Places to visit in Costa Rica

One of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, where a perfectly conical volcano rises above rainforest, wildlife-rich reserves, hot springs and adventure-filled landscapes. From Arenal Volcano to cloud forest, hanging bridges and rushing rivers, this is Costa Rica at its most classic – and Arenal Volcano holidays remain some of the country’s most memorable.

Volcanic-sand beaches, dense tropical rainforest, banana plantations and wildlife-filled waterways create a completely different atmosphere from the country’s Pacific shores on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. From the canals of Tortuguero National Park to laid-back Caribbean beach communities, this stretch of Caribbean Coast Costa Rica offers exceptional wildlife encounters and rich Afro-Caribbean culture.

Monteverde holidays offer the chance to explore one of Costa Rica’s richest cloud forests, where mist drifts through moss-covered trees and orchids thrive amongst abundant wildlife. Famous for its atmospheric scenery and spring-like climate, Monteverde is also one of the best places in Central America to spot the resplendent quetzal.

Costa Rica’s laid-back Pacific paradise, where long stretches of golden sand, hidden bays and coastal villages create the perfect beach escape. Separated from much of the country by the Gulf of Nicoya and Guanacaste’s dry ranching landscapes, the Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica keeps largely to itself, offering a peaceful, authentic side of the country.

Rainforest-clad hills tumble down to the Pacific Ocean and wildlife thrives in protected reserves across one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Remote, wild and wonderfully unspoilt, Osa Peninsula Costa Rica offers extraordinary opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and encounter some of Central America’s rarest species.

Rolling surf, golden sands, tropical forests and wildlife-rich national parks combine along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast to create one of Central America’s most rewarding beach destinations. Stretching between the Nicoya and Osa Peninsulas, this stretch of Pacific Coast Costa Rica offers a real balance of relaxation, adventure and nature.

The cultural and geographical heart of Costa Rica, where volcanic landscapes, coffee plantations, fertile valleys and historic towns surround the country’s busy capital. Central Highlands Costa Rica holidays and San José city break itineraries both tend to start here, combining culture, nature, cuisine and easy access to many of the country’s highlights.

Cloud forests, rushing rivers, mist-covered valleys and extraordinary birdlife make this one of Costa Rica’s most rewarding mountain wildernesses. Nestled on the Pacific slopes of the continental divide, Savegre Valley Costa Rica and the Chirripó foothills offer some of the country’s finest hiking, birdwatching and wildlife experiences, away from the main tourist trail.