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Planning a trip to Costa Rica but not sure where to start? With so many beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and wildlife tours to choose from, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. That’s why we put together this guide to the best Costa Rica tourist attractions.
Here, you’ll find some of the country’s most popular places to visit, along with a few lesser-known spots that are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. We’ll also help you understand how the different regions connect, so planning your route feels easier and you don’t spend half your trip driving across the country.
Let’s help you narrow down your options and choose the Costa Rica experiences that truly deserve a spot on your travel plans!
Points clés
- Le Costa Rica regorge d’attractions incroyables, des randonnées sur les volcans aux excursions fauniques côtières.
- Les principaux sites incluent le parc Mistico, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio et Tortuguero.
- Hidden gems like Río Celeste and Nauyaca Falls are also incredible options for your trip.
The Most Popular Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Choisir où aller au Costa Rica peut être un défi en soi. Chaque destination a quelque chose de différent à offrir, et votre expérience peut être complètement différente selon ce que vous voulez voir et faire. Mais nous nous sommes donné pour mission de vous aider.
Here are the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica:
1. Mistico Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna
Vous ne savez pas quoi faire au Costa Rica ? Commencez à La Fortuna, l’une des zones touristiques les plus populaires du Costa Rica, et pour cause. Située au pied du volcan Arenal, cette petite ville est entourée de sources chaudes, de cascades, d’une jungle luxuriante et d’innombrables possibilités d’aventure.
Just a short drive from town, Mistico Park offers one of the most immersive rainforest experiences in the region. You’ll walk along hanging bridges that rise above the treetops, with panoramic views of the canopy and the Arenal Volcano in the distance. It’s a peaceful yet exciting way to spot Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, sloths, frogs, and other animals in their natural habitat.
If you’d like to know more about wildlife watching, here’s our guide to 16 Animals in Arenal You Can See at Mistico Hanging Bridges!
2. Volcan Arenal et sources chaudes
Right next to La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most famous landmarks, and the entire area around it is packed with things to do. You can hike through lava fields and lush forest trails at the Arenal Volcano National Park, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, go ziplining or horseback riding, or take a canopy tour with incredible views.
Le volcan lui-même n’est pas entré en éruption depuis des années, mais l’activité géothermique alimente toujours les nombreuses sources chaudes locales de la région, qui sont parfaites pour se détendre après une journée complète en plein air. Cette région est idéale pour les voyageurs qui souhaitent combiner un peu d’aventure avec beaucoup de détente, et elle est particulièrement idéale pour les couples, les familles et les nouveaux visiteurs qui recherchent une introduction inoubliable au Costa Rica !
3. Parc national Manuel Antonio
Le Costa Rica possède un mélange incroyable de biodiversité et de beauté naturelle, et le parc national Manuel Antonio est l’un des meilleurs endroits pour tout découvrir en un seul endroit. Ce parc national est situé sur la côte Pacifique du pays. Ici, la forêt tropicale luxuriante rencontre la plage de sable doux.
Vous pouvez passer la matinée à observer les animaux dans la forêt, vous baigner dans des eaux rafraîchissantes l’après-midi et terminer votre journée avec un dîner et une vue sur l’océan dans la ville voisine. Avec ses sentiers faciles, son littoral pittoresque et son abondance de faune, c’est un favori parmi les familles, les amoureux de la nature et les photographes.
4. Réserve de forêt nuageuse de Monteverde
Situé en altitude dans les montagnes, Monteverde offre un air plus frais, des matinées brumeuses et une sensation presque magique dans la forêt. Connue pour sa riche biodiversité et ses sentiers paisibles, la réserve de forêt nuageuse de Monteverde est l’un des principaux points forts du tourisme au Costa Rica, en particulier pour les voyageurs qui souhaitent découvrir le côté plus calme et plus contemplatif du pays.
With its well-maintained hiking trails, you can easily spot unique plant species and elusive birds like the resplendent quetzal during your visit. Whether you’re birdwatching, visiting a butterfly garden, or just taking in the peace and quiet, Monteverde invites you to slow down and connect with nature in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere.
5. Parc national de Tortuguero
Tortuguero est un parc national isolé basé sur l’eau sur la côte caraïbe, célèbre pour la nidification des tortues de mer et les safaris sur les canaux. La seule façon de se déplacer ici est en bateau, ce qui fait de chaque voyage une aventure à travers la jungle.
Entre juillet et octobre, vous pouvez assister à la nidification des tortues vertes sur la plage, l’une des expériences fauniques les plus mémorables que vous puissiez vivre dans le pays. Tout au long de l’année, des visites guidées des canaux vous permettent d’observer des singes, des caïmans, des toucans et plus encore. C’est l’évasion parfaite pour les voyageurs qui souhaitent se déconnecter et découvrir le côté le plus sauvage du Costa Rica.
