I remember when the first time I arrived to San Jose airport in Costa Rica and went to the border control. The customs officer looked at me, smiled and said Welcome to Costa Rica, Pura Vida. I was not aware that I found my dream wanderlust!
Pura Vida literally means pure life, but for Ticos, it means much more. This popular phrase is used everywhere in Costa Rica to say hello, goodbye, for greetings and thanks: Hola, Pura vida! Muchas Gracias, Pura vida! Hasta luego, Pura vida! Como estas? Pura vida!
It is a daily reminder that life is good, generous and pure. Costa Rica is often considered as the happiest country in the World, for a reason!
Moreover, Costa Rica is known as the second most environmentally sustainable country in the World, as it uses over 99% renewable energy. For people living here the greatest richness is the Nature.
I visited Costa Rica 2 times, in the last few years. And this country, makes me speechless every time. Here is a list of my top 10 best places in Costa Rica, you don’t want to miss!
1. Monteverde
Oh, Monteverde! I still remember the misty and magical atmosphere of this green oasis! It’s renowned for its combination of cloud forests and lush mountains It is absolute wild paradise, known as one of top ecotourism areas in Costa Rica.
When it comes to outdoor activities and attractions, it has no equal. From night hikes, walks across the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, zip lines, a jungle horse riding, a bungee jumping to coffee plantations, butterfly gardens and much more!
If you want to avoid the crowds, go to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. You can experience something really unique and unforgettable. It is one of those places in the World that feel like undiscovered land, where you just taking the first steps.
2. Tortuguero
Undoubtedly, the place should be placed on your list ”best places in Costa Rica”. Tortuguero is one of the Costa Rica’s most incredible destinations. Most visitors visit Tortuguero for one important attraction – turtles. The Tortuguero black sand beach is home to thousands of nesting sea turtles like green sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle and loggerhead sea turle. The nesting period starts from March to October. Book a night turtle watching tour and see it on your own eye!
Remember that you can do it only with a trained and professional guide. Also, keep in mind that turtles are very sensitive animals, especially during the laying time. Disruption at night may derange them from laying their eggs.
Moreover, the National Park Tortuguero offers long, tranquil canals go across the tropical rain forest. To experience the best of it, try to do it by water. There are lots of places around the town where you can rent canoes and kayaks with a guide.
3. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo is a little town located on the Caribbean cost in the southeast part of Costa Rica. Known as a land of colorful houses, reggae music, white sand beaches, yoga retreats, good vibes and chill atmosphere. Puerto Viejo is a melting pot of Afro-Carribean, Latino and Bribri indigenous cultures.
With a wide range of surfing classes, snorkeling, diving and horse riding, it has become a very popular spot for backpackers. There is also a great option for volunteering, in a place such as Jaguar Rescue Center.
4. Cahuita
The place where the jungle meets the sea! Cahuita is a charming carribean town set 45km away from Limon. It is a place to relax, go local and feel the laid-back vibes. Just 5 minutes walk from downtown, explore the Parque National Cahuita, where are located some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The trails go across the lush rain forest full of sloths, different species of monkeys, snakes, lizards and beautiful birds.
5. Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Pacific side, close to Quepos town. It is one of the best destinations in Costa Rica that offers a wide range of attractions for every adventurous soul. It contains 2 unspoiled gorgeous beaches Espadilla Sur Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach.
Moreover, the National Park gives you an access to endless trails in the tropical rain forest with very impressive wildlife. You can spot Capuchin white-faced monkeys, two-toed sloths, white handed titi monkeys, different species of tropical birds, crabs and much more!
6. La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano
La Fortuna is a small town set just below the impressive Arenal Volcano, northwest of San Jose. Whether you are a wildlife lover or adventure seeker this is a place for you! With access to breathtaking scenery, hot springs, waterfalls, tropical rainforest, endless activities and a wide variety of wildlife, this area became one of the most attractive places in Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano is located 10 kilometers away from La Fortuna, proudly rasing up over the town square.
7. Santa Teresa
Welcome to backpacker’s paradise! From the low-keyed town, Santa Teresa turned into a world famous spot for water sports enthusiast, beach lovers and yoga practitioners.
The long white sand beaches, cool cafes, summer vibes, perfect surf waves and parties, this is what visitors are looking for here.
8. Samara
If you are looking for summer vibes and ocean breeze, it is definitely a good option for you! Samara is located on the Pacific Coast in the province of Guanacaste. The town offers plenty of restaurant, shops with organic food, markets and cool cafes. This is definitely place to just take it easy and soak up the sun.
9. Montezuma
I would say that Montezuma is Costa Rica’s best kept secret. It is definitely one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. The land full of artistic communities, hippies and artisans. You can feel that this small beach village has a soul. With long white sand beaches, lush forests, rolling hills and uncrowded area, Montezuma has become a perfect place for like-minded individuals who are interested in sustainable living.
The main town is set next to the Playa Montezuma, where you can enjoy your cup of coffee looking at the sunrise. There is also the Playa Grande located 40min away from downtown. The trail goes across the wild jungle, so remember to take suitable shoes.
10. Playa Hermosa
It is a tiny village with a 8km long black sand beach and some of the most incredible waves that surfers dream of. The paradise attracts many professionals who are looking for the massive rides that can reach epic proportions of over 13 feet. The village itself, it’s very charming and relaxed, where you can experience authentic local vibes.
Moreover, not many tourists know, that Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas is the unique turtle-watching spot. Every night over 40 turtles come on to land to lay the eggs. It is a great opportunity to see one of the most incredible creatures in the World.
Remember that there are two beaches with the same name, Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste and Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas. If you are looking for big wave spots, you should head to Puntarenas, very close to Jacó.
Do you have your best places in Costa Rica? I would love to hear about them. Leave a comment below!