It's not just wildebeest and humpback whales that make huge journeys. Inside the national park, you can hike to your heart's content; spot fascinating wildlife like three-toed sloths, poison dart frogs, and spider monkeys; and zipline through the trees. The world-class Wilson Botanical Garden is internationally known for its collection of more than 2000 native Costa Rican species. What to do there: Go on a tour looking for the quetzal bird or explore on your own on foot or via zip line. Discover top Costa Rica destinations, pick your favorites, and ask a Costa Rica Expert to include them in your vacation package. You may also like: When to go to Costa RicaThe best national parks in Costa RicaWhat travel looks like in Costa Rica in 2021, This article was first published March 2021 and updated October 2021. Each visit to this amazing little country can be uniquely personalized. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox, Finca Rosa Blanca coffee plantation resort, rappel down waterfalls in the Lost Canyon. 19 incredible places to visit in Costa Rica right now Save Lonely Planet Editors Oct 14, 2021 9 min read Woman hiking the Arenal 1968 Trail, Costa Rica. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn5T0r4o5KV4qoyQyR7Buww, https://www.pinterest.com/gratefulgypsies/, Traveller, teacher, writer, and bonafide music lover, Rachel Lee is a Tennessee-born human with a passion for movement. Whilst it can be hectic, Central America is still a safe place to visit so long as you make the right decisions; youll come away with some of the best and most beautiful travel memories possible. The combination of rainforest, fruit farm and coastline attracts a long list of birds (about 300 species have been recorded here). Arenal Volcano is a central landmark of Arenal, the self-declared adventure capital of Costa Rica. Need to know where to go in Costa Rica if you love the water and yearn for the sea? This famous surf break offers a nice, long ride, especially with a southern swell. What to do there: When youre planning to backpack through Costa Rica, find out whats on at this venue while youre there and make sure you take in a show. Alternatively, theres gnarly whitewater rafting to be had on the Peas Blancas River, or s, Back on the coast and theres so much to get through. A rock called Roca Bruja was hurled into the water by a volcano at this spot and has created some of the best surfing in the world. And theres more surfing than you can shake an ecotourism handbook at check out Nosara, Tamarindo, and Playa Guiones for the best. The temperatures are warm, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s F, making it . The Central Valley includes the capital city of San Jose and the surrounding suburbs including towns like Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago. However, the marine safari really starts from the moment you hop on the boat at Playa del Coco, because spinner dolphins and whales occupy the straits between the mainland and the islands. View Hotel. It all really depends on what youre after. The Explorers Passage. What to do there: You absolutely must spend some time at the beach when youre in this part of Costa Rica. Its also a known turtle nesting area, so if youre there in the right season then make sure you check out this amazing sight! But the truth is that they have a much longer history than that. and its glimmering relics from ages long gone). Why its so awesome: Monteverde is one of the most popular eco-friendly tourism hubs in the country, which is why over 250,000 people visit there every year and youll find it on every Backpacking Costa Rica Travel Guide. Alongside her husband, Sasha, she co-founded the. If youre after something of a more secluded beach destination on the Pacific coast, Guanacaste should be on the radar. This museum houses the worlds largest collection of American jade (pronounced ha-day in Spanish), with an ample exhibition space of five floors offering seven exhibits. However, Corcovado can also be a real Costa Rican safari, and wildlife spotting is probably best on the well-trafficked Sirena Trail, where coatis, pumas, wild pigs, and toucans can make an appearance. 