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Samara

Located on Costa Rica’s scenic Pacific coast in the Guanacaste Province, the little village of Samara is known for its palm-fringed golden-sand beach and crystalline turquoise waters. Explore the fascinating local streets lined with upmarket boutiques, tour operators and an array of restaurants, cafes and bars. The surrounding area boasts a magnificent landscape covered in lush tropical forest and inhabited by a variety of wildlife including iguanas, monkeys and many different bird species. Visitors can enjoy an ice-cold beer at one of the beach bars, take a sunset stroll on the spectacular Playa Samara, and participate in a host of watersports such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Popular attractions include the Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve, the Belen Waterfall and the offshore coral reef.

Drake Bay

Drake Bay, also known as Bahia Drake, is located on the north side of the Osa Peninsula on the coast of southwestern Costa Rica. The area is famous for its incredible display of nature, which takes the form of lush, untamed tropical rainforests, impressive wildlife, and National Parks. The isolated, unspoilt woodlands are covered with thick canopies where screeching macaws and swinging howler monkeys have their homes. Nearby, golden sandy beaches are lapped by turquoise seas. Off the shores of the Isla del Cano Marine Reserve, go snorkelling and diving to spot huge, multicoloured schools of tropical fish, as well as dolphins, small sharks and even whales. Rio Agujitas provides great kayaking opportunities at high tide (look out for small crocodiles, reptiles and birds). Head to the Corcovado National Park for lots of animals including the big Baird’s Tapir.

Sarapiqui

Located just two hours northeast of San José, the serene Sarapiquí Valley is a well-kept nature and adrenaline haven. Extending north to Nicaragua and west towards Arenal, the region showcases remarkable biodiversity, featuring vast fruit and coffee plantations reminiscent of the tropical Caribbean lowlands. Swathed by vast greenery, Sarapiquí is home to a number of nature reserves and national parks and offers enticing activities like chocolate tours and its ‘turnos’ or outdoor festivals, which include fairs, bull riding, and livestock and cattle shows. Adventure seekers can navigate the Río Sarapiquí's rapids by kayak or raft, especially thrilling during the rainy season. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot howler monkeys, sloths, and abundant birdlife, even within the grounds of lodges. Organised hikes at Estación Biológica la Selva or leisurely explorations offer immersive experiences in this lush premontane jungle.

Arenal Volcano National Park

Located in central Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano National Park lies within the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area and encompasses eight of the country’s 12 protected life zones. The park is home to the majority of Costa Rica’s 850 bird species, and an array of exotic creatures such as capuchin monkey, parrot snake, jaguar and deer, and its diverse landscapes include grasslands and volcanic badlands. Overlooking the park is the magnificent Arenal Volcano as well as the Chato Volcano, complete with a stunning lagoon. Visitors can experience this exciting region by hiking through lava fields and rainforests, spotting birds and animals, and taking a dip in the hot springs.

Tortuguero

Set within the Tortuguero National Park along Costa Rica’s beautiful Caribbean Coast, the village of Tortuguero is known for its ecotourism and extensive network of scenic canals. It lies amidst tropical lowland rainforests, magnificent rivers, and pristine beaches. Take the unique opportunity to watch baby green turtles hatch along the shoreline, or discover the park, home to over 300 species of bird, a variety of flora, and diverse fauna. Other popular activities include hiking, sport fishing, canal tours, canopy tours, and kayaking. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit and explore the nearby Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, the Cariari National Wetlands, and the turtle Museum at Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Uvita

Situated in southern Costa Rica, the small village of Uvita, also known as Uvita de Osa, is a little remote gem on the coast. It isn’t as overdeveloped as the other beach towns and boasts an array of wonderful attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Uvita serves as the gateway to the incredibly scenic Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its migrating pods of humpback whales. It features a unique peninsula, the Cola de Ballena, which translates as ’The Whale’s Tail’, which is indeed in the shape of a whale tail. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a refreshing dip in the Uvita Waterfall, as well as the enormous multi-tiered Nauyaca Waterfall and exploring the caves of Playa Las Ventanas Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a magnificent sunset over the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, and spot colourful toucans flying around the jungle. Highlights include: the Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival, horse riding excursions, kayaking tours and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Once the most important river port of Costa Rica, this quaint market town lies on the confluence of the Rio Sarapiqui and Rio Puerto Viejo in the northeastern part of the country. Visitors are drawn to the area for its natural beauty - awe-inspiring tropical rainforests beckon to be explored. Enjoy sublime hiking, excellent birdwatching, and riverboat tours that give visitors the chance to see toucans, monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Alternatively, visitors can take in the abundant scenery and wildlife on horseback, while thrill-seekers can experience the adrenaline-fuelled activities of kayaking, white water rafting, and zip-line forest canopy tours. Gain insight into local ancient traditions with a visit to the fascinating Museum of Indigenous Cultures, filled with musical instruments, masks, and shamanic healing tools.

