With volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests, and distinctive animals, Costa Rica is a scenic paradise. This is a destination that attracts birdwatchers, fancy travellers, and surfers and backpackers alike.

The country’s finest museums and attractive squares are in San Jose, but the real gems are in the forests and small coastal communities well beyond the capital.

The Pacific Coast is dotted with endless stretches of sand and small towns catering to surfers and sun worshippers. The forested highlands in the interior have their own set of delights, featuring volcanoes, waterfalls, ziplining, and incredible animal viewing. Check to the Caribbean coast for something completely different, with its tranquil waters, plentiful animals, and diverse cultural vibes.

Our list of the best tourist sites in Costa Rica might help you plan your trip. According to Planetware.

1. Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano National Park, located in the steep Cordillera de Tilarán, is one of the best places in the country to see volcanoes. The Arenal Volcano, a cone-shaped mountain with massive ash columns regularly spilling from the crater, is a major attraction here.

2. Monteverde and the cloud forest

The Cloud Forests in Monteverde and Santa Elena are some of Costa Rica’s best ecotourism destinations. This is the place to go if you want to immerse yourself in nature and view rare plants and fauna without going too far off the beaten path.

The clouds that blanket these woodlands supply the essential moisture to keep the area’s distinct ecology alive. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve are home to a variety of animals, amphibians, and reptiles, and many visitors come solely for bird watching.

3. Dominical

Dominical is a tropical backpacker’s dream, filled with dusty streets, beautiful beaches, low-cost hotels, casual open-air restaurants, and a friendly vibe. Dominical is one of Costa Rica’s best surfing places. It is tough for visitors to depart, and their visits usually turn into longer stays.

Dominical also draws affluent visitors, who can stay at tiny luxury inns and bed & breakfasts on the outskirts of town or in the hills overlooking the city. These sites are often kept separate to allow for close-up animal observation, with howler monkeys greeting people in the morning and toucans hovering near the pool.

4. Jaco

Jaco is a good option for those who want to get away from San Jose but still have access to the amenities and comforts of a larger town or city. The beach is large and nice, but it is only mediocre by Costa Rican standards.

5. Tortuguero national park

Travellers visiting Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast may be looking for something a little unusual and off the main path. This area, which can only be reached by boat or plane, is one of Costa Rica’s wettest and offers a different experience from the rest of the country. Turtle watching is the most common attraction in the park because it is a significant nesting site for green sea turtles.