6. Plage de Tamarindo
Située sur la péninsule de Nicoya, Tamarindo est une ville balnéaire animée qui allie parfaitement la culture du surf au charme décontracté. C’est l’un des meilleurs endroits pour les débutants pour apprendre à surfer, grâce à ses vagues constantes et à ses nombreuses écoles de surf locales.
Au-delà de l’eau, la ville est pleine d’énergie, avec des restaurants en bord de mer, de la musique, des bars au coucher du soleil et beaucoup de vie nocturne. Peu importe si vous êtes ici pour surfer, vous détendre ou découvrir l’ambiance de la plage, Tamarindo est un choix idéal pour découvrir la culture costaricienne ! C’est parfait pour les nouveaux visiteurs, les nomades numériques ou tous ceux qui veulent profiter du soleil avec une boisson à la main et du sable entre les orteils.
Située sur la péninsule de Nicoya, Tamarindo est une ville balnéaire animée qui allie parfaitement la culture du surf au charme décontracté. C’est l’un des meilleurs endroits pour les débutants pour apprendre à surfer, grâce à ses vagues constantes et à ses nombreuses écoles de surf locales.
Au-delà de l’eau, la ville est pleine d’énergie, avec des restaurants en bord de mer, de la musique, des bars au coucher du soleil et beaucoup de vie nocturne. Peu importe si vous êtes ici pour surfer, vous détendre ou découvrir l’ambiance de la plage, Tamarindo est un choix idéal pour découvrir la culture costaricienne ! C’est parfait pour les nouveaux visiteurs, les nomades numériques ou tous ceux qui veulent profiter du soleil avec une boisson à la main et du sable entre les orteils.
7. Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park protects one of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, this vast protected area preserves an extraordinary portion of Costa Rica’s wildlife and natural ecosystems.
While exploring the park, you might spot monkeys moving through the canopy, scarlet macaws flying overhead, or tropical birds hidden among the dense rainforest trees.
8. Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is famous for its relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. Located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, the town blends colorful streets, reggae rhythms, and beautiful beaches surrounded by rainforest.
From here, you can easily explore nearby nature areas such as Cahuita National Park, where coastal trails pass through forests filled with wildlife and tropical birds.
9. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s most popular surf towns along the Pacific Ocean. Long sandy beaches, consistent waves, and stunning sunsets attract surfers and travelers looking for a laid-back beach escape.
Beyond surfing, the town offers a relaxed rhythm with beach cafés, yoga studios, and jungle-lined roads near the shoreline.
Best Things To Do in Costa Rica by Travel Style
With so many incredible places to explore, one of the biggest challenges when planning a trip to Costa Rica is deciding where to spend your time. Instead of trying to see everything, you might want to focus on the experiences that match your travel style.
Quick overview:
- Wildlife lovers: Tortuguero National Park, Corcovado National Park, Mistico Park, Manuel Antonio National Park
- Adventure seekers: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde canopy tours, Nauyaca Waterfalls, Tamarindo surfing
- Relaxation & romance: Arenal hot springs, Santa Teresa beaches, Orosi Valley
- Families: Manuel Antonio National Park, Mistico Park, Arenal activities, Tortuguero boat tours
Here’s a quick look at some of the best things to do in Costa Rica:
Best attractions for wildlife lovers
Wildlife sightings in Costa Rica vary a lot depending on where you go and how you explore. Tortuguero’s canals are famous for boat tours where you may spot monkeys, caimans, and water birds, while Corcovado protects one of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world.
Around Arenal, rainforest trails like those at Mistico Park also offer excellent wildlife opportunities, especially with a naturalist guide who can help you spot sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds hidden in the canopy.
Book a Wildlife Safari Float at the Peñas Blancas River
Best attractions for adventure seekers
The Arenal region is one of the country’s main adventure hubs, with rafting, volcano hikes, canyoning, and canopy tours close together. It’s a great fit if you want active days without bouncing between far-apart destinations.
In Monteverde, suspension bridges and zipline courses let you glide above the cloud forest, while hikes to places like Nauyaca Waterfalls reward you with refreshing natural pools at the end.
Best attractions for relaxation & romance
Start with Arenal if you want a trip that feels calm but still connected to nature. Warm mineral pools in the Arenal hot springs are a simple way to end the day, especially after an easy rainforest walk or a quiet morning in town.