Santa Elena Reserve

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Day Tour offers a naturalist walk to explore diverse flora and fauna. The 310-hectare reserve, founded in 1992 on Costa Rica's Caribbean slope, provides views of the Arenal Volcano on clear days. The reserve is managed by the local public high school’s board of directors, making this activity one with social and community responsibility. Additionally, the Santa Elena Reserve receives fewer visitors, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer less crowded sites.Approximate duration: 4 hoursSchedule: 7:00 am and 1:00 pm for regular tours. Between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm for private tours.Includes: Entrance fee, naturalist bilingual guide, private roundtrip transportation.This tour requires a minimum of 2 adults and a maximum of 9 people in the group.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Set in the north of Costa Rica, Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to a magnificent volcano from which it received its name. The park is covered in natural tropical forests and decorated with rivers and waterfalls. One of the many highlights here is a hike to the magnificent Celeste Waterfall, known for its stunning blue waters. Visitors can also enjoy walking over the many suspension bridges in the rainforest, visiting the Blue Lagoon, and climbing through the cloud forest along the Crater Trail to the top of the volcano to view the steaming Lago Dante. Hikers are likely to spot a variety of wildlife, possibly even the shy tapir and puma. The park also provides the opportunity to bathe in wonderful natural hot springs.

Carara National Park

Located conveniently close to the city of San Jose, captivating Carara National Park boasts dense jungle and easy hiking trails and is considered to be one of Costa Rica’s best birding destinations. This protected area encompasses 4700 hectares and a number of distinct ecosystems, including marshlands, lagoons, and gallery forests. Lucky travellers will spot animals such two-toed Sloths, Agoutis, Armadillos, Pacas, Great Anteaters, Crocodiles, Kinkajous, Tayras, Margay cats, Collared Peccaries, White-tailed Deers, a variety of monkeys, and over 400 bird species.

Orosi

Located in the Cartago Province of Costa Rica, the small town of Orosi lies just 35 kilometres south of the capital, San Jose. Resting on the banks of the Reventazon River in the picturesque Orosi Valley, this hidden gem is surrounded by hills blanketed in lush vegetation. Known for its coffee cultivation, visitors can sample some of the best coffee in Costa Rica. Soak up the tranquil landscapes of the secluded Orosi Valley, learn about the local history, and view various historic landmarks, including the Iglesia de San Jose de Orosi, the oldest church in the country that features classic Spanish-colonial architecture and whitewashed walls. Other highlights include Cachi Dam, the Presa de Cachi, exploring the nearby Tapanti National Park, and the Ruins of Ujarras.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Only a short distance from the town of La Fortuna, the La Fortuna Waterfall offers a close look at the tropical landscape surrounding the Arenal area. The Fortuna River drops approximately 70 meters through dense vegetation into the valley below. A staircase of more than 500 steps leads through native forest to the base of the waterfall. The return involves climbing the same route, making the experience more physically demanding than the distance may suggest. Species to look for: Toucans, butterflies and forest birds are regularly seen in the area. Monkeys and sloths are also possible. Traveler tips: Take your time on the stairs and carry water. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Swimming may be possible in designated sections of the river depending on conditions, but visitors should follow on-site instructions. Fact: The waterfall is managed by ADIFORT, the local development association. Income from the attraction helps support community and conservation projects in La Fortuna.

Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is located in the beautiful town of Cahuita on the Carribean coast. The park consists of 1100 hectares of tropical forest and houses a plethora of wildlife. The park also features pristine white sandy beaches and coral reefs where visitors can enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Set just south of Quepos, on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, the Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. Boasting enthralling rain forests, pristine beaches, and gorgeous coral reefs, this is an ultimate destination for outdoor explorers. Some of the best beaches are the Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio, and the conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing (lessons are on offer) are excellent here. In the forests, hikers may see iguanas, sloths, snakes, lizards, butterflies, many types of monkeys and brightly coloured tiny crabs. The forest is a mecca for birdwatchers - there are more than 350 spectacular bird species including toucans and emerald amazon kingfishers. Several lovely bistros and bars are scattered around the outskirts.

