14 Recommended Tourist Spots in Costa Rica, Central America’s Premier Eco-Tourism Destination

Costa Rica, one of the most visited countries in Central America, is a popular destination for international tourists. This is because of its well-developed eco-tourism philosophy. The people of Costa Rica are educated to protect the abundant natural beauty within their small country.
Despite its small size, Costa Rica offers numerous attractions on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, as well as in the mountains. It is a Spanish-speaking country, but compared to other Central American nations, many people speak English, making it an easy country for tourists to visit. In this article, we’ll introduce 14 must-visit tourist spots in Costa Rica.

1. Arenal Volcano

Located 3 hours from the capital, San José, Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica's symbols, stands at just over 1,600 meters, so it isn't particularly tall. However, it is the most active volcano in Costa Rica, and if you're lucky, you may even witness lava flowing. The nearby town of La Fortuna offers numerous tours, so if you want to efficiently explore the national park surrounding the volcano, it’s a good idea to join one. Although it’s possible to visit as a day trip from San José, there are so many attractions in the area that it’s recommended to stay overnight to fully enjoy the volcano and park.

2. La Fortuna Waterfall

As the name suggests, La Fortuna Waterfall is located near the town of La Fortuna in Costa Rica, with a drop of about 70 meters and a large volume of water. The highlight of this attraction is that you can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. Another way to enjoy the waterfall is by taking a zipline canopy tour that spans about 1 km, offering a thrilling view of the waterfall from below as you zip through the air. La Fortuna Waterfall is an exhilarating and scenic destination that you shouldn’t miss.

3. Tabacón Hot Springs

At the base of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano, there are many hot spring spas that utilize the volcano's energy. These range from adult-only to family-friendly, and even theme park-style spas. Among them, the most popular is the longstanding Tabacón Resort.
The resort features hot springs flowing through jungle streams, terraced waterfall hot springs, numerous creatively designed baths, pools, and even a poolside bar. You can relax in the hot springs while sipping a cocktail—pure bliss. In addition to the hot springs, you can also enjoy a forest bath, and for an extra fee, there’s a buffet-style meal available. It's a fully serviced, luxurious destination.

4. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

About 4 hours from Costa Rica's capital, San José, lies Monteverde, a famous tourist destination known for its unique ecosystem created by the tropical cloud forest. As the name suggests, the area is often covered by clouds and mist, creating a humid, dense jungle that is home to a diverse range of plants and animals not found elsewhere.
Within the reserve, you can enjoy nature observation and forest bathing through seven skywalks and a canopy tour, which offer various perspectives and ways to explore the area. There’s also a scenic route to Monteverde, starting with a boat ride across a lake and then an off-road vehicle tour through the mountains.
One of the must-see creatures in Monteverde is the "quetzal," said to be the most beautiful bird in the world. It’s difficult to spot on your own, so hiring a guide is recommended to help you find this elusive bird. The best time to see the quetzal is from November to May.

5. National Theatre of Costa Rica

Located in the heart of San José, Costa Rica's capital, the National Theatre is beloved by locals and popular with tourists. It's said that "Costa Rica does not experience civil war because no one wants to break the windows of this theater," reflecting the deep affection the people have for this cherished landmark. The European-style architecture is worth seeing from the outside, but it’s also worth paying the entrance fee to tour the beautiful interior during the day.
Another great suggestion is to attend one of the musicals or concerts held throughout the year at the theater. Built to resemble the Paris Opera House, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a show or listen to music.

6. Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is a luxurious tourist destination. About 3.5 hours by bus from San José, you'll arrive at beautiful beaches along the Pacific Ocean. At the far end of the town, there’s a vast area designated as a national park. Here, you can enjoy a forest bath in the tropical rainforest along the coast while spotting all four species of monkeys that live in Costa Rica, except for the spider monkey. Other animals such as sloths, iguanas, capuchin monkeys, and raccoons can also be seen, making it an exciting experience.
If you're looking for a lively beach, head to the beach outside the park, where there are restaurants and shops. If you prefer a quieter spot, you can relax on a more private beach within the park.

7. Rio Celeste Waterfall

Located within the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste Waterfall is a mystic site that’s carefully preserved. Its mystique comes from the striking turquoise-blue color of the water, which is similar to the color seen in glacial lakes. This color is caused by minerals in the river, which reflect sunlight and create the vibrant hue.
In 2012, it was chosen as "the most beautiful waterfall in the world" in France. However, reaching this stunning waterfall requires over an hour of hiking along mountain trails, making it a bit of a hidden gem in Costa Rica. The emotion you feel upon discovering this breathtaking site is indescribable.

