Sightseeing in Costa Rica
Including Arenal Volcano National Park, Cerro Chirripó Summit Viewpoint, and Diquís Stone Spheres. On the map.
The vibe
Sightseeing here is less about ticking off grand monuments and more about the constant, immersive hum of the jungle canopy and shifting coastal horizons. The dry season from December to April offers the clearest views of volcanic peaks and forest trails, though the greener months bring a lush intensity that makes the landscape feel alive. You will find a mix of well-trodden paths that cater to organized groups and quiet, dusty roads where you can wander at your own pace without seeing another soul.
Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela
Alajuela Province
Christophe Meneboeuf / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Dominated by the perfectly symmetrical cone of the active Arenal Volcano, this national park offers iconic tropical vistas and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore ancient lava flows, dense rainforests rich in wildlife, and scenic viewpoints overlooking Lake Arenal.
Access. Accessible via bus or private shuttle from San José or La Fortuna, which serves as the main base for exploring the area.
Notes. Weather can be unpredictable; the volcano peak is frequently wrapped in clouds, especially during the rainy season.
Cerro Chirripó Summit Viewpoint, Pérez Zeledón
Cartago Province
Cephas / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Towering as the highest peak in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripó offers breathtaking high-altitude viewpoints where, on a clear day, hikers can gaze across both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The rugged trek through diverse ecosystems leads to a stunning páramo landscape unlike anywhere else in Central America. It stands as the ultimate scenic summit destination for adventurous sightseers.
Access. Reached via a demanding multi-day hiking expedition starting from the village of San Gerardo de Rivas, requiring advance permit reservations.
Notes. Strict daily visitor limits apply and permits must be booked months in advance through the national park system.
Diquís Stone Spheres, Palmar Sur
Puntarenas Province
xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Famed for their perfection and enduring mystery, these enigmatic pre-Columbian stone spheres range from a few centimeters to over two meters in diameter. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they represent the sophisticated engineering of the ancient Diquís culture.
Access. Located in the southern Brunca region, typically visited via day trips from Uvita or Dominical, or regional flights to Palmar Sur.
Notes. Several authentic spheres are preserved at open-air archaeological plots and local museum displays in the region.
Guayabo National Monument, Cartago
Cartago Province
Eduardo A. Pacheco from Turrialba, Costa Rica / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Costa Rica's most important pre-Columbian archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into an ancient civilization that flourished over a thousand years ago. Visitors can walk among elaborate stone mounds, aqueducts, and paved roads nestled on the forested slopes of the Turrialba Volcano.
Access. Accessible by bus or car from the town of Turrialba, about a two-hour drive east of San José.
Notes. Closed on Mondays. Guided tours enhance the understanding of the complex stonework and history.
Lankester Botanical Garden, Cartago
Cartago Province
Rquesada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Managed by the University of Costa Rica, this sprawling botanical complex is a world-renowned sanctuary for orchids and tropical flora. Visitors wander along tranquil paved trails surrounded by thousands of vibrant orchid species, bamboo groves, and palm collections. It offers a peaceful yet visually stunning sightseeing experience for botany enthusiasts.
Access. Located just outside Cartago in Paraíso, easily accessible by taxi or local bus from the city center.
Notes. Best flowering season is typically from February to April, though stunning blooms can be seen year-round.
Manuel Antonio National Park, Puntarenas
Puntarenas Province
Pavel Kirillov from St.Petersburg, Russia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Though small in size, Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's most celebrated coastal preserves, featuring rugged headlands, pristine white-sand beaches, and lush rainforest teeming with sloths and monkeys. Well-maintained trails lead to dramatic ocean viewpoints and secluded coves.
Access. Easily reached by bus or car from Quepos, which is a short drive or domestic flight from San José.
Notes. Closed on Tuesdays. Advance ticket purchase online is mandatory as daily visitor caps apply.
National Theatre of Costa Rica, San José
San José
Richie Diesterheft derivative work: MrPanyGoff / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Considered the finest historic building in the capital, the Teatro Nacional is an architectural masterpiece built in the late 19th century with exquisite Italian marble, gilded details, and classical ceiling frescoes. It stands as a proud symbol of the country's cultural heritage.
Access. Located in the heart of downtown San José, easily accessible on foot from major city hotels.
Notes. Guided tours are available daily when rehearsals or performances are not taking place.
Poás Volcano National Park, Alajuela
Alajuela Province
Wayne77 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Home to one of the largest active craters in the world, Poás Volcano features a dramatic, bubbling emerald-green acid lake surrounded by sulphurous fumaroles. A short, paved path leads directly to the crater rim viewpoint for an unforgettable geologic spectacle.
Access. Reached via a winding scenic drive through coffee plantations from San José or Alajuela.
Notes. Advance online reservations with timed entry are strictly required. Visits are often brief due to volcanic gas levels and weather.
Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park
Alajuela Province
Panegyrics of Granovetter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Famous for its striking, milky turquoise waters created by a unique chemical reaction where two streams meet, the Rio Celeste is a breathtaking natural wonder. A well-marked jungle trail leads visitors past bubbling mud pots, thermal springs, and down to the spectacular roaring cascade.
Access. Located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, typically visited as a day trip from Bijagua or La Fortuna.
Notes. Trails can become extremely muddy and slick during heavy rains; good hiking boots are essential.
Tortuguero National Park, Limón
Limón Province
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Often called the 'Amazon of Costa Rica', Tortuguero is a sprawling labyrinth of jungle-fringed canals, rivers, and remote beaches accessible only by boat or small plane. It is celebrated both for its serene waterways and as a premier nesting ground for sea turtles.
Access. Boat or domestic flight from San José, connecting through towns like La Pavona or Moin where river boats depart.
Notes. Turtle nesting tours require a licensed guide and strict adherence to night-time conservation rules.