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What our travelers are saying
Highly recommended. True Costa Rica specialists with a wonderful team on the ground and really great knowledge of the country.
Rachel Dex
May 28, 2026
I asked Kalkouna Travel to put together a 12 day tour to cover beach, coastline and wildlife experiences. The trip was fabulous, arrangements were detailed, accurate and comprehensive. Everything went as planned and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Big thanks to the team - I would happily recommend them!
Derek Lindsay
May 28, 2026
Top destinations in Costa Rica
Punta Cocles
Located just south of the bustling beach town of Puerto Viejo along the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Punta Cocles is an exquisite Carribean beach paradise. Dubbed the capital of this coastal region, it features 3-kilometres of soft golden sand fringed by swaying palms and lapped by warm crystalline waters. Visitors come here to indulge in seaside relaxation and discover the natural glory of the rainforest. Enjoy a thrilling surf, explore the unspoilt underwater wonderland of colourful coral reefs inhabited by exotic marine life, take a stroll along the coastal trail, spot monkeys playing in the trees, and see a host of tropical birdlife as well as sloths, green iguanas and crabs. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the amazing Cahuita National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Talamanca Indian Reserve.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Quepos
Named after the native Quepoa Indians who lived in the area until the 1800s, Quepos is a small but active town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, boasting a traditional Latin American charm and an energetic nightlife. Although the town serves as a gateway to the nearby Manuel Antonia National Park, it has many wonderful attractions of its own, including a variety of fish that have made it a world-class destination for sport fishing. For those in search of a different kind of thrill, Quepos offers kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, canopy tours, and many other activities for adventurous visitors.
Puntarenas
Costa Rica’s gateway to the Pacific coast, Puntarenas is a quintessential port town – a little tattered around the edges, but full of character. For most travellers, a stop here is a means to an end – a jumping-off point for excursions to more remote beach resorts peppering the central Pacific coast – but Puntarenas’ relaxed atmosphere and down-to-earth charm endear it to many who find themselves passing through. Key attractions in the city include the central plaza, the old cathedral, and the Parque Marino del Pacífico, where a series of saltwater aquariums highlight Costa Rica’s rich marine life. While you’re there, it’s worth visiting the Macaw Sanctuary El Manantial, 30 minutes out of town, where you can view these resplendent and endangered jungle birds up close; and the attractive nearby beaches of Playa Doña Aña and Playa Tivives.
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.
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.
Tarcoles
In the outskirts of northern Puntarenas, Costa Rica, lies Tárcoles—a small town with a surprising range of indoor and outdoor activities, set amidst captivating fauna and unique wildlife. The town, parallel to the ocean, boasts a million-dollar view. Explore Carara National Park for an adrenaline-pumping experience with American Crocodiles. The Waterfall Manatial de Auga Viva, one of Costa Rica's largest waterfalls at 200m, promises adventure through steep terrain with views of local beaches and vibrant wildlife. Tárcoles, near Jacó, provides access to world-class surf beaches, and canopy tours offer breathtaking aerial views through tram rides or exhilarating zip line expeditions.
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 Cruz
Set in the beautiful Guanacaste Province, the city of La Cruz serves as an excellent base for those wishing to partake in a range of wonderful leisure activities. Enjoy surfing, hiking, birding, swimming, snorkelling, horse riding, zip lining, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and much more among jaw-dropping scenes of natural beauty - cascading waterfalls, active volcanoes, and a host of tropical wildlife. Surf away the day on sundrenched beaches, browse the bustling local market, and relax with cocktails in hand while watching a spectacular sunset. Make sure to visit the enthralling National Refuge for Forest Fauna on Isla Bolanos, and the alluring nearby fishing village of Puerto Soley.
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.
Manzanillo
Near the southeastern border with Panama in the Limon Province of Costa Rica, the unspoilt fishing village of Manzanillo is an excellent location for outdoor adventure. Located inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge, the town is subject to strict development restrictions, and, as a result, is relatively quiet. Pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear ocean waters, and lush jungle beckon. Adventurous travellers may want to contact Nature Observatorio to book a guided hike through the jungle, a canopy tour, or even stay in the jungle in an open treehouse overnight, while water lovers will find plenty of swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and diving opportunities available. Finally, Manzanillo is steeped in Afro-Caribbean culture.
