The 5 best areas of Costa Rica to visit for first timers.
Trekking through the rainforests of Costa Rica is surreal… It is a whole new world, a beautiful world!
However, surfing on the Pacific Ocean is equally fun.
So where are the best areas of Costa Rica to visit?
Following my adventure around Costa Rica, I have included my five favourite places, including some photos, and the best things to do.
There is no doubt that the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is beautiful and charming, however, for a first timer to Pura Vida land, you can’t beat the Pacific side.
There is something special about the world’s largest ocean!
Depending on your length of stay in Costa Rica, you may, or may not have time to fit them all in one trip.
The capital is a great place to start!
The sun setting behind Arenal Volcano.
In no particular order the best areas of Costa Rica from my personal experience are:
La Fortuna.
Tamarindo.
Montezuma
Manuel Antonio.
San Jose.
A hispanic style church in Costa Rica.
San Jose.
It might not have the abundance of nature of La Fortuna, or the world class surfing waves of Tamarindo, however, San Jose is a great city to give you an insight into the culture of Costa Rica.
There is a very hispanic feel to the capital.
With most tourists only passing through briefly, San Jose maintains its distinct culture, even if it does have the reputation of being rough around the edges, it is still awesome to experience.
To experience the culture during a day in the capital, you can explore the local markets, and sample some local cuisine in one of the iconic soda restaurants.
Train tracks running through the centre of San Jose.
My favourite activity in the capital.
Wandering around a new city with no plan is always a great way to find hidden spots.
When doing this, I stumbled across the ‘city of colours’ area of the capital, which is an place dedicated to artists’ work, which manifests through street art, bright colours, and quirky statues.
I found the art to have a range of themes, from the wildlife and nature of Costa Rica, to political messaging
City of Colours is located very central in the city, so you won’t have any trouble finding it.
Costa Rica flag flying high and proud in the capital.
San Jose is the best city in Costa Rica to visit if you want to learn about its rich history, dating back to the late 18th century.
I recommend two museums, which provide detailed information.
National Museum of Costa Rica.
The museum is located in the ‘Bellavista Fortress’, which was built in the late 19th century.
Through the various displays that trace the evolution of Costa Rican society, I learned about the early indigenous cultures, right through to the colonial period, and modern times.
I found it interesting to explore the underground tunnel system, originally designed for the country’s defence.
This unique feature adds an unexpected historical layer, showcasing how the site transitioned from military use to a cultural institution.
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.
This museum features an extensive collection of gold artefacts that reflect the region’s indigenous cultures.
The museum is uniquely located beneath the ‘Plaza de la Cultura’, which provides a distinctive architectural experience. I found the Museum’s exterior had awesome aesthetics.
Daily life in the local markets.
How long do you need in San Jose?
For a deep dive into the capital, including a trip to the famous museums, the local markets, and several of the cafes, restaurants, and bars, two days is generally enough time.
You can add an extra day if you want to visit a nearby coffee plantation, along with Poás Volcano or Irazú Volcano.
An awesome tour in San Jose:
Small Group Cultural Walking Tour in San Jose.
I enjoyed this 4 hour walking tour, as we learned about the different landmarks as we explored.
I chose this tour, as it is 5/5 rated on Viator, and covered a mixture of historical buildings, parks, and a stop for a local coffee.
Enrique made our morning tour special with a great depth of knowledge and a fun way of teaching. I also met several like minded solo travellers which was an unexpected bonus.
La Fortuna.
The Alajuela province is considered the best region of Costa Rica to visit for many first timers, with a combination of rainforests, volcanos, and waterfalls giving tourists a glimpse of the nation’s beautiful nature.
La Fortuna ticks every box for visitors, with the small jungle town offering many fun activities, picture-perfect settings, and the famous Arenal Volcano Park.
The jungle town is also very lively in the evening, with many themed bars and restaurants offering visitors a taste of Costa Rica.
Posing in front of Arenal Volcano.
An iconic waterfall deep in the jungle.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast you will fall in love with La Fortuna, as there is so much to explore.
La Fortuna Waterfall is an iconic nature spot in Costa Rica, which should be one of the first places you go and visit.
Visitors are allowed to swim at these waterfalls, so it is very common for tourists to spend a whole morning on site.
Finding the waterfall is simple, but not easy, with a $20 entrance fee, and 500 steps to tackle beforehand!
La Fortuna Waterfall.
Two free fun activities.
Costa Rica is expensive to visit now, so you want to make sure that you are filling your travel itineraries up with a mixture of paid and free activities.
As the nature is so vast in this region of Costa Rica, natural beauty spots have been formed, which locals and tourists alike are taking full advantage of.
The El Salto Swimming Hole is an awesome spot just outside of the town, to sit back and chill out next to some waterfalls, and deep fresh water pool.
