Costa Rica Travel Guide: 15 BEST Things to do in Costa Rica (& Places to Visit)

in this video we'll explore some of the top places to visit in Costa Rica from the capital city of San Jose to the wildlife Ridge Manuel Antonio and the famous arena volcano we've got you covered we'll also dive into the lesser-known gems of the country like the secluded corcovado National Park and the breathtaking Rio Celeste waterfall number 15. San Jose this friendly capital city is clean and welcoming with a mix of old and new architecture and with so many things to see and do you'll never get bored one of the must-see attractions in San Jose is the national museum of Costa Rica this museum is packed with exhibits on the history culture and natural history of the country and it's a great way to learn about all the amazing things Costa Rica has to offer but the museum isn't the only thing worth checking out there's also Plaza de la Cultura which is home to beautiful architecture and several museums or if you want to see some colorful markets head over to the Central Market and if you're a fan of nature don't miss the Botanical Gardens at La sabana Park they're absolutely gorgeous and of course no trip to San Jose would be complete without trying some delicious Costa Rican Cuisine the city is home to a ton of great restaurants so you'll have plenty of options to choose from and if you're interested in history don't miss the gold Museum which contains displays of pre-columbian gold and other Treasures number 14. Manuel Antonio located on the Pacific coast Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters there are also plenty of amazing hiking trails to explore as well as secluded coves and Bays where you can escape the crowds and let's talk about the wildlife Manuel Antonio National Park is home to a wide variety of animals including three different types of monkeys that are just dying to meet you you might also spot sloths cotimundis and a host of colorful birds flitting about it's like a real life version of the movie Madagascar except it's even better because it's real but the fun doesn't stop when you leave the park the nearby town of Manuel Antonio is also a great place to check out there are tons of hotels restaurants and Retail options to choose from as well as a beach that's perfect for surfing or just lounging around trust us you won't be disappointed by a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park it's the ultimate Costa Rican Adventure number 13 Arena volcano Arena volcano is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica and it's not hard to see why this active volcano stands at over 5 000 feet tall and is known for its Ash columns and if you're lucky blowing lava but even if you don't get to see any lava there's still plenty to do in the area the National Park is home to Great hiking trails stunning sunset views over the lake caving and canoeing opportunities and Famous Hot Springs and if that's not enough there's also the awesome La Fortuna waterfall the visit you can take a hike to the base of the waterfall where you can swim in the Crystal Clear Pool at its base or you can take a guided tour and repel down the falls for an even more thrilling experience the arena Volcano National Park is also known for its biodiversity with around half of all Costa Rican birds reptiles amphibians and mammals represented within its boundaries and if you want to get up close and personal with the volcano you can stay at the arena Observatory Lodge which is located on a macadamia nut farm on the south side of the volcano from there you can enjoy excellent views of the volcano and Arena Lake as well as a hike on the many trails in the area number 12 Monte Verde cloud forest the Monteverde cloud forest in Costa Rica is a mystical and mysterious destination that'll leave you feeling like you've stepped into another world located on the Continental Divide this Lush and green Paradise is home to an array of rare and exotic creatures including the elusive quetzel bird with over 2 hundred fifty thousand visitors each year it's no surprise that Monte Verde is one of the largest eco-tourism hubs in the country but the magic doesn't stop there the entire area is blanketed in clouds providing the moisture necessary to sustain the unique and diverse habitats found within and speaking of diversity the multiverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to an array of animals including howling monkeys colorful frogs and even Jaguars if you're lucky enough to spot one and if you're in the mood for some Adventure the Monte Verde cloud forest has got you covered zipline through the tree canopy or explore the sky bridges for a bird's eye view of this magical place or if you'd rather keep your feet on the ground there are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore number 11 totuero National Park get ready to go wild in the totuero National Park Costa Rica's version of the Amazon rainforest this 77 000 acre Paradise is home to an array of rivers canals and jungle