Top Places to Visit in Costa Rica for First-timers

While it’s a small country, Costa Rica happens to be one of the happiest places you can visit. The good news is that you can explore the top tourist destinations in a week. Especially if you plan well and make the most out of your time.

Whether you’re in for budget traveling or want to experience Costa Rica luxury vacations, creating a list of places to go and building your own itinerary will be very helpful.

National Parks

Costa Rica is blessed with many land resources. There are several protected rainforests, tropical dry forests, cloud forests, marine areas, and wetlands that are popular with tourists. With an estimated 5% of the world’s biodiversity found here, Costa Rica is known to many as the “living Eden.” It is home to many endangered plants and animal species. No wonder it is also the most bio-diverse region of the world.

If you are interested in seeing a plethora of exotic and tropical flora and fauna, check the National Parks! There's the Arenal Volcano National Park (one of the country’s active volcanoes), the Chirripo National Park (where you can see Costa Rica’s tallest mountain), and the Las Baulas National Marine Park (where you can witness where millions of Leatherback turtles nest).

Truly, these are amazing sights of nature! Remember to bring a camera so you can share just how magnificent the biodiversity in the region is to friends.

Beaches

Looking for a perfect family vacation? Costa Rica is not only rich with land and forest reserves. It is also a famous destination for beaches. Are you a surfer and have been asking yourself what is nose to the beach? Well, some of these beaches are fantastic for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling, while others are better for surfing, so choose wisely. No matter what you choose, though, you'll be amazed at powder-white sands!

Looking for a hip environment? Go no further than Montezuma. It’s a beach town that’s easy to get to, situated in the southern part of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Many other beaches may have been too commercialized or populated, but this beach still has an off-the-beaten-path feel. Montezuma has a vibrant community and it also has an impressive selection of restaurants serving food from around the world.

Another favorite spot among locals is Hermosa Beach, which is also where some of the largest developments in Costa Rica’s real estate are located. The skyscrapers in this area are added wonders to the landscape especially during sunset.

If you’re traveling with your kids, Samara Beach would be a great choice as it features picture-perfect turquoise water views. This is an ideal place for vacationing families in search of a retreat. It’s also a good spot for romantic couples who prefer a quieter place to celebrate a special occasion.

Mercado Central

A visit to Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without touring Mercado Central. This central market in San José is already established as a cultural institution. It’s a go-to place for those who are in the hunt for souvenirs, gifts, leather goods, medicinal herbs, and flowers.

Enjoy the flavors of Costa Rica and discover its local color. Save lots of money on gifts by haggling in shops. You can also get groceries like fresh meats, produce and seafood here without breaking the bank.

Poás Volcano

Poás Volcano is accessible by a quick day tour. It’s close to the international airport and just a short 2-hour drive from San José City. Here you will expect to see a volcano’s main crater that’s one of the largest in the world. It’s a fun adventure to experience with a bunch of friends or family.

Scheduled tours are available for booking by operators that run daily tours. Choose from either a half-day or a full-day tour, which will bring you from the city center to the volcano. While in the tour, you may stop at the La Paz waterfall and nearby nature parks and you’ll be amazed at their unique wildlife and abundant plants.

If you’re planning to go, don’t forget to pack a jacket and wear hiking shoes. The expedition to the crater rim consists of a hike and the weather is mostly humid and cold all year round.

Central Valley

Located in the middle of the nation, the Central Valley contains the heart and soul of Costa Rica. This place is where 70% of the people in Costa Rica reside. Hence, a visit here should definitely be on your agenda.

See how locals live the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and fall in love with its friendly citizens, you will find that they are some of the happiest people in the world! It’s easy to get around since transportation services are convenient and allow for cheap and efficient travel to and from any of the surrounding places.

Costa Rica may just be a small dot on the map compared to other countries in America but there’s a lot to see, discover, and experience. There’s no wonder why more than two million visitors come to visit yearly. Not a lot of country in the world packs such diverse terrain and amazing natural attractions in such a small area. Costa Rica has a bounty of dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and wealth of eco-attractions to offer tourists. Its impressive rainforest life, lush vegetation, and cool people will take your breath away! An adventure of a lifetime awaits!