Top 10 Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica may be small, but it packs an incredible amount of adventure into one country. During my trip, I explored cloud forests, volcanoes, beaches, wildlife reserves, and colorful Caribbean towns. Some places completely exceeded my expectations, while others reminded me that not every famous destination will match every travel style.
These rankings are based on my personal experience backpacking through Costa Rica — a mix of places I visited and a few spots I'd love to see on a future trip.
One sloth sighting later, and Costa Rica was already exceeding my expectations.
1. Manuel Antonio 🌟 Did This
If I could only recommend one destination in Costa Rica, it would be Manuel Antonio. The combination of jungle, wildlife, and beautiful beaches is hard to beat. I saw monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, and some of the prettiest beaches in the country all in one place.
💡 JD's Tip: Go early in the morning before the crowds arrive and keep your eyes open — the wildlife is often hiding right above your head.
Manuel Antonio was my favourite stop in Costa Rica. Beautiful beaches, wildlife everywhere, and exactly what I pictured when I dreamed of visiting Costa Rica.
2. La Fortuna 🌟 Did This
La Fortuna is Costa Rica's adventure capital. Between the volcano views, hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges, and wildlife, there is enough to keep you busy for a week. It also has a great backpacker atmosphere without feeling overly touristy.
💡 JD's Tip: Don't skip the free hot river. It's one of the best budget-friendly experiences in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna is adventure central in Costa Rica. Between volcano views, waterfalls, hot springs, and jungle hikes, it's easy to see why so many travelers love it here.
3. Puerto Viejo 🌟 Did This
Puerto Viejo offers a laid-back Caribbean vibe that's completely different from Costa Rica's Pacific coast. With beaches, reggae influences, and plenty of opportunities to slow down, it's a popular stop for backpackers exploring the Caribbean side of the country. While I missed out on the famous Jaguar Rescue Center because I didn't realize you needed to book ahead, I still enjoyed spending the day relaxing by the beach instead.
💡 JD's Tip: If you want to visit the Jaguar Rescue Center, book your tour in advance — don't make the same mistake I did!
Sometimes the best travel plans involve a beach, a drink, and absolutely no schedule.
4. Monteverde 🌟 Did This
Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests, and it feels like stepping into another world. Mist drifts through the trees, wildlife hides around every corner, and the hanging bridges offer incredible views. It was also the coolest destination temperature-wise during my trip.
💡 JD's Tip: Bring a light jacket. Costa Rica is hot, but Monteverde can be surprisingly chilly.
Monteverde felt like stepping into another world. Misty forests, giant trees, and cool temperatures made it completely different from the rest of Costa Rica.
5. Cabuya 🌟 Did This
Most travelers skip Cabuya, and that's exactly why I loved it. This quiet coastal village became one of the most memorable parts of my trip thanks to the sea turtle conservation project and peaceful sunsets. It felt like the opposite of mass tourism.
💡 JD's Tip: Stay a few extra days if you volunteer with the turtles. The experience is worth slowing down for.
One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering in Cabuya was helping baby sea turtles reach the ocean. Watching them begin their journey at sunset is something I'll never forget.
6. San José 🌟 Did This
Most travelers rush through Costa Rica's capital, but I actually enjoyed my time there. It's a good place to experience local life, visit museums, enjoy the food scene, and get a break from beaches and jungles. It also makes a convenient transportation hub.
💡 JD's Tip: Use San José as more than just an airport stop — give yourself at least a day to explore.
It's worth spending a day exploring before heading off to the beaches and national parks.
7. Tortuguero ❌ Missed This
Tortuguero is often called Costa Rica's Amazon because there are no roads into town. Visitors arrive by boat and spend their days exploring jungle canals filled with wildlife. It's also one of the country's most important sea turtle nesting areas.
💡 JD's Tip: If you're a wildlife lover, this should be near the top of your Costa Rica bucket list.
8. Corcovado National Park ❌ Missed This
Many travelers consider Corcovado the most biodiverse place in Costa Rica. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, it's known for incredible wildlife encounters, including tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and even wild cats. Unfortunately, I didn't make it there this trip.
💡 JD's Tip: Plan ahead — Corcovado requires permits and usually a guide.
9. Liberia 🌟 Did This
Liberia is often overlooked because most travelers simply pass through on their way to the beaches. While there isn't a huge amount to do in the city itself, it's a useful base for exploring northern Costa Rica and nearby national parks. I found it worth a short stop.
💡 JD's Tip: Use Liberia as a launch point rather than a destination.
Most people pass through Liberia, but I found a few adventures nearby.
10. Tamarindo 🌟 Did This
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most popular beach towns, but it ended up being my least favorite stop. The beach is beautiful and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and surf schools, but I found it far more touristy than the other destinations on this list. If you love nightlife and convenience, you'll probably enjoy it more than I did.
💡 JD's Tip: Visit for a day or two, but don't assume it represents the rest of Costa Rica.
Tamarindo was beautiful, but definitely the most touristy place I visited in Costa Rica.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica quickly became one of my favorite countries in Central America. What impressed me most wasn't any single destination — it was the variety. One day I was hiking through cloud forests, the next I was soaking in hot springs, watching sea turtles, or relaxing on a Caribbean beach.
If you're planning your first trip, I'd prioritize Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, and Puerto Viejo. Together they showcase the best of what makes Costa Rica special: wildlife, adventure, beaches, and the laid-back "Pura Vida" lifestyle that makes so many travelers fall in love with the country.
And if you have extra time? Slow down. Costa Rica rewards travelers who stay a little longer.
No matter where I went in Costa Rica, there always seemed to be incredible wildlife waiting around the next corner.
