Costa Rica is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is a popular destination for tourists looking for a family-friendly vacation, with several must-see attractions, including volcanoes, beaches, and national parks.
Whether you’re seeking excitement or scenic views, visit the country’s top attractions when traveling to Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano
One of the most exciting things to do in Costa Rica is to visit the Arenal Volcano. It is one of five active volcanoes in Costa Rica towering over the surrounding rainforest, creating an awe-inspiring landscape.
Arenal Volcano is located in the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area in Costa Rica. The conservation area covers over 200,000 acres of protected land and is home to various wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and toucans.
Visitors can hike through the Arenal Volcano National Park to see the volcano up close. Aside from hiking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area, such as horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing on Lake Arenal or a guided tour of the rainforest canopy on a zipline. You can also visit La Fortuna Waterfall, which plunges 246 feet into a crystal-clear pool below.
The area is also known for its hot springs, which are heated by volcanic activity and provide a relaxing way to soak in the natural beauty.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a stunning protected area located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This national park is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and dense rainforest, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and tropical birds.
Visitors to Manuel Antonio National Park can enjoy various outdoor activities, from hiking through the rainforest to relaxing on the beaches. The park boasts several walking trails, including the popular Sendero Perezoso, which offers the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour of the park’s coastline, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or take a surf lesson at nearby beaches. With its breathtaking natural beauty and family-oriented activities, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Costa Rica.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Found in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a stunning nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary that offers visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking waterfalls, a hummingbird garden, and an extensive network of hiking trails.
One of the stand-out attractions at the park is the butterfly observatory, where visitors can witness the colorful and delicate creatures up close. The observatory also offers educational information on butterfly life cycles and the importance of pollination.
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a world-class adventure destination that offers visitors a wide range of thrilling outdoor activities. Located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, just a short drive from Papagayo Luxury Villas, this park offers some of the best zipline tours in the country, featuring over 1.5 miles of cable and 13 different platforms.
For those who love off-road adventures, the park offers ATV tours through rugged terrain and scenic landscapes. With experienced guides leading the way, visitors can explore the park’s hidden corners and experience the thrill of adventure. Visitors can also participate in various water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is one of the most important nesting sites in the world for green sea turtles, as well as several other species of sea turtles. Visitors can witness the incredible spectacle of sea turtles laying eggs on the beach and later watch the hatchlings make their way to the sea.
There are also opportunities to enjoy eco-friendly activities, such as bird watching, hiking, or canoeing down the park’s network of canals and waterways.
The National Theater in San José
Built in the late 19th century, The National Theater, located in the heart of San José, Costa Rica, is a cultural icon that has hosted countless performances and events over the years and a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the arts, history, or architecture.
But world-class performances aren’t the only reason to visit this cultural landmark. The building is renowned for its stunning neoclassical architecture, which features ornate marble columns, intricate stonework, and a majestic dome. The theater’s interior is equally impressive, with a grand staircase, luxurious seating, and elaborate ceiling frescoes.
Nature Observatorio at Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
If you’re a nature lover looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, visiting the Nature Observatorio at the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica is an experience you won’t want to miss.
The refuge encompasses over 23,000 acres of land, including a pristine stretch of coastline, mangrove swamps, and tropical rainforest. It’s approximately 10 miles south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and can be accessed via a rough dirt road leading to the refuge entrance.
The Nature Observatorio offers visitors the chance to spend the night in a state-of-the-art, tree-top observatory that provides a truly unique perspective on the rainforest. Perched high above the ground, you can observe wildlife up close and personal, including various exotic frogs and insects, without disturbing their natural habitats.
Explore Costa Rica’s Incredible Attractions With Papagayo Luxury
From exploring charming beach towns to getting up close and personal with local wildlife, there are numerous activities for families in Costa Rica to create an unforgettable vacation experience.
Papagayo Luxury resort is the ideal location to access Costa Rican adventures and activities in Guanacaste. Our 24/7 concierge service can help you plan your itinerary and recommend some of the best places to visit during your stay.
Book one of our luxury villas or condos to kick back and relax after a day of exploring Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
