The La Fortuna Waterfall is a perfect spot for nature lovers to take a refreshing dip and hike through a serene jungle. Surrounded by lush green forest, it plunges 70 meters into a natural pool, where you can swim and capture some insta-worthy photos.
Arenal Volcano National Park is home to an active volcano and an array of thrilling outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining, or simply soaking in one of the natural hot springs. Visiting this place will give you an excellent chance to see some incredible wildlife including sloths, monkeys, and toucans.
The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a nature reserve spanning 600 acres of pristine rainforest, holding a scenic network of hanging bridges, observation decks, and walking trails. Take a bird's eye view of the forest canopy and spot countless plant and bird species in this gorgeous setting.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a UNESCO-listed reserve blessed with a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Explore the trails, bridges, and skyrail for unbeatable views of the surrounding forests, coffee plantations, and misty hills. You can also catch a glimpse of the elusive quetzal bird and four species of monkeys.
Manuel Antonio National Park is an incredibly scenic and biologically diverse national park boasting postcard-perfect beaches, coral reefs, rainforest, and wildlife. It's the natural habitat for monkeys, toucans, sloths, iguanas, and a vast array of bird species. A visit to this place blends adventure and relaxation.
Damas Island Estuary is where the sea meets the freshwaters of the Tárcoles River, making it a kaleidoscope of plant and animal life. Taking a boat ride is a perfect way to see crocodiles, lizards, monkeys, sloths, and iguanas in their natural habitats. The mangrove forests offer impressive sights.
Corcovado National Park is one of the most diverse and ecologically significant places in Costa Rica, located at the southernmost point of the Pacific coast of the country. It shelters over 400 species of birds, 140 species of mammals music to the ears of every nature lover. It is also home to jaguars and numerous waterfalls.
The Tortuguero National Park is one of the most exotic and secluded national parks in Costa Rica, only accessible by plane or boat. It's home to some of the best-preserved natural habitats nurturing threatened animal and plant species such as jaguars, monkeys, toucans, turtles, and manatees. You can also visit the Caribbean sea turtle conservation project or take a jungle hike depending on the season you visit.
The Irazu Volcano National Park challenges hikers to a once-in-a-lifetime experience to hike an active volcanic peak, peaking at 11,260 feet high. It's also home to several stunning crater lakes, including Diego de la Haya and Playa Hermosa. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of the central valley and coastline on a clear day.
Poas Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica's most-visited tourist destinations, and for a good reason. The primary attraction is a rust-colored active crater that periodically spurts smoke and ash into the air, making it one of the most exciting geological wonders in the world. Plan a visit in the morning to catch the stunning blue-green Laguna Caliente, which turns out to be bubbling at times due to volcanic activity.
For optimal freedom and flexibility, renting a car is the best way to navigate Costa Rica. You'll have control over your schedule and won't have to wait for public transit or worry about haggling with taxi drivers. The roads are well-maintained, but mountainous areas may be narrow, steep, and winding, so be sure to have prior experience driving under similar circumstances. Expect to pay at least $150 for ten days' car rental, including a mandatory insurance premium of around $15 per day.
If you have more time, consider adding visits to Curu Wildlife Reserve, Rio Celeste Waterfall, or San Gerardo de Dota. If you have less time, consider skipping Irazu Volcano and Tortuguero, both are some drive from San Jose.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the primary airport serving San José, Costa Rica, situated ~20 km north of downtown San José.