Costa Rica, or the rich coast, is a small country that packs a big punch. Mentioned in countless movies and TV shows as a dream destination that people reference as a vacation or retirement spot, Costa Rica may just be the height of wanderlust.
So what makes this geographically small country so alluring? And why do so many people dream about visiting this rich land?
We’ll take a look at what Costa Rica is known for and how to get the most out of your visit here. From lush rainforests full of wildlife, to active volcanoes and hot springs, national parks and delicious coffee, we’ll explore just what makes Costa Rica famous and how to experience it for yourself.
National Parks & Protected Rainforests
Perhaps one of Costa Rica’s most impressive bragging rights is that approximately 25% of the land is protected as a national park, a wildlife refuge, or a private reserve. This effort to protect the land, and the flora and fauna that call that land home, is one of Costa Rica’s most endearing features, and why it is so rich in biodiversity.
Giving hope to other countries is the fact that Costa Rica could have gone a different way. In the 1960s, deforestation due to a boom in cattle ranching was at an all-time high, and much of the country’s trees were chopped to make way for grazing land. Thanks to citizens mobilizing and a government that actually took heed and made changes, the deforestation was reversed, and the national parks system was created in the 1970s and continued to grow quickly for the next twenty years.
Today, thanks to the efforts of private landowners turning their land into nature reserves, the government-created national parks. 28 national parks exist today alongside a wildlife refuge system that exists nationwide. Costa Rica’s reversal of deforestation can serve as a sign of hope and optimism for other countries.
National Parks Worth Visiting
| National Park | Known For | Best For |
| Manuel Antonio | Wildlife and beaches, with ease of access | First-time travelers and families |
| Corcovado | Remote wilderness, one of the last truly wild places on the planet | Adventure travelers |
| Tortuguero | Known as the Amazon of Costa Rica, only accessible by boat or small plane | Adventure travelers |
| Arenal | A sleeping volcano, breathtaking views, and secondary forest hiking | First-time travelers and families |
| Tenorio | The beautiful Rio Celeste, which flows a striking turquoise color | First-time travelers |
Volcanoes You Can Actually Visit
The stuff of seventh grade science experiments or real life adrenaline? Volcanoes make a big part of Costa Rica’s story, both active and dormant ones. Part of why Costa Rica is so lush and fertile is due to millennia of volcanic activity. Even some of the black sand beaches can trace their origins to old, old, old lava flows.
While there aren’t as many active volcanoes as dormant or even extinct volcanoes in Costa Rica, they are an impressive feature of this Central American country.
The five active volcanoes in Costa Rica today are Poas, Arenal, Turrialba, Rincon de la Vieja, and Irazu. While these five are still considered active, that doesn’t mean they are erupting all the time! In fact, Arenal has been “sleeping” for over ten years, and the others, while awake, are still safe to visit–most of the time.
It is true that sometimes Poas, Turrialba, or Irazu National Parks will close due to high levels of activity, but Costa Rica closely monitors volcanic activity, ensuring safety for visitors and residents.
Visiting an active volcano can be exhilarating, seeing the force of the planet up close and personal. And with several to choose from, each offering something truly unique and unforgettable, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is known for its volcanoes.
What Makes Each Costa Rican Volcano Different
| Volcano | Known For |
| Arenal | Hot springs, iconic near-perfect cone shape, impressive views, steam releases. Accessible hiking in the surrounding area. |
| Poás | Massive crater lake, one of the world’s most acidic lakes, frequently venting gas. Easy to reach by car, not much hiking required. |
| Irazú | The highest active volcano in the country, with a moon-like landscape above the treeline. Cold temps and green and dark crater lakes give it an otherworldly feel. Easy to reach by car, not much hiking required. |
| Rincón de la Vieja | A massive complex of bubbling mudpots, hot springs, and fumaroles, releasing steam and volcanic gases. Offers great hiking accessible to most people. |
| Turrialba | Costa Rica’s most active volcano and second tallest, frequently venting gases, ash, and steam. Offers a chance for adventure hiking. |
Some of Central America’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Maybe the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Costa Rica is breathtaking beaches! Costa Rica is known for a great many things, and high at the top of that list are its beaches. Palm-lined, white sand, black sand, even pink sand, epic surf, Pacific and Caribbean waters, where the jungle meets the sea, Costa Rica is famous for being home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in Central America and, according to some, the world.
