Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking beauty, diverse wildlife, and friendly locals. With miles of coastline along the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, there are plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy.
From the capital city of San Jose to the jungles that make up nearly a quarter of the country, here are some of the best tourist spots in Costa Rica in 2023. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo Beach is renowned for its world-class waves, vibrant nightlife, and tropical beauty.
As you approach the shimmering waters and white sand of Tamarindo Beach, you can feel the salty sea air blowing through your hair. The town’s vibrant energy greets you, beckoning you to explore its many offerings.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a more affordable accommodation option, Tamarindo has something to offer every traveller. And with an array of restaurants, bars, and shops, you’ll always have things to do during your stay.
But the true beauty of Tamarindo lies in its natural surroundings. The tropical dry forest and nearby wetlands are home to abundant wildlife, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is a small coastal town located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, known for its great beaches, surfing, and party atmosphere.
Moreover, the town is bustling with activity every night, making it the most popular destination on the Caribbean coast. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation, there are many serene beach hotels in the area as well.
One must-visit attraction in the area is the Jaguar Rescue Center, where you can learn about wildlife conservation efforts and see various local species being rehabilitated before they are released back into the wild.
Pro Tip: Be sure to explore the nearby beaches, including Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita, for a more secluded and picturesque experience while visiting Puerto Viejo.
La Fortuna
This beautiful town in northern Costa Rica is home to many natural wonders, including the famous Arenal Volcano National Park and Lake Arenal.
As you arrive in La Fortuna, you’ll be greeted by the stunning Arenal Volcano, which is still active and creates natural hot springs out of the surrounding rivers.
Take some time to relax in one of the many luxurious spas that have harnessed these hot springs for your enjoyment.
But that’s not all! The surrounding cloud forest offers plenty of hiking opportunities, including the Cerro Chato hike that leads to a beautiful blue lake in an inactive volcano crater.
Pro Tip: It’s easy to drive from La Fortuna to San Jose, but if you’re flying into San Jose, most hotels will set up a shuttle for you.
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is renowned for its stunning beaches, surf breaks, and vibrant forests that attract surfers, yogis, and adventurers from all over the world.
This town offers some of the best surf in Costa Rica, with over six miles of beach breaks that cater to all levels, from beginner-friendly waves at Playa Hermosa to hollow point breaks of Mal Pais for advanced surfers.
Beyond surfing, Santa Teresa is also a buzzy nightlife spot, with international DJs often spotted around the New Year and Christmas seasons. Clubs like La Lora offer pumping disco sessions for that post-surf après sessions.
If you’re looking to connect with nature, explore the jungles behind the town, where the Montezuma Waterfall awaits. You can hike up the trails to discover plunge pools and gushing cataracts.
Parque Nacional Tortuguero
Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is a prime destination for those seeking to witness nesting sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Since the 1950s, conservation efforts have been in place to protect the green turtles that nest here, resulting in a population explosion to an impressive 50,000 nests laid each year.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to schedule it between May and October to catch the nesting season. Your guide will lead you to the nesting sites, where you’ll witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles laying their eggs.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! The surrounding canals and waterways offer incredible opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, and a vast array of birds.
Corcovado National Park
This remote park, located on the Osa Peninsula, protects the largest tract of primary forest on the American Pacific coast.
National Geographic has described it as “the most biologically intense place on earth” due to its incredibly diverse wildlife.
For wild life lovers, it’s worth the trip to see rare animals like tapirs, anteaters, coatis, scarlet macaws, poisonous snakes, squirrel monkeys, and sea turtles.
To get there, take a boat from Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez, then hit the trails to see the lush cloud forests, waterfalls, and groves of huge trees.
Wildlife spotting is best on the Sirena Trail, where coatis, pumas, wild pigs, and toucans can make an appearance.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the jaw-dropping point where the Corcovado jungles meet the Pacific Ocean, and go whale watching (August-November) or relax on the black-tinged sands of Carate Beach.
The National Theater in San Jose
As you walk around San José, you’ll notice the vibrant street art on the walls of buildings, telling stories of the city’s culture and history.
One of the most impressive buildings in San José is the National Theater, which is a source of pride for the Costa Rican people. It was built in the late 1800s with funds from a coffee export tax, and European artisans were brought in to design it.
The theater’s façade is a stunning example of classical Renaissance architecture, complete with statues representing Dance, Music, and Fame. Inside, you’ll find a pink marble foyer adorned with allegorical figures of Comedy and Tragedy and murals depicting scenes from Costa Rican life.
One particularly famous painting in the theater shows the process of coffee harvesting and export, painted by Arturo Fontana in Milan in 1897.
Pro Tip: Plan your transportation ahead of time and consider using a private shuttle service for a comfortable and efficient journey.
Arenal
Arenal is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Costa Rica. Sitting at 1,670 meters (5,480 feet) with a chance to see lava flowing down its slopes, it’s no wonder it’s such an important landmark in the country.
You can get up close and personal when you take part in activities like rafting or exploring La Fortuna Waterfall or other caves and canyons nearby.
However, when the sun begins to set across Lake Arenal, you can take some beautiful photos of your trip.
Hot springs are also nearby for an extra special adventure, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot some wildlife on a bird-watching tour. Keep your eyes peeled – who knows what surprises this area has in store?
Drake Bay
Drake Bay is located in the stunningly beautiful Osa Peninsula, drawing Costa Rica’s most adventurous visitors. This is the most remote area of the country, and with that, you get fewer people and more nature.
With over 5% of the world’s biodiversity in this area alone, you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of the most incredible wildlife sightings.
Most hotels offer guided tours for the best chance of spotting animals, and don’t forget to try scuba diving at Caño Island – the second-best spot for diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica!
To get here, you can take a bus or drive to Sierpe and then take a boat to Drake Bay, or you can take a flight from San Jose and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast.
Final Verdicts
There are so many amazing places to see in Costa Rica! Whether you’re interested in seeing turtles nesting or volcanoes up close, there’s sure to be a spot that piques your interest. So start planning your trip today—2023 will be here before you know it!