There are few other places in the world where you can start your day traipsing through the jungle and end beachside with a cocktail in your hand. That’s the magic of Costa Rica. The country’s diverse landscape of jungle rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and rivers means you have an endless list of great Costa Rica places to visit.
With all your options, deciding where to go can be the hardest part. Many travelers choose three to four destinations to visit in a 7-10 day period depending on what they want to do and see, finding a good balance of adrenaline fueled activities and relaxing on the beach. It’s up to you and how you want to spend your Costa Rica vacation.
Here are a few of the must-see Costa Rica destinations you should have at the top of your list. Our favorites are Arenal Volcano National Park, Osa Peninsula and Guanacaste’s many white sand beaches.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Standing at 5,437 feet, Arenal Volcano is a staggering landmark and majestic backdrop of Costa Rica’s wilderness. The volcano’s fascinating history has shaped the landscape around it. Arenal Volcano is a stratovolcano- a symmetrical, cone shaped, large volcano built upon layers of rock, ash and lava. Up until July 2010, Arenal erupted consistently, pouring smoke, gas and lava down the sides in a spectacular geologic display on an almost daily basis. Though it’s currently in an indefinite resting phase (scientists say it’s still alive) Arenal Volcano has been the country’s most active volcano over the last 43 years. Though you won’t see volcanic activity today, even when quiet, Arenal Volcano is still an imposing and beautiful sight.
Surrounding the giant volcano is Arenal National Park. Arenal National park protects both Arenal Volcano and the dormant nearby Chato Volcano. While it’s the most famous, Arenal and Chato aren’t the only volcanoes Costa Rica offers- the country has six active volcanoes and sixty dormant or extinct volcanoes in within its borders.
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most well-known spots and visitors love the gorgeous scenery, sounds and activities. The park begins near Lake Arenal and has hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs, canopy tours, canyoneering adventures, white water rafting and more. Lake Arenal is another popular attraction of the park- with over 33 square miles and a depth up to 200 feet, Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest landlocked body of water, the perfect destination for windsurfing, fishing and boating.
The hot springs and thermal pools lure thousands of visitors to Arenal every year. The most well-known thermal pool is the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort. Just outside the park, an explosion of hot water parks and “springs” has been built, pumping water from a volcanically heated underground aquifer.
The weather in Arenal National Park is typical of the tropical rainforest climate. Nearly 16 feet falls on Arenal yearly. You can expect rain at any time of the year, but the wettest months are June – October.
Osa Peninsula
In a country that isn’t that tame to begin with, Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s wild side. If you want to get off the beaten path and experience the wild jungles of Costa Rica, Osa Peninsula is the place to go. The Osa Peninsula has emerged as one of the premier eco-tourism destinations in the country. Located on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula is one of the country’s most remote destinations and the pristine rainforest covered peninsula has been hailed by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Bound by Drake Bay, the Pacific Ocean and Gulfo Dulce, the peninsula’s stunning, undisturbed scenery teeming wildlife and secluded resources means you’re truly in the wild.
Osa Peninsula is accessible by boat or airstrip in Drake Bay. Named for Sir Francis Drake who first discovered the bay when he circumnavigated the globe, many visitors stay at Drake Bay. Two of Osa Peninsula’s main attractions are Corcovado National Park and Cano Island Biological Reserve. There visitors can explore forest trails weaving through waterfalls, rivers and tide pools.
Corcovado National Park is often referred to as the Amazon of Costa Rica. The national park has the largest expanse of lowland tropical rainforest in Central America and is also one of the tallest rainforests in the world. The vast rainforest shelters Costa Rica’s largest remaining population of jaguars and tapirs, the highly endangered giant anteater, scarlet macaw and harpy eagle among others. Visits to Corcovado are only permitted with licensed guides, so make sure to plan in advance. The best way to visit Corcovado is through the town of Puerto Jimenez. An expansive network of trails starts from Puerto Jimenez and there’s a ranger station for more information on hiking and camping Corcovado National Park.
Former gold mining villages show visitors glimpses of rural Tico life and many locals still pan for gold in the streams. Though vastly improved, many areas of Osa remain off the grid, but the rewards for tackling the roads, hiking trails and river crossings to this remote biological gem are worth it.
Guanacaste Beaches
Guanacaste’s sun kissed coastline and world class surfing make Guanacaste province a true beach lover’s paradise. The internationally renowned beaches flanked by national parks and protected reserves means visitors are treated to a unique combination of beach paradise and natural wild treasure. From bustling Playa Tamarindo and Playa Grande to Playa Conchal and Playa Avellanes, there are a plethora of tropical paradises to explore.
On the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste province borders Nicaragua in northwestern Costa Rica. More rugged than Costa Rica’s Caribbean beaches, Guanacaste’s rainforests in many areas just directly up against the sand in a rugged nature wonderland creating a jaw dropping coastline.
At Grande Vacation Rentals, we go beyond managing vacation rental properties- we can assist with every aspect of your vacation. We’re not only business owners, we’re locals, having lived here for over 10 years. We have the local expertise and knowledge to help you make your vacation into life long lasting memories.