Guanacaste & northern Region | puntarenas & Central Pacific | the central valley | south pacific
Costa Rica
Whether you’ve been to Costa Rica before or only dreamt about it, the country’s reputation stamps a certain impression on the mind. Close your eyes and think of the place and you might see scenes of lush rainforest, florid tropical blooms, pristine beaches and active volcanoes running in a continuous, meditative loop. All set to a soundtrack of birdsong and howling monkeys, no doubt.
These sights and sounds are all real parts of the experience. But for those who haven’t yet explored Costa Rica widely, knowing where to start might seem unclear. In a country about the size of Nova Scotia, you’ll find two very different coasts, towering mountains, verdant valleys, fragrant organic farms, rich indigenous cultures, a cosmopolitan capital city, some of the world’s most successful conservation initiatives and much more.
Here’s a quick guide to charting your own course through a land overflowing with natural beauty, good energy and the Pura Vida spirit.
Glorious Pacific Coast beaches
With its surf-ready shores and laid-back beach towns, Guanacaste in northwest Costa Rica is one of the most popular areas to visit. It's also the country's driest region, so good weather is usually in the forecast. The area's 249 kilometres of coastline encompass some of the best surf spots in the country, including Tamarindo, Nosara and Samara. Each of these towns teems with peaceful vibes and walkable attractions, including golden-sand beaches, surf schools and rental facilities, a wide variety of restaurants and bars plus boutique shops. There is no shortage of great places to stay, either—from beachfront bungalows to luxurious 5-star eco-hotels; from all-inclusive resorts to family-run B&Bs.
Guanacaste is easily accessible via flights into Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) airport from Calgary, Montreal or Toronto.
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Naranjo Beach, Guanacaste
Snorkeling off of Tortuga Island
Guanacaste & the Northern Region
Puntarenas & Central Pacific
The Central Valley
South Pacific & Caribbean Coast
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste
Paseo de los Turistas, Puntarenas
Howler monkeys in Nicoya Peninsula
Plan your trip
Secluded beaches abound in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
Flock of macaws in the rainforest
Experience forest bathing in Costa Rica’s rainforest
La Fortuna Waterfall
Capuchin monkey
Coffee ready for harvest
The Osa Peninsula
The Caribbean Coast
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Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Caribbean Coast
Green iguana
Volcanoes and hot springs
While Guanacaste is famous for its addictive beaches, many natural attractions draw travellers inland to explore the Northern Region. This area is a playground for quintessential Costa Rican adventures in nature. For example, walk hanging bridges slung high across the treetops; zipline across lush forested valleys; and hike to the famed La Fortuna waterfall. The Northern Region is also home to one of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks—Arenal Volcano. This active volcano can be viewed via day or nighttime hikes through Arenal Volcano National Park. You can't hike to the summit—it's constantly producing lava—but you'll get a great view from the base. Going with a guide is recommended, though trails are well marked and maintained for those who prefer self-guided walks. The volcano's geothermal activity fuels another beloved pastime in the area, too: hot springs bathing. Travellers can sign up for a session at any number of facilities in the region to soak in the reported benefits of the naturally toasty, mineral-rich water.
Islands & other coastal treasures
Puntarenas province on the central western coast and Nicoya Peninsula is home to a lively namesake capital city. The town harbours a cruise ship port, fishing port and a wide, well-groomed beach called Punta de Arenas ("point of sand" in Spanish). This is a popular beach escape for Costa Ricans, as it's the closest resort area to San José. Stroll the Paseo de los Turistas beachfront promenade, stopping to dine at seafood restaurants, swim, sun or paddle a rented kayak around the calm waters.
Visitors can also hop on a ferry from Puntarenas to the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, where bioluminescent bays, beautiful beaches and relaxing resorts await. The region is home to a variety of islands that can be reached via boat tours. Uninhabited Tortuga Island is a top choice for such day trips, which include snorkeling, wildlife spotting (dolphins, rays and sea turtles, for example), traditional Costa Rican lunch and ample time on the secluded white-sand beaches.
The coastal area that stretches south of the city of Puntarenas to the mouth of the Barú River is known as the Central Pacific region. The tropical climate of the region fosters incredible biodiversity, and wildlife refuges are one of the top attractions here. Manuel Antonio National Park is the best known of several bio reserves in the region and protects a dozen islands that are favoured habitat for a variety of seabirds. Many visitors opt to explore the park by paddling through open ocean or mangroves. Look out for the abundant local wildlife—including monkeys, who may even hop onto your boat.
Beach lovers flock to the nearby town of Jaco, where ideal surf waves crash onto black-sand beaches. The town is home to lovely resorts, hotels and restaurants. It's also a launch point for a wide range of tours, from chocolate farms to guided ATV rides to scenic waterfalls.
