Costa Rica is a Central American paradise known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. This eco-tourism destination offers world-class wildlife viewing, adventure activities, and a laid-back 'pura vida' lifestyle that welcomes travelers from around the globe.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Costa Rica.
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1
Arenal Volcano National Park
One of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks, Arenal Volcano rises 1,657 meters above sea level. While currently in a resting phase, this near-perfect cone-shaped volcano offers spectacular hiking trails, hanging bridges, and stunning views across Lake Arenal. The park is home to diverse wildlife including howler monkeys, toucans, and agoutis.
Tip: Visit early morning for best wildlife viewing · Bring rain gear year-round · Combine with a visit to nearby hot springs
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2
Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica's smallest but most popular national park combines pristine white-sand beaches with lush tropical rainforest. The park is renowned for incredible wildlife sightings including three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and over 350 bird species. Four beautiful beaches within the park offer excellent swimming and snorkeling.
Tip: Arrive early as park limits daily visitors to 600 · Hire a guide to spot wildlife you'd otherwise miss · Bring water shoes for rocky beach areas
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3
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This mystical cloud forest reserve protects over 26,000 acres of pristine biodiversity. Perpetual mist creates an ethereal atmosphere as you walk among moss-covered trees, orchids, and ferns. Home to the resplendent quetzal, jaguars, and over 400 bird species, Monteverde offers some of the world's best nature experiences including canopy bridges and night tours.
Tip: Book night tours to see nocturnal wildlife · Wear layers as temperature can drop significantly · March-May is best for quetzal sightings
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4
Tortuguero National Park
Accessible only by boat or plane, Tortuguero is a remote paradise of canals, lagoons, and pristine beaches where sea turtles nest. Often called the 'Amazon of Costa Rica,' this park's waterways teem with caimans, river otters, manatees, and over 300 bird species. Between July and October, witness the incredible spectacle of green sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
Tip: Most visitors stay 2-3 days in Tortuguero village · Book turtle nesting tours only with certified guides · Bring waterproof bags for boat tours
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5
Poás Volcano National Park
Home to one of the world's largest active crater lakes, Poás Volcano offers an otherworldly landscape of steaming fumaroles and turquoise acidic lagoons. The main crater is 1.3 km wide and periodically emits sulfurous gases. Well-maintained trails lead through cloud forest to viewpoints, though the volcano can close during periods of high activity.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance (required) · Visit early for clearer views before clouds roll in · Wear warm layers as it can be cold at altitude
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6
Corcovado National Park
National Geographic called Corcovado 'the most biologically intense place on Earth.' This remote park on the Osa Peninsula protects 13 major ecosystems and is home to all four Costa Rican monkey species, jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. Pristine beaches, dense jungle, and incredible biodiversity make this a once-in-a-lifetime destination for serious nature lovers.
Tip: Hire a certified guide (mandatory for most trails) · Book ranger stations months in advance for overnight stays · Bring insect repellent and be prepared for challenging conditions
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7
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
This nature park and wildlife sanctuary features five magnificent waterfalls accessed via well-maintained trails through cloud forest. The rescue animal sanctuary houses jaguars, pumas, monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The butterfly observatory and hummingbird garden are world-class, making this an excellent introduction to Costa Rica's biodiversity.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid tour groups · Trails can be slippery near waterfalls · Excellent lunch buffet included with admission
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8
Cahuita National Park
This Caribbean coast gem offers a unique blend of coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and coastal rainforest. The park is home to howler and capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, and over 500 species of fish in the offshore reef. The easy coastal trail provides excellent wildlife viewing and beach access, with a laid-back Caribbean vibe.
Tip: Snorkeling is best from March to October · Watch for snakes on the trail · Bring your own snorkel gear or rent in town
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9
Irazú Volcano National Park
At 3,432 meters, Irazú is Costa Rica's highest active volcano. The alien landscape features a stunning green crater lake surrounded by barren volcanic terrain. On clear days, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are visible from the summit. The volcano last erupted in 1994, and its stark beauty contrasts sharply with the lush valleys below.
