Discover Costa Rica

Volcanic craters, seascapes and archaeological sites give a trip through Costa Rica a range of different focuses. Consider which experiences matter most to you: geological landscapes, wildlife watching, water activities or pre-Columbian history. This way, you can plan your trip around specific places and interests.

Volcanoes, craters and distinctive landscapes

Poás Volcano reaches 2,708 metres above sea level. It has two craters and the Botos Lagoon, which is fed exclusively by rainwater. These details bring the volcano’s form into focus: in addition to its height, its craters and the lagoon’s distinctive water source are among its defining features.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park also brings together a range of landscape features. It includes nine volcanic cones and Los Jilgueros Lagoon. A trail leads to fumaroles and mud pools; the park also contains a historic house and a mill. Visitors interested in volcanic phenomena will find both natural features and historic buildings to explore.

Corcovado National Park has a different kind of landscape. The protected area encompasses wetlands, mangroves, rivers, humid forest, lowland cloud forest and 46 kilometres of sandy beach. There is an important requirement for visiting: entry is only permitted with an authorised guide. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Wildlife watching and experiences on the water

On the trails in Manuel Antonio National Park, you can spot capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and numerous bird species. The trails wind through the park’s landscapes, which include beaches, a lagoon and mangroves. Visitor facilities also include drinking water, signs and several natural viewpoints. As operational visitor details may change, check the latest visitor information before planning your visit.

Cocos Island National Park can be reached by boat from the port of Puntarenas. Check the duration and arrangements for the trip before you travel. The park’s clear waters offer opportunities for diving and are also home to numerous marine species. The national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The combination of boat access, diving opportunities and marine environments may appeal to travellers looking to focus on experiences on the water.

Activities in the Monteverde area include canopy climbing, canyoning, ziplining and hiking in various private reserves. These activities offer different ways to experience the surroundings. In Costa Rica’s Caribbean region, several permaculture projects have developed sustainable cacao tours that introduce visitors to the process of making handmade chocolate. If you would like to include this in your trip, find out in advance about participation options.

Pre-Columbian history and regional traditions

Guayabo National Monument preserves pre-Columbian stone structures built between 1000 BC and 1400 AD. This broad time span provides a useful point of reference for understanding the site’s history. Caño Island also offers a window into pre-Columbian history: it is one of Costa Rica’s most important archaeological sites and was used by prehistoric inhabitants as a cemetery and sacred place.

Costa Rica’s stone spheres can be seen at their original discovery site, along with their history, at the Stone Spheres Museum, founded in 2014. This offers a museum experience alongside archaeological sites and preserved structures. Around Tortuguero National Park, communities preserve Caribbean traditions and use bicycles as their only means of transport.

Trip priorities and finding a hotel

Next, choose the destinations you would like to include and tailor your hotel search to your itinerary. This way, you can start with what you want to do on your trip rather than a type of accommodation that does not yet reflect your interests.

Discover more destinations: Limón, Cartago, Guanacaste, Alajuela, San Jose, Quepos, Puntarenas, Heredia

For the broader travel overview: South America.