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.
San Gerardo de Dota
The small town of San Gerardo de Dota is strung along a quiet road in the Talamanca Mountains roughly three hours from the capital, San Jose. One of the main attractions here is Los Quetzales National Park, famous among the world’s bird watching fraternity as one of the best places to view the resplendent quetzal, with its vivid green and red plumage that has earned it a reputation as one of the world's most beautiful birds. For exercise and outdoor enthusiasts, hiking is a must-do activity in the region, with fantastic paths leading through the national park and across the Rio Savregre.
Boca Tapada
Situated near the mouth of the San Carlos River in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, Boca Tapada is renowned for its ecotourism as it boasts a rich diversity of fauna and flora. This remote area is characterised by endless pineapple and sugar cane plantations, lush tropical jungle, and vast wetlands, and is known as one of the last remaining nesting sites of the endangered Great Green Macaw. Visit the Maquenque Wildlife Refuge and Biological Corridor, hike through dense forest or simply laze in a hammock and listen to nature's symphony of sounds. Aside from the endemic macaw, twitchers can also enjoy spotting over 400 other species including the Rufescent Tiger-Heron, the exotic Dusky Antbird, and the Keel-billed Toucan.
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.
Costa Rica
Visitors to the Republic of Costa Rica will quickly discover that despite its small size (not much larger than Lower Saxony), the country offers an incredible variety of attractions and activities. This tropical paradise is home to nearly 5% of the world's known plant and animal species, making it a true haven for nature lovers.The country invests heavily in conservation, with almost 25% of its land designated as protected national parks—more than any other country in the world.You can expect to encounter warm and welcoming people, as well as breathtaking natural beauty: volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, Caribbean and Pacific beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, and dry forests, with a fascinating array of plant life and many animal inhabitants.On-site, you can enjoy a wide range of activities: hiking (rainforest walks, birdwatching tours), canopy tours, boat trips, horseback riding, swimming, snorkeling, and much more. There are active tours available, as well as more relaxed experiences like visiting a hummingbird garden or a coffee plantation.
Santa Elena
Nestled in the northern reaches of the Puntarenas province within the stunning Tilaran Cordillera, Santa Elena is a small town just a short distance from the awe-inspiring Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. The town shares its name with the nearby Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, located approximately 5 kilometres away, adding to its natural allure. Despite its size, Santa Elena boasts a convenient downtown area, offering a variety of luxury and budget hotels, lodges, and accommodations to cater to every traveller's needs. From the town, one can embark on horseback-riding tours of the magnificent Monteverde and Santa Elena Reserves, as well as engaging hiking trips and thrilling canopy tours that showcase the beauty of the surrounding areas.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
The once-sleepy fishing village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its incredible beaches, crystal-clear water, laid-back Caribbean charm and amazing surf. Aside from the spectacular beaches fringing the town itself, two national parks, to the north and south, feature pristine bays and coves where the rainforests tumble down to the waterline. These lush jungles are the natural habitat of a cornucopia of wildlife, including exotic mammals such as the howler monkey and myriad bird species. Snorkelling, surfing, and simply soaking up the sun are the order of the day in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, while the town’s selection of reggae bars provide atmospheric spots to enjoy the evenings in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Dominical
Situated in southern Costa Rica, along its beautiful southwestern Pacific Coast, Dominical is a quaint beachside village best known for its excellent surfing. It boasts some impressive waves which make it popular with surfers who flock here from all corners of the globe. This village is surrounded by the lush jungle-clad foothills of the Talamanca Mountains and features scenic landscapes boasting various estuaries, mangroves, marshes, and sheer cliffs plunging into the ocean. Visitors can enjoy the long stretches of black-sand beaches, spot dolphins in the surf, and visit the Marino Ballena National Park for some of the best whale watching in the area. Don't miss the opportunity to hike to the magnificent Nauyaca Waterfalls. Other popular activities include thrilling canopy tours, hiking, horse riding, surfing, fishing, sea kayaking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.
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.
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.
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.
