Turquoise blue waters, black sand beaches, and vibrant green rainforests— Costa Rica is the ultimate bucket list destination packed with intense natural beauty. It’s here in southern Central America that you’ll find some of the world’s best wildlife, waterfalls, colors, hiking, beaches, horseback riding, zip lining, culture, and cuisine. From watching howler monkeys swing in the jungle, to surfing on the crisp salty waves, our Costa Rica Expedition has something for everyone. Keep reading to learn about the best places to visit in Costa Rica, and be sure to check out our Costa Rica Travel Video to see our epic experience!
Costa Rica Travel Video
Check our our trip to Costa Rica to find out what it's like to swing off a waterfall, see a one armed monkey, play at the beach, watch alligators fight, zip line over the rainforest, and soak up the Costa Rican sun!
Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach is one of Costa Rica’s best beaches, located on the western coast with white sand and great surfing waves. There are many things to do in this busy town, including horseback riding, surfing, deep-sea fishing, ATV tours, kayaking, boat rides, rafting, and much more. If you want to spend time in an area bustling with animated nightlife, delicious food, and friendly locals, make sure you add Jaco to your itinerary!
La Paz Waterfall
La Paz is a favorite Waterfall in Costa Rica among the locals. Located just north of Alajuela, this waterfall reaches over 120 feet tall and is highly pressurized during rainy season. Be sure to take a rain jacket if you don’t want to get wet! A little ways upstream from the waterfall is La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a hotel and park where visitors can spot diverse wildlife.
Manuel Antonio National Park
The best place to see white sand beaches, coral reefs, tropical wildlife, three toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and hundreds of bird species is deep within the rainforest at Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s also home to some of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica with paths from the coast up into the mountains. Plan to stay here awhile, and make sure to bring some extra cash for street parking and shopping.
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is one of the most spectacular sights in Costa Rica. Located in the northern part of the country, this huge volcano is known for its steamy hot springs, active wildlife (including jaguars and tree frogs), and beautiful blue lake. It also hosts the best hiking in Costa Rica, with trails wrapping through the forest leading to a cooled lava field. While visiting the volcano in Arenal, plan to stop at Sky Adventures Arenal Park, where you can zip-line, rappel down a waterfall, ride ATVs, raft down a rapid river, horseback ride, and so much more! Be sure you don’t forget your GoPro on this epic adventure!
Costa Rica is perfect for those who wish to have an authentic experience in an off-the-beaten path destination. This expedition has a worthy place in the daydreams of travelers around the world. Visit this peaceful, green jewel of Central America and enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer!
Article written by: Ashley Hill
Follow along on Instagram at @ash_hill16
In Costa Rica, they live a “Pura Vida” lifestyle, meaning pure life, and you’re going to want to do the same on your trip. This lifestyle celebrates stress-free living, something we all need a little more of. So start packing and take notes for what to do in Costa Rica.