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- Even More Of Costa Rica's Most Beautiful Places
Costa Rica is a country that has something for everyone. For those seeking adventures, the country offers some of the best white water rafting and zip lining, as well as some of the best surfing in the world. The presence of beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanoes in the country also make it one of the best places in the world to witness natural scenery. Most visitors come here for adventures, but to get a more unique experience in Costa Rica, head over to these beautiful places around the country.
UPDATE: 2023/02/07 11:55 EST BY AARON SPRAY
Even More Of Costa Rica's Most Beautiful Places
Costa Rica is one of the most travel-friendly countries in Central America and is a place everyone should visit. It is a country with pristine beaches and excellent rainforest national parks. This list was updated and expanded with even more excellent places to explore while visiting Costa Rica.
13 Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano used to be active but now remains largely dormant. That, however, does not make the unique natural attraction any less beautiful. The volcano is still surrounded by dense rainforest, volcanic badlands, and unique water bodies that combine to offer scenery and lots of adventures. Arenal Volcano National Park is also home to rainforest hotels, stunning wildlife, and picturesque hot springs.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rancho Cerro Azul
- Address: 1 km south and 600 m west of the Catholic church of La Fortuna, above the main entrance of La Catarata. 600 meters west from the road entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Board Games
12 Rio Celeste Waterfall
Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, this waterfall, surrounded by dense forest, is a mesmerizing sight to behold. As the water drops into the pool, the color transforms into a blue scenery which then can be seen throughout the flow of the Rio Celeste river. When the light blue color combines with the surrounding greenery, it even makes it more picturesque. This unique color has been attributed to the high acidity in the waters and the presence of other elements. The waterfall can be accessed via a short but challenging trail, and this even adds to the excitement one will enjoy here.
- Accommodation: Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
- Address: 1 km southeast of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Tenorio Volcano National Park 21304 Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free Internet, Free Breakfast
11 Manuel Antonio National Park
The beauty of Manuel Antonio lies in its abundance of lush rainforests and white sand beaches. These natural attractions are not just beautiful but also create opportunities for a lot of adventures, from surfing to swimming and snorkeling. Manuel Antonio National Park’s rainforest also hosts a wide range of animals which include - squirrel monkeys, toads, sloths, and numerous bird species. In 2011, Manuel Antonio National Park was even named one of the most beautiful parks in the world by Forbes.
- Accommodation: Shana By The Beach Manuel Antonio
- Address: Ruta Puento Quepos Next Line Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio, Quepos 60601 Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
10 La Fortuna Waterfall
Waterfalls are abundant in Costa Rica, but the most beautiful is none other than La Fortuna Waterfall. This waterfall is located in the Central parts of the country in the Arenal area, and it is characterized by surrounding lush forests and a 70 meters tall waterfall that drops into a beautiful pool. People often come here to enjoy the scenery and also swim in the pool.
- Accommodation: Hotel Miradas Arenal
- Address: La Palma, De La Fortuna 7 km al Oeste de la Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
9 Tabacon Hot Springs
Tabacon is perhaps the best place in Costa Rica to enjoy relaxation in nature. While the five-star resort features lots of amenities and facilities, it’s the natural thermal river that makes this resort particularly appealing. The thermal river is characterized by hot and cold water, volcanic rocks, as well as beautiful trees and flowers that surround it. The thermal pools are great places to engage in yoga, and the mineral-rich waters are even beneficial to the skin.
- Accommodation: Cabinas Lumbres Del Arenal
- Address: 8km West From Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
8 La Paz Waterfall Gardens
La Paz waterfall Gardens is a natural park in Costa Rica that’s endowed a rich wildlife, natural attractions, and lots of hiking trails. While the greenery and the biodiversity are some of the park’s best attributes, it is La Paz waterfall that makes the park particularly appealing. The waterfall rises to a height of 110 feet and is surrounded by lush forests. While swimming is not allowed here, just watching the waterfall up close is refreshing and worth experiencing. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is also home to the magnificent Peace Lodge, which is one of the best rainforest lodges in the world.
