Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica
Costa Rica, located in Central America, is known for its stunning biodiversity, natural beauty, and commitment to sustainability. It’s a haven for eco-tourists, adventurers, and nature lovers, with more than a quarter of the country protected as national parks and reserves. From its lush rainforests and active volcanoes to pristine beaches and diverse wildlife, Costa Rica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Visitors flock to the country to explore its vast wilderness, enjoy thrilling outdoor activities such as zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and surfing, or relax in its luxurious eco-lodges and hot springs.
Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism sets it apart, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a balance between adventure and responsible travel. The country’s rich culture, which reflects a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, adds to the experience, offering a unique taste of Central American life. With easy access through international airports and a well-developed infrastructure, Costa Rica provides a mix of relaxation, adventure, and eco-friendly tourism.
Top 10 Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica
1. Arenal Volcano National Park
Landmark Overview
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks, featuring the active Arenal Volcano, which towers at 1,670 meters. The park offers stunning views of the volcano, lush rainforests, hot springs, and diverse wildlife. Though the volcano’s last major eruption was in 2010, visitors can still witness its perfectly conical shape and explore the surrounding forests, lava fields, and trails. Activities in the park include hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing in nearby hot springs.
Location
Arenal Volcano National Park is located in the northern part of Costa Rica, near the town of La Fortuna.
Ticket Price
Entrance to the park costs around $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Located about 120 km from the park, a 2.5-hour drive.
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): Located about 150 km from the park, a 3-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Arenal Volcano. Visitors typically travel by car or bus.
Special Attention
- The park offers various trails, but some are steep and rocky. Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- The weather in the area can be unpredictable, so bring a rain jacket even if it looks sunny.
- Visit the hot springs near La Fortuna for a relaxing end to your day after hiking.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Landmark Overview
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most renowned ecotourism destinations, famous for its mystical cloud forest that sits at high elevations, shrouded in mist. The reserve is home to a vast array of biodiversity, including over 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and thousands of plants. Visitors can hike through the cloud forest, explore hanging bridges that offer breathtaking views of the canopy, and even spot the rare Resplendent Quetzal bird.
Location
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located in the Puntarenas province, in the central highlands of Costa Rica.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are around $25 USD for adults and $12 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): About 135 km from Monteverde, a 3-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Monteverde. Visitors typically travel by car or shuttle services.
Special Attention
- The cloud forest can be quite humid and cool, so bring light layers and a rain jacket.
- Be prepared for some uphill hikes. The trails can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
- Arrive early in the morning for the best chance to spot wildlife, including the Resplendent Quetzal.
3. Manuel Antonio National Park
Landmark Overview
Manuel Antonio National Park is a stunning coastal gem that combines lush rainforests with pristine beaches. Though it’s one of Costa Rica’s smallest national parks, it is one of the most biodiverse, featuring species like monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. The park’s white-sand beaches, such as Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio, are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can hike through the park’s trails, snorkel in the coral reefs, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Location
Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Pacific coast, near the town of Quepos in the Puntarenas province.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are about $16 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP): Located about 10 km from the park, a 15-minute drive.
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): About 160 km from the park, a 2.5-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway services near Manuel Antonio National Park. Most visitors travel by car, bus, or shuttle.
Special Attention
- The park can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid long lines and secure a spot on the beach.
- Bring insect repellent and sunscreen, as the park has dense forested areas and exposed beaches.
- Be cautious of monkeys, which are known to steal food and items from visitors.
4. Tortuguero National Park
Landmark Overview
Tortuguero National Park is one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the Caribbean and is often referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica” due to its network of winding rivers, canals, and lagoons. The park is accessible only by boat or plane, and its remote location makes it an excellent spot for wildlife observation. In addition to sea turtles, visitors can see manatees, caimans, monkeys, and a variety of birds. Night tours during turtle nesting season (July to October) are a highlight of any visit to Tortuguero.
Location
Tortuguero National Park is located on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are around $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Tortuguero Airport (TTQ): A small regional airport, offering charter flights to and from San José.
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): About 130 km from Tortuguero, followed by a boat ride.
Railway Stations
There are no railway services near Tortuguero. Visitors typically travel by boat from the mainland.
Special Attention
- Bring waterproof gear, as Tortuguero experiences frequent rain, even during the dry season.
- Be sure to take a guided night tour if visiting during turtle nesting season, but avoid using flashlights, which can disorient the turtles.
- There are no ATMs in the park, so bring enough cash for entrance fees, tours, and other expenses.
5. Poás Volcano National Park
Landmark Overview
Poás Volcano National Park is home to one of the most accessible and active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The park’s main feature is the Poás Volcano, which has one of the largest craters in the world, with a diameter of nearly 1.5 kilometers. Visitors can hike to the crater’s edge and witness its acidic, turquoise crater lake. The park also features lush forests, with trails that lead to other volcanic landscapes and scenic viewpoints. It’s a popular day trip from San José.
