• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. San Jose ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

San Jose
© Courtesy of Bogdan Lazar - Fotolia.com

2. Tortuguero National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Tortuguero National Park
© Courtesy of zampe238 - Fotolia.com

3. Cocos Island

Romantic Islands
Cocos Island
© Courtesy of leonardogonzalez - Fotolia.com

4. Alajuela

Alajuela
© Courtesy of Olaf Speier - Fotolia.com

5. Arenal Volcano National Park

Category: Activities
Arenal Volcano National Park
© lightphoto2/stock.adobe.com

6. Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

Category: Activities
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
© Courtesy of Mischa Krumm - Fotolia.com

7. Cahuita

Cahuita
© Simon Dannhauer/stock.adobe.com

8. Cartago

Category: Museums & Culture
Cartago
© robnaw/stock.adobe.com

9. Chirripo National Park

Category: Activities
Chirripo National Park
© frog/stock.adobe.com

10. Corcovado National Park

Category: Activities
Corcovado National Park
© JUAN CARLOS MUNOZ/stock.adobe.com

11. Domincal

Domincal
© Simon Dannhauer/stock.adobe.com

12. Drake Bay

Drake Bay
© Daniel Lamborn/stock.adobe.com

13. Jaco

Jaco
© Dudarev Mikhail/stock.adobe.com

14. La Fortuna

Category: Activities
La Fortuna
© Tanguy de Saint Cyr/stock.adobe.com

15. Manuel Antonio National Park

Category: Activities
Manuel Antonio National Park
© sphraner/stock.adobe.com

16. Monteverde

Monteverde
© Courtesy of Robert Leßmann - Fotolia.com

17. Montezuma

Montezuma
© TellyVision/stock.adobe.com

18. Nosara

Nosara
© lightphoto2/stock.adobe.com

19. Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo
© julienxw/stock.adobe.com

20. Quepos

Quepos
© andyman2u/stock.adobe.com

21. Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Category: Activities
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
© V.Devolder/stock.adobe.com

22. Samara

Samara
© iferol/stock.adobe.com

23. Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa
© Juhku/stock.adobe.com

24. Tamarindo

Tamarindo
© Bogdan Lazar/stock.adobe.com

25. Uvita

Uvita
© familie-eisenlohr.de/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • What is Costa Rica known for?
    • Costa Rica is the perfect place to experience the easy-going pace of pura vida – the pure life.
  • Why is Costa Rica a popular travel destination?
    • It is considered the eco-adventure capital of Central America, offering an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor experiences.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Costa Rica?
    • Visitors can take part in a variety of outdoor activities, such as:
      • Zip lining through the rainforest canopy
      • Surfing the reliable breaks of Nosara
  • How does Costa Rica support environmental protection?
    • Nearly one-fourth of the country's terrain is under environmental protection, making it a top destination for sustainable travel and showcasing unparalleled biodiversity.
  • Is Costa Rica a good destination for relaxation?
    • Absolutely! Visitors can lounge on soft sand beaches and enjoy mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, making it an ideal spot for a honeymoon or a peaceful getaway.

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