National Park

Reserve

River

Waterfall

Arenal Volcano National Park

Northern Lowlands

La Fortuna Waterfall

Sarapiqui River

Penas Blancas  River

Penas Blancas River

Corcovado National Park

South Pacific

Lake Arenal

Pacuare  River

South Central

Pacuare River

Poas Volcano National Park

Central Highlands

Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone

Guanacaste

Rio Celeste

Manuel Antonio National Park

Central Pacific

Marino Ballena

Marino Ballena National Park

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Palo Verde

Palo Verde National Park

Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve

Nicoya Peninsula

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Caribbean

Savegre River

Childrens Eternal Rainforest Reserve

Children's Eternal Rain Forest

Cahuita National Park

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Carara National Park

Corobici River

Curu National Wildlife Refuge

Irazu Volcano National Park

Isla de Cano

Isla del Caño Biological Reserve

Juan Castro Blanco National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Rio Frio

Santa Elena Reserve

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Santa Rosa National Park

Tarcoles River

Barra Honda National Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Naranjo  River

Naranjo River

La Amistad International Park 

Lomas Barbudal Reserve

Los Quetzales National Park

Chirripo

Chirripo National Park

Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve

Guanacaste National Park

Tapanti National Park

Central Valley

Tapantí National Park

Wilson Botanical Garden

Wilson Botanical Gardens

Tempisque River

E.A.R.T.H. University

Toro River

Tortuguero National Park

Viento Fresco Waterfalls

Barbilla National Park

Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge

Sirena Biological Station

Turrialba Volcano National Park

Diria National Park

Aviarios del Caribe Reserve

Casa de Orquideas

Ostional National Wildlife Refuge

Montezuma Waterfalls

Penas Blancas

Penas Blancas National Park

Marino Las Baulas National Park

Piedras Blancas National Park

La Selva Biological Reserve

La Selva Biological Station

Reventazon  River

Reventazon River

Curi-Cancha Reserve

Discover the beauty of the Osa Peninsula in places like Drake Bay, where you can enjoy sweeping views, and explore the landscape or waters as you go for scenic horseback rides or snorkeling excursions. Head to Jaco and be close to San José, but feel miles away in this surfer’s paradise and serious party town.

From rappelling to mountain hikes, and rainforest night tours to zip lining, these hotspots also offer you some of Costa Rica’s most exciting activities. So stop by Arenal, Tamarindo, or any of the other places on this list — you haven’t seen Costa Rica until you’ve been to at least one of these ‘Best of Costa Rica’ locales.

Top Destinations

Get ready for sun, sand, and fun in the sun on your Costa Rica beach getaway. These are the best beaches in Costa Rica, but you can do more than simply do stroll along the shoreline. There are opportunities to go horseback riding on the beach, indulge in aquatic activities, go on deep sea fishing expeditions, and more. If you can bear to venture further inland, you can go zip lining or hiking.

Locales like Tamarindo beach Costa Rica are developed yet laid back, so your Costa Rica beach hotel will have all of the amenities you need, but you'll still have the opportunity to mingle with actual locals. If you're searching for more of a 'best kept secret,’ then Uvita's lack of development will reward you with pristine beaches, and plenty of access to friendly locals. Your new favourite beach is waiting for you in Costa Rica, and it's only a click away.

Beaches

Planning a family getaway? Teach the children that toucans are real birds — not just breakfast cereal mascots — on a Costa Rica nature vacation. Travelling solo or with friends? Then you'll have a great time staying at one of Costa Rica's nature lodges in between exploring Costa Rica's nature reserves.

Make friends with monkeys, see sloths move at their leisure and have fun identifying flora and fauna as you enjoy guide led tours full of interesting Costa Rica nature facts. When was the last time you saw a waterfall then took a dip in it's pool? The answer is: on your Costa Rica nature holiday! The beauty of nature is waiting of you in Tortuguero, Puerto Jimenez, Matapalo, and the other exciting destinations on this list.

Nature

Vroom-vroom! Neigh! Splash! ... Those are the sounds of fun and excitement, and they're waiting for you on your Costa Rica adventure vacation. ATVs, horseback rides, snorkeling, night treks, and more are waiting for you in Central America.

Why go on a vacation when you can go on an adventure? Costa Rica adventures are full of sun, fun, fresh air, and an incredible array of wildlife. Whether you're seeking a unique getaway for two, traveling solo, or bringing the whole family, you're about to book a holiday full of great activities and great memories.

Adventure

Ever noticed how waterfalls roar like thunder, but at the same time evoke a sense of tranquility? If you haven't, there is plenty of time to ponder this point when you're discovering Costa Rica's waterfalls on the exciting tours you're about to go on.

