Places that tell the country’s story.
Discover our selection of must-see places in Costa Rica and find inspiration for your next journey. Nature, culture, history and unforgettable landscapes await at every destination.
Culture & history
ABANGARES MINING ECOMUSEUM
The Abangares Mining Ecomuseum is a historic and cultural site located in La Sierra, Abangares, Guanacaste. It preserves the memory of the area’s former gold mining activity, especially the legacy of the Abangares Gold Fields company …
Parks & nature
ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Arenal Volcano National Park protects one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable volcanoes, along with forests, old lava flows, viewpoints and areas of high natural value. It is located near La Fortuna and is part of the Arenal Huetar Nort…
Parks & nature
BARBILLA NATIONAL PARK
Barbilla National Park is a protected area in Costa Rica’s Caribbean region, within La Amistad Caribe Conservation Area. It protects tropical rainforest, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and areas of high ecological and cultural importan…
Parks & nature
BARRA DEL COLORADO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Barra del Colorado National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean region, within the Tortuguero Conservation Area. It protects canals, rivers, lagoons, wetlands, flooded forests, Caribbean coastl…
Churches
BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is Costa Rica’s main Catholic shrine and one of the country’s most important religious sites. It is dedicated to the Virgin of the Angels, Costa Rica’s patron saint, popularly known as “La Negrit…
Parks & nature
BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK
Braulio Carrillo National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Costa Rica’s central region. It is located in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and protects very humid tropical forests, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, wildlif…
Parks & nature
CABO BLANCO ABSOLUTE NATURAL RESERVE
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most important protected areas. It was created in 1963 and is considered the country’s first protected area established for conservation purposes. It protects tropical dry an…
Parks & nature
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
Cahuita National Park is one of the best-known protected areas in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean. It protects beaches, tropical rainforest, coral reef, mangroves and wildlife. It is ideal for walking coastal trails, watching animals …
Parks & nature
CAÑO NEGRO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Caño Negro Mixed National Wildlife Refuge is one of Costa Rica’s most important wetland areas. It is located in the northern region, near Los Chiles, and protects lagoons, marshes, channels, flooded forest and the Frío River. It is es…
Culture & history
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The Children’s Museum is an interactive museum located in the former Central Penitentiary building in San José, now part of the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture. Known as the “Castle of Dreams,” it offers educational rooms wh…
Parks & nature
CHIRRIPÓ NATIONAL PARK
Cerro Chirripó is the highest point in Costa Rica, at 3,820 meters above sea level. It is part of Chirripó National Park and one of the country’s most important hiking destinations. The trail crosses montane forest, páramo, high-altit…
Beaches
COSTA BALLENA
Costa Ballena is a tourism region on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, mainly stretching between Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal. Its name means “Whale Coast” and it is associated with humpback whale migration, Marino Ballena National Pa…
Places
COSTA RICA NATIONAL STADIUM
Costa Rica’s National Stadium, currently commercially known as INS Estadio, is the country’s main sports and event venue. It is located inside La Sabana Metropolitan Park in San José and hosts football matches, athletics competitions,…
Culture & history
COSTA RICAN MUSEUM OF ART
The Costa Rican Museum of Art, known as MAC, is one of the main institutions dedicated to national art in Costa Rica. It is located in the former La Sabana International Airport terminal building, inside La Sabana Metropolitan Park in…
Culture & history
FINCA 6 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND MUSEUM
Finca 6 Archaeological Site and Museum is located in Palmar Sur de Osa, on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. It is one of the archaeological sites with pre-Columbian stone spheres in the Diquís Delta, declared a UNESCO World Heritage …
Parks & nature
GANDOCA-MANZANILLO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the most important natural areas in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean. It combines tropical rainforest, beaches, reefs, wetlands, mangroves and marine-coastal ecosystems. It is…
Parks & nature
GOLFITO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Golfito National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located around the town of Golfito, in Golfo Dulce. It protects tropical rainforest, streams, water sources, nature trails and an important biological connection with Piedras Blanca…
Parks & nature
GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK
Guanacaste National Park is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects an important natural connection between tropical dry forest, cloud forest and volcanic areas near the Guanacaste Mountain …
Beaches
HERRARDURA BEACH
Herradura is a coastal community on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, in the canton of Garabito, Puntarenas. It is known for Playa Herradura, a calm horseshoe-shaped bay, and for its proximity to Jacó, Los Sueños Resort & Marina and sever…
Parks & nature
IRAZÚ VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Irazú Volcano National Park protects Costa Rica’s highest active volcano, located in Cartago within the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. It is known for its craters, volcanic landscapes, cool mountain climate and wide views that, on c…
Beaches
JACO BEACH
Jacó Beach is one of Costa Rica’s best-known beaches on the Central Pacific coast. It is an active tourist destination with surf, restaurants, bars, hotels, shops, tours and nearby services. Its dark-sand beach and consistent waves ma…
Places
LA FORTUNA
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s main tourist destinations and the gateway to the Arenal Volcano area. It is known for hot springs, waterfalls, trails, adventure tours, hanging bridges, rafting, canopy tours, wildlife and volcano vie…
Culture & history
LA SALLE NATURAL SCIENCES MUSEUM
La Salle Natural Sciences Museum is one of the most complete natural history museums in Costa Rica. It is located in Sabana Sur, San José, and has a large collection of species, fossils, skeletons, insects, birds, reptiles, mammals, f…
Beaches
MANUEL ANTONIO & QUEPOS
Manuel Antonio and Quepos form one of the most visited destinations on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. Quepos works as the urban and service hub, with a marina, shops, restaurants, tours and transportation; Manuel Antonio is the c…
Parks & nature
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic nature reserves. It protects a cloud forest ecosystem with high biodiversity, well-marked trails, constant mist, dense vegetation, orchids, birds and iconic species su…
Culture & history
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF COSTA RICA
The National Museum of Costa Rica is located in the former Bellavista Barracks in downtown San José. It is one of the country’s most important museums, bringing together history, archaeology, heritage, art, nature and national memory.…
Parks & nature
PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK
National park located in the lower Tempisque River basin, in Guanacaste. It is one of Costa Rica’s most important wetland areas and a prime site for watching aquatic, migratory and resident birds. The park protects mangroves, marshes,…
Parks & nature
PARQUE NACIONAL CARARA
Carara National Park is located between the cantons of Turrubares and Garabito, in the transition zone between the dry forest of the North Pacific and the humid forest of the South Pacific. It is one of the best places in Costa Rica t…
Parks & nature
PARQUE NACIONAL CORCOVADO
Corcovado National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most important protected areas and one of the country’s most biodiverse places. It is located on the Osa Peninsula and protects tropical rainforest, beaches, rivers, mangroves, lagoons an…
Parks & nature
PARQUE NACIONAL LOS QUETZALES
Los Quetzales National Park protects cloud forests, highland oak forests, páramo and water sources in the upper Savegre River basin. It is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see quetzals, along with other mountain birds, highland…
Beaches
PLAYA COCLES
Playa Cocles is one of the best-known beaches in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean, located near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. It is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, light sand, tropical vegetation and good surf conditions. The area com…
Beaches
PLAYAS DEL COCO & HERMOSA
Playas del Coco is one of the best-known coastal towns in the Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste. It is a tourist destination with a beach, nearby marina, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, water tours and active nightlife. It also works well…
Parks & nature
POÁS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Poás Volcano National Park protects one of Costa Rica’s most visited active volcanoes. Its main attraction is the main crater, reached by a short trail from the visitor center. The park also includes cloud forest areas, highland veget…
Culture & history
PRE-COLUMBIAN GOLD MUSEUM
The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is part of the Central Bank Museums of Costa Rica and is located beneath Plaza de la Cultura in downtown San José. Its exhibition features gold, ceramics, stone objects and other archaeological pieces tha…
Towns & markets
PUERTO LIMÓN
Puerto Limón is the main city on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and one of the country’s most important port areas. It has a strong Afro-Caribbean identity, railway history, urban architecture, local cuisine and connections to destinati…
Beaches
PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is one of the best-known destinations in Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean. It is a coastal town with a strong Afro-Caribbean identity, relaxed atmosphere, local cuisine, surf, nightlife, nature and easy access…
Parks & nature
RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK
National park located within the Guanacaste Conservation Area, around Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. It protects tropical dry forest, humid forest, volcanic activity, rivers, waterfalls, trails and a wide variety of wildlife. It is one o…
Parks & nature
RÍO CELESTE
Río Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural attractions, located inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. It is known for the intense sky-blue color of its waters, created by a natural mineral reaction at the area called Los T…
Towns & markets
SAN JOSÉ CENTRAL MARKET
San José Central Market is one of Costa Rica’s most important historic markets. Founded in 1880, it occupies a full city block in the capital’s downtown area and has been declared Cultural Heritage. It is a traditional place to experi…
Parks & nature
SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK
Santa Rosa National Park is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area and is one of Costa Rica’s most important natural and historical sites. It protects tropical dry forest, beaches, wildlife and the historic Santa Rosa Sector, home t…
Beaches
SANTA TERESA
Santa Teresa is a beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula, in the Cóbano district of Puntarenas. It is known for long beaches, consistent surf, a relaxed atmosphere, yoga, restaurants, boutique lodging and an active international community…
Places
SARCHÍ
Sarchí is one of Costa Rica’s best-known artisan towns, located in the province of Alajuela. It is famous for the making and painting of traditional oxcarts, wooden furniture and local crafts. It is known as the “Cradle of Costa Rican…
Beaches
TAMARINDO
Tamarindo is one of Guanacaste’s best-known beach destinations. It combines beach, surf, restaurants, nightlife, tours, shops and easy access to Las Baulas National Marine Park. It is a practical base for travelers looking for a beach…
Culture & history
TEATRO NACIONAL DE COSTA RICA
The National Theatre of Costa Rica is one of the country’s most important historic and cultural buildings. Opened in 1897, it is known for its architecture, interior decoration, paintings, sculptures and heritage value. In addition to…
Parks & nature
TENORIO VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Tenorio Volcano National Park is a protected area within the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area. It is best known for Río Celeste, its waterfall, Los Teñideros and rainforest trails. The river’s sky-blue color is created by a natural …
Parks & nature
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Tortuguero National Park is one of the most important protected areas in Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean region. It protects canals, lagoons, rivers, wetlands, tropical rainforest and sea turtle nesting beaches. It is famous for boat …
Parks & nature
TURRIALBA VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Turrialba Volcano National Park protects one of Costa Rica’s most important active volcanoes, located in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range in Cartago. The park offers volcanic landscapes, craters, mountain views, highland forest and…