8. Cocos Island

Cocos Island is a remote island that is now a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located 550 kilometers off the coast of Costa Rica, it can only be visited by tour. The isolated waters around the island are home to hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays, making it a popular spot for divers.
Legend has it that pirates once hid treasure on the island when it was uninhabited, though it has never been found. Additionally, Cocos Island was the model for the movie Jurassic Park, and its landscape evokes the era when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

9. Tamarindo

Tamarindo is a lovely beach resort located in the rapidly developing Guanacaste region. Although not large, it is more than just a beach resort. It is known for sea turtle nesting, surfing, and sport fishing, drawing tourists from all walks of life. During the dry season, there is almost no rain, and the area is not a tropical rainforest but a tropical dry forest, offering a unique landscape compared to other parts of Costa Rica.
Turtle nesting tours are typically done at night, and flash photography is prohibited, so it’s unlikely you’ll be able to capture the nesting scene. Instead, listen carefully for the sound of the eggs being laid, and enjoy the sight of the turtles returning to the sea. This eco-tourism experience is truly unique to Costa Rica and highlights the importance of preserving this ecosystem.

10. Tortuguero National Park

Located in the northern part of Costa Rica's Caribbean side, this destination is a pristine jungle that cannot be accessed by road. Therefore, you will take a two-hour boat trip along natural canals from a place called Caño Blanco. A tour guide accompanies the boat ride, and if any rare animals are spotted, the boat will approach them for a closer look. Within the national park, a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, toucans, and jaguars, can be seen.
The main attraction is the sea turtle nesting, as Tortuguero National Park is, as its name suggests, "the place of sea turtles." Most visitors access this location via a tour from Costa Rica’s capital, San José. Sea turtle nesting tours are conducted during the night from July to September, so if you want to witness the nesting, it’s recommended to join a tour that includes an overnight stay rather than a day trip.

11. Talamanca Mountain Range – La Amistad Biosphere Reserve and La Amistad National Park

This destination is a World Heritage site that spans Costa Rica and Panama. It is one of three World Heritage sites in Costa Rica. The area was originally designated as a World Heritage site in 1983, encompassing seven national parks and reserves in Costa Rica, later extended to include Panama’s La Amistad National Park. The symbol of the area is Mount Chirripó, the highest peak in Costa Rica, standing at 3,819 meters, which is higher than Mount Fuji.
The vast and varied terrain of the park includes eight vegetation zones, and its rich diversity of flora and fauna provides a pleasant experience for hikers. Climbing Mount Chirripó does not require special skills, but it is recommended to visit during the dry season from December to April for more stable weather conditions.

12. Irazu Volcano

While Mount Chirripó is Costa Rica’s highest peak, Irazu Volcano is the highest active volcano in the country, standing at 3,432 meters. Located near the capital, San José, the volcano is easily accessible by road up to its summit, making it one of the popular day-trip destinations from the capital, along with Poas Volcano. Like Arenal Volcano, it is also a national park.
There are walking trails around the crater where you can enjoy a view of the turquoise volcanic lake. On clear days, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from this vantage point. However, the weather can change rapidly, and the area is often covered with clouds, so it’s best to visit early in the morning. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is recommended for the trip.

13. Corcovado National Park

Among Costa Rica’s rich natural landscapes, Corcovado National Park stands out as a paradise for nature lovers, with untouched tropical rainforests. This park is home to nearly 400 species of birds, and rare animals such as the tapir, ocelot, jaguar, and giant anteater. It is also famous for having the largest population of colorful scarlet macaws in Costa Rica. If you’re lucky enough to witness a flock of these macaws flying across the sky at sunset, painting the sky bright red, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The most common way to visit is by joining a package tour from San José, but it’s also possible to travel by bus to the nearest town, Sierpe, and take a one-day tour of the park from there.

14. Cahuita National Park

Located along the Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is home to several species of monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, including the vibrant blue morpho butterfly, which can be seen throughout the park.
After exploring the jungle, you can head directly to the beach, where you’ll hear reggae rhythms and Caribbean-influenced English. The culture here, influenced by people from Jamaica and other Caribbean areas, is quite different from other parts of Costa Rica, where many people have European roots, providing a refreshing cultural experience.
Interestingly, this park is one of the few in Costa Rica that does not charge an entrance fee, relying instead on donations. You can enjoy a Caribbean holiday while experiencing the local culture and the simple beauty of nature in this park, which also preserves the indigenous Bribri people's heritage.

Summary

How did you find it? Through this article, you may have glimpsed how blessed Costa Rica is with its natural beauty. There are many tours available, so joining one is highly recommended.
The Costa Rican people take great pride in their natural heritage, and guided tours led by locals will surely leave you with wonderful memories. Whether you join a tour or explore independently, visiting Costa Rica will undoubtedly be a special experience for anyone who loves nature.

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14 Recommended Tourist Spots in Costa Rica, Central America’s Premier Eco-Tourism Destination