Discover the best attractions in Costa Rica - from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.
Costa Rica is a Central American paradise known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. This eco-tourism destination offers world-class wildlife viewing, adventure activities, and a laid-back 'pura vida' lifestyle that welcomes travelers from around the globe.
These are the unmissable experiences that define any visit to Costa Rica.
One of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks, Arenal Volcano rises 1,657 meters above sea level. While currently in a resting phase, this near-perfect cone-shaped volcano offers spectacular hiking trails, hanging bridges, and stunning views across Lake Arenal. The park is home to diverse wildlife including howler monkeys, toucans, and agoutis.
Costa Rica's smallest but most popular national park combines pristine white-sand beaches with lush tropical rainforest. The park is renowned for incredible wildlife sightings including three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and over 350 bird species. Four beautiful beaches within the park offer excellent swimming and snorkeling.
This mystical cloud forest reserve protects over 26,000 acres of pristine biodiversity. Perpetual mist creates an ethereal atmosphere as you walk among moss-covered trees, orchids, and ferns. Home to the resplendent quetzal, jaguars, and over 400 bird species, Monteverde offers some of the world's best nature experiences including canopy bridges and night tours.
Accessible only by boat or plane, Tortuguero is a remote paradise of canals, lagoons, and pristine beaches where sea turtles nest. Often called the 'Amazon of Costa Rica,' this park's waterways teem with caimans, river otters, manatees, and over 300 bird species. Between July and October, witness the incredible spectacle of green sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
Home to one of the world's largest active crater lakes, Poás Volcano offers an otherworldly landscape of steaming fumaroles and turquoise acidic lagoons. The main crater is 1.3 km wide and periodically emits sulfurous gases. Well-maintained trails lead through cloud forest to viewpoints, though the volcano can close during periods of high activity.
National Geographic called Corcovado 'the most biologically intense place on Earth.' This remote park on the Osa Peninsula protects 13 major ecosystems and is home to all four Costa Rican monkey species, jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Pristine beaches, dense jungle, and incredible biodiversity make this a bucket-list destination for serious nature lovers.
This nature park and wildlife sanctuary features five magnificent waterfalls accessed via well-maintained trails through cloud forest. The rescue animal sanctuary houses jaguars, pumas, monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The butterfly observatory and hummingbird garden are world-class, making this an excellent introduction to Costa Rica's biodiversity.
This Caribbean coast gem offers a unique blend of coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and coastal rainforest. The park is home to howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, and over 500 species of fish in the offshore reef. The easy coastal trail provides excellent wildlife viewing and beach access, with a laid-back Caribbean vibe.
At 3,432 meters, Irazú is Costa Rica's highest active volcano. The alien landscape features a stunning green crater lake surrounded by barren volcanic terrain. On clear days, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are visible from the summit. The volcano last erupted in 1994, and its stark beauty contrasts sharply with the lush valleys below.
Home to the stunning Río Celeste waterfall, where volcanic minerals create an otherworldly bright blue color. The 6km trail leads through pristine rainforest to the waterfall, blue lagoon, and the point where two rivers mix to create the celestial blue hue. The park protects diverse wildlife including tapirs, pumas, and numerous bird species.
50+ attractions with opening hours, skip-the-line tips, and itineraries.
Find the perfect experiences based on your interests.
Iconic near-perfect cone volcano rising 1,657m, currently in resting phase but spectacular
1897 Italian Baroque theater in San José, Costa Rica's most elegant building
Natural whale-tail sandbar visible at low tide in Marino Ballena National Park
Central America's highest peak at 3,821m in Chirripó National Park
World's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts beneath Plaza de la Cultura
Americas' largest collection of pre-Columbian jade pieces in a modern museum
History museum in Bella Vista Fortress with bullet holes from 1948 civil war
Fine arts museum in original 1940 airport terminal with Costa Rican painting collection
Smallest but most visited national park — beaches plus near-guaranteed wildlife sightings
Most biodiverse land on Earth on the Osa Peninsula — jaguars, tapirs, four monkey species
Epiphyte-draped cloud forest with resplendent quetzals and extraordinary biodiversity
Canal-laced jungle accessible only by boat — sea turtle nesting July-October
Costa Rica's craft capital producing traditional hand-painted ox carts, a UNESCO heritage tradition
Costa Rica's most sacred pilgrimage site with millions of annual visitors
Traditional Boruca village maintaining mask carving and Diablitos fiesta traditions
UNESCO World Heritage pre-Columbian stone spheres up to 2.6m diameter on the Osa Peninsula
Essential details to plan your sightseeing.
National parks open 8AM-4PM daily (Manuel Antonio 7AM-4PM, closed Mondays). Museums typically 9AM-5PM Tuesday-Sunday. Attractions in tourist towns open daily.
National park fees $15-18 adults, $5-6 children. Major museums $8-15. Many attractions and beaches free.
Arrive at national parks at opening time (7-8AM) for best wildlife activity and to beat crowds. Manuel Antonio limits to 600 visitors/day — arrive early or pre-book.
Book Manuel Antonio and Rincón de la Vieja national park tickets online weeks in advance — they sell out during peak season. Other parks are first-come.
Make the most of your sightseeing with these local insights.
Start early in the morning to avoid crowds at popular sites and get the best lighting for photos.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites - cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes when required.
Hire a local guide for historical sites to gain deeper understanding and access to areas tourists often miss.
Carry cash for entrance fees as many sites don't accept cards.
Download offline navigation apps - connectivity can be unreliable at remote attractions.
December to April (dry season) for most of the country. July-August mini dry season in Guanacaste. Caribbean coast is drier March and September-October.
Mandatory in Corcovado National Park (safety and biodiversity regulation). Highly recommended at Manuel Antonio and cloud forests — guides spot wildlife invisible to untrained eyes. Half-day guides $25-50/person.
Permitted at virtually all sites. No flash photography at turtle nesting. Drone permits required at national parks (difficult to obtain). Tripods restricted at some museums.
San José highlights: 1-2 days. Arenal region: 2-3 days. Monteverde: 1-2 days. Manuel Antonio: 1-2 days. Full country overview: 10-14 days.
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