Many afternoons are spent at El Salto by visitors cooling down, and trying to get used to the humid conditions. I loved having a go of the Tarzan swing on site, even though it is scary for some.
As the sun sets you can head over Rio Chollin, which is round a ten minute drive from LA Fortuna, to experience the free geothermal pools.
The nearby volcanoes have created these natural phenomena in the area.
We enjoyed chilling in the darkness watching fireflies light up the rainforest.
An Epic Rainforest Tour:
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park from La Fortuna.
The highlight of my whole time in Costa Rica was walking high above the rainforest at Mistico Park. It is a perspective which shows the true scale of nature in the La Fortuna area.
On our tour, our guide Chris went above and beyond to make sure we saw loads of wildlife in its natural habitat. He really is an expert of the forest environment, and has eagle eyes, spotting the smallest of creatures from a distance.
You are best off going on an official tour, as binoculars and telescopes are provided, which along with the local’s expert knowledge, is a great introduction into Costa Rican forest life.
Chris and his 'eagle eyes'.
Walking high above the forest.
Is La Fortuna better than Monteverde?
Both destinations are thought to be the best places to visit in Costa Rica for biodiversity, so it is difficult to choose between the two.
You will find the cloud forest reserve in Monteverde to be unique to the higher altitude, but this also means it is cooler in temperatures.
La Fortuna is warmer and higher in humidity, which offers a more tropical experience, perfect for those seeking lush rainforests, hot springs, and views of the iconic Arenal Volcano.
If you are planning the best places to travel in Costa Rica, then you should definitely have one of these locations in your travel itinerary.
The best time to visit La Fortuna.
The dry season, which runs from December to April is the best time for warm temperatures and minimal rain, which is ideal for outdoor activities in and around Arenal Volcano Park.
All adventure tours, such as zip-lining, canyoning, and wildlife spotting, are in full swing, with clear skies providing better views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest.
It will be busier and more expensive at this time of year though, so if crowds aren’t your thing, a visit in the shoulder seasons of May and November are a good plan.
Tamarindo.
Tamarindo offers visitors something which the Caribbean coast cannot, incredible Pacific sunsets every night.
Tamarindo offers visitors more than just breathtaking Pacific sunsets though, it’s a cultural hub, with a vast array of international influences.
You’ll find a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants serving everything from traditional Costa Rican dishes to global cuisines. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, sushi, or fusion dishes, Tamarindo offers something nice.
In addition to its rich food culture, Tamarindo is also a hotspot for adventure seekers. The town is known for its world-class surfing, drawing both beginners and seasoned pros to its shores. Beyond the waves, visitors can explore the nearby jungles, go zip-lining, or take part in wildlife tours to spot monkeys, turtles, and exotic birds.
I found that Tamarindo provided the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure!
Sunset in Tamarindo.
Touring the estuary.
Tamarindo is situated by a vast estuary, where the tranquil river waters meet the ocean water, creating a unique environment, where certain creatures thrive.
The fascinating estuary tour takes visitors around the inlet, to observe the rich biodiversity of the region, including crocodiles, monkeys, rare birds, and tall mangroves.
Although the tour is on the pricey side, it offers a different perspective into the thriving nature in Costa Rica.
Enjoying the Tamarindo estuary tour.
Some Pacific fun.
Tamarindo offers a wide range of activities on the Pacific, from adventure sports like surfing, snorkelling, and fishing, to more relaxed experiences like sunset cruises and turtle watching.
As a newbie to surfing, I found the coastal town to be the perfect location to try the sport for the first time. There are different areas of the beach to suit different abilities with water sports.
A picture perfect setting on Tamarindo beach.
After my adrenaline filled days in Tamarindo, I enjoyed exploring the town's lively streets filled with local shops, beachside cafes, and restaurants, where I tried some local Costa Rican cuisine.
Whether you are sitting with an ice cold beer in one of the popular beach bars, or taking a leisurely stroll along the coast, the beautiful sun dropping below the Pacific will make you smile.
The mixture of locals and international visitors from all over the world creates a unique atmosphere in and around the bars.
Surfing in Tamarindo
One of the best ways to make the most of your time by the Pacific Ocean is surfing on it.
I loved my private surfing lesson with Luca.
My two hour lesson started by selecting a board and putting a rash guard on, before heading to the beach for fundamentals.
After receiving a short introduction and practicing popping up on the board, we headed out to the Pacific.
I then spent around 90 minutes surfing, and I managed to successfully ride some waves.
I found the professionalism of this tour made my introduction to the sport to be a thoroughly enjoyable one.
I definitely felt some of that Pura Vida magic!
Start of my surfing lesson.
Montezuma.
If you want the best of both worlds in Costa Rica, both nature and the Pacific coastline, then heading down to the Nicoya Peninsula to visit Montezuma is an awesome option.