From hiking to rappelling, you'll find yourself exploring popular destinations such as Arenal and Monteverde, and amidst soothing locations like La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Whether you want to picnic, find a unique swimming hole, or sketch and take photographs there's a Costa Rica waterfall for you — and Anywhere can't wait to help you find it!

Waterfalls

If your idea of a vacation is truly experiencing your host country then you'll enjoy exploring Costa Rica off the beaten path. Go where the locals go and see the sites most tourists miss when they stick to prominent cities.

Visit the less crowded beach of Uvita or the wildlife haven of Tortuguero. There are plenty of things to do in Costa Rica off the beaten path, and the most significant may be having an authentic experience as you spend more time with locals and less time with other tourists.

Off The Beaten Path

Costa Rica's rainforests are without a doubt a highlight of any vacation within the country. Whether you find yourself in Manuel Antonio along the central Pacific coast, in the Caribbean's Cahuita, or Boca Tapada in the northern lowlands, you're never too far from one of the nation's many rainforests.

A Costa Rica rainforest excursion is the perfect way to appreciate nature whilst enjoying active adventure — you'll find yourself trekking through rugged terrain, partaking in high energy activities, and enjoying a vantage point typically reserved for researchers.

Rainforest

Walk through the clouds. Whether you choose a canopy tour with suspension bridge, or explore from the ground, cloud forests in Costa Rica have all of the magic and wonder you've heard about — and then some. Step through the mists of the ever-popular Monteverde Cloud Forest or take your time exploring the lesser-known San Gerardo de Dota.

You'll feel like you're walking through a dream, but the sound of Costa Rica's cloud forest birds will remind you that you're on your best vacation ever. Let the sky come down to you in one of Costa Rica's cloud forests.

Cloud Forests

Be a proper adventurer when you make your next holiday a Costa Rican volcanic adventure. Arenal Volcano National Park and Poás Volcano National Park are just two of the exciting destinations awaiting you.

Choose one of Costa Rica's volcano lodges for an extraordinary view; taking a photo with a volcano looming behind you is a popular pastime. Many of Costa Rica's volcanoes are dormant, so they're big on bragging rights, but low on danger.

Volcanoes

Does the very thought of a full vacation itinerary make you feel exhausted? Good news! These recommendations offer nothing but Costa Rican leisure. After all, a vacation shouldn't be work.

Whether your favorite pastime involves early morning birdwatching in Arenal, or sitting with a book (or drink) in hand on the beaches of Tamarindo is up to you. This Costa Rican getaway moves at one pace — the speed you choose.

Rest & Relaxation

Surf's up! Beaches weren't just made for soaking up the sun. From the Nicoya Peninsula's Nosara Beach to the South Pacific’s Pavones, it's time to catch a wave — regardless of your experience level.

The best thing about Costa Rica surfing beaches is that there's a beach for every skill level. Whether you're recreating your very own version of "The Endless Summer" or enjoying a family activity, these Costa Rica surfing vacations offer plenty of fun and waves.

Surfing

Take a break from your outdoor adventures when you explore Costa Rica's cities. From Quepos to Heredia and Liberia to Santa Ana, cities in Costa Rica aren't limited to San José...although, that's on the list too.

Enjoy shopping, regional cuisine, nightlife, entertainment, and more when you you add these Costa Rican cities to your travel to-do list!

Cities

Still full of energy after a day of adventure? Dance the night away as you enjoy Costa Rica's nightlife. Whether you enjoy smaller venues or big crowds, there's a hotspot for you.

From the beaches of Tamarindo to Costa Rica nightlife in San José, these cities prove that your adventures don't have to end just because the sun has gone down.

Nightlife

Summer and youth never seems to end when you find yourself at a Costa Rica backpacker's beach. These destinations value natural beauty and human interaction more so than deluxe accommodations — which isn't to say that they can't be found.

If your top vacation priority is to enjoy a bit of budget travel offering the biggest return on your investment, then consider the Costa Rican backpacker beaches of Montezuma, Samara, Dominical, and more. Where gated resorts end, stories and adventure begin.

Backpacker Beaches

Take even more guesswork out of your itinerary with this list of Costa Rica airport locales.This list will come in handy if you're planning multiple stops within the country, or if Costa Rica is one leg of a longer journey.

San José is just one of several options you'll have, especially if you're taking a domestic flight. After all, there's plenty of ground to cover after you've arrived at Costa Rica's international airport.

Airports

Costa Rica Maps, Where is Costa Rica?

Know where you’re going before you arrive. Explore Costa Rica by map, and familiarize yourself with the country’s geography and attractions.