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The ten best destinations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a land of rich diversity. From its stunning beaches and lush rainforests to the charm of its picturesque towns, Costa Rica Guides shows travelers from around the world the best places to visit in this paradisiacal natural environment.

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. While it occupies only about 0.25% of the Earth’s land surface, it contains almost 5% of the world’s biodiversity and boasts the highest percentage of protected areas in the world. Between Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts (more than 2,100 kilometers of coastline!), visitors will find verdant mountains, pristine lakes, majestic volcanoes, dense rainforests, and other beautiful sights.

Costa Rica Guides has compiled a list of its top ten tourist destinations in Costa Rica for travelers looking to explore and discover the natural wonders of this country with its stunning ecology. The most attractive destinations include the following:

San José
Arenal
Monteverde
Manuel Antonio
Tamarindo
Manuel Antonio
Tamarindo
Jacó
Puerto Viejo y Cahuita
Bahía Drake
Tortuguero
Montezuma
Tortuguero
Montezuma

City of San Jose and surrounding areas

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Located in the Central Valley, it’s a city that’s both historic and modern, steeped in Costa Rican traditions. Thanks to its central location, San José is the perfect base for exploring Costa Rica. Once you’ve explored San José, you’ll find numerous wonderful destinations just a short drive from the capital.
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Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano area is the perfect place for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. As one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal is a fascinating natural wonder and a must-see destination for many travelers visiting Costa Rica. The surrounding area is equally impressive and well worth exploring, including hot springs, waterfalls, forests, lakes, caves, and charming traditional towns like La Fortuna.
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Monteverde

Monteverde is a small, misty town in Puntarenas, considered a major tourist destination for its numerous nature reserves with stunning cloud and rainforests. It was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica, along with Cocos Island, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chirripó, the Celeste River, and Poás Volcano.
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Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is a natural paradise located south of Quepos, on the Pacific coast. It’s a captivating combination of rainforest, coral reefs, and beaches; many consider it the most beautiful place in the country. Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, yet it’s one of the richest in beauty and biodiversity, and a major attraction in the area.
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Tamarindo

Tamarindo, once a quiet village, is now the largest coastal resort in Guanacaste, frequented by tourists from all over the world. It boasts all the amenities of a seaside town: surf, sand, sun, and a vibrant nightlife. While this incredible town has become a surfer’s paradise, Tamarindo is also a favorite destination for ecotourists. It is surrounded by national parks to the north and south, and by mountains covered in lush vegetation.
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Playa Jacó

Jacó is Costa Rica’s most visited beach, a favorite destination for surfers, backpackers, and travelers who prefer to relax on land. For those who enjoy activities like surfing, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and sport fishing, Jacó is the ideal spot. In the area, you’ll find numerous tour operators organizing excursions to Jacó Beach at very competitive prices.
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Puerto Viejo y Cahuita

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and Caribbean lifestyle, Puerto Viejo allows visitors to experience the more exotic side of Costa Rica. This beautiful coastal town boasts a unique fusion of Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous Bribri cultures. The nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge offer tourists the opportunity to observe the area’s incredible wildlife, both within easy reach.
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Drake Bay (Corcovado National Park)

Drake Bay is one of Costa Rica’s most tranquil and beautiful destinations. The town, known simply as “Drake,” is a peaceful village with easy access to Corcovado National Park, famous for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and unique ecology. National Geographic has described it as “the most biodiverse place on the planet.”
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Tortuguero

Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for sea turtles. Every year, thousands of them arrive on these world-famous beaches to lay their eggs. Another major attraction of the area is the Tortuguero Canals, an extensive system of natural and artificial waterways used for both transportation and rainforest exploration.
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Montezuma

The town of Montezuma, which began as a remote fishing village, has gained popularity since the 1980s among nature lovers and budget-conscious tourists. It’s a melting pot of locals, foreign backpackers, and ecotourists drawn by its stunning beaches, rivers, and picturesque waterfalls. The Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve also attracts a large number of visitors to the area.
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