23 Cities in Costa Rica (That Travelers Love!) You can also do white water rafting on the river rapids, explore the jungle on swinging wire bridges, or go horse-riding. In total, they roll for over six miles (over nine kilometers), starting with beginner-friendly Playa Hermosa in the north and ending with the hollow point breaks of Mal Pais down south. It will whisk you through the famous national parks to see howler monkeys crying from above. Think Maslows hierarchy of needs youll need food and shelter before you start exploring. . Everything from the natural circulation systems in the pools to the soft lighting is understated, luxurious and romantic at this gated, reservations-only complex about 4.5km (2.8 miles) northwest of town. The town is perfectly located for launching expeditions into the Gandoca-Manzanillo W. ildlife Refuge, a lush land of eyelash vipers and emerald parakeets. The famously relaxed vibe in this area is addictive and people tend to stay much longer than they planned when they visit Santa Theresa as part of their Costa Rica itinerary. San Jose, the capital city, is very vibrant and has a lot to offer. Here in the Nicoya peninsula, youll find a focus on health and wellness, which means plenty of organic and mindfully sourced eats, yoga, and meditation retreats, and the natural environment of sun, sea, and surf thats conducive to healthy living. What to do there: This park is a Costa Rica must-do if you enjoy nature without all the tourists. This sanctuary is known worldwide for the work it does protecting these adorable animals. Located at the heart of the country and home to Costa Ricas main international airport, four volcanoes, and nearly 75 percent of its residents, the Central Valley is a great place to start your trip. For a long time, people wondered why Belgian steel was used in its construction, though the reason turned out to be fairly ordinary. There are a few that stand out. Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. Flowing into the Caribbean, the Pacuare River is one of the best destinations in the world for whitewater rafting and whitewater kayaking. Its a short two-mile (three-kilometer) back and forth to a ranger station and lookout point. This climate makes it stunningly beautiful and draws in nature lovers from all walks of life. On the far side of Arenal itself is vast Lake Arenal. There are many, many more, from smoke-belching volcanos hemmed in by coffee plantations to idyllic beach escapes where sloths patrol the shoreline. Check out our Costa Rica Adventure page to see how you can explore the Best Places to go in Costa Rica. 7 Best Things to Do on the Nicoya Peninsula. Sustainable travel is all about making a positive impact on the world as you travel. Its now a bustling and vibrant place, complete with sport-fishing outfitters (elusive sailfish inhabit these waters, you know), zip-line courses, and hiking guides. Call today and let us start planning your dream getaway! Puerto Viejo isnt just about waves, though. About six miles (9.7 kilometers) north of its bigger brother on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, the town is only a couple of streets across and a couple of streets wide. Watersport options are plentiful along the countrys entire coastline. Hike, swim and climb to La Leona Waterfall. They were drawn by the promise of the thundering left-hand barrels that peel over the reefs of Salsa Brava, and the hollow beach peaks at Playa Cocles. A lot of people dream of going to Costa Rica. might prefer the 1.9-mile San Pedrillo Trail, a loop that delves into groves of huge purple heart and mahogany trees with ferns and orchids by the bucket load. 8. Take a guided hike to scout wildlife, or better yet, take in the views while horseback riding through the countryside and along the beach. One of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica. As you wander its lovely trails, you'll catch a glimpse of dangling sloths, squawking toucans and playful monkeys, and stumble on breathtaking views of the sea and nearby islands. The zip lines are a very popular option and will allow you to explore the area in the most exciting way possible. Playa Blanca offers a rare stretch of white sand on this side of Costa Rica, backed by clusters of sea grapes and stooping coconut palms. Avenida Central is the beating heart of it all. and tamales with a view of the capital unfolding to the horizon. Your email address will not be published. Pop into museums, shops, parks, eateries, and markets, including the Mercado Central (Central Market) where you can sample "comida tpica" (typical local food). San Joss Juan Santamara International Airport has long been the main gateway to Costa Rica. This will give you an ideal amount of time to immerse yourself in the culture, surroundings, and activities available in each destination, without missing out on any of the amazing experiences! Manuel Antonio is mainly famed for what's right on the doorstep: The Manuel Antonio National Park. Need a place quick? Soaring to a whopping 5,436 feet (1,656 meters) above sea level in the heart of the northern cordillera, the Arenal Volcano is a perfectly cone-shaped mountain that once erupted more than 41 times each day! What to do there: You can paddle out to the break but its easier if you take a boat out there. This is a lively town thats one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica