulio Carrillo National Park,
Braulio Carrillo National Park is a picturesque destination located just a 30-minute drive away
from the busy city of San Jose. The park offers a diverse range of features including mountains,
waterfalls, canyons, and rainforests. Due to its close proximity to the main gateway of the
country, visiting the park is a convenient way to explore Costa Rica's unique flora and fauna.
The park boasts of a varied terrain, ranging from the top of Barva Volcano to the lowlands
of the Caribbean. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot fascinating creatures such as jaguars, pumas,
tapirs, sloths, and monkeys. Additionally, the park is home to several species of birds,
including the Quetzal, toucans, and eagles, which are relatively easy to spot and hear.
number 4, Rincón de la Vieja National Park,
The main attraction of the park is the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. A hike to the summit is
one of the most popular activities, which covers a 9.6-kilometer trail that passes through various
ecosystems. The views from the top are stunning, and on a clear day, you can even see Nicaragua
and the Nicoya Peninsula. In addition to this, there are other trails that lead to waterfalls
and hot springs, which are less strenuous. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife,
including sloths, tapirs, monkeys, and large cats such as pumas, jaguars, and ocelots.
number 3, The Crocodile Bridge on the Tarcoles River,
The Crocodile Bridge in Costa Rica is an ideal spot to catch a glimpse of American crocodiles.
It's located just 25 minutes north of Jaco along Highway 34, making it a convenient and enjoyable
stop for all. The bridge spans the Tarcoles River, which is home to a large population of crocodiles.
On the north side of the bridge, there's a parking lot, along with some shops,
souvenir vendors, and an ice cream stand.
The bridge has a pedestrian walkway with railings on the riverside and a traffic barrier,
ensuring your safety. The crocodiles are easily visible, lounging on the muddy riverbed below.
number 2, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, This nature park is a highly recommended
must-visit destination in Costa Rica. Spanning across 70 acres,
it's a sanctuary for various wildlife, such as monkeys, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The park's main attraction is the stunning La Paz waterfall, where rainwater cascades
from the cloud forests, plummeting 37 meters into a pool below. With your admission ticket,
you can also explore the serpentarium, butterfly observatory, jungle cat exhibit, and ranarium.
number 1, Kiteboarding in Costa Rica, Costa Rica has become a top destination
for kiteboarding enthusiasts. Located near the Nicaraguan border, the northwestern coast boasts
strong and consistent winds. These winds flow from the Lago Cocibolca in Nicaragua
down to the stunning Salinas Bay. To make the most of your kiteboarding experience,
be sure to pack your full set of kites, with the seven-, nine-, and 11-meter sizes getting
the most action. However, brace yourself for some gusty conditions. Accommodation options
range from basic beachfront bungalows to more luxurious 5-star hotels like Dreams Las Mareas.