And while Costa Rica offers up a lot more to visitors than only beaches, you’ll likely end up spending at least some time somewhere along the coast when you visit. With over 800 miles of coastline, on both the Pacific and Caribbean, it’s no wonder that beaches make up a big part of Costa Rica’s identity.
Guanacaste / Northern Pacific Coast, Nicoya Peninsula
Guanacaste is known as Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. The terrain in this region is tropical dry forest, and this part of Costa Rica sees more sunshine than the rest of the country, which receives more rainfall on average. The beaches here are some of the most famous in Costa Rica, and thanks to the ease of access via the Liberia International Airport, they are also some of the most visited.
More visited doesn’t necessarily mean more crowded, though, as many of the beaches in Guanacaste feel remote, and some are even hard to reach, requiring 4×4 vehicles, patience, and a sense of adventure.
Some of the top beaches to check out in Guanacaste are:
- Playa Conchal
- Playa Flamingo
- Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste; there are several Playa Hermosas throughout the country)
- Playa Tamarindo
- Playa Avellanas
- Playa Samara
Limón Province / Southern Caribbean Coast
Limón Province brings a special flavor to Costa Rica that no one else can touch. The Caribbean side, full of Afro-Caribbean people, culture, food, and music with roots tied to Jamaica, can at times feel like a different country than the rest of Costa Rica. But the Afro-Caribbean and Costa Rican pride and culture are truly special, and the beauty of the beaches is the chef’s kiss to this hot, humid, tropical Caribbean rainforest paradise.
Some of the best beaches to check out in the Limón Province are;
- Playa Punta Uva (Named as one of the world’s top 50 beaches in 2025 by worlds50beaches.com)
- Manzanillo
- Playa Chiquita
- Playa Cocles
- Playa Blanca (Cahuita National Park)
- Salsa Brava
Puntarenas / Central and Southern Pacific Coast
Puntarenas Province is the largest of the seven Costa Rican provinces, and it stretches all the way from the Nicoya Peninsula in the north down to the very southern reaches of Costa Rica to the border with Panama. The province with the most coastline (500 miles!), it’s no surprise that some of the best beaches are found along these shores.
From the famous Manuel Antonio National Park beaches on the central coast, to the world-renowned surf spot of Pavones, the absolutely desolate beaches of Corcovado National Park, and the fun and lively beaches of Dominical, Puntarenas is a beach lover’s dream. If you can’t get enough of the sand, the salt, and the sun, consider renting a car and cruising up and down the Costanera Highway to experience epic beaches and some of the wildest land on the planet.
Check out some of the most beautiful beaches in Puntarenas;
- Playa Santa Teresa
- Playa Uvita
- Playa Dominical
- Manuel Antonio
- Playa Hermosa (Jaco)
- Playa Matapalo
- Drake Bay
- Playa Sirena
Which Beach Fits Your Travel Style?
There’s a beach for everyone in Costa Rica; you just have to decide which kind of beach you’re looking for!
| If You Want… | Visit… |
| Surfing | Pavones, Tamarindo, Nosara, Jacó, Dominical, Salsa Brava |
| Family-friendly waters | Sámara, Playa Conchal, Punta Uva, Cahuita Beach |
| Snorkeling | Playa Conchal, Manuel Antonio, Punta Uva, Cahuita |
| Wildlife | Manuel Antonio, Playa Sirena, Playa Manzanillo, Punta Uva, Cahuita, Playa Matapalo |
| Relaxation | Sámara, Nosara, Playa Conchal, Playa Carrillo, Punta Uva |
Costa Rica is One of the Most Biodiverse Places on Earth
One thing that everyone can agree on: Costa Rica is the place to go to see wildlife. This tiny country is a land bridge, connecting North and South America, and as such sees migratory animals, such as hundreds of species of birds, as well as whales, sea turtles, and butterflies.
In addition to the migratory species who pass through twice a year, there are the year-round residents. Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity in just .03% of the Earth’s surface area, Costa Rica is quite literally teeming with life. The thick rainforest, the tropical dry forest, the paramos, the endless coastline, and the waters on either side of the country are all bursting with life.