along the Caribbean Coast. Its like Central Americas answer to Kuta, Bali. That long boulevard bisects the city, connecting up all the key neighborhoods, from vibrant Central Market (go there on Saturday mornings to shop for strange tropical fruits and aromatic coffee beans) to the Cultural Plaza (the proud home of the. Tortuguero, a national park with 77,000 acres of complex jungle terrain. place to go to get out and about in the tropical wilds of this very wild land. Since its opening in 1992, the volunteers have raised more than 700 orphaned sloths, doing their part to protect and support this endangered animal. If you want to combine your trip with a good deed, then interacting with these animals and helping them get used to humans again is a worthy way to do it. You can also drive here if youre up for an adventure. Little Puerto Viejo de Talamanca whisks you over to the Costa Rican Caribbean. Why its so awesome: This garden is one of the most stunning in the world, which is why its also one of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica. There are no crowds or commercialism to mar the natural beauty of this place. With Chilamate Rainforest Eco-Retreat, a family-run eco-lodge located in a nature reserve near the Sarapiqu River, as your home base, you can wake to the call of howler monkeys, birdwatch from the breakfast table (macaws and toucans frequently fly by here), raft the rapids, take a chocolate tour, or even learn to dance salsa and cook Costa Rican cuisine from a local. The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? Instead, it has steep lefts and rights, which break (and often dump) on the steep sandy beach. One of the last of a whole string of surf towns in the region, it might just be the cream of the crop. One of the biggest and remote national parks where youll be able to enjoy nature without all the crowds. From the entrance, its a steep 3km (1.9-mile) hike down into the valley (an hour back up); at the bottom, the river continues through a series of natural swimming holes. And when its time for that adrenaline fix? You shouldnt be worried though. Its a huge country, and people who prefer more established travel destinations may struggle to plan a trip there. Search for wildlife, including sloths and snakes, on a guided tour across the hanging bridges. So, just show up, enjoy the beach, do some yoga, and have leisurely meals to the sounds of the waves. It will drop you in broiling hot springs under the gaze of mighty mountains. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Manuel Antonio is close to a national park thats home to secluded beaches, hiking trails, and is the home of three types of native monkeys. Visit our Custom Travel page to learn about how we can help you create your dream adventure to Costa Rica! Owned and operated by a Costa Rican family, this center is home to the coast's most impressive waterfalls. Along this landbridge are the park's two amazing beaches, Playa Manuel Antonio, on the ocean side, and the slightly less-visited (and occasionally rough) Playa Espadilla Sur, which faces Manuel Antonio village. This kind of peace and quiet is what makes this park so attractive to travelers and one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica! Perez Zeledon, Province of San Jose. A trail map is available for self-guided walks amid exotic species such as orchids, bromeliads and medicinal plants. 1. An entire sanctuary dedicated to the worlds cutest and slowest animal. Why its so awesome: This mountainside sanctuary otherwise known as the Land of Strays has been saving the stray dogs of Costa Rica for years. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 27 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica Tamarindo Beach A lively tourist town with beachside bars, great waves, and activities such as surf lessons and zip lining. There, precipitation ebbs to a mere millimeter of rain in January but soars to over 14 inches (358 millimeters) in the wettest month of September. 6 Best Things to Do on the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Cocktails served while you soak come highly recommended (at an additional cost). Arenal Volcano National Park. Alternatively, you can add a stop in Sarch to your drive to Arenal. Thats why weve created this guide to which places to visit Costa Rica, so you can work out exactly what you want to see while youre there and how to get the most from your trip. Other airlines that fly domestically are Skyway, Aerobell, and Green Airways. UP YOUR PACKING GAME! Adventures await inland, too, especially as Guanacaste has established itself as something of a ziplining mecca kids will love the Monkey Jungle Zip Line near Tamarindo, but there are plenty more hardcore ones to boot. The second takes up the rest of