Costa Rica Highlights
Rainforests, volcanoes, sloths and the world's happiest country
Costa Rica is the world's ecotourism pioneer — a tiny country with 5% of the world's biodiversity, active volcanoes, cloud forests, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, and a "Pura Vida" philosophy that has made it consistently one of the world's happiest countries. Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, and the Osa Peninsula are among the world's finest wildlife destinations.
Top Costa Rica Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate costa rica highlights experience
Manuel Antonio National Park
Rainforest meets Pacific — Costa Rica's most beloved national park
Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's most visited and beloved national park — a small but extraordinarily biodiverse reserve where the Pacific rainforest meets white sand beaches and turquoise water. Three-toed sloths hang in the trees above the beach, white-faced capuchin monkeys raid picnic bags, scarlet macaws fly overhead, and the snorkelling in the marine section of the park is excellent. The park's small size makes it easy to explore in a day, and the town of Quepos nearby has excellent restaurants and hotels.
Highlights
- Three-toed sloths in the trees above the beach
- White-faced capuchin monkeys on the beach
- Scarlet macaws and toucans in the rainforest
- White sand beaches with Pacific surf
- Snorkelling in the marine section of the park
Things to Do
- Spot sloths with a guide
- Swim at Playa Manuel Antonio
- Snorkel in the marine section
- Walk the rainforest trails
- Watch the sunset from Quepos
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
December–April (dry season)
Recommended Duration
Full day
Typical Cost
Park entry US$20; hire a guide for wildlife spotting (US$25)
Travel Tips
- ·Book park entry in advance — daily visitor numbers are capped
- ·Hire a guide — they spot wildlife you would never find alone
- ·Arrive early — the park is cooler and less crowded in the morning
- ·Fly to San José (10 hours from London), then shuttle to Quepos (3 hours)
Nearby Attractions
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Walking through the clouds — the world's most famous cloud forest reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the world's most important and visited cloud forest ecosystems — a misty, moss-draped forest at 1,440 metres altitude that is home to over 400 bird species (including the resplendent quetzal), 100 mammal species, and thousands of plant species. The hanging bridges through the forest canopy, the zip-line tours, and the night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife make Monteverde one of Costa Rica's most rewarding destinations.
Highlights
- The resplendent quetzal — one of the world's most beautiful birds
- Hanging bridges through the cloud forest canopy
- Zip-line tours above the forest
- Over 400 bird species and 100 mammal species
- Night walks to spot nocturnal wildlife
Things to Do
- Walk the hanging bridges
- Spot the resplendent quetzal
- Take a zip-line tour
- Join a night walk
- Visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
December–April; quetzals most visible February–April
Recommended Duration
Full day to 2 days
Typical Cost
Reserve entry US$25; hanging bridges from US$30
Travel Tips
- ·Hire a guide for birdwatching — the quetzal is hard to find alone
- ·The cloud forest is cool and misty — bring a waterproof layer
- ·Combine with Arenal Volcano (3 hours by 4WD)
- ·The road to Monteverde is unpaved — hire a 4WD or take a shuttle
Nearby Attractions
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