Art & culture in San José
Costa Rica's capital city San José offers much more than the country's most frequented airport (SJO)—though the nonstop flights in from Montreal and Toronto are certainly worth noting. Setting aside time to explore Costa Rica's only metropolis (the next most populous city, Limón, has about one-fifth the population) at the beginning or end of your trip will add a significant dose of culture. Recommended experiences include visits to local museums covering themes from gold to jade to natural history; taking a culinary adventure through Barrio Escalante, the city's gastronomic hub; and catching a tour or show at the Teatro Nacional, the city's grandest building. On weekends, Plaza de la Cultura in the heart of San José lights up with an artisan market and live musical performances. Night owls will revel in the city's lively party scene, which includes everything from discos to LGBTQ hot spots to Irish pubs.
Rural villages & coffee farms
Outside San José, the Central Valley region is full of natural beauty and intriguing opportunities to explore Costa Rica's countryside. Adventure seekers can take a whitewater rafting excursion on the Pacuare River or hike through the San Gerardo de Dota forest to the Rio Savegre Waterfall. Keep watch for the iridescent feathers of a local VIP bird species—Resplendent Quetzals—along the way.
Venture into the Turrialba Valley for a taste of authentic local life—and locally produced cheeses. Yes, this area is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, which are produced in the foothills of another area attraction: the Turrialba Volcano, the second-largest in the country. Java fans will have a wide range of coffee experiences to choose from in the Central Valley—touring and tasting at small family farms, for example, or even visiting the sprawling Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks coffee farm and research facility.
Wetlands & bio-preserves
The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is a dream destination for eco-tourists, thanks to its richly bio-diverse nature preserves, accounting for 25% of its lands. Among these is Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica's largest nature reserve set on the Osa Peninsula, a place National Geographic has described as "the most biologically intense place on earth." The park is home to ocelots, pumas, tapirs, four different monkey species, hundreds of bird species and wide-ranging marine life. Visiting requires planning; you must reserve an entry permit at least 30 days in advance, and hiking must be done with an approved guide (a practice that bolsters your safety and the local economy)—but this small amount of advance planning will prove well worth it.
The South Pacific region is also home to a network of rivers, canals and lagoons that wind through mangrove forest. Known as the Terraba Sierpe wetlands, this birder's paradise is accessible via boat tours from Sierpe—a village that is also a haven for indigenous artifacts like pottery and stone spheres.
Whale & dolphin watching
Marine animal spotting is among the most exciting wildlife observation opportunities in the South Pacific Region. It's almost too perfect, but it's true: one of the best places to spot humpback whales is inside Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, where a sand and rock formation known as the "Whale's Tail" strikes an uncanny resemblance to the mammalian appendage at low tide. If you're visiting from December to March or from July to September, book a whale watching tour to maximize your chances of seeing migratory whales. True whale fans can time their visit to the annual Whale and Dolphin Festival held in the town of Uvita during the first few weeks of September. Concerts, exhibits, environmental and educational workshops are all part of the whale-themed celebrations.
Hidden gems on the east coast
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is less developed than the country's other tourist areas, which can be a beautiful thing. Beaches on the southern end of the coast—for example, in Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva—are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sunning, while Tortuguero National Park on the north side of the coast is a refuge for a variety of sea turtle species. Tides on the north end tend to be too rough for swimming, but hiking and paddling through a variety of ecosystems (rainforest, mangrove swamps and rivers, for example) in protected conservation areas are highlights.
The music, cuisine and atmosphere of the region reflect its unique Afro-Caribbean culture. Visit off-the radar beach towns like Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo to recharge and soak in the Pura Vida spirit.
Protected parks & scenic waterways
Hanging bridge in the treetops
Surfing in Jaco
Arenal Volcano
Mural in San José
San José
Teatro Nacional
Picking coffee seeds
Resplendent Quetzals
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
Humpback Whale
Whale's Tail in Marino Ballena National Park
Guanacaste & the northern Region | puntarenas & Central Pacific | the central valley | south pacific
Guanacaste & the northern Region | puntarenas & Central Pacific | the central valley | south pacific
Guanacaste & the northern Region | puntarenas & Central Pacific | the central valley | south pacific
Glorious Pacific Coast beaches
With its surf-ready shores and laid-back beach towns, Guanacaste in northwest Costa Rica is one of the most popular areas to visit. It's also the country's driest region, so good weather is usually in the forecast. The area's 249 kilometres of coastline encompass some of the best surf spots in the country, including Tamarindo, Nosara and Samara. Each of these towns teems with peaceful vibes and walkable attractions, including golden-sand beaches, surf schools and rental facilities, a wide variety of restaurants and bars plus boutique shops. There is no shortage of great places to stay, either—from beachfront bungalows to luxurious 5-star eco-hotels; from all-inclusive resorts to family-run B&Bs.
Guanacaste is easily accessible via flights into Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) airport from Calgary, Montreal or Toronto.
Volcanoes and hot springs
While Guanacaste is famous for its addictive beaches, many natural attractions draw travellers inland to explore the Northern Region. This area is a playground for quintessential Costa Rican adventures in nature. For example, walk hanging bridges slung high across the treetops; zipline across lush forested valleys; and hike to the famed La Fortuna waterfall. The Northern Region is also home to one of Costa Rica's most iconic landmarks—Arenal Volcano. This active volcano can be viewed via day or nighttime hikes through Arenal Volcano National Park. You can't hike to the summit—it's constantly producing lava—but you'll get a great view from the base. Going with a guide is recommended, though trails are well marked and maintained for those who prefer self-guided walks. The volcano's geothermal activity fuels another beloved pastime in the area, too: hot springs bathing. Travellers can sign up for a session at any number of facilities in the region to soak in the reported benefits of the naturally toasty, mineral-rich water.
