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

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Caño Negro

Nuevo Arenal

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Boca Tapada

Santa Maria de Dota

San Isidro de El General

San Gerardo de Rivas

San Gerardo de Dota

Corcovado

Dominical

Playa Zancudo

Uvita

Ojochal, Playas Tortuga & Ventana

Carate

Drake Bay

Cabo Matapalo

Golfito

Golfo Dulce

Pavones

Puerto Jimenez

Cartago

Grecia

Naranjo

Heredia

Atenas

Santa Ana

San Jose

Alajuela & SJO Airport

Escazu

Lagarto

Puntarenas

Matapalo

Playa Bejuco

Manuel Antonio

Punta Leona

Playa Palo Seco

Playa Hermosa

Savegre River

Playa Esterillos

Quepos

Jaco

Cerros de Turrubares

Playa Herradura

Playa Lagarto

Playa Danta

Bagaces

Playa Del Coco

Culebra Bay

Palo Verde

Playa Conchal

Liberia

Playa Junquillal

Playa Avellana

Playa Negra

Matapalo Guanacaste

Rincon de la Vieja

Playa Flamingo

Playa Potrero

Bahia Salinas

Papagayo Gulf

Cañas

Playa Grande

Playa Panama

Playa Azul

Tamarindo

Brasilito Beach

Playa Hermosa Guanacaste

Tenorio Volcano Area

Samara

Mal Pais- Santa Teresa

Tambor

Nosara Costa Rica

Paquera

Carrillo Beach

Playa Barrigona

Montezuma

Manzanillo Beach

Playa Coyote

Punta Islita

Barra del Colorado

Pacuare

Tortuguero

Puerto Viejo

Cahuita

Siquirres

Guapiles

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Vara Blanca

Bajos del Toro

Turrialba

Monteverde Costa Rica Vacations

Poás

San Ramon

Arenal

Northern Lowlands

Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, Waterfalls, Rainforests & so much more!

Manuel Antonio 

Central Pacific

Ocean Views, Pristine Beaches & Adventures Await in Manuel Antonio

Guanacaste

For Good Reason Tamarindo Beach is One of Costa Rica's Premier Destinations

Santa Teresa

Nicoya Peninsula

The International & Eco Chic Atmosphere of Santa Teresa 

Monteverde

Central Highlands

An Outdoor Adventure Awaits You in Monteverde

South Pacific

Drake Bay the Gateway to Corcovado 

Caribbean

The Best Mix of Tropical Beaches and Rainforests is Found in Puerto Viejo de Limon

Bum Around The Beach Town of Jaco

Take It Easy With An Outdoor Adventure in The 'Region of Turtles'

Nosara

Surfing, Yoga, Wellness & The Stunning Beauty of Nosara

Costa Rica is an adventure-seeker’s paradise. Although relatively small in size, the country offers an extraordinary range of activities. There are diverse landscapes to discover and exciting ways to explore them. People of all ages can enjoy these safe and thrilling activities. And if one adventure is not enough, there are plenty of other ways to experience the country’s diverse landscape - river rafting, zip lining, ocean kayaking, cave exploration, horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking.

Costa Rica’s many natural wonders make it a special place to explore, and to offer much more than a typical vacation destination. A visit to Costa Rica is hardly complete without a walk through its dense, tropical forests, where giant trees are home to hundreds of epiphyte plants, the sounds of rare bird species can be heard in the air, and slow-moving sloths can be found lounging high in the upper canopy. Nearly every activity in Costa Rica incorporates the lush environment, but walking through the forest with a naturalist or meandering along suspension bridges through the canopy offer visitors a way to immerse themselves in the country’s natural surroundings.

Exploration doesn’t need to be exhausting, and Costa Rica has much to offer for those who want to recharge and enjoy the country at a leisurely pace. Whether you choose a sunset cruise, an aerial tram, a walk through the rainforest on a suspension bridge, or an afternoon soaking in a volcanic hot spring, there are many relaxing ways to experience Costa Rica’s diverse beauty. Many hotels also offer a variety of creative and traditional spa treatments, and the country’s pristine beaches are some of the best in the world for a quiet afternoon of exploration and reflection.

Leisure

One of the many benefits of travel is the opportunity to expand your perspective and explore new habitats and cultures. There are several ways to learn more about the people, places, and environments that make Costa Rica so special. In a guided tour of the cloud forest, you can discover fascinating plants and insects or search out rare birds. You might listen to stories about the history of Costa Rica while exploring the rainforest or learn how your morning coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted. For longer stays, you could volunteer on an organic farm or take a Spanish language course. No matter what you choose, these experiences will be with you long after your vacation ends.

Educational

Costa Rica, which means “rich coast,” offers abundant adventures at its many beach destinations. Marine activities include snorkeling, kayaking, marine mammal observation, scuba diving, sport fishing, and catamaran tours. In addition to enjoying the sun and waves on many of these marine tours, you may also have the opportunity to spot colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, whales, dolphins, and other abundant ocean life in Costa Rica’s tropical waters.

Marine

Costa Rica’s culture is rooted in a peaceful, Catholic, agrarian society, and many of Costa Rica's most interesting cultural experiences are on the coffee farm, visiting the pineapple plantation, or eating a delicious helping of *gallo pinto* at the local soda (Costa Rican restaurant.) The country’s few museums and performing arts are mostly centered in the capital city of San Jose. Yet, for what Costa Rica may lack in high culture, it makes up for in human culture. As reflected in the popular phrase “pura vida” (pure life,) the easy-going nature of Ticos (Costa Ricans) is a shared cultural value that takes life “poco a poco” (little by little.) Friendly Tico guides lead many of the tours below with stories about the history and culture of their country.