and is especially known for its large population of sea turtles in fact the park is considered the birthplace of sea turtle conservation and it's estimated that around 50 000 nests are laid each year the best time to see the turtles in action is during the nesting season from May to October but there's plenty of other Wildlife to see all year round take a Canal cruise or go hiking and keep an eye out for monkeys sloths kinkajous peccaries tapers and more but the real highlight is definitely the turtle safaris where you can witness these incredible creatures up close as they lay their eggs on the beach just don't forget to bring a guide and maybe a flashlight too number 10. crocodile Bridge crocodile Bridge is a popular tourist destination located on the targolis river the bridge is known for its large population of crocodiles which can often be seen basking in the sun on the banks of the river or swimming in the water below the crocodiles at crocodile Bridge are American crocodiles which are native to the region the bridge is a popular spot for tourists to stop and take photographs of the crocodiles and there are often local vendors selling souvenirs and snacks nearby number 9. Tamarindo Tamarindo is the ultimate Beach town for those who want a little bit of everything on their vacation located on the Northern nikoya Peninsula this bustling town is known for its beautiful beaches epic Surf and Lively nightlife whether you're a seasoned Surfer or a beginner there's something for everyone in Tamarindo from the shifting sandbars of the esteto river to the Mellow Point Break at that Capitan suizo when you're not riding the waves you can explore the surrounding tropical dry forest and wetlands home to a variety of amazing Wildlife or if you're in the mood to party there are tons of restaurants bars and pubs to choose from and if you're feeling adventurous head to the Marino Las Vegas National Park to see thousands of nesting leatherback sea turtles between October and March with its laid-back local culture and endless things to do Tamarindo is the perfect place to relax and have a good time number eight uvita uvita is known for its whale watching opportunities the town is situated near the Marino bayena National Park which is home to a number of different species of whales and dolphins the most common species of whales that can be seen in the area are humpback whales which migrate to the area to mate and give birth whale watching season in ovita typically runs from late December to early April and during this time it is possible to see whales from the shore or by taking a boat tour many tour companies in the area offer whale watching tours and it's also possible to hire a local guide to take you out on the Water by the way if you want to learn how to save money on airfares then click the link in the description below this guide will teach you how to always get the cheapest flights number 7. cocovado National Park if you're looking for a secluded Paradise teeming with biodiversity look no further than corcovado National Park the largest and most rugged National Park in Costa Rica nestled on the remote Osa Peninsula in Southwestern Costa Rica this park covers a whopping 164 square miles and is home to an array of stunning Wildlife including tapers anteaters kawadis scarlet macaws venomous snakes and squirrel monkeys it's been described by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on Earth for its dense and diverse jungle you'll need to make a bit of an effort to get there but trust us it's worth it the reward for your journey is deserted beaches tons of exotic animals great hiking and plenty of marine life the best way to get there is by boat via Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez and once you arrive there are plenty of trails to explore hike through the Lush Cloud forests and past gushing waterfalls on the Los pathos Trek or take a stroll through Groves of purple heart and mahogany trees on the San padrio Trail for a true Costa Rican Safari experience hit the well traffic to Sirena Trail where you might spot kawadis Pumas wild pigs and toucans and when you're ready for a break from the jungle head to the stunning Pacific Coast versus whale watching or spend a day on the deserted karate Beach number 6. kawita this Tiny Town located just an hour north of Puerto Viejo is all about relaxation there's just one bar in town that gets Lively sometimes but for the most part people just sit around and read or chill out with some local food after a day of hiking animal spotting swimming or surfing the region is known for its afro-caribbean influences which you can experience in the food and local culture and let's not forget about the nearby kawita National Park a stunning Coastal park with rainforest and amazing snorkeling opportunities in the crystal clear turquoise Waters it's a great place for hikers and snorkelers alike with pads that Echo with the calls of howler monkeys and coral reefs teaming with sea cucumbers and Santa raise number five sarocheripo