15 Places to Visit in Costa Rica
#14 Sarchi
This village is known for beautiful handcrafted furniture. Just a short drive from San Jose, it's well worth the trip to pick up some incredible keepsakes.
Related Content
►
View All From This Gallery
15:
Sloth Sanctuary
Visit these adorable little creatures that are in rehabilitation. They are happy to hug you tight and it's easy to spend a full afternoon with them.
14:
Sarchi
This village is known for beautiful handcrafted furniture. Just a short drive from San Jose, it's well worth the trip to pick up some incredible keepsakes.
13:
Liberia
This Pacific city is only a short drive from the beach, but is an attraction in itself. Visit in February to take part in "Civicas Fiestas" where you can actually try your luck with a bull in the ring!
12:
Jaco Beach
This sleepy surf town is between the capital city and Manuel Antonio. Famous surfing competitions take place here and it is much more suited to a younger crowd. Check out "Los Amigos" restaurant for some killer fare like the stuffed avocado shells and aptly named "big ass smoothies."
11:
Irazu Volcano
This volcano is located on the outskirts of San Jose and unlike Arenal you can go right to the rim! Look down into the green crater for an experience like no other. No hiking is required - you can drive right to the top.
10:
La Paz Waterfall
La Fortuna is a quaint little town with massive natural beauty. You can swim in La Paz waterfall's warm waters. Bonus points for taking a horseback ride to get there.
9:
Arenal Volcano
Only two hours from San Jose, this used to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It became dormant in 2009. Take a guided hike around the base to learn about its fascinating history.
8:
San Jose
There's a 50/50 chance you'll fly into San Jose, but don't head to the beaches so quickly! The capital has plenty to offer including a happening nightclub scene and the best (and cheapest) shopping for local swag at the National Street Market. Take a tour of the National Theater or one of the many museums.
7:
Puerto Viejo
A trip to this laid back Caribbean village is a must. Infused with an Afro Caribbean vibe, the sea food is delicious and the tiny town is the epitome of quaint. More locals speak English here than on the Pacific side.
6:
The Butterfly Farm in Alajuela
Costa Rica is also known for its extensive species of butterflies. Visit TBF to see thousands of butterflies in a natural environment. With so many cocoons hatching, it's guaranteed a few butterflies will still be drying their wings when you arrive.
5:
Britt Coffee Plantation
Costa Rica is known for gourmet cafe, so why not check out the source? Britt offers guided tours and no shortage of samples from chocolates to cofffee. The buffet lunch is sublime. Make sure to fill out your form before the tour for a chance to win free coffee at the end. And volunteer at the "cupping session" for free swag!
4:
Rio Celeste
No, this picture isn't photoshopped. Sulfur makes this gorgeous waterfall literally glow a turquoise blue. Visitors feel like they've been transported into a fairy tale.
3:
Venado Caves
Sure, CR is known for jungles and beaches but how about something a little off the beaten trails? The Venado Caves were under sea level for 15 - 30 million years and just recently became accessible. Claustrophobes and arachnophobes need not apply.
2:
Nicoya Peninsula
This is one of the few "blue zones" in the world where people on average live more than 100 years. A favorite yogi retreat, you don't need to have mastered downward dog to take advantage of the tranquility and gorgeous vistas.
1:
Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica's smallest national park along the Pacific coast packs over 90% of Central America's biodiversity in a few hundred acres. Plan to spot sloths, monkeys, vipers, and iguanas (and don't forget to pack the bathing suit for the gorgeous beaches).
