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.

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.

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.

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.

Related: Experience Famous Waterfalls And Native Species In Costa Rica’s Central Highlands

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.

Related: Why You Should Plan A Hot Springs Trip To Costa Rica

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2 The Sloth Sanctuary

Sloth And A Mantled Howler

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.

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.