Looking for a surf trip or a jungle run? Costa Rica has it all! Enjoy the beautiful surf breaks all over the country like playa Tamarindo and playa Hermosa. Discover the biodiversity by visiting one of the many national parks like Manuel Antonio National Park or Corcovado National Park. Just looking for a place to chill? Head out to Dominical or Mal Pais. There’s something for everyone in Costa Rica!
1. Tamarindo
Tamarindo has so much to offer! This little town located in the province of Guanacaste has really become a popular destination for backpackers and surfers, thanks to the layback vibe and the growing hipster scene. Catch some waves at Tamarindo beach or do some shopping. At night, enjoy the nightlife with clubs and bars that are located on the beach. If you go to Costa Rica, you have to go to Tamarindo!
2. Jaco
Surf, Surf, Surf! Jaco is certainly one of the best places in Costa Rica to enjoy surfing. Go to playa Hermosa and catch the waves like the pros. Tired of getting rocked by the waves? Don’t worry there is plenty to do in this little town. Enjoy one of the many restaurants like Tacobar and Graffiti or enjoy a drink at some cool bars like the Monkey Bar.
3. La fortuna
If you like nature, you will love La Fortuna! Located inland in the north of the country, this town is surrounded by wildlife and national parks. You can enjoy Arenal volcano National Park in the morning and relax in one of the many hot springs around La Fortuna in the afternoon. Less crowded than Tamarindo or Jaco, you will be able to chill out during the evening and prepare yourself for another adventure the next morning.
4. Quepos
The beautiful little sea town of Quepos is definitely a place you don’t want to miss when visiting Costa Rica. Located just a few kilometres from the Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s a perfect location to enjoy nature. Rent a villa, sit back on your balcony and enjoy the biodiversity in front of your eyes. You will be able to see hundreds of species of birds, monkeys and more. Keep your eyes open!
5. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Viejo will take you to the other side of the country, on the Atlantic coast. Once considered a party town for surfers, it has transformed over the years to become a choice destination for tourists. Less developed than the westside of the country, it’s a great place to cruise around on your bike and enjoy the reggae music playing in rustic bamboo bars. Puerto Viejo is truly a unique place in Costa Rica.
6. Corcovado National Park
Located on the Osa peninsula, in the southwest part of the country, the Corcovado National Park is one of the best places to enjoy the diversity of the wildlife in Costa Rica. Less crowded than the north of the country, it gives you the opportunity to see a unique ecosystem with untouched nature and landscape. In the morning, simply pick the trekking trail you want to do, and that’s it, you are good to go!
7. San Jose
San Jose is truly a great place to stop by if you want to learn more about the history of Costa Rica. You won’t find beautiful beaches, but you will find a city full of life with charming streets in which you can wander for hours. Visit El Theatro National, the museum of Jade and the National Museum or if you are more into sports, go to a game of football at the Estadio Nacional. There is something for everybody in San Jose!
8. Santa Rosa National Park
Santa Rosa is one of Costa Rica’s largest national park and is home to some of the last tropical dry forests in the world. As most of the coastal destinations in Costa Rica, there are some beautiful surf breaks like the one on Naranjo Beach. You can also go diving or snorkeling to enjoy the incredible underwater life with thousands of species of fish and turtles.
9. Dominical
Less known than the other destinations on this list, Dominical is a great pit stop between the north and the south. Make the most of your stay by enjoying one of the many waterfalls in the area like San Luis Waterfalls and Nauyaca Waterfalls. If you love animals, you’ll have plenty of occasions to see a lot of them at the Parque Reptilandia and the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. Dominical is a great contrast from the busy towns like Jaco and San Jose.
10. Mal Pais and Santa Teresa
If you are a thrillseeker, Santa Teresa is certainly for you! Enjoy one of the many ATV trails that spread around the region and see Costa Rica like never before. You can also, of course, enjoy a day or two of surf since the surfing conditions are outstanding all year long. At night, enjoy the cool vibe of the town and have a meal of delicious traditional cuisine. More in the mood to chill? Head out to Mal Pais to find a quiet (not so quiet anymore) fishing village.
The article “Top 10 summer destinations in Europe” was written by Simon Dallaire, co-founder of Ibboo4u inc.