It’s essentially impossible to visit Costa Rica and not have some wildlife encounters, but if there are certain animals you absolutely want to see, a few places can help up your odds.
| Animal | Places Best Known to See It |
| Sloths | Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Puerto Viejo |
| Scarlet Macaws | Carara National Park, Jaco, Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay |
| Monkeys |
|
| Sea Turtles | Tortuguero National Park, Ostional Wildlife Refuge |
| Toucans | La Fortuna, Arenal, Sarapiquí, Tortuguero, Osa Peninsula |
| Quetzals | San Gerardo de Dota, Monteverde |
| Whales | Uvita, Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula, Golfo Dulce |
Adventure Activities for Every Traveler
One of the things that Costa Rica is best known for as a great vacation destination is having activities that everyone will enjoy. Costa Rica is known as a great place for solo travelers, backpackers, adventure travelers, families, and as a romantic, couples’ prime choice. How can a country that is so small in size offer so much to so many types of travellers?
Well, that’s because Costa Rica has 12 distinct major climate zones, allowing you to go from hot beaches to cool mountains to major cities all within a few hours’ drive. These different terrains, from oceanfront to rugged mountain to volcanic landscape and dense primary rainforest, allow for a wide variety of activities and experiences. From calm waters at some of the best family-friendly beaches to up-close wildlife encounters, hikes ranging from flat and easy to the highest peak in Costa Rica at over 12,000 feet, small children to retirees and everyone in between will enjoy some part of this magical country.
Families
- Families will love the La Fortuna & Arenal area, as well as Monteverde, known for their hanging bridges, giving visitors to explore the rainforest canopies. Hanging bridges are a great all-ages activity.
- Explore Manuel Antonio and Cahuita National Park for amazing wildlife tours through easy hiking trails. Seeing children’s faces light up at the sight of monkeys and sloths is priceless!
- Kids and adults will be more than satisfied in the hot springs found around La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano. Enjoy epic views of the iconic Arenal Volcano while the therapeutic thermal waters help parents relax and unwind.
Adventure Travelers
- For travelers looking to amp up the adrenaline, explore some of Costa Rica’s class III, IV, and, for the real thrill seekers, class V rapids while white-water rafting through the impressive and lush terrain.
- Ziplining is the more adventurous way to explore the canopy of the rainforest, taking things up a notch from the hanging bridges. Soar through the trees at top speeds for an experience you won’t soon forget.
- While there are plenty of family-friendly hikes throughout Costa Rica, there are also loads of intense hikes for those who really like to push themselves and their limits. For some of the best, most extreme hiking, head to Chirripo National Park to summit the highest peak in Costa Rica, the second highest in Central America.
- Long before others discovered Costa Rica, the first visitors to make the journey through rainforests and early highways were the surfers. A major surfing spot since the 1980s, Costa Rica still attracts surfers from all over the world to ride famous breaks like Salsa Brava, Witch’s Point, and Pavones.
Luxury Travelers
- For couples or families who are looking to relax and disconnect from the daily grind, Costa Rica has wonderful immersive experiences, like sunset cruises in the Pacific Ocean, catamaran trips to secluded beaches, and chartered yacht trips to really get away from it all.
- Indulge in a guided jungle experience, with transportation from your hotel, villa, or resort to an unforgettable, wild location and learn about the natural wonders of Costa Rica’s wildlife.
- Stay in some of the best sustainable and artful eco-lodges in the world. In the flung corner of the world, the Osa Peninsula, featuring the absolutely wild and untamed Corcovado National Park, you’ll find tasteful luxury blended with raw natural beauty for an unforgettable experience. Luxury eco-lodges are a great way to experience the magic of the rainforest while treating yourself to your dream vacation.
Costa Rica’s Famous “Pura Vida” Lifestyle
Pura Vida, a phrase so well-known throughout Costa Rica that you will hear it everywhere and see it on shirts and other souvenirs. So, what does it really mean?
For many people, pura vida has to be felt to be understood. The literal translation is pure life, and in some ways that feels fitting for this lush, green country with exceptional air quality, water everywhere you look, and so much biodiversity. There is pure life everywhere in Costa Rica.
But it’s more than that. Costa Ricans are a happy people, and Costa Rica ends up on the list of Happiest Countries in the World, produced by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board, year after year. That happiness is felt by visitors, often coming from countries that rank far lower on the happiness index.
Pura vida is the cultural vibration that allows life to move a little more slowly, allows for an afternoon coffee while waiting out the rain, a chat with a friend in the bakery in the morning, a cold beer with a friend you’ve just met on the beach at sunset. There is a mellow vibe that permeates life in Costa Rica, and most visitors come away wishing they could take the pura vida essence home with them.
This lifestyle approach is what makes Costa Ricans so welcoming to visitors who come to see their small yet famous country. And Costa Ricans take great pride in their land, its natural beauty, and their collective commitment to preserving the rainforest and the animals that share it.
