Luxury Costa Rica Tours & Travel

Where to visit in Costa Rica

Our travel experts have collated their top recommendations of where to visit in Costa Rica.

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  San Jose

  While most visitors to Costa Rica begin their trip by flying into the capital city, many overlook it, passing it by en route to the tropical rainforests and beautiful beaches. But it’s well worth spending at least a day or two in, filled with rich culture and history as well as boasting a hip urban vibe a remarkable array of restaurants and bars you won’t find anywhere else in the country. There are lively markets for browsing, buying or just mingling with the locals, and a number of outstanding museums like the National Museum of Costa Rica.

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  Arenal

  One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, Arenal Volcano was one of its most active from 1968 through 1998, erupting daily with red lava pouring over the sides of the crater. While it was officially declared dormant in 2010, there’s still plenty of adventure to be had here. There are zipline courses for whizzing above the canopy of trees, horseback riding excursions, hiking, biking, even waterfalls to rappel down, not to mention all the wildlife like monkeys, sloths and toucans to look for in the process.

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  Manuel Antonio

  Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s smaller parks but it’s also one of the most popular, with a sweeping vista of jungle, beaches, and glistening blue ocean dotted with rocky islets. Its humid tropical forest is lush and green year-round and home to an impressive array of wildlife, including more than 100 species of mammals and nearly 200 species of birds, colorful reptiles and all sorts of insects. Take one of the short hiking trails like Sendero Congo to spot howler monkeys and Sendero el Perezoso for sloth sightings.

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  Monteverde Cloud Forest

  Over half the country of Costa Rica is covered by forests that are home to some of the world’s greatest biodiversity. The misty Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the best when it comes to breathtaking natural beauty and abundant flora and fauna. Hundreds of different bird species inhabit the forest and can be seen along with capuchin and howler monkeys, jaguars, pumas, ocelots and deer. Here you can also enjoy aerial adventures and ziplines tour for a bird’s-eye view of it all.

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  Osa Peninsula

  The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s wild backyard, with remote rainforests and abundant marine life. It’s a primitive, unspoiled paradise where nature rules – and it still remains relatively off the grid. One of the top eco-tourism destinations, over a third of the peninsula is lush rainforest. It’s also home to what’s been called the most biologically intense place on Earth, Corcovado National Park. There are plenty of things to do, from horseback riding through the jungle to birdwatching, fishing and wildlife watching for everything from scarlet macaws to ocelots and howler monkeys.

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  Punta Islita

  Located on the Pacific Coast in the province of Guanacaste, Punta Islita is made up of two small beaches, connected together, both with powdery soft white sands. The perfect place for romance, tranquility and watching stunning sunsets. There are little enchanting bays separated by 80 million-year-old volcanic rock towers and opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, sea kayaking and more. Tours are available after dark for sea turtle expeditions where you can witness the creatures lay their eggs. It’s also possible to kayak through the mangroves and the river.