cero cheripo is Costa Rica's highest peak and the centerpiece of the cheripo National Park which is known for its incredible biodiversity and a range of medium and high altitude habitats to reach the summit hikers can expect to embark on a strenuous two or three day Journey covering about 25 miles and an elevation gain of about 12 500 feet the hike begins beneath the canopy of the Montana Forest before transitioning to the unique talamancan paramo a mountainous grassland home to rare flora and fauna on a clear day those who make it to the top are rewarded with breathtaking views of both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts along the way hikers May spot stunning Kettle birds and endangered monkey species number four Rio Celeste located in the tenorrio Volcano National Park the Rio Celeste is a stunning waterfall known for its bright blue color the unique Hue of the water is caused by a chemical reaction between the minerals in the river and the sunlight creating a truly otherworldly site you can take a hike to the base of the waterfall where you can swim in the Crystal Clear Pool at its base or you could take a guided tour and learn more about the unique geology of the area either way the Rio Celeste is a must-see destination for any nature lover number three Santa Teresa welcome to Santa Teresa the laid-back coastal town at the bottom of the nikoya peninsula this Surfer Paradise is known for its beautiful beaches excellent Surf and relaxed atmosphere in town you'll find a mix of hostels surf shops yoga studios and eateries all set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean many people end up staying in Santa Teresa for weeks or even months at a time due to the chill Vibe and abundance of natural wonders in the area including white sand beaches vibrant forests and warm waves while Santa Teresa is a true intermediate mecca for Surfers with Ray regular rippable A-frame waves throughout the summer it's also a great spot for beginners and non-surfers alike in addition to hitting the waves you can enjoy the town's Buzzy nightlife including International DJs and pumping disco clubs and if you're feeling adventurous take a hike into the jungle to discover the Montezuma waterfall and its plunge pools and gushing cataracts number two Diamante Echo Adventure Park ready for an adventure head to Diamante Echo Adventure park where you can spot a variety of animals in their natural habitat including monkeys sloths Jaguars and pumas on-site biologists are there to answer any questions you might have and care for the non-releasable animals you can also walk through a butterfly enclosure and see if one of these gentle colorful creatures will land on you feeling daring the Park's zipline courses are some of the best in Costa Rica and the Superman course is a must do jump off the top of a mountain and ZIP down one mile towards the ocean head first if you you want to spend all day at the park get a day pass with lunch and explore at your own pace prefer to learn about Costa Rican culture and biodiversity sign up for the cultural experience tour where friendly guides will teach you about Tico life food and culture while showcasing the local plants no matter what you choose Diamante Echo Adventure Park has something for everyone number 1. Irazu Volcano National Park nestled in the center of Costa Rica Irazu volcano is the tallest active volcano in the country standing at over 11 000 feet it's accessible via a road that leads to the summit from the top you'll be treated to a lunar-like landscape with craters and a pyroclastic cone formed from fragmented volcanic rock the principal crater is a whopping 3 400 feet in diameter and one thousand feet deep while the Diego de la Aya crater has a small lime green Lake that sometimes appears red there are also two small craters one of which contains a lake on clear days you can see both the Pacific and Caribbean from the summit erazu Volcano National Park established in 1965 is home to this impressive volcano as well as Hot Springs waterfalls and Crater Lakes the park covers 22 square miles and boasts a variety of Landscapes including rainforest cloud forest haramo and lava Fields it's a popular tourist destination and known for its spectacular eruptions the most recent of which occurred just 20 years ago so if you're up for a unique adventure and want to see one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes add eat Azu to your list click here for more places to visit in Central America foreign [Music]

Channel: Before You Go

Views: 130,259

Keywords: central america, things to do in Costa Rica, Places to Visit in Costa Rica, costa rica travel guide, costa rica attractions, costa rica bucket list, what to see in costa rica, Irazu Volcano, Diamante Eco Adventure Park, Santa Teresa, Rio Celeste, Cerro Chirripo, Cahuita, Corcovado National Park, Uvita, Tamarindo, Crocodile Bridge, Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, San José

Id: D6b5zcDqvf4

Length: 14min 50sec (890 seconds)

Published: Mon Jan 30 2023