Along the Pacific coast, Santa Teresa is known for long beach sunsets and a laid-back atmosphere where days revolve around the ocean. If you prefer cooler mountain landscapes, the Orosi Valley offers peaceful countryside views, coffee farms, and scenic drives through green hills.
Best attractions for families
For family trips, the best destinations are the ones that feel exciting without turning into a long, exhausting day. Manuel Antonio National Park is a favorite thanks to its short trails, beach access, and reliable wildlife sightings.
The Arenal region also works well since many activities—hot springs, wildlife tours, and easy rainforest walks—are located close together. Trails at Mistico Park are another great option, where hanging bridges give you a safe way to explore the rainforest while keeping an eye out for sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds.
How to Choose the Right Region (So You Don’t Waste Time Driving)
Costa Rica may look small on the map, but travel times can be longer than expected due to mountains, winding roads, and rainforest terrain. That’s why we recommend choosing regions that connect well and give you enough time to actually enjoy the experience.
Check out a few simple ways to plan your route depending on how many days you have:
If you have 3-4 days
Three to four days in Costa Rica is usually enough time to explore one region well. The best strategy is choosing a compact destination where several attractions are close together, such as La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio.
In La Fortuna, you can book a guided tour on the hanging bridges, visit hot springs, and enjoy the views of Arenal Volcano in the same region. Manuel Antonio combines national park wildlife with beaches and nearby nature tours, making it easy to experience several highlights without long drives.
If you’re on a tight schedule, another great thing to do is to reserve Mistico Park’s combined tours to make the most of your vacation.
If you have 5-7 days
Five to seven days gives you enough time to combine two nearby regions. One of the most popular pairings is La Fortuna and Monteverde, where you experience both volcanic rainforest and cloud forest landscapes in one trip.
Another good option is Manuel Antonio and Uvita along the central Pacific coast. If wildlife is your main priority, La Fortuna and Tortuguero also work well together, especially when arriving through San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport.
If you’re staying in La Fortuna, take a look at these suggestions:
- Join group activities like rafting, ziplining, snorkeling, or night hikes; they’re great for meeting people.
- Profitez d’activités qui vous semblent spéciales : sources chaudes naturelles, dîners au coucher du soleil, randonnées privées ou massages en couple.
- Évitez de surcharger votre itinéraire. Laissez du temps pour les moments spontanés et les matinées lentes.
If you have 10+ days
With ten days or more, you can comfortably explore several regions of Costa Rica. Many itineraries begin in the Central Valley near San José, where most travelers arrive, before continuing toward Arenal and a cloud forest destination such as Monteverde.
From there, travelers often continue toward the Pacific coast, the Caribbean coast, or the remote rainforests of the Osa Peninsula. With a longer trip, the key is keeping a relaxed pace so you can enjoy each destination rather than constantly moving between them.
Hidden Gems Worth Adding to Your Costa Rica Itinerary
While the most popular spots are absolutely worth the hype, there’s so much more that Costa Rica offers if you’re up for something a little different. Add one (or two) to your itinerary and discover another side of Costa Rica.
Voici nos principales recommandations :
10. Rio Celeste
Río Celeste is famous for its bright blue waterfall inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. Located deep in the Costa Rican jungle, the river flows through rainforest trails before dropping into a striking turquoise cascade surrounded by dense vegetation and the sounds of tropical birds.
If visiting from La Fortuna, one easy way to experience the area is through a guided Río Celeste tour from Mistico Park. The excursion usually begins with hotel pickup, followed by a rainforest hike to highlights such as Río Celeste Waterfall, Laguna Azul, the bubbling thermal spots, and Los Teñideros—where the water turns its famous shade of blue—before finishing with lunch featuring traditional Costa Rican food and returning to La Fortuna in the afternoon.
11. Nauyaca Waterfalls
Nauyaca Waterfalls are known for their powerful twin cascades surrounded by jungle near Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Two dramatic waterfalls drop into wide natural pools, creating one of the most impressive waterfall landscapes in the country.
Getting there involves a scenic forest hike that adds a sense of adventure before the first view of the falls appears through the trees. If you enjoy swimming, photography, or exploring beautiful natural landscapes, Nauyaca is one of those places that quickly becomes a highlight of a Costa Rica trip.
12. Isla del Caño
Isla del Caño is known for its clear Pacific waters and vibrant marine life. Located off the coast of the Osa Peninsula, this protected island is one of Costa Rica’s best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations.
While exploring the reefs, you may encounter rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and large schools of tropical fish. During certain months of the year, humpback whales also migrate through nearby waters.
13. Orosi Valley
Just a short drive from San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, the Orosi Valley offers scenic mountain roads, colonial churches, and small coffee farms, giving you a deeper look into Costa Rican culture.
