Why You Should Explore the Good Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Looking for good places to visit in Costa Rica? You’ll be amazed by the country’s variety: misty cloud forests, lava-spewing volcanoes, jungle rivers, exotic wildlife, and beaches that look straight out of a dream. Whether you’re here to unwind or go wild, Costa Rica offers an unforgettable mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
Let’s dive into 10 of the best and most good places to visit in Costa Rica.
1. Lago Cote 🌫️
Hidden in the northern highlands near Bijagua, Lago Cote is a circular, misty lake surrounded by forest and mystery. It’s considered a sacred site by Indigenous groups and has even been linked to Costa Rica’s most famous UFO sighting in 1971. But above all, it’s simply beautiful: quiet, still, and deeply serene.
What to do:
- Hike or bike around the lake on scenic trails
- Enjoy a peaceful picnic or yoga session at the lake’s edge
- Visit nearby Lago Arenal and Lago Danta for a full-day lake circuit
- Look for toucans, howler monkeys, and butterflies in the surrounding trees
- Visit Bijagua town and the lush foothills of Tenorio Volcano
Don’t miss: Early morning when the lake is still and covered in light fog — it’s pure magic for photographers, nature lovers, and mystics alike.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest 🌿
Monteverde feels like stepping into another world—clouds drift between trees, rare birds call overhead, and every path is wrapped in greenery.
Things to experience:
- Walk the famous hanging bridges at Selvatura or Sky Walk
- Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for guided hikes
- Spot the resplendent quetzal and hundreds of orchids
- Go ziplining through the mist
- Enjoy local coffee, chocolate, and cheese tours
Unmissable: Sunrise birdwatching or a night walk to see glowing fungi and nocturnal wildlife.
3. Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park 💧
A bright turquoise river flowing through the rainforest—Río Celeste looks like magic, and it kind of is. It’s one of the most surreal and good places to visit in Costa Rica.
What to do:
- Hike to the Río Celeste Waterfall (definitely Instagram-worthy!)
- Witness the color-change at Los Teñideros
- Spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans along the trail
- Relax in hot springs or natural pools nearby
- Go tubing down the river and enjoy the beauty of Río Celeste from a unique perspective
Don’t miss: The moment you arrive at the waterfall and see that electric blue water for the first time.
4. Manuel Antonio National Park 🐒
A favorite among beach lovers and wildlife fans, Manuel Antonio offers a perfect mix of white-sand beaches and jungle teeming with animals.
Highlights:
- Hike trails with ocean views
- Spot capuchin monkeys, sloths, and iguanas
- Swim and snorkel at Playa Manuel Antonio or Playa Espadilla
- Enjoy oceanfront dining in the town of Quepos
- Try a sunset catamaran tour with dolphin watching
Unmissable: A slow walk on the main trail — monkeys might join you!
5. Rancho Tabacón 🦬🍽️
Tucked away on a rural road not far from Caño Negro, Rancho Tabacón isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a full-blown fever dream of Costa Rican countryside charm, animal encounters, roadside oddities, and unforgettable food.
What to experience:
- Enjoy a massive open-air restaurant built entirely of wood, tin, and heart
- Eat next to koi ponds, turtles, and herons, all inside the dining area
- Visit the on-site “museum” — a sprawling maze of wooden barns and stables filled with… everything:
- Antique irons and televisions
- Indigenous artifacts and horse tack
- Airplane parts, skulls, and hundreds of horseshoes
- Get (safely) up close with emus, buffalo, exotic deer, and a 99-year-old crocodile
- Snap a photo on top of a gentle water buffalo and pet him after giving him a banana
Don’t miss: The fried plantain buñuelos — a dish so good, it might just become the reason you come back to Costa Rica.
6. Corcovado National Park 🦥
Remote, raw, and rich in life, Corcovado is one of the wildest places in the world — and a paradise for adventurers.
What to do:
- Hike to Sirena Ranger Station with a guide
- Spot tapirs, scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and maybe a jaguar
- Explore Drake Bay for diving and snorkeling
- Visit Cano Island for marine life galore
- Camp in the jungle or stay at an eco-lodge nearby
Unmissable: Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys in the deepest rainforest.
7. Guanacaste Beaches 🏖️
Golden sand, blue waves, and spectacular sunsets — Guanacaste is one of the best coastal areas and good places to visit in Costa Rica.
Popular beaches:
- Tamarindo: Surf, nightlife, and modern comforts
- Playa Conchal: Pink-tinted sand made of shells
- Nosara: Yoga, wellness, and chill vibes
- Playa Flamingo: Upscale resorts and calm waters
Don’t miss: Renting an ATV to explore secret beaches at golden hour.
8. San José & Central Valley 🏛️
The capital often gets skipped — but it’s worth at least a day or two, especially for culture and food lovers.
Things to explore:
- Visit the Gold, Jade, and National Museums
- Stroll through Barrio Escalante for the best cafes and restaurants
- Tour a working coffee plantation in the surrounding hills
- Explore colonial towns like Grecia and Sarchí nearby
- Take a day trip to Irazú Volcano
Unmissable: A fresh cup of Costa Rican coffee with city views at sunrise.
9. Cahuita & Puerto Viejo 🍍
These Caribbean gems offer something totally different — a laid-back Afro-Caribbean culture, lush jungle, and reggae vibes.
What to enjoy:
- Snorkel at Cahuita National Park’s coral reef
- Dance to live reggae in Puerto Viejo
- Try local food like rice & beans with coconut milk
- Surf at Playa Cocles
- Bike to Playa Chiquita or Punta Uva
Don’t miss: Watching the sunrise over the Caribbean while monkeys play overhead.
10. Rincón de la Vieja National Park 🔥
Often overlooked, this park is a geothermal wonderland full of bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and waterfalls.
What to do:
- Hike Las Pailas trail for volcanic activity
- Swim in La Cangreja or Oropendola waterfalls
- Ride horses or go tubing in Río Negro
- Explore caves and dry tropical forest trails
- Soak in volcanic hot springs
Unmissable: The feeling of floating down a wild jungle river on a tube.
👉 Book with Onca Tours
Final Thoughts: So Many Good Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Whether you crave epic adventure, peaceful nature, or cultural immersion, there are countless good places to visit in Costa Rica. Each destination offers a different flavor of the country’s famous pura vida lifestyle.
Take your time, travel slow, and let Costa Rica surprise you — one waterfall, monkey, or sunset at a time.
