Costa Rica Travel Guide 2026
Source:
@World Wanderer
10 places on the map
Explore the map in the DocentPro app10 attractions in Costa Rica: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Plaza de la Cultura, and 7 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in a YouTube post by World Wanderer.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Nature preserve
4.5
The cloud forest reserves around Monteverde and Santa Elena are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Americas. The permanent mist, enormous tree ferns, orchids, and the resplendent quetzal make it a unique destination.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Place
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beach town near the Panamanian border on the less-visited Caribbean coast. It offers Afro-Caribbean food and music, sea turtle nesting beaches, and extraordinary canal wildlife.
Plaza de la Cultura
Park
4.4
Beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, this museum houses an extraordinary collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts. It's recommended to spend about two hours here on day one of a trip to San José.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
National park
4.6
Manuel Antonio National Park, located three hours south of San José near Quepos, is the most visited park in Costa Rica. It features white sand beaches, coral reefs, primary rainforest, and abundant wildlife, including four monkey species and two sloth species.
Parque Nacional Corcovado
National park
4.8
Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is described by National Geographic as the 'most biologically intense place on Earth.' It is home to all four Costa Rican monkey species, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and possible jaguar sightings. Advance reservations and a certified guide are required by law.
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
National park
4.6
The Arenal Volcano area is the most visited inland destination in Costa Rica, dominating the landscape on clear days. The slopes are covered in primary rainforest that harbors sloths, toucans, coatis, and howler monkeys.
Fortuna Waterfall
Landmark
4.7
The La Fortuna Waterfall hike involves a 500-step descent to a 70-meter waterfall with a swim-pool at its base. It is a rewarding activity for visitors to the La Fortuna area.
Nicoya Peninsula
Natural feature
4.7
The Nicoya Peninsula, located to the north, offers a different Pacific experience compared to Manuel Antonio. Its roads are partially unpaved and require a 4x4 vehicle for access.
La Fortuna
Place
Lake Arenal offers wildlife boat tours and is roughly four to five hours from La Fortuna by road. It provides a scenic and interesting alternative travel route via boat and Jeep.
SODA El Turnito
Restaurant
4.8
Soda El Turnito is a typical family-run "soda" restaurant, identifiable by its plastic chairs and handwritten menu, serving traditional Costa Rican food. Here, you can enjoy authentic local dishes like casado at significantly lower prices than tourist restaurants.
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More featured places in Costa Rica
18 Attractions in Costa Rica
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Don Juan Tours Monteverde, Manuel Antonio Beach
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders And Adventure Parks
Fortuna Waterfall, Rainforest Adventures Jaco, Quebrada Gata
Costa Rican Nature and Adventure Destinations
Fortuna Waterfall, Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges, Jaco Beach
Costa Rican Sloth Havens
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Corcovado
Costa Rican Nature Reserves and Beaches
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero