Places to discover

Best places to visit in Costa Rica

Going on holiday to Costa Rica, a corridor between North and South America, is making the choice to have an ethical and environmentally friendly holiday in the country of 'green gold'. Almost 5 times smaller than the UK, Costa Rica has very different landscapes on its two coasts (Caribbean and Pacific), several volcanoes and 34 national parks (a third of its land).

However, you must prepare your itinerary carefully because the country is obstructed with mountain ranges, the roads are often bad and travelling can be quite expensive. It's better to optimise your travelling and focus on its main interesting sites. For this, you can count on the Evaneos Travel experts. They will tell you their favourite places in the Switzerland of Central America.

A trip to Costa Rica always starts in San José, a capital city often criticised but very welcoming and culturally rich. A particular feature of the country are the lodges harmoniously integrated into nature in the plains and mountains of the North of the country. Stay close to the Arenal Volcano National Park in La Fortuna, reach new heights in the Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde with the canopy tour or be amazed by the celestial blue of the Park Tenorio river.

On the Caribbean coast, it's absolutely necessary to go around on the canoes in the Tortuguero National Park and to see the turtles laying eggs on the beach. Cahuita National Park, the Jamaican village Puerto Viejo, as well as the Bribri communities of the Talamanca canton will seduce interested travellers who want to relax in the sun.

On the Pacific coast, the Manuel Antonio Park is a must-see with family due to its splendid beach and its friendly wildlife. Surfers will find their happiness on the unrelenting sea nearby whilst adventurers will enjoy walking in the Corcovado Park on the Osa Peninsula.

Tortuguero National Park

A National Park situated on the Carribean coast and probably one of the most humid places on earth. EndFragment

Arenal Volcano National Park

The volcano with five craters, an iconic Costa Rican landmark and a must see for all nature lovers.

Volcán Tenorio

Over there where the emerald green and the blue of the sky meet.

Nicoya

Nicoya is a large peninsula in the north west of Costa Rica that is famous for its surf beaches. It's one of the most touristy parts of the country.

Manzanillo

The village of Manzanillo is on the doorstep of the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, on the border with Panama. Between unspoilt beaches and jungle, you'll love the tranquility of this little, lost corner of paradise.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park is worth going to see, and the hordes of tourists there, which can seem off-putting before arriving at the site, are fairly well managed.

Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is located on the 50 km long Osa Peninsula, which extends out into the Pacific Ocean.

Puerto Viejo

The ideal place to get both away from it all and out into a natural green environment, and in an environmentally friendly manner. In short, Puerto Viejo is one destination in Costa Rica where you can enjoy the very definition of a relaxing, peaceful holiday.

Turrialba

Turrialba is an active composite volcano in Costa Rica, situated in the central province of the same name, and Irazu's neighbor.

Cantón de Talamanca

The Cordillera Talamanca stretches along the south of Costa Rica. It's the highest mountain range in Costa Rica. The mountains, which run along the border with Panama, protect a natural reserve known for its rich biodiversity.

Poas

An active volcano that is 2,047 meters high and one of the most visited sites of Costa Rica.

Playa Samara

The beach on the Nicoya Peninsula is protected by a coral reef, which makes it an ideal spot for budding surfers and/or for paddling and splashing around in the water.

Monteverde Reserve

Monteverde is a sanctuary of greenery lying at the very heart of the country and offers a change from the beach and its coconut palms. The weather can be a factor however … hence the name "cloud forest".

Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

The Rincon de la Vieja is a Costa Rican volcano, situated in the Guanacaste district in the north west of the country.

Rio Paquare

The Rio Pacuare flows for roughly 100 kilometers from Talamanca to Siquirres, passing through tropical jungle along the way. The river is known for its rapids and, as a consequence, the rafting and kayaking that takes place on it.