Costa Rica Landmarks

1)  Monteverde Reserve

Costa Rican residents voted this lush cloud forest as one of the country’s seven wonders in 2007, and for good reason since National Geographic named it "the jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves.” The park boasts 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity as well as one-third of the orchid species found in the entire country.

2)  Manuel Antonio National Park

Named by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful parks in 2011, Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast boasts pristine beaches, hiking trails suitable for all levels, and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife.

3)  Arenal Volcano

Located in the northern part of the country, no visit to Costa Rica is complete without seeing this majestically picturesque volcano. Although it’s currently in a resting phase, the volcano is considered one of the most active in Central America.

4)  La Fortuna Waterfall 

Translated as “the fortune” in Spanish, La Fortuna is a 200-foot waterfall that descends from atop a giant rocky cliff into cool turquoise waters. Visitors can swim, hike or take a leisurely picnic while they admire the lush scenery.

5)  Isla Tortuga

While traveling to this deserted island off the southeastern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula is a considerable schlep as it’s accessible by boat only, visitors will be rewarded by white sand beaches and crystalline waters. Divers can explore diverse marine wildlife as well as three sunken ships off the coast of this tiny island.

6)  Bajos del Toro Waterfall

This 300-foot waterfall—one of Costa Rica’s tallest and easily the most dramatic—is tucked in a valley between the Poás and Rincon de la Vieja Volcanoes.  

7)  Natural Cabo Blanco Reserve 

This national park proudly highlights Costa Rica’s longstanding commitment to ecological conservation as it was established in 1963. This far-flung nature reserve is a bit off the beaten path due to its location at the southernmost tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.

8)  Poas Volcano

This 8,886-foot active volcano has erupted 40 times since 1828, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2017. This natural wonder is one of Costa Rica’s largest and most active volcanoes.

9)  Pre-Colombian Gold Museum

Should one need a break from hiking and sunbathing on the beach, head to the Museo del Oro Precolombino in San Jose. This museum houses an expansive collection of Costa Rica's most priceless pieces of pre-Colombian gold and other artifacts, including historical currency and contemporary regional art.

10)  Celeste River

Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, this river is famous for its distinctive turquoise-colored waters. Visitors can traverse along the park’s hanging bridges as well as bathe in the natural hot springs.

11)  Cocos Island

This island off the northwestern Pacific coast is designated as a national park where only Costa Rican park rangers are allowed to live; otherwise, no settlements allowed. Divers can glimpse hammerhead sharks, dolphins, rays and a host of other marine wildlife off the island shores.

12)  Cerro Chirripó

Standing at an elevation of 12,533 feet above sea level, this is Costa Rica’s highest mountain as well as home to significant areas of the Talamancan and Páramo forests. On clear days, hikers are treated to panoramic views of the entire country from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast. All visitors must purchase entrance permits in advance.

13)  National Theater

Teatro Nacional, in Costa Rica’s thriving metropolitan capital of San Jose, was opened in 1897 to host performing arts for the expanding upper class. The theater is worth visiting alone for its luxurious marble interior and neoclassical architecture, but performing arts lovers can also get extremely reasonably-priced tickets to see ballet, opera, or orchestral performances.

14)  Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

This small coastal town on the Caribbean coast was relatively isolated from the rest of Costa Rica until the late 1970s. The reggae-infused laidback vibes tend to attract backpackers and surfers.

15)  Tamarindo

This Pacific coastal village is especially popular among international tourists as it boasts several picturesque beaches, nightlife, adventure sports, boutique shopping and art galleries among its main boulevard.

16)  Pacuare River

Thrill-seekers and wildlife lovers alike can enjoy white-water rafting the top-rated Pacuare River, which offers both beautiful views and exciting rapids to navigate. The river runs alongside the breathtaking Talamanca Mountain Range and is home to a vast array of exotic wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, parrots and jaguars.

17)  Diamante Superman Canopy Zip Line

This ziplining adventure in the Guanacaste province offers the unique opportunity to fly completely horizontally above the region’s tropical dry forests.

18)  Feria Verde de Aranjuez

This organic farmers’ market is popular among San Jose’s crunchiest and more artistically-inclined. Bring some extra colones for wares such as coffee beans, artisanal chocolate, organic produce and even locally handmade jewelry and accessories.

19)  Jaco

This small yet bustling beach town tends to attract younger travelers who prefer to surf by day and party by night. Jaco beach is ideal for beginning surfers—particularly at low tide—as there are a variety of surf rental shops and lessons available throughout town.

20)  Rio Negro Hot Springs

Located within Rincon de la Vieja National Park, these hot springs are naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Bathers can access about 10 natural spring pools via hanging bridges throughout the forest.

21)  Osa Peninsula

This unparalleled rainforest destination was named one of “the most biologically intense places on earth” by National Geographic in 2019. The peninsula offers seemingly untouched scenery, secluded beaches and abundant wildlife to observe.

22)  Doka Coffee Plantation

This family-owned coffee plantation is an easy day trip from San Jose. Coffee enthusiasts can take a guided tour of the grounds and sample a freshly-made cup. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for your own chorreador, or Costa Rican coffee maker.

23)  Mercado Central

Translated as “central market,” one could spend an entire afternoon perusing the variety of stalls in this open-air market in San Jose’s lively city center.

24)  Tortuguero National Park

 During the green sea turtle nesting season between June and October, eco-tourists head to this park to witness tens of thousands of turtles who return to the dark sandy beaches to lay their eggs. With roughly 20,000 green turtles nesting in the locale each year, Costa Rica lays claim to the largest colony of nesting green turtles in the world.

25)  San Jose de Orosi Church

This colonial-era church is the main attraction of small-town Orosi in the province of Cartago. The church—Costa Rica’s oldest—was originally built in 1743 and has since been restored.