While exploring the valley, you’ll find historic landmarks such as the colonial Orosi Church, along with scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding mountains. The area is especially appealing if you enjoy countryside scenery, quiet villages, and relaxed drives through the highlands.
14. Tapantí National Park
Tapantí National Park is one of the country’s quieter parks, perfect for gentle hikes, birdwatching, and spending time deep in the rainforest. Dense forest trails lead through the Costa Rican jungle, where wildlife and plant life fill every level of the forest.
While hiking the park’s quiet trails, you may hear tropical birds calling from the canopy or spot wildlife moving through the trees. If you enjoy peaceful nature walks away from larger crowds, Tapantí offers a rewarding experience in one of Costa Rica’s lesser-visited national parks.
Ce qu’il faut savoir avant de visiter les attractions touristiques du Costa Rica
Avant de partir à la découverte des plus belles attractions du Costa Rica, vous devriez connaître quelques notions de base. De ce qu’il faut apporter à la façon de réserver, ces conseils rapides rendront votre expérience plus agréable et plus fluide, surtout si c’est votre première visite :
Jetons un coup d’œil :
- Frais d’entrée : La plupart des parcs nationaux et des sites populaires facturent des frais d’entrée, allant généralement de 5 $ à 20 $ par personne. Certains endroits acceptent les cartes de crédit, mais il est toujours judicieux d’avoir un peu d’argent comptant, juste au cas où. De plus, certains endroits au Costa Rica exigent que vous réserviez à l’avance.
- Devise : La devise du Costa Rica est le colón (CRC), mais les dollars américains sont largement acceptés dans les zones touristiques. Conservez de la monnaie locale pour les petits achats, les restaurants locaux (sodas) ou lorsque vous visitez des endroits moins connus.
- Heures d’ouverture : La plupart des parcs et des attractions ouvrent entre 7 h 00 et 16 h 00, la dernière entrée étant généralement vers 14 h 00. Vérifiez toujours les heures à l’avance, surtout si vous visitez pendant un jour férié ou la saison des pluies.
- Quoi porter : Il n’y a pas de code vestimentaire strict, mais le confort est essentiel. Pour les activités de plein air, portez des vêtements légers, des chaussures fermées, de la crème solaire et un imperméable, car le temps peut changer rapidement dans la forêt tropicale. Pour les villes balnéaires ou les restaurants décontractés, les vêtements décontractés sont parfaitement acceptables.
- Langue : L’espagnol est la langue officielle, mais l’anglais est largement parlé dans la plupart des zones touristiques. Cela dit, apprendre quelques phrases de base en espagnol peut être très utile et est toujours apprécié.
- Visites guidées ou autoguidées : De nombreuses attractions offrent les deux options. Les visites guidées sont idéales pour en apprendre davantage sur l’environnement et observer la faune que vous pourriez manquer par vous-même, en particulier dans des endroits comme le parc Mistico ou Tortuguero. Les visites autoguidées vous donnent plus de flexibilité et sont idéales si vous êtes à l’aise d’explorer à votre propre rythme.
What Is the #1 Tourist Attraction in Costa Rica?
Many travelers consider Mistico Park one of the most memorable nature experiences in Costa Rica. Located in the Arenal region, the park is known for its hanging bridges, breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano, and rainforest trails that allow visitors to walk above the forest canopy.
As you cross the suspended bridges and explore the trails, you may spot wildlife, listen to tropical birds, and experience the rainforest from a completely different perspective. You can also enjoy activities like guided tours, bird watching, horseback riding, and adventure hikes, making it the top destination for nature lovers.
Here is what visitors shared about their experience:
“Our visit to Mistico Hanging Bridges with kids was nothing short of magical, even in the pouring rain. If anything, the misty, damp weather made the rainforest feel even more alive. Despite the drizzle, we had an amazing family adventure, proving that rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans—it can actually make them even better. Exploring Costa Rica with kids is always an adventure, and this experience was one we won’t forget.”
— Visitor review on Reddit
Read the full review
“We were just there on Saturday and booked a private tour through Viator. I told our guide (Jose) that I really wanted to see a sloth and he stopped the car on the way to point them out and show them to us, twice! We got to the park around 2pm and we saw both a howler monkey carrying a baby and a spider monkey carrying a baby. Tons of animals were out since the sun was out and we definitely wouldn’t have seen any of that without him. We thought it was 10/10 worth the private tour.
— Visitor review on Reddit
He told us that tour guides there go through rigorous testing and exams about all the flora and fauna in order to become a tour guide, so they’re incredibly knowledgeable.”
