Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Costa Rica

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small but quite developed country for Central America. You should go there not only for the incredible nature, fun holidays, safe walks, pirate treasures and beautiful architecture of the capital. You can come to Costa Rica for happiness! According to a 2012 study, Costa Rica has the happiest people in the world. They don’t have advanced technology, highways and huge skyscrapers. So what brings happiness?

Costa Rica has a pleasant climate. Many points in the country rise a thousand metres above sea level. There are also conditions for excellent surfing and beach holidays, both with children and with a noisy company.

A must-see in Costa Rica are the volcanoes. Not to go down into the crater of the Turrialba volcano and not to look at the magical fire show Arenal – means not to see the country, not to feel its breath. There are many national parks in Costa Rica. Some of them remain almost untouched, and in some of them, they say, even hidden treasures. It is also worth visiting a pirate island. Who knows, maybe you will be lucky enough to find the riches looted by robbers.

Top-24 Tourist Attractions in Costa Rica

San José

 0/5

The capital and largest city of Costa Rica. San José is located at an altitude of 1200 metres, surrounded by valleys and mountains. It is home to about half of the population of the entire country. The inhabitants of the city are friendly and sociable, the streets are quite clean, and the centre has beautiful pedestrian streets, parks, old buildings, museums and shopping centres. You can also buy real flavoured coffee in San Jose.

Arenal Volcano

 4.7/5

1248 reviews

It is Costa Rica’s youngest and most spectacular volcano. The last time a major eruption of Arenal was recorded in 2000. It has a height of 1657 metres, on its territory there is a national park of the same name and a lake. Now the volcano periodically produces small lava eruptions, which do not threaten the population in any way, but serve as a very spectacular show for tourists.

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

 4.6/5

19803 reviews

The park is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It was founded in 1972. Manuel Antonio covers just over 16 km², but despite this, it becomes a destination for 150,000 tourists every year. The park is known for its four beautiful beaches and hiking trails. It also has many tide pools suitable for snorkelling.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Cocos Island

 4.5/5

490 reviews

It is the largest uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean. It has an area of 24 square kilometres. It is located 600 kilometres off the west coast of Costa Rica. The island is famous for the legend that says that there is an incredible treasure hidden on it, which no one has found yet. The entire island is covered with wild jungle, with Mount Raundel-Con in the centre, and the coastal waters are lush with algae and sharks.

Lake Arenal

 4.7/5

646 reviews

It is the largest lake in Costa Rica. It is located 90 kilometres from San José. The lake has an area of 80 km². It reached this size after the construction of a hydroelectric dam in 1979. Depending on the season, the depth of the lake varies from 30 to 60 metres. The lake is surrounded by a beautiful rainforest, and between April and November thousands of tourists come to the lake to windsurf.

Turrialba Volcano

 4.7/5

213 reviews

It is an active volcano located 30 kilometres east of San José. Its highest peak is 3,340 metres high. It is the only volcano in the country into whose crater you can descend. There is a constant process of lava formation in it, which can be seen by tourists. The high peaks of the volcano offer amazing panoramas of the rainforest.

Guayabo District

 0/5

On the southern slope of Turrialba volcano is the archaeological site of Guayabo. Only a small part of it has been excavated so far, its size is 218 hectares. But already from it we can judge about the importance and level of development of the city. It was inhabited since 1000 BC, in 800 AD about 10 thousand people lived there, and in 1400 the city was abandoned. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of stone streets, aqueducts, and the foundations of wooden houses.

Parque Nacional Corcovado

 4.8/5

1104 reviews

The park is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, on the Osa Peninsula. It comprises 42500 hectares of almost untouched rain forest with incredible flora and fauna. The park’s nature consists of at least eight ecosystems. It is home to more than 500 species of trees and a variety of animals. The main attraction of Corcovado is the Salsipuedes Cave. According to legend, Francis Drake left his treasure there.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Irazú Volcano

 4.5/5

1382 reviews

It is a volcano that is located 31 kilometres from the town of Cartago. It is located at an altitude of 3,700 metres above sea level. In one of its craters there used to be a salt lake that changed colour from red to green, but after the earthquake it disappeared. But the volcano has not lost its beauty. It offers incredible views, and while climbing the volcano, you just have to take photos.

National Theater of Costa Rica

 4.8/5

6139 reviews

The theatre was begun in 1891 and opened in 1897. The money for the construction was found by coffee magnates: they imposed a tax on coffee exports. Thus, the national theatre became a symbol of economic prosperity of the state. The Paris Opera House was taken as a model for its construction. The theatre was built in Renaissance style and decorated with statues. The expensive interior was once damaged by an earthquake, but was rebuilt.

