With vaccinations underway and travel gradually picking up, now is a great time to begin planning your next international getaway. If Costa Rica is on your mind, let these photos and descriptions inspire your itinerary. Explore vibrant coastlines, active volcanoes, diverse rainforests and rich cultural landmarks as you imagine your journey through this compact, nature-rich nation.
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World-renowned for surfing, Playa Dominical sits in South Puntarenas about 30 kilometers from Manuel Antonio National Park. The shoreline includes hotels, restaurants and plenty of waves for experienced and aspiring surfers alike. -
Arenal Volcano National Park covers nearly 30,000 acres and showcases remarkable geological and biological variety. Arenal, long one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, has shaped the landscape and draws visitors interested in geology, hot springs and hiking.
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Costa Rica contains three main rainforest types—tropical rainforest, cloud forest and tropical dry forest. Parks such as Corcovado, Carara and Piedras Blancas protect rich ecosystems and offer excellent wildlife viewing and guided nature experiences.
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Located in the heart of San José, the National Theatre of Costa Rica opened in 1897. The theater is celebrated for its ornate interior and high-quality performances, making it a cultural highlight for visitors to the capital.
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Costa Rica is home to two of the world’s six sloth species. The Brown-Throated Sloth is the most commonly seen three-toed sloth here, and populations in the country are stable, allowing many visitors to spot these slow-moving mammals in protected areas.
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve attracts nearly 70,000 visitors a year and spans roughly 26,000 acres. Renowned for its biodiversity and misty high-elevation trails, Monteverde is a top destination for birdwatching and guided ecological tours.
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Costa Rica hosts six species of toucans across its various habitats. Cloud forests are great places to spot species like the Emerald and Yellow-Eared toucans, offering vivid birdwatching opportunities for visitors and photographers.
