Costa Rica

Volcanoes, cloud forests and sloths: the world's model for nature travel.

US travel advisory: Level 2 · checked 2026-11-02

Photo: Haakon S. Krohn · CC BY-SA 3.0

This is a first draft of the Costa Rica list. The full region guide is being written, and tiers may still change.

The Short List

Must-See

Nature · Cloud forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Hanging bridges through misty forest, with quetzals and zip lines.

Guide Coming Soon

Must-See

Nature · Volcanoes

Arenal and La Fortuna

A perfect volcano cone above hot springs, a waterfall and a lake.

Guide Coming Soon

Must-See

Beaches · Beaches

Manuel Antonio

Monkeys and sloths right behind a beautiful beach.

Guide Coming Soon

Must-See

Nature · Rainforest

Corcovado and the Osa Peninsula

Among the most biodiverse places on Earth, where guides are required.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Nature · Sea turtles

Tortuguero

Jungle canals and nesting green turtles, reached only by boat or plane.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Nature · Waterfalls

Río Celeste and Tenorio

A startling sky-blue river and waterfall.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Beaches · Beaches

Guanacaste Beaches

Dry-forest coast, with Tamarindo's surf, Nosara's yoga and Santa Teresa nearby.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

Nature · Volcanoes

Poás and Irazú Volcanoes

Two easy-to-reach crater views, near the capital. Reservations and closures vary.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

Beaches · Afro-Caribbean culture

Cahuita and Puerto Viejo

The relaxed Caribbean coast, with a distinct Afro-Caribbean culture.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

Nature · UNESCO

Cocos Island

A remote, liveaboard-only island famous for schools of hammerhead sharks.

Guide Coming Soon

On the Map

Grey pins: guides still being written.