- Accommodation: Tiquicia Lodge
- Address: 1 kilometer north of Service Station, Vara Blanca Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
7 Monteverde Cloud Forest
The beauty of Monteverde Cloud Forest lies in its unique forest canopy, which is often covered in clouds and prevents the soil underneath from experiencing any sun. This unique phenomenon has made this forest a great place for plants and animals to thrive. Visitors often come here to walk on the suspension bridge, which just feels like walking on clouds.
- Accommodation: Trapp Family Country Inn
- Address: 400m west of soccer field, Costa Rica, Alajuela, Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free Breakfast, Free WiFi
6 Santa Teresa Beach
Located in the town of Santa Teresa, this beach comes with amazing scenery and lots of adventures. While the soft sand and crystal clear waters are some of the beach’s amazing qualities, the surrounding lush forests also add to -the natural scenery of this hidden paradise. Surfing is the signature activity at this beach, but one can also enjoy an amazing time here by relaxing on the shores and watching the relentless waves and the surrounding scenery.
- Accommodation: Zeneidas Surf Garden
- Address: 100 Metros norte del Campo de futbol de Santa Teresa, Mal Pais 60101 Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Fitness Center
5 Playa Conchal
Everything about Playa Conchal is beautiful, from the crystal clear turquoise water to the surrounding rock formations, trees, and white sands, which contain a mixture of colorful seashells. Located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, the beach is a great place to swim, and snorkel and jet skis are also available for those who want to go further into the water.
- Accommodation: Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa
- Address: Cabo Velas Reserva Conchal, Playa Conchal Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Pool
4 Poas Volcano National Park
Poas Volcano is one of the active volcanoes in Costa Rica, although it stands out from the others for many reasons. This volcano is home to a 300 meters long, one-mile-wide volcanic crater which is filled with a turquoise lake that constantly produces bubbles and smoke. Poas Volcano is located close to San Jose and is a must-visit for those in this part of Costa Rica.
- Accommodation: Altura Hotel
- Address: Volcan Poas 3 Km Calle La Legua, Poas Volcano National Park 20802 Costa Rica
- Amenities: Free Parking, Free WiFi, Free Breakfast
3 Finca Bellavista Treehouses
Sometimes travelers just want to get off the grid and relax in a treehouse in the middle of the jungle. Perhaps the best place for that in Costa Rica is Finca Bellavista. It is an off-the-grid community of rainforest cabins where visitors can unwind and relax in the serenity of the Costa Rican rainforests. Guests can't even drive all the way to them. Instead, they need to hike through a stretch of jungle to their eco abodes.
- Accommodation: Finca Bellavista
- Address: Costa Rican Jungle
- Amenities: Basic Eco Treehouse Accommodation
2 The Sloth Sanctuary
Perhaps the most iconic animal of Costa Rica is the Sloth. Sloths are protected in Costa Rica and there are a number of sanctuaries where visitors can see them. One of the sanctuaries to consider visiting is the Sloth Sanctuary. The Sloth Sanctuary also offers the Buttercup Tour where visitors are taken on a canoe trip through the rainforest to spot the sloths. People can take pictures of the sloths but can't touch them. The tours last for around an hour and cost around $28.
- Accommodation: 3 Bamboo Ecolodge
- Address: Lilan Bordon, Cahuita 70403 Costa Ric
- Amenities: Gated Accommodation, Wifi Available, Eco Accommodation
1 Casa Chameleon At Mal Pais
The Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais is a luxury accommodation option where visitors can enjoy the best of Costa Rica and its environment. It pays homage to rustic appeals while being the ideal place for adventurous explorers with deeper pockets seeking to unwind. It is perched on the Nicoyal Peninsula and is surrounded by lush and tropical wilderness. It is a secluded getaway with plenty of activities on offer.
- Accommodation: Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais
- Address: Mal Pais, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
- Amenities: Luxury Eco Accommodation, Swimming Pools, Beach Access