Central Valley

Located in central Costa Rica, the Central Valley is home to over 70% of the country’s population. This remarkably beautiful area makes up most of Costa Rica’s interior and boasts many coffee plantations blanketing the hillsides and is fringed by rugged mountains and two active volcanoes, Irazu and Poas. Visitors can look forward to a number of wonderful attractions such as: the Iglesia de San Jose Orosi, built in 1734, it is the oldest church in Costa Rica; the famous town of Cartago, the country’s oldest town; as well as Poas Volcano National Park, home to the most active volcano in the country and Irazu National Park, home to the largest and highest active volcano in Costa Rica.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Named after one of three volcanoes in the reserve, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers a heady mix of rolling green hills, gushing waterfalls and lush cloud forest. The park attracts travellers year round who come to explore its volcanoes, hot springs and numerous picture perfect waterfalls. Rincon de la Vieja means "The Old Woman's Corner" and was named after a local legend, which tells of a girl’s lover who was thrown into the volcano by her father. It’s said the woman became a recluse and developed healing powers, living out her days on the slopes of Rincon de la Vieja.

Tortuguero National Park

An exuberant blanket of dense rainforest encompasses over 77 000 acres on the northeastern coast of Costa Rica at Tortuguero National Park, a biodiverse wonderland and sanctuary for a rich array of wildlife, including jaguars, monkeys, sloths, and an astonishing variety of bird species. The park's name, meaning "Land of Turtles," highlights its significance as a nesting ground for several sea turtle species, most notably the endangered green turtles. A network of canals weaves through the lush rainforest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore by boat or kayak, immersing themselves in the park's unparalleled natural beauty. Pristine beaches, vibrant mangroves, and dense forests make Tortuguero National Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists, where adventure and ecological wonders intertwine harmoniously.

San Jose

San Jose, affectionately known to its residents as 'Chepe', lies in the heart of Costa Rica and is home to almost two-thirds of the country’s population. With few buildings over 100 years old, the mountainous capital is relatively modern compared to its Latin American counterparts, but still has a significant amount of culture, art and history for visitors to discover. With a number of theatres full of Costa Rican culture, museums that include the largest collection of American jade in the world, and streets full of bright murals and painted buses, San Jose is an eclectic city waiting to be experienced.

Pacuare River

The Pacuare River meanders down the Atlantic slope of the Talamanca mountain range, through the dense rainforest of the Pacuare Protected Zone, until it finally reaches the Caribbean Sea on Costa Rica's central coast. Although the river is primarily known for its challenging rapids and its excellent white water rafting opportunities, it also features some remarkable scenery characterised by lush primordial rainforest, lowland tropical forest, and dramatic towering waterfalls. This pristine natural terrain along the banks of the river provides a haven for a wide variety of wildlife including river otters, jaguars, ocelots, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, coatis, and raccoons - among many more. Birders will delight in the colorful avian life. Day trips combine rafting adventures with the exploration of waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural springs along the way.

Boca Tapada

Situated near the mouth of the San Carlos River in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, Boca Tapada is a small, remote border community close to the Nicaraguan frontier. Known for its ecotourism and rich diversity of flora and fauna, it lies within a landscape of lush tropical rainforest, wetlands and agricultural land, where pineapple and sugar cane plantations extend across parts of the surrounding lowlands alongside dense jungle. The area is recognised as an important nesting stronghold of the endangered Great Green Macaw. Much of the surrounding landscape forms part of the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge and Biological Corridor, where forest trails and waterways support hiking, boat excursions and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is a major drawcard, with more than 400 recorded species, including the Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Dusky Antbird and Keel-billed Toucan.

La Fortuna

Located just 2-hours drive northwest of San Jose, the little Costa Rican town of La Fortuna rests at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the beautiful surrounding area, most notably the scenic Arenal Volcano National Park. Photographers will delight in the spectacular views provided by several lookout points along sublime hiking trails, which wind through lush rainforests and past idyllic natural hot springs. The glistening Arenal Lake, which is the largest lake in the country, offers fantastic opportunities to practice water sports. Don’t miss the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall and natural pool. Visitors can also look forward to wildlife tours, coffee plantation tours, and cacao farm tours, as well as an array of excellent restaurants and shops in the town centre.

Monteverde

Monteverde, the name of a settlement and a forest described as ‘the jewel in the crown of cloud forests’ by National Geographic, lies in the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. One of the rarest habitats on the planet and unique from the country’s other rainforests for its constant swathes of mist (which give it its name), the Monteverde Cloud Forest is an incredible wild world filled with thousands of plant species, insects, bird varieties, and animals. Watch brightly-coloured birds at play in the Curi-Cancha Reserve; take a guided hike or horse ride through the dense jungle; watch electric blue frogs jump about at the famous Frog Pond, or take a dip in the pools around the San Luis Waterfall. Must-sees include the Butterfly Gardens, Orchid House, Selvatura treetop suspension bridges, and coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane tour.

