Top 10 best places and times to visit Costa Rica this year

Are you ready to visit Costa Rica to bask in the lovely tropical beaches? Then you need to know about the iconic places and suitable times to visit while in the country. The location is one of the most visited countries in South America. It is perfect for those that love great weather, fabulous beaches, and friendly locals.

To visit Costa Rica, you must go at the appropriate time with a Tourist Costa Rica Visa. Tourists from other South American countries need only an ID card to enter the country. The state is famous for its sprawling landscapes and beautiful terrains.

Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. Its diverse landscape and activities make it a great place to visit year-round. However, certain times of the year and sites within the country are especially worth visiting. Here are the top 10 best places and times to visit Costa Rica this year:

Top 10 Places and Times to Visit Costa Rica

The following are some of the best places and times to consider when you plan to visit Costa Rica.

# 1. Puerto Viejo

To visit Costa Rica in November for adventure, you should check out Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. It’s located in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica and is famous for young people and backpackers. It is because of its excellent beaches, surfing, and party atmosphere.

While on a trip to this site, you’ll enjoy ramshackle eateries with the scent of coconut curries. During the night, you’ll dance to the tune of the reggae music in the air. You don’t need to worry about the place to sleep due to the existence of the Pagalu Hostel.

#2. Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park is a lovely park you wouldn’t want to miss when you visit Costa Rica in December. It surrounds the Arenal Volcano and is full of lush green forests, and provides spectacular views of the volcano. Lovers of hiking can pass through trails in the park to waterfalls and other beautiful areas.

You’ll also marvel at the world’s most active volcanoes coupled with the heavenly scenery. La Fortuna Waterfall is the name of the waterfall in the national park.

#3. Tortuguero

You’ll see many beautiful places visiting Costa Rica, including the Tortuguero National Park. The Land of the Turtles Park is famous for its vast array of nesting leatherback sea turtles. This park is known as the Costa Rican version of the Amazon rainforest. It covers over 77,000 acres; thus, wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles can be seen.

If you plan to visit Costa Rica between April and May, you’ll see many turtles nesting along the shoreline. Then, visit the park and experience an unforgettable nature adventure. Lodge at the Mawamba Lodge if you want to sleep at the park’s heart and have a memorable experience.

#4. Santa Teresa

Take a trip down to the Nicoya Peninsula, and you’ll find the hippie backpacker town of Santa Teresa. This area is iconic for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforest. Since you want to take your friends abroad for vacation, you can stay there and feel relaxed. Additionally, it’s part of the best places to visit in Costa Rica in July because there is no crazy party. Your friends can stay at the Lost Boyz fun hotel during your trip there.

#5. Poas Volcano

Poas Volcano is one of the fantastic places to visit in Costa Rica. It’s a famous national park where you will see an active volcano with twin calderas filled with sulfur lakes. The incredible thing is that you can hike around it and the lakes are still. Tourists visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season should go out early in the morning to avoid missing out on the clouds closing in and ruining the volcano view.

#6. Playa Conchal

Tourists visiting Guanacaste Costa Rica in October shouldn’t miss the beautiful beach of Playa Conchal. It’s time to experience the beach’s white sand and crystal-clear water. Try visiting this attraction with your family and relaxing on the beach together; it’ll strengthen the family bond. You’ll find hostels that fit your budget, so do not worry.

#7. Manuel Antonio

If your hobby is hiking, Manuel Antonio should be on the list of places to visit in Costa Rica. The park’s name comes after President Manuel A. Figueres Ferrer, the founder of democracy in the country. You’ll marvel at the fantastic hikes the park has to offer.

Since its opening in 1972, the park can boost over 150,000 visitors annually. The park is located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It takes pride in having lush rainforest that tourists enjoy.

Tourists can rent an umbrella and a beach chair to spend time relaxing on the gorgeous beaches. Additionally, they shouldn’t pass up the chance to view three different kinds of native monkeys at the park.

#8. Monteverde

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the country’s first cloud forest. It’s full of some of the most exciting wildlife in the country, such as monkeys, colorful frogs, and jaguars. The area takes pride in having over 250,000 people visit yearly to glimpse the elusive quetzal birds.

If you visit Costa Rica in June, you’ll see the colorful frog and green grass through the tree canopy. It’s the most suitable place to get outdoors and explore when you visit Costa Rica. Lastly, you’ll be able to hike through the hiking trails.

#9. Corcovado

Nature lovers and tourists that want to visit Costa Rica in September should see the largest park in Costa Rica; Corcovado National Park. Covering an area of 424 square kilometers, Corcovado is situated on the remote Osa Peninsula of southwestern Costa Rica. After the park’s establishment in 1975, it became prominent for its astounding wildlife.

While visiting the park, you’ll enjoy sightseeing animals such as jaguars, tapirs, and monkeys. The place you’ll lodge in is dependent on your budget. You can choose from options including Osa Canopy Lodge, Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, and Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge.

#10. Las Catalinas

Do you want to sunbathe on the beach with your family while on vacation? Then one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica is the extraordinary town, Las Catalinas. It’s on the Pacific coast and houses some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

You’ll engage in activities like hiking and exploring the area’s lush green forests with your Costa Rica visa. Furthermore, you can eat in different restaurants. It’s a quiet place to relax and an action-packed vacation destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to go to Costa Rica?

It depends on the part of Costa Rica you want to visit. If you’re seeing the Pacific Coast area, the best time of the year to go there is between December and April. It is when the weather is dry and the sun is bright. Furthermore, you can visit the Caribbean side between March and September. Lastly, going to the country during the green season is advisable. It falls between May and June.

Is Costa Rica friendly to tourists?

According to the 2020 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is number 32 out of 163 nations in terms of peace. This is because the people are friendly tourists, and there’s no standing army to harass them. However, it would help if you heeded common sense safety tips to evade becoming a target for criminals.

What are the dangers in Costa Rica?

Tourists with Costa Rica tourist visas should beware of petty crimes while in Costa Rica. Additionally, you should be careful of wet tile or polished wood floors, so you shouldn’t wear slippery shoes. High gloss tile is affordable, and that’s why it’s common in the country. Finally, if you’re on the bus, you should avoid placing your luggage in the overhead bins to prevent theft.

Do they speak much English in Costa Rica?

Please note that the official language in Costa Rica is Spanish. However, they can speak other languages such as English, Creole, and Indian. Nonetheless, they speak much English in areas where tourists visit.

Why do people like Costa Rica so much?

Tourists love Costa Rica so much because of its extraordinary national parks. Enjoy exciting activities in those attraction centers, including river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and zip lining. Animal lovers will also love visiting the countries. They’ll consume the sight of animals such as macaws, sea turtles, and lovely sloths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no wrong time or place to visit if you want to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty, soak up some sun on the beach, or experience the country’s unique culture. All the aforementioned national parks will offer tourists the opportunity to see some of the most lovely and pristine landscapes in Costa Rica.

It would be best if you didn’t forget to finish San Jose, the country’s capital. It’s the home of the National Museum of the country. By following these tips, you can have the best trip possible and create memories that will last a lifetime. So what is delaying you? Start planning your trip today!