The quirky little coastal town has exactly what visitors are looking for in a trip to Costa Rica, with an abundance of outdoor activities, throughout the rainforests, canopy, and ocean.
Montezuma is much quieter than La Fortuna and Tamarindo, therefore, offers a completely different vibe, appealing to tourists seeking a more laid-back, bohemian atmosphere.
Street art in Montezuma.
If you are thinking where to go in Costa Rica to avoid tourists, then this is the best choice on the list.
With its unspoiled beaches, secluded waterfalls, and artistic community, Montezuma is perfect for those looking to enjoy a slower, more tranquil experience immersed in nature.
Most of the people who I met during my time in the town were either living there, or on a longer style trip.
I literally had the beach to myself when I was hiking along the coast.
The perfect spot for some solitude time in nature!
Jungle meets the Pacific in Montezuma.
Another rewarding hike.
My favourite thing to do in Montezuma was to complete the hike to Montezuma waterfalls
A challenging one hour walk along the river was worth it when I arrived at the 80 metre high waterfall. As I did, most visitors head to the waterfalls without a travel guide, which makes it more of an adventure.
Although tricky, there are markers to guide you along the way.
Swimming in the freshwater with the surrounding rainforest was a unique experience, and I spent well over an hour enjoying the moment.
The beautiful bottom cascade at Montezuma waterfalls.
Live the good life, like the locals.
The first thing I noticed when I arrived in the bohemian beach town of Montezuma was the slower pace of life.
Nature and the Pacific offer a huge dose of natural therapy all day long.
Just sitting in one of the quirky garden cafes listening to the sounds of the rainforest, and the Pacific waves crashing against the shore is relaxing.
I will never forget the loud howls from the monkeys as the sun was rising every day.
One of the many quirky garden cafes in Montezuma.
An awesome Montezuma hotel right in the rainforest.
Staying in my own private bungalow on the foot of the forest was incredible.
It had awesome air-conditioning, privacy and a very powerful shower, so was definitely one of the top hotels in Costa Rica.
The hotel’s location very close to the centre of the town was very beneficial for my explorations, and getting picked up to head back to San Jose.
Be warned though, you will hear and see howler monkeys!
I saw one peering through my window early in the morning, and they acted as an alarm clock for me every morning.
This is why I love Costa Rica so much!
Manuel Antonio National Park.
Despite being small in size, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular Costa Rica vacation spots.
It is a fantastic place to spot sloths!
Both the two-toed and three-toed sloths can be seen hanging out in the trees, but although I only encountered the more common two-toed sloth in the park, it was one of my best travel experiences.
The biodiversity in Manuel Antonio is home to about 3% of Costa Rica's total biodiversity, despite its small size.
This percentage is significant given that Costa Rica itself is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting around 5% of the world's species.
I learned this awesome fact about Costa Rica on my office tour of the park.
From my personal experience, the abundance of flora and fauna in Manuel Antonio, makes it the best part of Costa Rica to visit with family.
A beautiful birdseye perspective of Manuel Antonio.
The infrastructure of the park also makes it one of the top places to visit Costa Rica.
A visitor centre with many information boards, and helpful staff, along with well-maintained hiking trails, and world class tour guides, make it an absolute pleasure to explore Manuel Antonio.
Although the green season (rainy season), between May and November is often thought of as the worst time to visit Costa Rica, it is when the lush greenery is most abundant in the forests.
You do have to plan accordingly, as you can see in the photos, you will experience many different weather patches as you explore.
Foggy conditions in the forest.
I was torn between recommending Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio, however, the stunning beaches in the coastal National Park just edge it for me!
The sunsets are awesome, and the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins adds an interesting dynamic.
As I have mentioned several times, there is something about the Pacific coast!
The sun is back out.
The best wildlife tour in Manuel Antonio.
Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Tour.
No Costa Rica travel experience is complete without spotting some rare wildlife, and this tour delivers every time!
I opted for this tour as it is rated 4.8/5 from over 400 reviews in Viator, proving it is an established tour.
Some of the rarest wildlife in Central America lives in Manuel Antonio home, and this guided tour gives visitors a rare insight into their habitats.
Our guide ‘Alex’ was awesome in finding secret spots in the forest, which allowed us to see frogs, sloths, monkeys, and some colourful birds.
Which is my favourite spot in Costa Rica?
I have discussed the best places to travel in Costa Rica above, however, my favourite individual spot in the country, and favourite Instagram location is Rio Celeste Waterfall.
Tenorio National Park is one of the cool places to visit in Costa Rica, with some challenging hikes, rare wildlife, and the sky-blue coloured Rio Celeste Waterfall.
I took this fun day tour from La Fortuna, which included transport to and from my hotel, a knowledgeable guide, and plenty of time to admire the magnificent natural beauty spot.
The one-hour hike each way in humid conditions was worth it when we were rewarded with these views!
The unique Rio Celeste waterfall.
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