Places to Visit in Costa Rica (What They Don’t Tell You)

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with an incredible array of different landscapes and ecosystems. From pristine beaches to active volcanoes, there is something for everyone in this Central American country. Here are ten of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

La Fortuna is a great place to visit in Costa Rica for many reasons.

First, the area is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the country, including the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.

Second, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, including hiking, zip-lining, rafting, and more.

Third, the town of La Fortuna is small and charming, with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals.

When planning a trip to La Fortuna, it is important to consider what type of traveler you are. Are you looking for a relaxing vacation spent lounging by the pool? Or are you looking for an action-packed adventure filled with activities? Once you know what you want out of your trip, you can start to plan accordingly.

If you are interested in spending time outdoors, there are plenty of options for activities in the area.

Hiking is a popular activity, as there are many trails of varying difficulty levels to explore. The Arenal Volcano National Park is also a must-visit, offering stunning views of the volcano as well as the opportunity to go on a guided tour.

For those looking for a thrill, there are plenty of zip-lining and rafting companies in the area that offer tours.

When it comes to accommodation, there is something for every budget in La Fortuna. There are luxury resorts, as well as more affordable hotels and guesthouses. For those traveling on a tight budget, there are also a few hostels in the area.

Eating out in La Fortuna is also relatively affordable, with plenty of casual restaurants serving up delicious Costa Rican food. There are also a few fine dining options if you are looking for a special treat.

In terms of nightlife, La Fortuna is relatively quiet compared to other parts of Costa Rica. There are a few bars and clubs, but the focus is definitely on relaxation.

All in all, La Fortuna is a great place to visit for those looking to experience the best of Costa Rica. Whether you want to relax or adventure, there is something for everyone in this beautiful town.

Also read: Is Costa Rica safe?

The Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. The volcano is still active and last erupted in 1968. The Arenal area is also home to Arenal Lake, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking.

There are many tour companies that offer trips to the Arenal Volcano National Park. The park is open from 8 am to 4pm and it costs about $15 per person to enter. There are several trails that you can hike, and you can also take a dip in one of the hot springs that are located in the park.

If you’re interested in staying in the Arenal area, there are many hotels and resorts to choose from. It’s important to book your accommodations in advance, as the area can get very busy during the high season (December to April).

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica.

The cloud forest is a tropical forest that is constantly blanketed by a thick layer of fog or low-hanging clouds. The Monteverde Cloud forest is home to an abundance of plant and animal life, including many rare and endangered species.

Visitors to the Monteverde Cloud Forest can enjoy hiking, bird watching, zip lining, and other outdoor activities.

When planning a trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, it is important to consider the time of year you will be visiting.

The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May to November, so the best time to visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest is during the dry season from December to April.

It is also important to book your accommodations and activities in advance, as the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a popular destination and can get crowded during peak times.

Bajos del Toro

Bajos del Toro is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. It’s a small town located in the central valley of the country, at the base of the Talamanca Mountains. The town is known for its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and great hiking.

If you’re planning a trip to Bajos del Toro, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April. This is when the weather is the most pleasant and the trails are the least muddy.

2. Hiking is the main activity in Bajos del Toro. There are dozens of trails to explore, ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks.

3. You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to get around. The roads are rough and many of the attractions are off the beaten path.

4. There are a few small hotels and guesthouses in town, but no major resorts. This is a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.

5. The locals are very friendly and welcoming. They’re happy to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Bajos del Toro is the perfect destination. With its stunning scenery and friendly locals, it’s sure to be a trip you’ll never forget.

Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja is a great place to visit in Costa Rica for many reasons.

First, it is home to the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the country.

Second, the area around the volcano is lush and green, and there are many hiking trails and waterfalls to explore.

Third, Rincon de la Vieja is located in the northern part of the country, so it is a great place to escape the heat of the central valley.

Finally, Rincon de la Vieja is a relatively safe and easy place to travel, so it is a great destination for first-time visitors to Costa Rica.

If you are interested in visiting Rincon de la Vieja, the best way to go about planning it is to first decide what kind of activities you want to do.

If you are interested in hiking and exploring the volcano, you should plan to stay in one of the many hotels or lodges located near the park entrance.

If you are interested in relaxing in hot springs or taking mud baths, there are also several resorts in the area that offer these services.

Once you have decided what you want to do, you can start to look for hotels and tour operators that offer packages that include the activities you are interested in.

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Beach is a great place to visit in Costa Rica for its stunning natural beauty, its excellent surfing conditions, and its laid-back atmosphere.

