Top 10 Costa Rica Destinations

1. Arenal Volcano National Park & La Fortuna

Used to be one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica, the beautiful Arenal is indeed a sight to behold.

Visit La Fortuna, a tiny town near the base of the volcano and you will not regret the sheer beauty.

While here don’t forget to check out the marvelous Hot Springs, a tropical paradise where you can relax both your mind and body.

2. Corcovado National Park & Drake Bay

Located on the gorgeous Osa Peninsula, the Corcovado National Park has been called as one of the most biodiverse places on earth.

Together with Drake Bay, this region has become an ecotourism hot spot for those who want to be one with nature.

3. Tamarindo, Playa Langosta & Playa Grande

Located along the north Pacific Coast, Tamarindo and its surrounding beaches are some of the most easily accessible beach towns in the region.

Boasting crystal clear turquoise water and pristine weather, Tamarindo is one of the most popular tourist destinations for good reason.

Tamarindo has a little something to offer everyone. Whether a family is in search of an adventurous getaway or a couple is looking to relax on their honeymoon, this town has the amenities and serenity of several other destinations in one locale.

4. Manuel Antonio & Manuel Antonio National Park

What this park lacks in size, it makes up for in the incredible wealth of attractions found here.

Stunning tropical beaches, an amazing array of birds and wildlife, rich dense forestation, easy accessibility and a plethora of things to do, all make this park one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

5. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Shrouded in clouds, the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a unique air of mystery to it.

A distinctive mountain rainforest where the humidity is usually 100%, Monteverde is home to more than 3,000 species of animals and plants.

6. Tortuguero National Park

A key turtle breeding ground in the Caribbean, the Tortuguero National Park is the habitat and nesting ground of four of the eight species of marine turtles in the world.

Known for its meandering rivers and lovely lagoons, this area is also home to the endangered West Indian manatee.

7. Santa Teresa & Mal Pais

The tiny beach village of Santa Teresa is located in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula, almost at the tip, in north of the Puntarenas province. This beach is renowned worldwide for some of the best surfing in the entire country.

Private and secluded, Santa Teresa is often described as "Paradise".

Just next door to the south is Mal País a bit more spread out with long beaches and reefs great for surfing. It is much like surfing the many reefs in La Jolla in San Diego, CA.

8. Matapalo

Matapalo is a small, laid-back beach village located at the tip of the Osa Peninsula in the southern portion of Puntarenas, filled with small cabinas and eco friendly bungalows that prompts guests to enjoy an all-encompassing experience with nature.

Matapalo has actually earned the Blue Ecological Flag for its dedication to conservation and preserving the surrounding environment - it's the perfect place to visit without leaving a carbon footprint behind.

9. Puerto Viejo & Cahuita National Park

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica has a lot to offer. From world-class surfing, snorkeling and diving among the many reefs in the blue waters, to mountain biking, horseback riding and cultural visits to indigenous people.

Nearby Cahuita National Park, protecting Costa Rica’s largest and only coral reef, combines beautiful beaches with lush coastal rainforests to provide a truly wonderful atmosphere to relax in.

10. Nosara & Playa Guiones

Nosara is a tranquil beach community, ideal for a surfer or nature lover's vacation.

Located where the turtles meet the monkeys, this serene unspoiled corner of Costa Rica has enjoyed both the protection of the national park system, as well as the efforts of the local citizens association that keep the beaches pristine and ensure hundreds of acres of protected forest interspersed with small-scale development.