Open time

Poás Volcano

 4.4/5

804 reviews

The area of the volcano is a national park of Costa Rica. It was founded in 1971 and has an area of 65 km². The maximum height of the volcano is 2,700 metres. Poas has three craters, of which two are inactive. The crater of one of them is a picturesque ice lake. Its diameter is 360 metres. In the park you can find a variety of animals and plants. Among them are beautiful magnolias and orchids.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

 4.5/5

4644 reviews

It is one of the richest reserves in the tropical belt. It is located at an altitude of 1400 metres, so it is constantly shrouded in a misty haze. There are hotels for tourists within the park. Walking around Monteverde, you can see more than 400 species of orchids, 400 species of birds and 2500 species of plants. Among the activities in the park is rappelling. Wearing a safety harness, you can fly at a height of 40 metres and see the park from above.

Open time

Fortuna Waterfall

 4.7/5

6261 reviews

This picturesque waterfall is located in the Arenal National Park. The height from which the water falls is 70-75 metres. A path leads to the top, which can be climbed on foot or on horseback. There is also a lookout point, which offers an incredible view of the waterfall and the moss-covered rocks and canyon. The waterfall pool has cool water in which you can swim.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Isla Tortuga

 4.7/5

375 reviews

This is an island in the Caribbean Sea, famous for its legends of pirates. In the old days, this piece of land was home to generations of sea robbers. Pirates came here to repair ships, sell looted goods and jewellery, relax and have fun. Nowadays, the island attracts adventurous tourists.

Jaco Beach

 4.5/5

1489 reviews

The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It takes 1.5 hours to get there by car from San Jose. It is a youth resort, which attracts active and fun-loving tourists. Haco’s beaches have excellent surfing conditions, and a beginner can find a place here to learn how to stand on a board. Haco never sleeps at night. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants. Souvenirs are sold on every corner at low prices.

Open time

Parque Internacional La Amistad

 4.6/5

554 reviews

The park is located on the border of Costa Rica and Panama. It has a total area of more than 5,700 km², which are covered with picturesque tropical rainforests. It is the largest reserve in Central America. That said, the park is home to four indigenous Indian tribes. It is also home to the remains of human life from the 10th century BC.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

 4.7/5

2603 reviews

The museum is located in the capital of Costa Rica, near the Plaza de la Cultura. It displays gold jewellery and items created by the Indians. Some exhibits were created in the 5th century BC. A total of 2,000 gold pieces are shown in the museum. Among them are figurines, gold shields, and household items. But this is not all the heritage of the Indians, much of it was destroyed or melted down.

Open time

Monday: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM

Santa Rosa Sector Guanacaste Conservation Area

 4.6/5

168 reviews

It is an area in the north-west of Costa Rica that includes five parks. They have a total area of more than 1400 km². The national parks, protected by the state and UNESCO, are important natural complexes. They are not yet fully explored, but they surprise with rich fauna, flora and beautiful landscapes.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Santa Teresa Beach

 0/5

Santa Teresa Beach is called one of the most beautiful civilised beaches in Costa Rica. It has snow-white sand, clear water and all conditions for surfing. Those who want a quiet and peaceful holiday will find cute bungalows here, in restaurants on the beaches serve delicious food, and in the evenings there are no noisy discos. In the village near the beach you can find everything you need.

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles - Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels

 4.8/5

15703 reviews

After the earthquake, Cartago was destroyed. The only building that survived was the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. It is located in the central square of the city. Inside you can see the miraculous statue of the “Black Madonna”, admire the amazing stained glass windows and figures, which the basilica is decorated with all around the perimeter.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Braulio Carrillo National Park

 4.6/5

3487 reviews

The park was founded in 1978 and named in honour of the country’s president. Its area is about 44 thousand hectares. Most of the park is occupied by beautiful mountains densely covered with tropical forests. Also interesting are two extinct volcanoes. Due to the sharp differences in altitude, the park has a variety of flora and fauna. There are more than 600 species of trees alone.

Open time

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park

 4.7/5

566 reviews

This is not a waterfall promoted by travel agents and is much loved by the locals. From the car park to the water you will have to walk a few kilometres through the forest. But it is not too tiring route, because the surrounding nature is very beautiful. The waterfall falls with great force, forming a pool of very cold water. You can also catch tiny frogs in the waters of the waterfall.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Cavernas de Venado

 4.8/5

560 reviews

These are limestone caves that were created about 15-20 million years ago. Inside them, stalactites and stalagmites create an amazing interior. There are no lights or anything to entertain tourists inside the cave. There is water on the floor almost everywhere, so tourists feel like real explorers. You can wander around the narrow passages with a torch as much as you like.

Open time

Simón Bolívar Zoo and Botanical Garden

 3.9/5

2394 reviews

The zoo is located in the city of San José. It is the largest zoo in Costa Rica. It is home to many representatives of felines, there is a large serpentarium where they keep multi-coloured snakes. Many of them are poisonous. The main thing that the zoo can boast of is a huge collection of colourful parrots collected from all the forests of the country.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM