Costa Rica destinations
Costa Rica Destinations: where to go, region by region
Costa Rica is small, but every region has its own vibe: volcanoes and cloud forest up north, surf towns in Guanacaste, wildlife on the Pacific and reggae on the Caribbean. Here’s how to pick the right places for your trip.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Explore by region
The 7 regions of Costa Rica
Each region has its own weather, landscape and pace. Most first trips combine one jungle or volcano area with one beach region. Tap a region on the map to open its full guide.
Best months: February to April
Northern Mountains
Volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and misty cloud forest.
Best for: First-timers and adventure
Towns: La Fortuna · Monteverde
Best months: December to April
Guanacaste
The sunny northwest coast: surf towns, resorts and the Liberia airport.
Best for: Beaches, families and resorts
Towns: Liberia · Playa Potrero · Playa Hermosa · Playa Langosta · Tamarindo · Avellanas · Papagayo · Las Catalinas · Playa Flamingo · Playa del Coco
Best months: December to April
Central Pacific
Manuel Antonio’s wildlife and the closest beaches to San José.
Best for: Wildlife plus beach time
Towns: Manuel Antonio · Jacó · Puntarenas · Herradura · Esterillos · Playa Hermosa · Quepos
Best months: September, October, February and March
Caribbean Coast
Reggae vibes, jungle beaches and Tortuguero’s canals.
Best for: Culture and slow travel
Towns: Cahuita · Manzanillo · Tortuguero · Bocas del Toro (Panama) · Limón · Puerto Viejo
Best months: Year-round
Central Valley
Coffee farms, cool mountain air and your first night near SJO.
Best for: Short stops and birders
Towns: San José · Alajuela · Orosi · San Gerardo de Dota · Cartago
The 10 most popular towns to visit in Costa Rica
Planning tips
How to choose where to go in Costa Rica
How many places?
With 7 to 10 days, pick two or three areas. Driving takes longer than you’d think, so plan at least 2 or 3 nights in each. How many days you need
Which airport?
San José (SJO) is best for La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio and the Caribbean. Liberia (LIR) is closest to Guanacaste and Nicoya. SJO vs Liberia
When are you going?
The Pacific is driest December to April. September and October are the Caribbean’s sunniest months. Weather by month
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Tell our planner your dates, airport and travel style. It picks the regions that fit, with hotels, tours and drive times for each stop.
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