Tip: Visit early morning for clearest views · Bring warm jacket as it's very cold at the summit · Can be combined with Cartago city tour
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10
Tenorio Volcano National Park & Río Celeste
Home to the stunning Río Celeste waterfall, where volcanic minerals create an otherworldly bright blue color. The 6km trail leads through pristine rainforest to the waterfall, blue lagoon, and the point where two rivers mix to create the celestial blue hue. The park protects diverse wildlife including tapirs, pumas, and numerous bird species.
Tip: Trail includes steep stairs and can be muddy · Swimming is prohibited to preserve the ecosystem · Visit during dry season for most vibrant blue color
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Arenal Volcano
Iconic near-perfect cone volcano rising 1,657m, currently in resting phase but spectacular
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
1897 Italian Baroque theater in San José, Costa Rica's most elegant building
Playa Uvita Whale Tail
Natural whale-tail sandbar visible at low tide in Marino Ballena National Park
Cerro Chirripó
Central America's highest peak at 3,821m in Chirripó National Park
Museums
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
World's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts beneath Plaza de la Cultura
Jade Museum
Americas' largest collection of pre-Columbian jade pieces in a modern museum
National Museum of Costa Rica
History museum in Bella Vista Fortress with bullet holes from 1948 civil war
Museo de Arte Costarricense
Fine arts museum in original 1940 airport terminal with Costa Rican painting collection
Nature
Manuel Antonio National Park
Smallest but most visited national park — beaches plus near-guaranteed wildlife sightings
Corcovado National Park
Most biodiverse land on Earth on the Osa Peninsula — jaguars, tapirs, four monkey species
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Epiphyte-draped cloud forest with resplendent quetzals and extraordinary biodiversity
Tortuguero National Park
Canal-laced jungle accessible only by boat — sea turtle nesting July-October
Río Celeste
Extraordinary electric-blue river in Tenorio Volcano National Park — volcanic mineral wonder
Cultural
Sarchí Artisan Town
Costa Rica's craft capital producing traditional hand-painted ox carts, a UNESCO heritage tradition
Basílica de Los Ángeles, Cartago
Costa Rica's most sacred pilgrimage site with millions of annual visitors
Boruca Indigenous Community
Traditional Boruca village maintaining mask carving and Diablitos fiesta traditions
Diquís Stone Spheres, Finca 6
UNESCO World Heritage pre-Columbian stone spheres up to 2.6m diameter on the Osa Peninsula
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- National parks open 8AM-4PM daily (Manuel Antonio 7AM-4PM, closed Mondays). Museums typically 9AM-5PM Tuesday-Sunday. Attractions in tourist towns open daily.
- Fees
- National park fees $15-18 adults, $5-6 children. Major museums $8-15. Many attractions and beaches free.
- Best Times
- Arrive at national parks at opening time (7-8AM) for best wildlife activity and to beat crowds. Manuel Antonio limits to 600 visitors/day — arrive early or pre-book.
- Booking
- Book Manuel Antonio and Rincón de la Vieja national park tickets online weeks in advance — they sell out during peak season. Other parks are first-come.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Costa Rica?
December to April (dry season) for most of the country. July-August mini dry season in Guanacaste. Caribbean coast is drier March and September-October.
Are guided tours available for Costa Rica's attractions?
Mandatory in Corcovado National Park (safety and biodiversity regulation). Highly recommended at Manuel Antonio and cloud forests — guides spot wildlife invisible to untrained eyes. Half-day guides $25-50/person.
Can I take photos at attractions in Costa Rica?
Permitted at virtually all sites. No flash photography at turtle nesting. Drone permits required at national parks (difficult to obtain). Tripods restricted at some museums.
How much time do I need for Costa Rica's main attractions?
San José highlights: 1-2 days. Arenal region: 2-3 days. Monteverde: 1-2 days. Manuel Antonio: 1-2 days. Full country overview: 10-14 days.