Even though Costa Rica is a relatively small country, it should be thought of as a multi-destination, destination. In order to really feel like you've gotten a good taste of Costa Rica, you should plan on visiting at least two or three different places.

Getting from location to another and knowing in which order to visit them can be challenging... That's why we are here to help you plan and navigate your way around this amazingly beautiful country.

Check out our list of the top destinations in Costa Rica

A Snapshot of Costa Rica's Destinations:

Each area of Costa Rica offers a unique variety of sights and activities.

Central Pacific (Jaco & Manuel Antonio)

Think of wildlife, surfing, beach front condos (Jaco), miles of deserted beaches, sport fishing, crocodiles, scarlet macaws, Titi monkey, canopy tours and luxury hotels

Hot Spots include: Puntarenas, Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio

Gotta See: crocodiles at the Tarcoles River bridge, scarlet macaws in Carara National Park, wildlife and beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park, Vanilla Spice Plantation

Gotta Do: canopy tour, catamaran cruise to Tortuga Island, crocodile tour, volunteer at our Playa El Rey reforestation project

Read More about the Central Pacific Area

Arenal & Monteverde

Think of red lava flowing down one of the most active and most perfectly formed volcanoes in the world (Arenal Volcano) and steamy hot springs, cool cloud forests, coffee, quetzals and bird watching (Monteverde)

Hot Spots include: La Fortuna (Arenal), Santa Elena (Monteverde)

Gotta See: Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve, Arenal National Park, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Gotta Do: canopy tour, hanging bridges, coffee tour and a night walk

Read More about Arenal & Monteverde

South Pacific & the Osa Peninsula

Think of dense green primary rain forests, wildlife in Corcovado National Park (monkeys, sloths, tapirs, wild cats and hundreds of bird species), remote jungle lodges, scuba diving, snorkeling (Cano Island), scarlet macaws, dolphin & whale watching and surfing

Hot Spots include: Dominical, Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez, Golfito & Pavones

Gotta See: Corcovado National park, Cano Island, giant stone spheres in Sierpe, Sirepe Terraba Mangroves

Gotta Do: kayak in the mangroves, hike in Corcovado, bird and wildlife watching, dolphin and whale watching, diving at Cano Island, surf the point break in Pavones and sport fishing

Read More about the South Pacific & Osa Peninsula

North Pacific (Guanacaste & the Nicoya Peninsula)

Think of beautiful beaches (the Gold Coast), surfing, five-star all inclusive resorts, golf, natural hot springs and mud pits, leatherback and Olive Ridley sea turtles, lots of wildlife and adventure tours.

Hot Spots include: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal, Samara, Liberia & Santa Teresa

Gotta See: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Wild Cat Preserve and Santa Rosa National Park

Gotta Do: turtle tour, horseback ride and take a mud bath at Rincon de la Vieja, surf lessons and play a round of golf

Read More about the North Pacific Region

North & South Caribbean

North Caribbean (Tortuguero): Think of a laid back atmosphere, green sea turtles and emerald green rain forests filled with wildlife (sloths, monkeys, herons, tree frogs, butterflies and much more)

South Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita and Manzanillo): Think of Afro-Caribbean culture, coral reefs, white sanded beaches, BriBri Indians, wildlife and tranquil beach towns with lots of local artisans selling handmade crafts and jewerly.

Gotta See: green sea turtle come ashore and lay her eggs, manatee in Manzanillo,

Gotta Do: wildlife watching in Tortuguero National Park, hike and snorkel in Cahuita, kayak in Manzanillo Gandoca Refuge, diving

Read More about the Caribbean Region

Central Valley & San Jose

There is much more to the central valley than just the city of San Jose!

Think of the cities with churches, museums, monuments and lots of shopping and restaurants, and the surrounding mountains with active volcanoes (Poas & Irazu), botanical and butterfly gardens, canopy tours and coffee plantations. Plus many parks and reserves filled with hiking trails, waterfalls and a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Hot Spots include: San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Escazu, Cartago, Sarchi & Grecia

Gotta See: Poas Volcano, Irazu Volcano, La Paz Waterfall & Gardens, Lankester Botanical Gardens

Gotta Do: white water rafting, canopy tour, tour a coffee plantation

Read More about the Central Valley Area