Islands & other coastal treasures
Puntarenas province on the central western coast and Nicoya Peninsula is home to a lively namesake capital city. The town harbours a cruise ship port, fishing port and a wide, well-groomed beach called Punta de Arenas ("point of sand" in Spanish). This is a popular beach escape for Costa Ricans, as it's the closest resort area to San José. Stroll the Paseo de los Turistas beachfront promenade, stopping to dine at seafood restaurants, swim, sun or paddle a rented kayak around the calm waters.
Visitors can also hop on a ferry from Puntarenas to the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, where bioluminescent bays, beautiful beaches and relaxing resorts await. The region is home to a variety of islands that can be reached via boat tours. Uninhabited Tortuga Island is a top choice for such day trips, which include snorkeling, wildlife spotting (dolphins, rays and sea turtles, for example), traditional Costa Rican lunch and ample time on the secluded white-sand beaches.
Art & culture in San José
Costa Rica's capital city San José offers much more than the country's most frequented airport (SJO)—though the nonstop flights in from Montreal and Toronto are certainly worth noting. Setting aside time to explore Costa Rica's only metropolis (the next most populous city, Limón, has about one-fifth the population) at the beginning or end of your trip will add a significant dose of culture. Recommended experiences include visits to local museums covering themes from gold to jade to natural history; taking a culinary adventure through Barrio Escalante, the city's gastronomic hub; and catching a tour or show at the Teatro Nacional, the city's grandest building. On weekends, Plaza de la Cultura in the heart of San José lights up with an artisan market and live musical performances. Night owls will revel in the city's lively party scene, which includes everything from discos to LGBTQ hot spots to Irish pubs.
Rural villages & coffee farms
Outside San José, the Central Valley region is full of natural beauty and intriguing opportunities to explore Costa Rica's countryside. Adventure seekers can take a whitewater rafting excursion on the Pacuare River or hike through the San Gerardo de Dota forest to the Rio Savegre Waterfall. Keep watch for the iridescent feathers of a local VIP bird species—Resplendent Quetzals—along the way.
Venture into the Turrialba Valley for a taste of authentic local life—and locally produced cheeses. Yes, this area is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, which are produced in the foothills of another area attraction: the Turrialba Volcano, the second-largest in the country. Java fans will have a wide range of coffee experiences to choose from in the Central Valley—touring and tasting at small family farms, for example, or even visiting the sprawling Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks coffee farm and research facility.
Wetlands & bio-preserves
The South Pacific region of Costa Rica is a dream destination for eco-tourists, thanks to its richly bio-diverse nature preserves, accounting for 25% of its lands. Among these is Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica's largest nature reserve set on the Osa Peninsula, a place National Geographic has described as "the most biologically intense place on earth." The park is home to ocelots, pumas, tapirs, four different monkey species, hundreds of bird species and wide-ranging marine life. Visiting requires planning; you must reserve an entry permit at least 30 days in advance, and hiking must be done with an approved guide (a practice that bolsters your safety and the local economy)—but this small amount of advance planning will prove well worth it.
The South Pacific region is also home to a network of rivers, canals and lagoons that wind through mangrove forest. Known as the Terraba Sierpe wetlands, this birder's paradise is accessible via boat tours from Sierpe—a village that is also a haven for indigenous artifacts like pottery and stone spheres.
Whale & dolphin watching
Marine animal spotting is among the most exciting wildlife observation opportunities in the South Pacific Region. It's almost too perfect, but it's true: one of the best places to spot humpback whales is inside Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, where a sand and rock formation known as the "Whale's Tail" strikes an uncanny resemblance to the mammalian appendage at low tide. If you're visiting from December to March or from July to September, book a whale watching tour to maximize your chances of seeing migratory whales. True whale fans can time their visit to the annual Whale and Dolphin Festival held in the town of Uvita during the first few weeks of September. Concerts, exhibits, environmental and educational workshops are all part of the whale-themed celebrations.
Hidden gems on the east coast
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is less developed than the country's other tourist areas, which can be a beautiful thing. Beaches on the southern end of the coast—for example, in Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva—are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sunning, while Tortuguero National Park on the north side of the coast is a refuge for a variety of sea turtle species. Tides on the north end tend to be too rough for swimming, but hiking and paddling through a variety of ecosystems (rainforest, mangrove swamps and rivers, for example) in protected conservation areas are highlights.
The music, cuisine and atmosphere of the region reflect its unique Afro-Caribbean culture. Visit off-the radar beach towns like Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo to recharge and soak in the Pura Vida spirit.
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Manzanillo
Rafting the Pacuare River
Isla del Caño
Whale breaching in Puerto Jimenez