Tamarindo is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, about an hour’s drive from the capital city of San Jose. The town is small but lively, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.

The beaches in Tamarindo are some of the best in Costa Rica. Playa Grande, for example, is a beautiful stretch of sand flanked by towering palm trees.

The waves here are ideal for surfing, and the beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to Tamarindo Beach, the best time to visit is between December and April. This is when the weather is at its best and the waves are at their most consistent.

However, Tamarindo is a popular destination, so it’s always advisable to book your accommodation and flights well in advance.

Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is a great place to visit for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and easy access to a variety of activities. It is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, about an hour’s drive from the capital city of San Jose.

There are a number of ways to get to Puerto Viejo, but the most popular is to fly into the nearby airport in Limon and take a shuttle or taxi to Puerto Viejo. There are also a few direct flights from the United States to Limon, but they are typically more expensive.

Once you arrive in Puerto Viejo, there are a number of accommodation options to choose from, depending on your budget. There are a number of hotels and resorts, as well as vacation rentals and hostels.

The best time to visit Puerto Viejo is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This is when the weather is at its best and the beaches are most crowded. However, it is also the busiest time of year, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

There are a number of things to do in Puerto Viejo, including surfing, snorkeling, and hiking. There are also a number of tours and activities that can be booked in advance.

When it comes to food, Puerto Viejo has a lot to offer. There are a number of restaurants that serve both local and international cuisine. There are also a number of markets where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Puerto Viejo is a great place to visit for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and easy access to a variety of activities. With a little planning, you can have a great trip to this amazing destination.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is a world-renowned national park and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica.

The park is situated on a small peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean and is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and hundreds of species of birds. Visitors to the park can also enjoy beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and stunning views of the coastline.

When planning a trip to Manuel Antonio, it is important to keep in mind that the park is located in a tropical climate and is subject to heavy rains during the rainy season (May-November).

It is advisable to plan your visit during the dry season (December-April) when the weather is more stable.

There are a number of ways to get to Manuel Antonio, but the most convenient is to fly into the nearby airport in Quepos. From there, it is a short drive or taxi ride to the park entrance.

Once inside the park, there are a number of different activities to enjoy, including hiking, swimming, bird watching, and simply relaxing on the beach.

Whether you are looking for an action-packed vacation or a relaxing getaway, Manuel Antonio is sure to disappoint.

With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and plethora of activities, the park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica and is a great place to visit for people of all ages.

Cahuita

Cahuita is a small town located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Cahuita National Park, located just south of town, is also a major draw, as it is one of the few remaining areas of primary rainforest on the Caribbean coast.

There are a number of ways to enjoy Cahuita and its surroundings. The most popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and hiking.

There are several tour operators in town offering guided tours of the national park and other nearby attractions. Cahuita is also a great place to simply relax and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere.

When planning a trip to Cahuita, it is important to keep in mind that the town is fairly small and there is not a lot of nightlife or other entertainment options.

However, there are a number of excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood and other local dishes. accommodation options range from basic hotels to luxurious beachfront villas.

If you are looking for a relaxed and beautiful place to vacation, Cahuita is an excellent choice.

With its stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush rainforest, it is easy to see why this little town is such a popular destination.

Drake Bay

Drake Bay is a great place to visit in Costa Rica for its natural beauty, its variety of activities, and its remote location.

Situated on the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay is surrounded by rainforests and is home to a number of national parks, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

There are also plenty of opportunities for adventure activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and kayaking. And, because Drake Bay is relatively isolated, it’s a great place to unwind and relax.

When planning a trip to Drake Bay, it’s important to consider the time of year you want to travel. The rainy season runs from May to November, so if you’re looking for sunny weather, it’s best to visit between December and April.

Keep in mind that even during the dry season, there can be occasional showers.

Another important consideration when planning a trip to Drake Bay is how you’re going to get there. The only way to reach Drake Bay is by boat or plane, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation when budgeting for your trip.

There are a number of tour companies that offer all-inclusive packages that include transportation, accommodation, and activities, which can be a great option if you’re looking to save money and hassle.

Summary

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Costa Rica.

First, it is important to choose the right time of year to travel. The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit Costa Rica, as this is when the weather is the most stable.

Second, it is important to be aware of the country’s currency and exchange rate before you go.

The Costa Rican colón is the official currency, and the current exchange rate is about 550 colones to 1 US dollar.

Third, Costa Rica is a relatively safe country, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling in unfamiliar areas.

Finally, Costa Rica is a beautiful country with plenty to see and do, so make sure to allow enough time to explore everything it has to offer!