Published 28th Mar. 2023
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Packed with dense rainforest, wild coastline and rugged mountain ranges, Costa Rica guarantees views that make your heart skip a beat. It may be small compared to neighbouring Nicaragua and the vast countries of South America, but every corner is full to the brim with natural beauty and wondrous wildlife. Whether you’re hiking, swimming or simply lazing on the beach, this stunning Central American country offers scenery like you’ve never seen before. To help you choose where to make the most of it, we’ve compiled this list of the best views in Costa Rica.
Take a trip through the treetops for sublime views of shimmering Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal volcano, one of the country’s most famous landmarks. Arenal’s Sky Tram carries you through the treetops in an open-sided gondola so you can experience this richly biodiverse part of the forest before soaking up the scenery at the top. The rainforest’s canopy is home to an estimated 70-90% of its wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled along the way for butterflies, insects and some of the country’s 903 species of birds. As you are transported upwards through the dense greenery, the sights and sounds of the forest immerse you in nature’s harmonious tranquillity.
The bright blue waters of Rio Celeste undoubtedly make for one of the best views in Costa Rica. Local legend has it that God dipped his paintbrush in the water as he was painting the sky, endowing this river in Tenorio Volcano National Park with an enchanting blue hue. The scientific (if a little less magical) explanation is that the water appears blue due to the sunlight reflecting off minerals in the water. Whatever the reason, you can experience this stunning sanctuary on a hike that leads you through the forest and to the river’s main attraction: Rio Celeste Waterfall. Set amid emerald jungle, the cascade plunges into a vibrant turquoise pool surrounded by the fluttering blue wings of morpho butterflies. Swimming here is prohibited to preserve the area’s delicate ecosystem, but if you’re dying to take a dip after your hike, you can cool off in the designated pool located just past the bridge outside of the park.
With long stretches of coastline bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is full of dreamy places to kick back on the beach with an ice-cold bottle of Pilsen, the local beer, and watch the sun melt into the horizon. But one of the country’s best places to do this is undoubtedly Tamarindo Beach, located in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. This relaxed beach town is known for having some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country, best enjoyed from a seat on the sand in one of many beach bars as you let the water wash over your feet. As the sun sets over the Pacific, it lights up the violet sky with streaks of gold and amber above the foaming waves. This truly is the Pura Vida.
It’s no surprise that the view from the country’s longest zip line makes for one of the best views in Costa Rica. Picture yourself flying superman-style above the treetops along a 5,220ft course, rushing through the wind as you gaze down at the lush green forest below. While this zipline in Monteverde provides enough thrill to last you a lifetime, there are in fact several more ziplines along the course, including nine regular ziplines, another superman zipline, and – for the truly courageous – a ‘Tarzan swing’ freefall that pulls you off a sky-high platform and lets you swing solo as you let out your most convincing Tarzan cry.
Despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to around 5% of the earth’s species, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. No matter your itinerary, you’re bound to come across an unusual animal, unique bird call or intriguing natural sight along the way. But if you’re set on seeking out the country’s most incredible natural spectacles, look no further than Tortugero. Between July and October, this tropical sanctuary transforms into a nesting and hatching ground for endangered green sea turtles. Set out under the cloak of darkness with a qualified local guide and witness the female turtle laying her eggs before pushing her way back to the water. Later in the season, you’ll have the chance to catch the remarkable moment when the baby turtles hatch – it really is a sight like no other. The best time to spot these endangered creatures is between July and August, but even out of season, Tortuguero promises adventure and intrigue as the natural habitat of animals including crocodiles, iguanas and monkeys.
Whether you want to hit the hotspots or venture off the beaten track, our consultants will create a bespoke Costa Rica trip for you. Having scoured the country for the best properties, we offer everything from rustic lodges to luxurious hideaways. We can take you away from the crowds using our knowledge of hidden beauty spots; so instead of queuing for a waterfall in Arenal, you can enjoy a river all to yourself in Bijagua. With something for both families and couples, Costa Rica is best discovered on a self-drive trip – don't worry, you can leave the route planning to us.
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