What to See
9 highlights📍 Tap the pin for directions
Arenal Volcano
One of the world's most photogenic volcanoes — a near-perfect cone rising above the rainforest. La Fortuna town at its base is the primary hub for the region. The lava flows are most visible at night when clouds clear. Tabacón Hot Springs, heated by geothermal activity, is the premium resort experience with hot spring pools and swim-up bars set in tropical gardens; Baldi Hot Springs is another popular and well-developed option with multiple pools; El Chollin (sometimes called Los Termales del Bosque) is a more affordable public alternative. All are worth it after a day of hiking or zip-lining.
Hot Springs — La Fortuna
Soaking in geothermally heated water with views of Arenal Volcano looming above is one of the quintessential Costa Rica experiences. Baldi Hot Springs is the largest and most developed — 25 pools of varying temperatures, waterslides, swim-up bars, and restaurants. It's festive and fun rather than tranquil. Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is more upscale and intimate, set in beautiful tropical gardens. Book ahead for both, especially on weekends. If you're watching your budget, ask your hotel or hostel about the more local options farther from town.
Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio & Rio Celeste
Tenorio Volcano National Park, about 1.5–2 hours from La Fortuna, contains one of Costa Rica's most breathtaking natural phenomena: the Rio Celeste — a river that glows a vivid turquoise blue caused by a volcanic mineral reaction where two rivers merge. Inside the park you'll also find La Laguna Azul, a striking blue crater lake. Important timing note: The colors are most intense and vivid during the dry season (December through April) — in the rainy season (May–November) the colors become diluted and significantly less impressive. Visitors in February report strikingly beautiful blues; by June the effect fades noticeably. If seeing the full brilliance is important to you, go in the dry months. The hike through the park is well-maintained but can be muddy — proper footwear is essential.
Other Volcanoes Near San José — Irazú & Turrialba
While Arenal gets most of the attention, Costa Rica has other accessible volcanoes worth knowing about. Volcán Irazú, about 50km east of San José, is one of the highest active volcanoes in Costa Rica (3,431m) and notably has a main crater containing a striking green-turquoise crater lake. On clear days, you can see both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts from the summit — a remarkable claim. Volcán Turrialba is nearby and highly active — it has erupted multiple times in recent years, which sometimes limits access. Always check current status before visiting. Both are good day trips from San José.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
At 1,400 meters elevation, Monteverde is perpetually shrouded in mist and teeming with biodiversity — quetzals, howler monkeys, and hundreds of orchid species. The hanging bridge walks through the canopy are spectacular. Allow a full day and book a guided walk for the best wildlife sightings.
Pacific Coast Beaches
Costa Rica's Pacific coast offers dramatically different beach experiences by region. The Nicoya Peninsula (Santa Teresa, Nosara) has world-class surf breaks and a well-developed yoga retreat scene. Manuel Antonio on the central coast combines a beautiful beach with an adjacent national park home to monkeys and sloths. Jacó is the closest party beach to San José.
Wildlife Spotting
Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's biodiversity in 0.03% of its land mass. Wildlife encounters — from sloths and howler monkeys to toucans and scarlet macaws — are common even for casual travelers. Hire a local guide for any national park walk; their eyes find what you'd walk right past.
Zip-Lining & Adventure Sports
Costa Rica invented the commercial zip-line tour, and the country has hundreds of them. Arenal and Monteverde have the most dramatic options, with platforms above the forest canopy and views to the volcano. While Sky Adventures and Selvatura Park both offer Canopy Tours and Hanging Bridges, Selvatura Park also has a sloth habitat, amphibian and reptile exhibits, a hummingbird garden, and a butterfly garden. These exhibits are at an additional cost.
For Beach Lovers
There are a ton of beaches in Costa Rica — from secluded coves to bustling resort towns. Quepos is worth a visit! While there, visit Manuel Antonio National Park. Then stop at El Avion restaurant for lunch/dinner and pictures.