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Why is Costa Rica considered an ecological treasure?
- Costa Rica is an ecological treasure-trove, home to lush rainforests, footprint-free beaches, tumultuous volcanoes, and dense mangrove swamps, teeming with a variety of wildlife.
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Which countries border Costa Rica?
- Bordered by the thick tropical jungles of Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast, Costa Rica is a peaceful oasis in a historically tumultuous region.
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What makes Costa Rica unique in terms of biodiversity?
- The country is one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet, offering a vast range of flora and fauna.
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What activities and attractions does Costa Rica offer?
- Costa Rica offers a plethora of adventures, excursions, and attractions, from hiking trails through ancient rainforests, climbing active volcanoes, or exploring the Americas’ last vestiges of high-altitude cloud forests that are home to jaguar, tapir, and the resplendent quetzal.
Best Time for Day Trips from San José, Costa Rica
- December to April – Ideal for dry weather, sunny skies, and exploring national parks.
- May to June – Perfect for fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and cooler temperatures.
- July & August – Brief dry season (“veranillo”) great for beach trips and adventure tours.
- September to October – Rainy season but great for fewer tourists and vibrant greenery.
- November – Enjoy transitioning weather and less crowded popular attractions.
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1. Arenal National Park (Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal)
Hike lava trails and see wildlife near the volcano on a thrilling trip.
Nestled in the heart of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area in Costa Rica’s fertile northern lowlands, the Arenal National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal) is home to both the Arenal Volcano and the dormant Chato Volcano, the tranquil Lake Arenal and a plethora of unique fauna and flora. The perfectly symmetrical Arenal Volcano has been Costa Rica’s most active volcano since 1968, spewing enormous amounts of lava, gas, and ash regularly, attracting visitors from around the world to witness this spectacle. Since 2010, however, the volcano has entered an indeterminate resting phase, so visitors have had to make do with the rest of the beautiful sights, sounds, and activities the park has to offer.
Arenal National Park, Arenal Conservation Area, Costa Rica
2. Atenas
Stroll peaceful streets and enjoy perfect weather on a relaxing retirement escape.
Surrounded by densely forested hills and endless coffee and sugarcane plantations, Atenas is a small town that exudes traditional Costa Rican culture. Located less than an hour outside the bustling city of San José, Atenas is the capital of the Atenas canton in the province of Alajuela and is one of the region’s top coffee-growing areas. The town is situated on the Historic Oxcart Trail, which was once the primary route for transporting coffee beans from the Central Valley to Pacific and Caribbean ports in the 1800s. Today, fragrant aromas of coffee still linger in the air, and Atenas is an excellent place to try some of the country’s best coffee beans.
Atenas, Atenas Canton, Alajuela, Costa Rica
3. Cartago
Visit historic ruins and explore vibrant markets on a cultural spring adventure.
Nestled in the foothills of the Irazu Volcano in the Central Valley, the city of Cartago is one of the oldest towns in the country. Once the capital of Costa Rica, Cartago was partially destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1732 but remains one of the largest cities in the country. The city is home to many beautiful old buildings, historic and cultural sites and exciting attractions, including La Negrita, the Black Madonna shrine at Our Lady of the Angels Basilica; Las Ruinas de la Parroquia; the Santiago Apostól Parish Ruins; the Lankester Botanical Garden; and the Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte National Park.
Cartago, Costa Rica
4. Catarata del Toro
Admire a dramatic waterfall and hike rainforest trails on a breathtaking weekend visit.
Catarata del Toro is a private ecological reserve that is committed to the conservation of the surrounding natural environment. Located in the remote mountains north of Costa Rica’s Central Valley near the tiny town of Bajos del Toro, Catarata del Toro is home to Costa Rica’s most impressive waterfall of the same name that tumbles 270 feet into an old volcanic crater. The ecological reserve is also home to a diverse array of fauna and flora from tiny hummingbirds to Oropendola Montezuma, toucan, hawks, vultures, and black turkey.
Bajos Del Toro Amarillo, Sarchi, Costa Rica, Phone: +506-24-76-08-00
5. Escazu
Discover mountain views and shop local crafts on a stylish couples getaway.
Escazu is a luxurious hillside suburb about five miles west of the downtown San José area that dates back to Colonial times and is a popular destination for wealthy expatriates and travelers. Upscale yet charming, Escazú is home to grand residences, deluxe hotels, elegant restaurants, buzzing bars, and one of the best shopping malls in San José. Foodies will delight in the many gourmet restaurants in the area serving a wide range of cuisine from French to Spanish, and recreational activities in the area include hiking and visiting the old town of San Rafael in the mountains of Escazú.
Escazu, Costa Rica
6. Grecia
See the famous metal church and explore town streets on a cheap day trip.
Nestled in the foothills of the Cordillera Central mountain chain, Grecia is a small picturesque farming community with spectacular natural scenery and several interesting attractions. Located north of the city of Alajuela city, the village is surrounded by densely forested mountains and rolling farmlands and is home to several attractions such as the magnificent Cathedral de la Merced, the family-friendly Butterfly Farm, the World of Snakes, and the Grecia Regional Museum, which documents the history of the town and the surrounding region.
Grecia, Cordillera Central, Costa Rica
7. Irazu Volcano
Walk to the crater and admire clouds rolling below on a cool fall outing.
Irazu Volcano is an active volcano in the Cordillera Central near the city of Cartago. Derived from the indigenous word for ‘thunder and earthquake mountain,’ Irazú last erupted in 1994, and although it is still deemed ‘active’ can still be visited by tourists. The 11,260-foot high volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica and has several craters, one of which is named after the man who documented the first eruption in 1723 - Diego de la Haya. Based in the Irazu Volcano National Park, the Diego de la Haya crater features a bright green 985-foot-wide lake that can be reached on a challenging but rewarding hike.
Cordillera Central, Costa Rica
8. Jaco
Surf warm waves and enjoy beachside dining on a lively summer vacation.
Jaco is a charming coastal town on the Pacific coast with a beautiful beach that is known for its wealth of water activities and buzzing nightlife. Hit the beach to enjoy an array of water-based activities, ranging from swimming, surfing, and deep-sea fishing to boating, sailing, kayaking, and rafting, or stay on land for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV tours, waterfall rappelling, and canopy zip-lining. Attractions slightly out of town include the Carara National Park set on the Tárcoles River and the Pura Vida Park, which features lush rainforests and the impressive Bijagual Waterfall.
Jaco, Costa Rica
9. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
See colorful butterflies and walk tropical paths on a magical kids experience.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a private ecological reserve that features a series of five beautiful waterfalls, dense cloud and rain forests, an animal sanctuary with over 100 species of animals, and some of the best hiking near San José. Nestled on the slopes of the Poas Volcano, the 70-acre reserve is made up of 40 acres of cloud and rainforests and a variety of nature-based attractions, including an aviary with numerous species of birds, a butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, an insect exhibit, and a serpentarium. Capuchin (white-faced) and black-handed spider monkeys swing through the surrounding forests, which offer excellent hiking trails.
126, Heredia Province, Costa Rica, Phone: +506-24-82-27-20
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