A country so lush over half of it is blanketed in forest, Costa Rica sets the bar sky high as far as outdoor destinations are concerned. It’s bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, and enjoys both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Most notable is the biodiversity—one can experience dense tropical rainforests and high-altitude ecosystems as well as mangroves and marine habitats (complete with colorful coral reefs and open ocean).
It’s no wonder, then, that Costa Rica’s quintessential phrase is “pura vida” (Spanish for “pure life”); this appreciation for a peaceful, positive lifestyle is baked into the country’s mentality and sets a laidback tone for visitors. For those in search of adventure, choose from adrenaline-fueled pursuits like whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and zip-lining. If you’re in need of a mental reset, the country’s yoga retreats and wellness spas are world-renowned. And if you’re eager to check a few new species off your birdwatching list, you’ll be pleased to learn there are around a thousand within Costa Rica alone. (Other wildlife sightings might include monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and crocodiles.)
Warm all year round, there’s no bad time to plan a trip here. Ahead, 11 of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, from active volcanoes and national parks to remote rivers and tumbling waterfalls.
Catch Waves Along the Nicoya Peninsula
Photo: Getty Images
