Best places to visit in Costa Rica. Among the most traveled nations in Central America is Costa Rica. Due to its affordable living, fantastic weather, incredible beaches, and welcoming residents, the nation has seen an influx of American tourists for many years. It has also become a popular destination for retirees and foreign visitors.
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Costa Rica is my favorite country. It was the initial location that gave me the travel bug.
I have a particular place in my heart for it.
Since then, I’ve returned numerous times to Costa Rica and have fallen in love with the country all over again.
Costa Rica is often overlooked by budget travelers due to its higher cost of living compared to its neighboring countries.
And while it’s true that there are plenty of methods to cut costs in Costa Rica, I think the beauty of the places listed below justifies the higher costs.
The following are a few of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations:
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN COSTA RICA
1. Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo, which is close to Panama on the Caribbean coast, is well-liked by young people and backpackers for its fantastic beaches, surfing, and party vibe.
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There is always something going on in this vibrant town at night. It’s arguably the Caribbean coast’s most visited location. For those seeking solitude, there are numerous peaceful beach hotels in the area. A jaguar rescue center is also close by, where they treat a variety of local animals before releasing them back into the wild.
MY TOP HOSTEL IN PUERTO VIEJO: Pagalu Hostel, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city and offers ample space and cleanliness. They also provide hot showers!
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2. Cahuita
About an hour north of Puerto Viejo is the tiny village of Cahuita, which is located directly adjacent to the breathtaking national park of the same name. Cahuita is a tranquil location. Most people in the town just hang around and read after a day of hiking, animal spotting, swimming, or surfing, though there is one lively pub that is occasionally half-filled. Take a full-day guided trip to Cahuita National Park if you’re feeling very daring.
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As you relax with some dessert crepes or grilled chicken, you may see the region’s Afro-Caribbean influences in the cuisine and local way of life.
MY TOP HOSTEL IN CAHUITA: Estilo Hostel Hakuna Matata – This laid-back hostel boasts a pool, lots of hammocks, and outside common areas for relaxation. The beach is only a short stroll away.
3. Tortuguero
The Amazon rainforest is modeled after Tortuguero, which translates to “Land of Turtles” in Costa Rica. With its huge Tortuguero National Park covering more than 77,000 acres, it commands the northern shore. This vast region is made up of several rivers and canals that wind through the jungle.
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The abundance of turtles (thus the name) that congregate here to nest along the shoreline is the main attraction. While April and May are the best times to witness them nesting, you can still go trekking and take canal cruises if you’re traveling during the off-season. But there’s always plenty of animals to see.
For about USD 500, Destiny Travel Costa Rica offers a three-day guided tour of the national park for those who like to be off the grid.
Aracari Garden Hostel is my top hostel in Tortugalo. This hostel, which is conveniently close to Tortuguero National Park, is a small piece of heaven with free Wi-Fi, a large kitchen, hot showers, and comfortable mattresses.
4. Corcovado
Located in the isolated Osa Peninsula in southwest Costa Rica is Corcovado National Park. The park is the largest in the nation, spanning 163 square miles (424 square kilometers) and having been established in 1975.
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In a country where practically everything is on the beaten path, it’s still a rugged, peaceful, and off-the-beaten-path place, despite being more popular than it used to be. The peninsula is difficult to reach, which deters tourists, but the rewards of your labors are plentiful and include deserted beaches, an abundance of wildlife, excellent hiking, camping, and a wealth of marine life.
This seems like one of the best locations in the entire nation. Make an effort not to miss it!
My preferred lodging in Corcovado is the Corcovado Foundation. BioHostel: This eco-hostel is a terrific spot to relax and get away from the main route. On-site amenities include a bar, a yoga deck, vegan and vegetarian cuisine, and stunning views of the verdant surroundings.
5. Arenal
One of the numerous volcanoes in Costa Rica is Arenal, which is situated at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet). It still occasionally erupts, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to witness lava pouring down the mountainside. (However, because the volcano has not erupted since 2010, the likelihood of it happening is reduced). Fun fact: I got lost in this area of the bush.
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There are many fantastic things to do in the area, including caving, canyoning, rafting, a famous hot spring system, a fantastic waterfall called La Fortuna, a national park with excellent hiking trails, sunset views over the lake, and chances to spot wildlife like on a bird-watching excursion. It makes sense that it is one of the most visited locations in the nation with so much to do.
My favorite hostel in Arenal is the Arenal Backpackers Resort, which is a lively, friendly place with hammocks, a pool (complete with a wet bar), and stunning views of the neighboring volcano.
6. Manuel Antonio
Wide, white-sand beaches and warm, blue waters aren’t the only draws to Manuel Antonio, a well-liked beach resort on the Pacific coast. Opened in 1972, the surrounding national park welcomes over 150,000 tourists a year and features several isolated beaches, excellent hiking routes, and the opportunity to witness three different species of native monkeys.
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Over time, it has developed and become much busier. Certainly not the park I went to for the first time in 2006. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of wildlife to be seen, and the beaches in the region have been remarkably well-kept! The cost of park entry is USD 18.08 per person. Alternatively, you can pay USD 59 for a guided tour that includes park access.
Pura Natura Lodge is my favorite hostel in Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio This laid-back hostel is well located for a leisurely visit, close to the beach and the rainforest, and boasts stunning views of the ocean and vibrant decor.
7. Monteverde
The elusive quetzal birds live in the country’s best cloud forest. For a view of this uncommon bird, most visitors to Monteverde travel there. More than 250,000 people visit the area annually, making it one of the major hotspots for ecotourism in the nation.
Situated directly on the continental divide, Monteverde is subject to strong winds and peculiar weather patterns. Like La Fortuna, the entire region is lush and green, and there are many of adventurous things to do. Take a zip-lining trip through the tree canopy to see it all, investigate some of the area’s sky bridges, or go on a guided night walk through the cloud forest to see fauna that only appears at night.
IN MONTEVERDE, Sloth Backpackers is my #1 hostel. complimentary Wi-Fi, a delicious breakfast, and complimentary coffee and tea are all included in this peaceful, spotless hostel. The staff helps arrange a variety of enjoyable tours, and the location is fantastic.
8. Poas Volcano
Poas Volcano, an active stratovolcano with two calderas full of sulfur lakes, is a fantastic day trip destination near San José. The volcanoes have erupted 40 times since 1828, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2019!
You’ll assume you painted the color on your image because the waters are so quiet. If you want to see the vista without the clouds obstructing it, get there early in the morning. A tour with Destiny Travel, which costs about USD 160 and includes a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Garden and a nearby coffee plantation, is also an option. There are a few short trails in the region.
Stray Cat Hostel is my favorite hostel in San Jose. The staff at this spotless hostel, which is close to the bus station, goes above and beyond to make sure you have a wonderful stay.
9. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a hippie backpacker village at the base of the Nicoya coast. This “town” consists essentially of a beach and a road dotted with cafes, surf shops, yoga studios, and hostels. The general vibe in town is laid back because everyone gets up early to surf. There aren’t many wild parties here.
Santa Teresa is an excellent location for relaxing, socializing, and lying down on the beach. Many visitors wind up staying in Santa Teresa for weeks or even months at a time due to the “chill” atmosphere.
MY PICK FOR A SANTA TERESA HOSTEL: Lost Boyz An enjoyable hostel for those wishing to unwind and mingle, this eco-friendly establishment boasts a bar, a restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, and a swimming pool. It’s also close to the beach.