10 must-visit destinations in Costa Rica

10 must-visit destinations in Costa Rica

From exuberant tropical jungles to majestic volcanoes, paradisiacal beaches, and captivating biodiversity.

Costa Rica has everything to satisfy the most demanding traveler tastes at any time of the year.

Bathed by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this country is a true tropical paradise with diverse climates and attractive destinations throughout the 7 provinces that make up its territory of more than 51,100 square kilometers.

What must-see destinations should you visit on your next trip to Costa Rica? If we try to mention them all, we will never finish, so for us not to make it too long, we will focus on 10 of the main ones. 

 1- Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Located in the northern plains, La Fortuna is home to the iconic Arenal Volcano and one of the most beautiful areas of the country due to its natural and geological wealth. It has an extensive tourist offer, which includes hot springs rich in minerals, unique natural settings in the middle of the rain forest, and the largest artificial lagoon in the country: the Arenal lagoon.

 2- Monteverde Cloud Forest

A natural jewel that houses 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. It is one of a kind forest and a frequent study spot for the international scientific community. The town of Santa Elena offers a variety of hotels and restaurants, as well as a wide range of both adventure and recreational activities: rappelling, canyoning, zip lines, and hiking in private reserves.

3- Manuel Antonio National Park and its beaches

It is the second most visited park in Costa Rica. Has impressive clear sand and emerald water beaches. According to Forbes (2012), Manuel Antonio, in the Central Pacific, is the eighth world’s most beautiful beach. You can easily see many howler monkeys, sloths, deer, and coatis, among other species typical of the tropical rainforest.

4- Tortuguero Canals

Considered the Amazon of Costa Rica, it is the second-largest wetland in the country. It is located in the northern part of the Caribbean coast and is only accessible by boat or plane. It becomes a nesting center for the green turtle between March and October, and you can also observe more than 400 bird species.

 5- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Cahuita

Two towns of extensive cultural wealth, with Afro-descendant and indigenous nuances. Visitors are struck by its gastronomy, music, and customs, along with its volcanic and clear black sand beaches. Surrounded by living coral reefs, the Cahuita National Park is a sample of Caribbean richness. Local beaches attract hundreds of surfing and snorkeling lovers every year.

 6- Bahía Drake and Corcovado National Park

Corcovado is an open zoo, a megadiverse area due to its unique huge concentration of flora and fauna. It is located north of the Osa Peninsula and, despite its enormous natural and archaeological wealth, it doesn’t have a massive tourist attendance. The beaches of Bahía Drake are rocky and with incredible scenic beauty.

7- Cerro Chirripo

It’s a spot not suitable for everyone because it requires good physical condition to climb it, but once you reach the top of the highest mountain in Costa Rica, you can enjoy natural wonders not visible in other parts of the country. Some of them are Los Crestones, el Valle de los Conejos, la Sabana de los Leones, el Valle de los Lagos and el Valle de las Morrenas. On a clear day, you can appreciate the two oceans that bathe Costa Rican coasts.

8- Poas Volcano 

With its spectacular view of one of the largest craters in the world (measuring 1.32 kilometers in diameter), it is one of the most visited National Parks in Costa Rica, located in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, at about 2,700 meters above sea level. The phreatic eruptions of the main crater and the beauty of the Botos Lagoon make the trip an extremely unique, beautiful experience. On the way to the volcano, you can taste the strawberry crops harvested by local people.

 9- Río Celeste

Its intense light blue waters seem like a sky with the smell of sulfur. It is located on the slopes of the Tenorio volcano, within the national park of the same name. Río Celeste, its waterfalls, and Los Teñideros are the destination's main attractions; within the park, there are also hot springs, panoramic views, nature trails, and wildlife watching.

10- Isla del Coco

It is one of the most remote points (532 kilometers from the Pacific Islands) but at the same time the most spectacular. The dream of every photographer and nature lover. Declared a World Heritage Site, Isla del Coco is one of the favorite sites for marine biologists and divers around the world. Thousands of species of fish, sharks, and even cetaceans inhabit its waters.

 Conclusion

We are all set with the bucket list for your next visit to Costa Rica. Where do you want to start? Which ones do you like the most? If you are already convinced to explore these paradisiacal places of Costa Rica, pack your luggage and do not forget to rent a vehicle to move easier within the country. Whether you choose the beach, the mountains, or the city, at Toyota Rent a Car we have the best car rental deals, with excellent conditions and prices. Ask about the rental vehicles available by email: sales@toyotarent.com or by phone: 4036-7422 / 7235-8722. It will be a pleasure to help you make your next trip to Costa Rica a wonderful and very “pura vida” experience, traveling in a Toyota rental car. 

Article written by:

José Ricardo Carballo Villalobos

Works as a journalist, blogger, writer, and freelance copywriter. He is a frequent press columnist, co-director of the digital media La Revista CR, and administrator of the current affairs blog: analistahoy.com. For more information about the author, visit his website or Facebook.