Playa Flamingo

Presenting a serene arc of white sand bordered by clear waters and lush hillsides, Playa Flamingo, or Flamingo Beach, stretches along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in the lively Guanacaste province. This elegant beach town thrives with a variety of boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. Warm waters invite guests for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, providing a direct connection to the underwater world. The nearby Catalina Islands are renowned for their rich marine life, including manta rays and turtles, making it a prime destination for marine enthusiasts. Sport fishing is another popular activity, with charters heading out to sea for marlin or sailfish, adding to the area’s maritime activities. On land, the adventure continues with explorations of nearby forests or a short drive to Las Baulas National Park, home to nesting sea turtles and where guided tours are available. As the sun sets over the Pacific, Flamingo Beach transforms into a tranquil haven where the day’s end is celebrated with oceanfront dining.

Potrero

The sleepy fishing village of Potrero is located along Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific coast, facing onto an aquamarine bay fringed by a golden beach. Its exquisite surrounding tropical rainforests shelter a diversity of plant, bird and animal life, and its pristine ocean is rich in fish - in fact, the region is renowned as one of the sport fishing capitals of the world. These waters also offer exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, with seasonal resident species including whale sharks, blacktip sharks eagles rays, mantas and humpback whales. Horse riding is extremely popular along the beautiful coast and in the mountainous interior.

Santa Teresa

Resting on the western edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a tiny beach village set on the beautiful coast of Costa Rica. It is a surfing mecca and draws many visitors to its sandy shores each year. This laid-back town has grown into a popular travel destination. Visitors can stroll along the gorgeous white sandy beaches and watch the surfers that flock here to surf the impressive waves from all over the globe. Aside from surfing Santa Teresa offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy including hiking in the scenic surrounds, enjoying a horse riding excursion and thrilling canopy tours. Those looking for more adventure can also look forward exploring the nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.

Tamarindo

The horseshoe bay of Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, offers three and a half kilometres of white sand and azure waters. Five-star resorts are strung along the beachfront with charming restaurants, bars and shops clustered further back from the beach under the lush vegetation that blankets this laid-back town. Surfing, diving, estuary trips, fishing and a weekly farmers market are just some of the activities on offer in Tamarindo. For a rare opportunity to witness turtles nesting, travel to National Park Las Baulas just outside town.

Manuel Antonio

Neighbouring the spectacularly scenic 680-hectare Manuel Antonio National Park and situated along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the bustling beachside village of Manuel Antonio offers a variety of comfortable accommodation options for eco-explorers and adventurers who flock here to explore this beautiful area. The undeniable highlight is the adjacent Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica’s smallest national park, featuring lush biodiverse rainforests, mangroves, lagoons, offshore coral reefs, pristine white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife, including over 100 mammal species and almost 200 bird species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities including fishing, swimming, snorkelling, wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking and relaxing on tropical beaches.

Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Golfo Dulce in the southwestern region of the country. This virtually untouched corner of the world contains almost half of Costa Rica’s wildlife species, offering nature lovers the chance to see exotic animals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the enthralling rainforest of the Corcovado National Park. The surrounding turquoise waters invite visitors to surf, snorkel, and fish, while white sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing. Two highly-acclaimed dive sites off Isla del Caño are inhabited with manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and more. Puerto Jimenez, the rustic but comfortable main town on the peninsula, provides for all shopping and eating out needs. History-lovers should make sure to visit the fascinating Sitio Arqueológico Finca 6, filled with pre-Colombian artifacts.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Known as the ‘Forest in the Clouds’, Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s key conservation areas, taking in six different ecological zones and home to a kaleidoscopic array of flora and fauna. Breathtaking walking trails traverse this mountainous reserve, whilea network of canopy bridges are suspended in the tree tops overhead – both offering visitors the chance to experience its astonishing biodiversity. The park’s menagerie of exotic wildlife includes jaguars, ocelots, three-wattled bell birds, bare-necked umbrella birds, and elusive, vividly coloured quetzals, while its botanical offerings range from woodlands and rainforests, to exquisite orchids, delicate ferns, jungle vines and mosses.

Corcovado National Park

One of Costa Rica’s most important ecological areas, Corcovado National Park, was once described by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth'. This rich ecosystem stretches along the southern Pacific coast and encompasses beautiful ocean bays, tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife, Central America’s largest wetland area, and the country’s biggest mangrove forest, sprawled over 20 000 hectares. Its myriad exotic creatures include jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, red macaws, quetzals, and red-eyed tree frogs – not to mention the dolphins and humpback whales that breed in the coastal waters. Nature and adventure lovers will be in their element here, with a host of outdoor activities on offer, including wildlife viewing, fishing, surfing, and jungle treks.