the year, starting in May and ending around November. But if youre there at any other time of year, just take the time to explore this building with its stunning detail work and decoration. Visit Nosara, where the pace of life is set to the tides. The locals divide the year into two seasons: The dry season and the wet season. In fact, youll find peaks for beginners and advanced surfers alike, with both lefts and rights on the menu. Trails wind through the surrounding rainforest, which contains waterfalls and freshwater pools suitable for swimming. Its actually a whole province, bending like a curled thumb from the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border over the Gulf of Nicoya. What to do there: Youll need a reasonable level of physical fitness to get the most from this destination, but theres something for everyone there. These spheres can now be found all over Costa Rica and are usually used as lawn ornaments. No one knows where they came from and now, they can be found on lawns all over Costa Rica. Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. And the restaurant offers a range of locally made beers that will delight your tongue if youre a beer drinker too. Why its so awesome: Located on the outskirts of Montezuma, this restaurant was founded in 1994 and focuses on seafood with a Mediterranean twist. Meanwhile, SUP boarding and kayaking and wild swimming are all popular on the water itself. Tamarindo is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, with a young, hip vibe and amazing waves. If you didnt soak in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano, did you even come to Costa Rica? Check out our sampleitinerary for Costa Ricabefore visiting! Its filled with paint-peeling cantinas and ramshackle eateries where the scents of coconut curries twist and turn with the rhythms of reggaeton in the air. Within the building is a museum and theatre that explores the artwork and culture of the country. The forest meets the sea at Manuel Antonio, Costa Ricas most well-known national park, located on the Pacific coast. Need to know where to go in Costa Rica on the. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Tortuguero is home to the annual mass sea turtle nesting, Tortuguero National Park, and a labyrinth of rivers and wildlife. Arenal Source: Bos11 / shutterstock Arenal Soaring more than 1,600 meters above the jungles of Alajuela north out of San Jose, the Arenal Volcano remains arguably Costa Rica's biggest draw. This site, 4km (2.5 miles) north of Sierpe, offers the best opportunity to view the mysterious pre-Columbian spheres created by the Diqus civilization between 300 BCE and 1500 CE, in their originally discovered locale, near culturally significant mounds 30m (98ft) in diameter. most famous surf town in Costa Rica, making it one of the Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica. Guanacaste is the Northern Province of Costa Rica and includes Liberia, the North Pacific Beaches and Peninsula Papagayo. They include the ominously named Big Scare, where theres a fantastic chance that youll be going under in the company of bull sharks. Ziplines lurk in the peaks above it. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure. If you enjoy fresh seafood, then youll enjoy your meal at this restaurant. This First Timer's Guide has the best places to visit! When the waves are off (not often), the focus will shift to Tamarindos other draws. They likely belonged to an extinct civilization that has since been lost, but theyve become an accepted part of modern Costa Rican life. Here's what it's like to visit, Strong hurricanes have hit Central America - heres how you can help, Sloths poop once a week - plus 7 other facts about sloths you didn't know, Fantastic beasts and where to find them: lesser-known wildlife worth watching, Wild things: safari alternatives for nature lovers, 10 sustainable travel experiences around the world to bookmark, 7 of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Theres no real best time to visit Costa Rica. Top 4 Costa Rica Cloud Forest Destinations. Its also one of the most important religious landmarks in Costa Rica, with thousands of locals making the journey there to pray every year on August 2. There, the H2O plummets more than 240 feet (73 meters) from a black-rock mountain into a turquoise pool hidden in the jungles. Mysterious spheres that were created by a civilization that has since been lost to time. No matter how good you are on a board, the waves here are suitable for almost every level. What to do there: Big cities are great, but sometimes its nice to visit a small town and get a glimpse of regular, everyday life. Book your Arenal tourfor a vacation you wont soon forget!
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