Read the full review
Check out our top tours in attractions in La Fortuna, Costa Rica!
Quelle est la meilleure période de l’année pour visiter le Costa Rica ?
Le Costa Rica est une destination ouverte toute l’année, mais votre expérience peut varier selon la saison, il est donc bon de savoir à quoi s’attendre pendant votre visite. Le pays a deux saisons principales : la saison sèche et la saison des pluies, et les deux offrent leur propre type de magie.
Saison sèche (décembre à avril)
Il s’agit de la période la plus populaire pour visiter, en particulier le long de la côte Pacifique. Attendez-vous à un ciel ensoleillé, des températures chaudes et des conditions idéales pour les journées à la plage, ainsi que pour les activités d’aventure comme la tyrolienne, les randonnées volcaniques et l’exploration des parcs nationaux. C’est également le moment où le tourisme est à son apogée, il est donc conseillé de réserver les excursions et les hébergements à l’avance.
Saison des pluies / Saison verte (mai à novembre)
Bien qu’il y ait plus de précipitations pendant cette période, les matinées sont souvent dégagées et les paysages sont à leur apogée de verdure. Vous trouverez moins de foules, des prix plus bas et d’excellentes opportunités pour les randonnées vers les cascades, les sources chaudes et l’observation de la faune. Emportez simplement un imperméable et adoptez le rythme plus lent.
Check out our blog on the Best Time to Visit Mistico Hanging Bridges for more insights and what to expect during your visit!
Ready to Explore Costa Rica’s Beauty? Start with Mistico Park!
If you’re deciding which Costa Rica tourist attractions to include in your trip, Mistico Park is a great place to begin. Located near La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, the park’s hanging bridges and rainforest trails give you the chance to walk through the forest canopy while looking for sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds.
Contact Mistico Park today to plan your visit and add one of the Arenal region’s most memorable rainforest walks to your itinerary!
FAQ
Les parcs nationaux et attractions du Costa Rica sont-ils adaptés aux familles ?
Yes. Many national parks and attractions in Costa Rica are family-friendly, with easy trails, wildlife viewing, and guided tours that work well for kids. Places such as Mistico Park, the Arenal region, and Manuel Antonio are especially popular with families.
How do I get around to different tourist attractions in Costa Rica?
You can reach most tourist attractions in Costa Rica by rental car, shuttle services, domestic flights, or guided tours. Many travelers choose a rental car for flexibility, especially when visiting places like La Fortuna, Monteverde, or the Pacific coast.
Is Mistico Park worth visiting during a trip to Costa Rica?
Yes, Mistico Park is one of the best places to experience the rainforest near La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Its hanging bridges and forest trails allow visitors to walk through the canopy while spotting sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds.
Can I visit multiple attractions in one day in Costa Rica?
Yes, you can visit multiple attractions in one day in Costa Rica, especially when they’re located in the same region. In places like La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio, travelers often combine hikes, wildlife tours, hot springs, or beaches in a single day.
Are there guided tours available for the top Costa Rica attractions?
Yes. Guided tours are available at most Costa Rica attractions and are especially helpful for spotting wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds. Naturalist guides also explain the rainforest ecosystem and local biodiversity.
What are the top 10 tourist attractions in Costa Rica?
Some of the top tourist attractions in Costa Rica include Mistico Hanging Bridges, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Tortuguero National Park, Río Celeste, Corcovado National Park, Nauyaca Waterfalls, Tamarindo Beach, Isla del Caño, and Puerto Viejo.
What is the most visited place in Costa Rica?
One of the most visited places in Costa Rica is Mistico Park in La Fortuna, near the Arenal region. Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its beaches and reliable wildlife sightings, is also one of the country’s most popular destinations.
Here is what visitors shared:
“We just spent 11 days all over Costa Rica and we were reminiscing about the trip the other night. Mistico was easily one of our top three experiences so definitely do that.
— Visitor review on Reddit
Other things to consider: If seeing wildlife is your jam then be sure to schedule any hikes either first thing in the morning or last thing before night. The wildlife tends to hunker down during the day. If you have a vehicle, then consider going to hike Rio Celeste (and explore the area) as an alternative to one of your down/chill days.”
Read the full review
“We love Mistico hanging bridges. Been twice at the last entrance time of the day and it was practically empty. Definitely recommend.”
— Visitor review on Reddit
Read the full review
What is the best base for first-time visitors?
La Fortuna is one of the best bases for first-time visitors to Costa Rica. The area offers easy access to volcano views, rainforest hikes, hot springs, wildlife tours, and attractions like Mistico Park.
