Costa Rica - Map of the Top Tourist Attractions

1 Monteverde

Verdant cloud forests whisper ancient secrets

9.0

One of Central America's most biodiverse cloud forests, this Costa Rican sanctuary features ancient oak trees and mist-shrouded trails. While often crowded near Santa Elena, venturing deeper into the reserve reveals a quieter, more immersive encounter with rare wildlife.

Highlights:

🪢 Walk the hanging bridges over lush canopy
☕ Tour a local coffee plantation and taste espresso
🌲 Explore cloud forest trails in Monteverde Reserve

2 Nosara

Serene beachside village with lush rainforest

8.9

Quiet coastal village on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers surf, yoga retreats and lush rainforest trails. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, eco-friendly accommodations and a laid‑back atmosphere ideal for wellness and adventure seekers and local culture.

Highlights:

🧘‍♀️ Take a sunrise yoga class on the beach
🌿 Explore rainforest trails in Ostional Nature Reserve
🏄‍♂️ Ride waves at Nosara's legendary Playa Guiones

1 Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport

Gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific paradise

The main gateway to Guanacaste province, this airport offers frequent flights from North America and Europe. Modern facilities, quick customs and close proximity to beaches make it a convenient entry point.

1 Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

National Park

2 Cobano Airport

Gateway to lush cloud forests and wildlife

Serving the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this airport connects travelers to San José and international hubs. It features a single runway, modern terminal facilities and easy access to nearby beaches and rainforest.

3 Tamarindo Airport

Gateway to tropical beaches and surf adventures

This modest air gateway on Costa Rica's Pacific coast serves Tamarindo, linking travelers to beaches and rainforest. Despite its small size, the terminal offers Wi‑Fi, kiosks and staff guiding guests to hotels and surf schools.

1 Avellanas Soul Surf School

POI

4 Nosara Airport

Gateway to tropical beaches and lush jungles

A modest public airstrip serves the coastal town of Nosara on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It offers short runways for regional aircraft and connects travelers to nearby beaches, surf spots and eco‑tourism destinations.

3 Arenal Volcano National Park

Lava Trails, Rainforest and Epic Views

8.4

A rugged, volcanic landscape in Costa Rica's Central Valley features dramatic crater views and lush cloud forests. The park offers hiking trails through dense vegetation, hot springs and breathtaking sunsets over the active Arenal Volcano.

Highlights:

🌄 Enjoy spectacular volcano views from multiple lookout points
🌿 Explore rainforest biodiversity on the El Ceibo circuit
🌋 Hike the Las Coladas trail over old lava flows

1 Arenal Volcano

Volcano

2 Waterfall Río Fortuna

Waterfall

2 Catarata Río Celeste

POI

4 Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves

Mist, Wildlife and Cloudy Magic

8.4

Highlights:

🦜 Spot rare resplendent quetzals among misty trees
🌉 Walk the hanging bridges for canopy views
🥾 Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest's biodiversity-rich trails

5 Corcovado National Park

Costa Rica’s Wildest Rainforest Frontier

8.2

Highlights:

🐢 Watch endangered sea turtles nesting on remote beaches
🌌 Camp under the stars at La Sirena Ranger Station
🥾 Hike Corcovado’s diverse trails through rainforest and coastline

3 Cocos Island

Place

5 Puerto Jiménez Airport

Gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific paradise

Serving the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this small public airport offers convenient access to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park. Runway length supports regional aircraft and nearby facilities provide basic services.

6 Drake Bay Airport

Gateway to Costa Rica’s tropical paradise

Located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Drake Bay Airport serves the remote rainforest region and nearby national parks. The runway is short, requiring careful approach, but it offers direct access to eco‑tourism destinations.

7 Golfito Airport

Coastal gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific charm

Serving the southern Pacific coast, this regional airport offers direct flights to major hubs and convenient access for Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, known for wildlife reserves and pristine beaches today.

6 Tortuguero National Park

Wildlife and Waterways Adventure

7.8

Highlights:

🦜 Spot monkeys and toucans in the dense jungle canopy
🛶 Glide through rainforest canals on a guided canoe tour
🐢 Watch green sea turtles nest on the beach at night

8 Tortuguero Airport

Gateway to Costa Rica’s turtle sanctuary

A small public airport serving the remote Tortuguero region on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. It features a single asphalt runway and limited commercial flights, primarily connecting to San José for eco‑tourism access.

4 Canales del Tortuguero Rogelio Pardo Jochs

Canal

7 La Fortuna

Volcano Views, Hot Springs, Adventure

7.5

A coastal town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to nearby beaches, marine parks and rainforest trails. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, surf spots and opportunities for wildlife spotting in the surrounding wetlands.

Highlights:

🌉 Walk the hanging bridges at Mistico Park
♨️ Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
🌊 Hike to the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall

9 La Fortuna Arenal Airport

Gateway to volcano adventures and lush jungles

Conveniently located near Arenal Volcano, this regional airport offers quick access to hot springs and rainforest trails. Short flights connect it to San José and other major hubs, making it ideal for eco‑tourists.

1 Central Market

Convenience Store

8 Manuel Antonio National Park

Jungle, Wildlife and Stunning Beaches

7.2

Highlights:

🦜 Spot toucans, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds
🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Playa Manuel Antonio
🐒 Hike jungle trails filled with monkeys and sloths

2 Playa Manuel Antonio

Beach

2 Mercado De Artesanias Dominical

Shop

9 Quepos

Gateway to Tropical Adventure

7.0

This vibrant Pacific coast town offers world-class surfing, lush rainforests and dramatic volcanoes. Its bustling nightlife contrasts with serene beaches, while nearby national parks provide endless hiking opportunities for nature lovers seeking adventure in Costa Rica's tropical paradise.

Highlights:

🌳 Take thrilling zipline tours through tropical rainforest
🏖️ Relax on pristine beaches like Playa Espadilla
🐒 Explore diverse wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park

10 Quepos La Managua Airport

Costa Rica’s Rainforest Air Gateway

Serving the northern Pacific coast, this regional airport offers direct flights to major hubs and convenient access to nearby beaches, rainforests and adventure parks. Modern facilities support both tourism and business travel.

10 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Caribbean Vibes and Pristine Beaches

7.0

This quiet town in Talamanca offers lush rainforest trails, waterfalls and a slower pace than Costa Rica's popular tourist hubs. Visitors can explore indigenous culture, hike volcanic slopes or relax by rivers without the crowds found in San José or Manuel Antonio.

Highlights:

🍛 Taste authentic Caribbean cuisine at a local soda
🌴 Explore the lush trails of Cahuita National Park
🏄‍♂️ Surf the legendary waves at Salsa Brava

11 Limón International Airport

Gateway to Caribbean coast’s hidden treasures

Serving the Caribbean coast and Pacific lowlands, Limon International Airport offers direct flights to major hubs and connects travelers to Costa Rica’s eastern provinces, including Tortuguero and Cahuita for tourism.

11 San José

Culture, Coffee and Mountain Views

6.0

Capital city of Costa Rica, San José offers a mix of modern infrastructure and colonial heritage. The city hosts museums, theaters and bustling markets, while surrounding hills provide easy access to coffee plantations and lush cloud forests.

Highlights:

🌳 Stroll and people-watch in the lively Morazán Park
🏺 Explore the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and its ancient artifacts
🎭 Visit the National Theater, Costa Rica's architectural gem

3 Multiplaza Escazú

Shopping Mall

12 Juan Santamaría International Airport

Gateway to Costa Rican Adventures

The main gateway to Costa Rica’s capital, this airport handles over a million passengers annually. Modern terminals offer efficient transfers, extensive retail options and direct flights to North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

5 La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Zoo

4 Plaza Real Alajuela

Shopping Mall

Places of interest in Costa Rica