One country, endless worlds.
From Caribbean canals to cloud forests, surf towns to active volcanoes — Costa Rica packs more variety into its small footprint than most continents. Here are the regions worth building a trip around.
All Costa Rica destinations
La Fortuna
Volcano views, waterfalls, hot springs, and rainforest adventures around Arenal.
Monteverde
Suspension bridges, misty cloud forest, and wildlife in the canopy.
Manuel Antonio
White-sand coves, jungle trails, and wildlife beside the sea.
Tamarindo
A laid-back surf town with long beaches, sunsets, and estuary tours.
Puerto Viejo
Caribbean beaches, palm-lined coves, and an easy Afro-Caribbean rhythm.
Uvita
The Whale's Tail beach, whale watching, and rainforest-backed coastline.
Tortuguero
Rainforest canals, sea turtle nesting beaches, and boat-only jungle villages.
Osa Peninsula
Corcovado National Park — the country's wildest, most biodiverse corner.
Santa Teresa
Bohemian surf town with all-day breaks and glowing Pacific sunsets.
Nosara
Yoga, surf, and empty golden beaches on the Blue Zone coast.
Rincón de la Vieja
An active volcano ringed by dry forest, mud pots, and hidden waterfalls.
Río Celeste
The famous sky-blue waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Rainforest trails, bubbling hot springs and the sky-blue Río Celeste waterfall.
Sarapiquí
Whitewater rivers, banana country, and dense lowland rainforest.
Jacó
Costa Rica's most accessible surf town — beach, nightlife, and easy tours.
Cahuita
A quiet coastal village beside a coral-fringed national park.
Venado
A quiet farming village known for its limestone caves, about an hour north of La Fortuna.
San José
The capital — coffee culture, markets, museums, and mountain views.