Location
Poás Volcano National Park is located in the Alajuela province, about 50 km northwest of San José.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are around $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): About 40 km from the park, a 1-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Poás Volcano. Visitors typically travel by car or bus.
Special Attention
- The park can close due to volcanic activity or weather conditions, so check in advance before planning your visit.
- The crater can be covered in clouds, especially in the afternoon, so visit early in the morning for the best visibility.
- The air can be thin at high elevations, so take your time if hiking and drink plenty of water.
6. Corcovado National Park
Landmark Overview
Corcovado National Park, located on the remote Osa Peninsula, is often considered the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks due to its rich biodiversity. The park is home to tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, and four species of monkeys, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Corcovado’s pristine rainforests, beaches, and mangrove swamps offer a wide range of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and snorkeling. It is one of the most remote and least developed areas in Costa Rica, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurers.
Location
Corcovado National Park is located on the Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are around $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM): The nearest airport, about 40 km from the park.
- Drake Bay Airport (DRK): Located on the northern side of the peninsula, about 50 km from the park.
Railway Stations
There are no railway services near Corcovado. Visitors typically travel by boat or small planes to access the park.
Special Attention
- Corcovado is remote, so it’s important to plan ahead and bring essential supplies, including plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- A guide is highly recommended, as the trails can be challenging, and the wildlife is best spotted with an expert.
- Be prepared for variable weather, including heavy rains, even during the dry season.
7. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Landmark Overview
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a privately-owned nature reserve and eco-park that showcases Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park features five stunning waterfalls, a butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden, and animal exhibits that house rescued wildlife such as jaguars, toucans, and monkeys. Visitors can hike along well-maintained trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints of the waterfalls and explore the various gardens, exhibits, and aviaries.
Location
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is located in the Alajuela province, near the town of Vara Blanca.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are around $45 USD for adults and $30 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Located about 40 km from the park, a 1-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Visitors typically travel by car or shuttle.
Special Attention
- The trails are well-maintained, but the area can be slippery due to mist and rain, so wear proper footwear.
- Bring a camera, as the park is home to some of the most photogenic landscapes in Costa Rica.
- The animal exhibits are great for families, and the butterfly garden is a highlight for kids.
8. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Landmark Overview
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is home to the active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s largest volcanoes, as well as an array of geothermal features, including bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. The park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from dry tropical forests to cloud forests, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can hike to the volcano’s crater, explore geothermal areas, or relax in the natural hot springs.
Location
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is located in the Guanacaste province, in northwestern Costa Rica.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are around $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): Located about 45 km from the park, a 1-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway stations near Rincón de la Vieja. Visitors typically travel by car or shuttle.
Special Attention
- Some trails in the park lead through geothermal areas with strong sulfuric smells, so be prepared.
- The park’s trails vary in difficulty, so choose one that matches your fitness level.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks, as the park is remote, and facilities are limited.
9. Cahuita National Park
Landmark Overview
Cahuita National Park is located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast and is known for its coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and tropical rainforests. The park is home to a wide range of marine and terrestrial wildlife, including sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, and brightly colored fish. Snorkeling in the coral reefs is one of the park’s most popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem. The park’s coastal trails offer stunning views of the ocean and nearby forests.
Location
Cahuita National Park is located in the Limón province, near the town of Cahuita.
Ticket Price
There is no set entrance fee, but donations are encouraged to help maintain the park.
Nearby Airports
- Limón International Airport (LIO): Located about 40 km from the park, a 1-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway services near Cahuita. Visitors typically travel by car or bus.
Special Attention
- Snorkeling tours are best taken during the dry season (February to April), when water visibility is highest.
- The park’s beaches are beautiful but watch for strong currents if swimming.
- Be prepared for humid and warm conditions, so bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.
10. Irazu Volcano National Park
Landmark Overview
Irazu Volcano National Park is home to the highest volcano in Costa Rica, standing at 3,432 meters above sea level. The volcano’s summit offers incredible views of its green crater lake, and on clear days, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the top. Irazu is still an active volcano, though it hasn’t erupted since the 1960s. The park features a barren, moon-like landscape at the summit, contrasting with the surrounding lush forests.
Location
Irazu Volcano National Park is located in the Cartago province, about 55 km east of San José.
Ticket Price
Entrance fees are around $15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children.
Nearby Airports
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): About 60 km from the park, a 1.5-hour drive.
Railway Stations
There are no railway services near Irazu. Visitors typically travel by car or bus.
Special Attention
- The summit can be quite cold and windy, so bring warm clothing, even if it’s hot in lower areas.
- Visibility at the crater can change quickly due to clouds, so try to visit early in the morning for the best views.
- The altitude can cause some visitors to experience shortness of breath, so take your time if hiking.
