Pint-sized Costa Rica might be small, but it sure is mighty. Fusing thrumming cities like San Jose and Limon with outstanding nature, this pocket of paradise boasts two rugged coastlines, a strip of smouldering volcanoes and plenty of lush rainforests, jade green lakes and misty mountain peaks. It’s no wonder we struggled to pick just six of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica for this roundup.
From waterfall chasing at Tenorio Volcano National Park and rafting down the Pacuare River, to hikes through Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula and photo-worthy moments at the iconic Arenal Volcano, this diverse country offers something for all keen and curious travellers. Whether you’re a jungle-adventuring enthusiast, wildlife advocate or beach-lounging lover, there’s a captivating corner of Costa Rica with your name on it. Read on for our roundup of the most stunning spots...
- Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park
- Corcovado National Park
- Pacuare River
- Arenal Volcano
- Cahuita National Park
- Punta Uva Beach
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Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park
Kicking off our list is the thundering Rio Celeste Waterfall, found in the heart of Tenorio Volcano National Park. It’s not hard to see why this glorious natural feat earns its spot among the most beautiful places in Costa Rica; the swirling azure depths have an otherworldly quality thanks to the white mineral-coated rocks beneath. The best part? It’s only a (relatively) easy one-hour jungle hike to reach the main event. Along the way, discover spectacular blue-hued lagoons, geothermal pools, hanging bridges and rainforest trails. Aside from admiring the falls, you can crater hike, horse ride and bird watch to your heart’s content...
Image by Krysshia Campos / Getty Images
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Corcovado National Park
Blanketing almost half of Costa Rica’s wild Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park is one of the largest and most biodiverse spots in the country. A densely populated rainforest comprises most of the park, but there are some exquisite beaches scattered throughout, too. It’s also one of the last remaining patches of lowland tropical rainforest in Central America. The wildlife watching opportunities are unrivalled here – you can spot some of the 140 mammal and 370 bird species, including Baird’s tapirs (the largest land mammal in Central America), harpy eagles, giant anteaters, pumas and more. For those who are nuts about nature, you can’t beat this secluded paradise.
Image by fman 12 / stock.adobe.com
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Pacuare River
Thrill seekers, grab your oars and take to the Costa Rican waters for a rafting adventure down the Pacuare River, in the Cartago Province. It’s a wonderful way to experience one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica from a different perspective – white water rafting offers the perfect blend of thrill seeking and wilderness exposure. Along with roaring rapids, there are tumbling waterfalls, riverbanks perfect for picnicking, serene natural pools and an area flanked by steep, lush green walls, which offer a sense of seclusion. Rafting down the picturesque Pacuare River gives adventurers an immersive chance to reconnect with nature, far from the tourist hordes, while appreciating the sheer beauty and magnitude of this part of Costa Rica.
Image by Kevin Schafer / Getty Images
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Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano – the country's biggest and best – is a must-see when visiting Costa Rica. Lying in the fertile northern lowlands, the impressive scale and presence of this still-active volcano can be felt throughout the area. It’s tall and imposing, with a legendary reputation that precedes it. Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape confirms it as an Instagram-worthy spot, while its wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits makes it an attraction you can’t miss. Thankfully, the volcano is firmly in its ‘resting phase’, so the surrounding mountainsides and hot springs are a hiker's paradise. There’s no shortage of photo opportunities, lakes to go fishing in and rivers to float along with the lush slopes of Arenal as the backdrop.
Image by PetraJPhoto / stock.adobe.com
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Cahuita National Park
Located near the laid-back town of Puerto Viejo, Cahuita National Park offers a different kind of Costa Rican escapism. Experience the magnificence of a tropical jungle teeming with sloths and monkeys, fringed with sugary white sand shores and lapping turquoise waters home to over 500 fish species. Wildlife lovers, snorkellers, hikers and adventurers of all kinds will appreciate this park’s beauty. Sadly, an earthquake in 1991 threatened the coral reef’s existence, so today, snorkelling is only allowed during guided tours with professionals trained to protect it from further damage. There’s still plenty to be appreciated back on land, however. With hiking trails, endemic wildlife and panoramic views galore, Cahuita easily earns its spot as one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica.
Image by Frames For Your Heart / Unsplash
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Punta Uva Beach
All that exploring into the depths of Costa Rica’s nature would leave even the most active travellers longing for some rest and recuperation. Enter the quiet sandy shores of Punta Uva beach, located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, south of Cahuita and north of the Panamanian border. With palms lining the coastline and uninterrupted views (the buildings here have to stay at least 164ft away from high tide), Punta Uva is the place for all things peace, serenity and swimming. Plus, Playa Punta Uva is known for its amazing butterfly gardens, which host some of Costa Rica’s most exotic and beautiful species, including the blue Morpho.
Header image by Maxime Vige / Getty Images / iStockphoto