Time and again, those who travel to Costa Rica do so for the chance to see a sloth or zip line through the jungle, and while they do enjoy those things, many people leave with great memories of the people themselves and how welcome they felt.
Coffee, Chocolate, & Incredible Food
Costa Rican Coffee
Coffee in the early morning, coffee break in the late morning, and an afternoon cup or two. Costa Ricans love their coffee and with good reason. Costa Rica’s coffee is widely considered to be some of the best coffee in the world, with only 100% Arabica beans, grown in rich, volcanic soil. The cultivation of coffee is a proud and historical part of Costa Rican culture, and any visit to the country should include plenty of it.
Check out:
- El Toledo Coffee Tour, Monteverde
- Doka Estate, Alajuela
- North Fields Coffee Tour, La Fortuna
Costa Rican Chocolate
Chocolate grows on trees? That’s right! The cacao tree, producing the cacao fruit, which is where chocolate comes from, is cultivated throughout Costa Rica, with strong ties to the indigenous communities. Costa Rican chocolate is more than just chocolate; it’s a story of the people and the land, the cultivation and the process from bean to bar. With a modern focus on small-batch, artisanal chocolate, learning about, tasting, and exploring the fascinating world of chocolate in Costa Rica is a must-do on any vacation.
Check out:
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour, La Fortuna
- Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Sibo Chocolate, Heredia
Costa Rican Tropical Fruit
Shortly after arriving in Costa Rica, you start to notice just how much fresh, delicious fruit the country has to offer. Roadside stands, fruterias, farmers’ markets, and vendors walking down the roads will all be selling a variety of fruits, some you’ve likely never seen before. Breakfast plates will likely come with pineapple, papaya, and banana, but be sure to try any fruit you don’t recognize and be prepared to have your taste buds blown away.
Check out:
- Cas
- Mamon Chinos
- Mangosteen
- Pejibaye
- Guanabana
Traditional Costa Rican Foods
Costa Rican food has its roots in farm life, with hearty meals served for cowboys, ranch hands, and field workers. Rice and beans are served in some form at every meal, and while the food is simple, the flavors are tasty, and the plates will fill you up. The food in Costa Rica is clean, and many people feel better after eating like a tico for a few weeks.
Check out:
- Arroz con pollo
- Arroz con mariscos
- Olla de carne
- Gallo pinto
- Patacones
- Ceviche
- Chifrijo
Sustainable Tourism Is Part of Everyday Life
Costa Rica is teeming with life, not just the animals, but the trees and plants of the rainforests and the distinct ecosystems of the country. The effort to preserve all these forms of life seeps into the tourism and the day-to-day life of Costa Ricans. One of the things that becomes apparent to visitors is how sustainability is woven into almost every aspect of life.
The wide expanse of protected land and marine areas, the plethora of eco-lodges powered by solar panels and committed to using eco-friendly products, the impressive renewable energy resources, and the blue flag beaches show the commitment to keeping Costa Rica, both metaphorically and literally.
Costa Rica is powered by water, wind, and volcanic activity, with over 95% of its electric grid coming from clean energy for the last decade. The beaches are periodically monitored to assess the cleanliness of the water, the freshwater rivers running into the ocean, community sustainability, and environmental cleanliness, awarding blue flags to beaches that meet the standards. Costa Rica proudly has over 100 beaches with this blue flag distinction.
These efforts, by the citizens and the government to prioritize sustainable practices, can be felt and witnessed on even a short visit to Costa Rica, and it leaves a mark on those who have the privilege to experience this small country.
Ready to Experience What Makes Costa Rica So Popular?
No matter if you’re planning a solo journey, a romantic couple’s getaway, a family trip, or an extravagant bachelorette party, Costa Rica really does have it all. If you’re ready to experience all of the remarkable things that make Costa Rica so popular, contact us today to discover which Costa Rican experience is right for you.
Explore our trip itineraries or create your very own unique Costa Rican adventure. At Costa Rica Escapes, we’re here to help you discover what makes Costa Rica so special. Book a call today.
John Rabenau has been working in the eco-tourism & adventure travel industry in Costa Rica since 2002. He has worked in a variety of capacities from Outdoor Educator & Principle Guide to Itinerary Design Manager & Business Owner for numerous organizations. He has grown Costa Rica Escapes into one of the most reputable Costa Rica travel agencies since its creation in 2006, hosting more than 5,000 people with custom vacation itineraries.