Costa Rica is a small country, but you can do a lot. Hike in the rainforest in the morning, sit in hot springs by a volcano, spend time on the Pacific coast, or visit the Caribbean side if you want a different vibe.
Wildlife is a big reason people visit, but there's also surf towns, mountains, and national parks. It’s not hard to plan a trip that covers more than one of these.
If you only read one thing, make it this:
These places are a few of Costa Rica’s more popular stops to help you get oriented before you start narrowing things down.
La Fortuna / Arenal
Most people come to La Fortuna for Arenal Volcano, but it’s all the activities nearby that make it a great place to visit. You can hike old lava fields, walk across hanging bridges in the forest, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, and explore the nearby rivers.
La Fortuna is also known for its hot springs. Some properties include them for guests, while others operate as a separate day or evening visit. This makes it a good spot if you want some adventure but also time to unwind.
Why not here: La Fortuna is a busy tourist spot, not a quiet mountain village. Many activities also require entrance fees or tour costs.
- A Traveller’s Guide to La Fortuna [Thoroughly Travel]
- Things to Do in Arenal / La Fortuna: The Ultimate Travel Guide (2026) [Travel With Pau]
Monteverde
Monteverde is the place to experience Costa Rica’s cloud forest. The higher elevation means cooler weather and misty trees, making it great for hiking and birdwatching. Many visitors hope to spot the resplendent quetzal here.
There are several forest reserves in Monteverde, so you have options for exploring. You can also try hanging bridges and canopy tours to see the forest from above, not just from the trails. The reserves and adventure parks are spread around the area, so check where your hotel sits in relation to the places you actually want to visit.
Why not here: Monteverde is cooler, wetter, and often windier than the coast. Reaching it means driving on mountain roads, which can feel like a lot of effort for a short visit.
- Monteverde, Costa Rica: The Cloud Forest Town [My Tan Feet]
- This Costa Rica Region Is Home to a Rare Cloud Forest and Extraordinary Wildlife—Here’s How to Plan Your Visit [Travel + Leisure]
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is great for wildlife viewing. Trails go through tropical forest where you often see monkeys and sloths, and some paths lead right to beaches inside the park. You can look for wildlife in the morning and relax on the beach in the afternoon.
There are lots of hotels and restaurants nearby, and Quepos is close for extra services. This makes Manuel Antonio a convenient choice for first-time visitors who want both rainforest and Pacific coast without going too far off the beaten path.
Why not here: Manuel Antonio is one of the busiest tourist spots in Costa Rica. If you want a quiet, undeveloped beach, this area may feel too crowded and built up.
- Experience the Magic of Manuel Antonio's Beaches and Forests [Travel + Leisure]
- A Complete Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica [Laidback Trip]
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of the easiest places in Costa Rica for a beach vacation. The beach is famous for surfing, with lessons for beginners, and the town offers many restaurants and nightlife options.
There’s also plenty of nature nearby. The Tamarindo estuary and Playa Grande are part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, so it’s more than just hotels next to a surf beach.
Why not here: Tamarindo is busy and developed. If you’re hoping for a quiet beach with a small town, you’ll want to look somewhere else.
- Tamarindo Travel Guide [Nomadic Matt]
- Guide to Tamarindo: 15 Years of Family Tips [10 Feet Traveling]
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo offers a different experience from the Pacific coast. The southern Caribbean has a strong Afro-Caribbean culture, and Puerto Viejo is known for its lively restaurants, music, and surfing.
Beaches stretch south from town through Cocles and Punta Uva to Manzanillo, with Cahuita National Park in the other direction. This makes Puerto Viejo a great base if you want to visit different beaches during your stay. Decide whether you actually want to stay in Puerto Viejo town. Cocles, Punta Uva and the area toward Manzanillo put you closer to quieter beaches, while staying in town makes restaurants and nightlife much easier.
Why not here: Puerto Viejo is far from many of Costa Rica’s main Pacific and inland destinations. It’s best to visit if you have enough time to really explore the Caribbean side, not just for a quick stop.
- 14 best things to do in Puerto Viejo: the ultimate guide (+map) [A Ticket To Take Off]
- My Favorite Things I Did in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica I’d Do Again [Two Wandering Soles]
Osa Peninsula / Drake Bay
The Osa Peninsula is perfect if you want nature to be the main focus of your trip. Drake Bay is a gateway to Corcovado National Park, where rainforest tours are all about wildlife and hiking, not tourist attractions. Visits to the park require advance reservations, and some routes require a registered guide, so this is the activity to organize first.
From Drake Bay, you can also visit Caño Island for snorkeling and diving, so you’re not limited to the forest. The downside is that getting here takes more effort than going to places like Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo.
Why not here: Osa isn’t great for a quick visit or for travelers who want lots of restaurants and nightlife. People come this far south because they really want to experience the rainforest, even if it takes extra planning.
- Corcovado National Park: the complete guide to visiting the Osa Peninsula [CostaRicaSpirit]
- The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica: Wild Fun For Nature Lovers [Travelin Mad]
More ideas for where to go in Costa Rica
- 12 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Costa Rica [Two Weeks In Costa Rica]
- 16 Breathtaking Places to Visit in Costa Rica – which I loved! [The Global Grasshopper]
- The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Destinations Guide [My Tan Feet]
- Where to Stay in Costa Rica: 9 Best Areas for Every Type of Trip [Beth Well Traveled]
- The Best Places on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast [Nomadic Matt]
When you're ready to start planning, take a look at our research and planners to get you there.
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