City: Costa Rica
Top Things to do in Costa Rica
Top Hotels in Costa Rica
- 1. Shana By The Beach Manuel Antonio
- 2. Tulemar Resort
- 3. Nayara Gardens
- 4. Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs
- 5. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
- 6. Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel
- 7. The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort
- 8. The Springs Resort and Spa
- 9. Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
- 10. Hotel Lomas del Volcan
Things to do in Costa Rica, Costa Rica: The Best Nature & Parks
Coordinates: 10°N 84°W / 10°N 84°W / 10; -84
Restaurants in Costa Rica
1. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 900 reviews
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization where we Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release Costa Rica's exotic wildlife back into the jungle! 100% of your donation goes to care for the animals. You will see a variety of species and hopefully walk away with an understand on the importance of conservation.
Reviewed By buckeyes08 - San Jose, Costa Rica
We enjoyed this tour. We were prepared or thinking this was going to be a long hike/walk however, this is just a short circle around their sanctuary. Our guide was great, shared the great work their team is doing, shared some sad stories and most importantly educated us on what to watch for and what to do should you see an injured animal or sloth. We got really lucky and seen the two sloths being active. Highly recommend.
2. Royal Butterflies
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Enjoy a relaxing experience whilst being surrounded by exotic butterflies with a lush backdrop of tropical plants. Learn about the amazing life cycle of the butterflies and walk along the river path whilst exploring the over 70 types of fruit trees being grown on the property. Cold drinks and souvenirs are available for purchase in the gift shop. Tour is $10 p/person. Free for kids under 6 years old.'
Reviewed By U3962DNjoell - Quebrada Amarilla, Costa Rica
I recently moved to Quebrada Amarilla. I am delighted to live close to the Royal Butterflies attraction. I just visited today for the first of what I expect to be many times and a place where I bring all visitors.. Dan and Donna showed me around. The setting is beyond beautiful. The attraction is on the same property as the most spectacular tree house I have ever seen. I have been recommending the tree house to all my friends. The tree house has beautiful views and is amazing from an architecture prospective even including a hidden room as well as all the amenities you would expect from a hotel room. The Royal Butterflies attraction is also surrounded by many other tall trees and close to a gentle river but well off the road and quietly away from the modest traffic. But back to the butterflies. The exhibit features extremely colorful and beautiful assortments of butterflies in a quiet and beautiful location. The setting was tranquil and I simply wanted to rest and absorb the fluttering creatures. I came out of the exhibit as if I had been in a deep relaxing meditation.
3. Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
This 35,000-acre national park centers around a volcano that last erupted in 1995.
Reviewed By Moseywood - Center Valley, United States
Loved Jeody, our guide thru Gabriel’s Tours. He took our family of 6 on a great nature hike, swam in a 55 degree waterfall pool, saw fumeroles and mud pots, howler monkeys, aqua colored butterflies and iguanas. Beautiful park. Picked us up at Dreams Las Mareas resort which is close to Nicaragua and the drive was 1 1/2 hrs. Jeody made the day even better! Fun, very bright and knowledgeable. I would ask for him to be your guide. You will be delighted you did. Tell him Mo and Dave rec. him!
4. Tortuguero National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,389 reviews
Reviewed By dianemorton5 - Essex, United Kingdom
Amazing Abundance of Wildlife including very rare species, Sloth, Croc, Monkeys etc, a trip to this park is a must for visitors to Costa Rica, wonderful memorable experience
5. Palo Verde National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 433 reviews
The water system in this park sustains the largest population of waterfowl and wading birds in Central America.
Reviewed By davethedrill - Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
A superb private cruise on the river The wildlife on view was amazing Our special interest is birding and our guide and pilot Andreas made this a trip to treasure Thank you too to Roger our driver and second guide You really must visit Palo Verde
6. Tortuga Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 988 reviews
Reviewed By MBMVWA - Seattle, United States
We booked a snorkeling tour to the island. Great snorkeling. Once you finish snorkeling, they took us to the island lunch was ready for us. Great food! There is also a gift shop & beach bar
7. Cahuita National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,895 reviews
This coastal park contains white sandy beaches and coral reefs.
Reviewed By willmW2416OC
1. Easiest entrance is via the Kelly Creek ranger station and walk along the coastal path up to Punta Cahuita. It’s possible to carry on and walk around the peninsula to Peurto Vargas ranger station or, you could enter via here. 2. If your aim is to see wildlife then take a guide. Yes, you can walk though on your own but you won’t spot much and like many people we saw, you’ll just walk past many animals and reptiles, so don’t skimp on hiring a guide. Avoid going in a large group of more than 4 people if you can as you’ll see and hear much more. We had a guide through Cahuita Tours (+506 2755-0000), and would recommend them. 3. Shorts and T shirt are fine. Trainers or even better trainer sandals are good but you could even wear flip flops. Walking shoes are not necessary as the paths are good. However, if you want to go swimming then I recommend you take beach shoes because the sand gives way to broken shell and coral and unless you have soles like an elephant, you’ll find it very uncomfortable to walk over! This is one thing we weren’t told and when we tried to go for a swim off the beach near Punta Cahuita ( which is much quieter than Playa Blanca that gets very busy), we couldn’t do it due to the sharp broken coral, which kind of spoiled our visit a bit! 4. If you walk slowly and take time to look you will see quite a bit. Please don’t do what we saw some idiots doing and run along the path! It isn’t a running track and this just frightens the wildlife away.
8. Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 705 reviews
It is a community non profit project, located near Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The Reserve has an extension of 310 hectares, covered by a majestic Cloud Forest, in which you can observe a great variety of plants, Orchids, trees, ferns, heliconias and others. Also hundreds of residents and migratory birds, as the Quetzal and the Bell bird. This Reserve is managed by the Santa Elena Technical High School .
Reviewed By 289normanr
While we have been to the Monteverde area many times, the Santa Elena Reserve is always special. This trip was no exception. It is truly an enchanted place filled with magic at every turn. Under the leadership of Johnny (who’s surname we haven’t ever known despite visits over nearly two decades) the Reserve is a true “gift” from the people of Santa Elena and the high school. The staff are (I think) all graduates of the local school who continue to grow with their beloved cloud forest. This year, we were privileged to be on a guided hike with Guillermo who’s knowledge and interests were on evidence over a wide range of subjects and a full three hours. The pride of each of the staff and for Johnny’s leadership and support is well earned and fully justified. Our thanks for another splendid time.
9. Playa Manuel Antonio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,923 reviews
One of Costa Rica's most popular beaches, Playa Manuel Antonio frequently hosts parties and festivals, and it is an ideal destination for avid surfers.
Reviewed By jimt903 - Middletown, United States
Along the trail through the M A national park, observe the flora and fauna, listen t o the call of exotic (for North Americans anyway) birds and at trail's end rejoice in the awesome views of Playa Manuel Antonio. Take your swimsuits. Monkey's galore and sloths high in the trees but the beach on the cove is the gem. Spend the afternoon if you take a light meal or snacks. And take water. There are adequate bath facilities.
10. Playa Guiones
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,024 reviews
Reviewed By sabsnyc - Hamburg, Germany
Every day around five the latest ( you can come here all day) it’s good to come to the beach and watch the sunset while having a beer or even better while jumping the waves . It’s a very natural kept beach so no typically white sand to sit . You will find yourself a small log to sit on. High tide is following the sunset so there wo t be no dry spot . Make sure you bring only a towel or secure your belongings up high. It’s definitely worth it!!!!
