1. Guanacaste: beaches and sun all year round ☀️🏝
Located in the northwest of the country, the Guanacaste is Costa Rica's sunniest region. Nicknamed "the Gold Coast", it is renowned for its idyllic beaches, surf spots and tropical savannah landscapes.
🌊 Don't miss :
- Playa Conchal A sandy beach of crushed shells and turquoise waters.
- Rincon de la Vieja National Park volcanoes, geysers and hot springs.
- Tamarindo A lively seaside resort, ideal for surfing and partying.
- Papagayo secret coves and luxury hotels in the heart of nature.
✅ Perfect for For beach lovers, surfers and sun seekers.
2. The Central Valley: volcanoes and Costa Rican culture 🌋🏛
The historic and economic heart of Costa Rica, the Central Valley is home to San Joséthe capital, and several colonial towns surrounded by impressive volcanoes.
🏙 A must-see!
- Poás volcano a steaming crater with a supernaturally blue acid lake.
- Irazú volcano The highest in the country, with views over both oceans.
- San José and its museums Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Central Market, National Theatre.
- Orosí Valley A peaceful region of coffee plantations and crystal-clear rivers.
✅ Perfect for For lovers of culture, volcanic hikes and local gastronomy.
3. The Arenal and Monteverde region: volcanoes and cloud forests
Located in the north of the country, this region is a a veritable adventure playground. It blends raw energy from the Arenal Volcano and the fairytale atmosphere of Monteverde cloud forests.
🌳 To discover:
- Arenal Volcano hiking and natural hot springs.
- La Fortuna waterfall A spectacular waterfall in the middle of the jungle.
- Monteverde reserve A misty forest where you can observe the mythical quetzal.
- Suspension bridges and zip lines fly over the canopy to admire nature from a new angle.
✅ Perfect for For nature lovers, hikers and adventurers.
4. The Central Pacific coast: between beaches and lush jungles 🌴🌊
Located between San José and the Osa Peninsula, this region is one of the country's most popular tourist destinationsand with good reason: it combines splendid beaches, exceptional wildlife and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.
🐒 A must-see!
- Manuel Antonio National Park paradise beaches and sloth watching.
- Jaco and Playa Hermosa Surfing: famous surf spots.
- Carara National Park A tropical forest where you can spot scarlet macaws.
✅ Perfect for Combine beach, wildlife observation and tourist comfort.
5. The Osa Peninsula and the South Pacific: a wild paradise 🌿🐆
If you're looking for authenticity and raw naturethe Osa peninsula is Costa Rica's hidden gem. It houses Corcovado National Parkconsidered one of the world's most biodiverse areas.
🌿 To explore :
- Corcovado National Park jaguars, tapirs, monkeys and scarlet macaws in the wild.
- Bahía Drake Diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Isla del Caño.
- Marino Ballena Park Humpback whale watching (July to November).
✅ Perfect for For adventurers, wildlife lovers and travelers in search of authentic Costa Rica.
6. The Caribbean coast: a unique blend of jungle and reggae 🎶🌺
In the east of the country, the Caribbean coast offer a different atmosphereA place of Afro-Caribbean influences, tropical forests and palm-fringed beaches.
🏝 To discover:
- Tortuguero National Park A labyrinth of canals where sea turtles come to lay their eggs.
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca A seaside village with a reggae atmosphere.
- Playa Punta Uva one of the country's most beautiful beaches.
- Cahuita Reserve a perfect blend of jungle and coral reef.
✅ Perfect for For lovers of nature, Caribbean culture and wild beaches.
7. Northern Costa Rica: the unspoilt unknown 🌾🚣♂️
Not very touristy, the north of Costa Rica is a little-known regionwhere vast plains and rivers hide impressive wildlife.
🛶 What to see :
- Caño Negro An exceptional bird sanctuary.
- Río San Juan A river on the Nicaraguan border, ideal for eco-tourism.
✅ Perfect for for travelers in search of tranquility and authenticity.
