5 tourist destinations to visit in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a Central American jewel, is a natural and ecological paradise with one of the highest biodiversity rates in the planet in proportion to its small territory. It is surrounded by two oceans and adorned by mountains and volcanos. Its incredible tourist sites make it the perfect vacation destination and also a home for life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing time or non-stop adventure, Costa Rica will treat you to the most spectacular spots for you to choose your preferred environment. If you don’t know where to start, consider the top five tourist spots in the country below. Take note!

San José City

San José is currently Costa Rica’s tourist site where visitors from around the world meet. This capital city is flooded with places of historic, artistic, development and cultural interest.

Among the historic sites in San José is the National Museum, founded in 1887. It originated with the goal of providing the nation with a public space where domestic natural and artistic products could be stored and classified.

There is also the Costa Rican Art Museum, with a fine collection of paintings and sculptures by national artists from 1950 onward. Another tourist spot you can’t skip is the Jade Museum in the National Insurance Institute (INS) building. Its exhibition includes a wide collection of archeological ceramic and rock pieces crafted by the Costa Rican indigenous people.

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In San José you will also marvel at emblematic buildings such as the Post and Telegraphs Building, Metallic Building, Church of Our Lady of Mercy, National Theater, and Melico Salazar Popular Theater.

Fresh water turtles.

Fresh water turtles.

Tortuguero

Tortuguero is one of the major sea turtle nesting sites. Among the turtle species that you will get to see are green, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles. This natural spectacle takes place between July and October. Come explore Tortuguero National Park, one of the world’s most popular ecotourism sites. It houses tropical rainforest and large wetlands of outstanding beauty, where visitors get to navigate lagoons and channels and see land turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, and caimans, as well as several birds and other animals.

Take into account that the park can only be accessed by air or water. Last admissions are at 4:30 p.m.

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Costa Rica Forest.

Costa Rica Forest.

La Fortuna – Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano is a fascinating natural wonder and a tourist site you shouldn’t skip. It is the highest point in La Fortuna, known worldwide for having a nearly perfect volcanic cone. The surrounding areas are the ideal spots to relax, admire nature, and also get your adrenaline going. Here you can visit the Arenal Volcano National Park, Lake Arenal, and La Fortuna Waterfall.

You will also find hot springs, waterfalls, forests, lakes, caverns, and gorgeous traditional streets, such as those is La Fortuna. If you love coffee, don’t miss North Fields Café that provides a unique demonstration of traditional ways to grow the “golden bean”. If what you’re seeking is contact with nature and adventure, Mistico Park is the place for you. It is a reserve inhabited by wildlife species, where you can enjoy activities such as boat riding, contemplating the forest form hanging bridges, go horseback riding, and behold Arenal Volcano in all its glory.

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica.

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica.

Monteverde

The nature in Monteverde is astonishing. This is a tourist spot with a deserved international fame for its cloud forest, mesmerizing scenery, and adventure everywhere. Its natural wealth accounts for 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Nature lovers will find themselves at the right place. Two major reserves can be visited here. One is Monteverde Rainforest Reserve, extending along 10,500 hectares of land. This habitat is home to 400 bird species, over 100 mammal species, and 2,500 species of plants. You can take a walk in its 13 km of trails.

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The other one is Saint Helena Cloud Forest Reserve. A majestic forest covers 310 hectares and has a wide variety of vegetation like orchid, tree, fern, and heliconia L., in addition to hundreds of resident and migratory birds, such as the Resplendent Quetzal and the Three-wattled Bellbird. Unquestionably, these reserves will take you deep within vibrant nature.

Manuel Antonio beach, Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio beach, Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio

Located south of Quepos in the Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s heavens on earth. It combines the rainforest, coral reefs, and beaches, and it is regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Its major attraction is Manuel Antonio National Park, selected by Forbes magazine in 2011 as one of the world’s 12 most beautiful parks. It is also the most visited national park in Costa Rica, with over 360,000 yearly visits.

It occupies 1,625 hectares of land and 55,000 hectares of sea, and one of its top attractions is the tropical rainforest inhabited by endangered flora and fauna.

Lovers of snorkeling should head to Manuel Antonio; its reefs and calm waters allow for smooth practicing of this sport and contact with enormous shoals of fish, including parrotfish, a key actor in the reef’s ecosystem.

These are only some of Costa Rica’s great tourist sites, but all of them have that “pura vida” essence. So take note and come visit! Do you dare? We look forward to meeting you. Contact us!

Top 5 destinations in Costa Rica map.

Top 5 destinations in Costa Rica map.