Between the abundant wildlife, multitude of national parks and reserves, over a dozen different ecosystems and hundreds of beaches, Costa Rica is jaw-droppingly stunning and is the epitome of paradise. Here are places that locals have known about for ages and that travellers are discovering on their adventures to this magical country.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience led by a Local Insider, book yourself on our epic nine-day trip to Costa Rica, where you’ll get the chance to savour the best landscapes in the country.
Isla del Coco is a mystical island located 340mi (550km) off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is the only island in the tropical eastern Pacific region that has a rainforest. Jacques Cousteau described Isla del Coco as the most beautiful island in the world. The protected marine area surrounding the island is teeming with sharks, rays, tropical fish and dolphins. It is a diver’s paradise.
Isla del Caño is located just 6mi (10km) off the Osa Peninsula and is a favorite spot among divers and beach-lovers. This stunning, uninhabited island is rich in spectacular flora and fauna. Whales, dolphins and turtles also love the surrounding waters here, and it is common to spot these special creatures while boating to and from the island. There are also great nature trails for hiking throughout the island.
Playa Marbella is a beautiful black-sand beach in Guanacaste. This is one of the few beaches in Guanacaste where there is very little development. It is a place right out of a postcard. The ocean here is pretty wild and not particularly ideal for swimming, but for experienced surfers, sometimes there are waves.
Playa Hermosa is home to a very well-known surf break that locals wish they had all to themselves. The waves here can be truly world-class with the right swell and conditions. The black-sand beach and minimal development also make this spot quite dreamy. Playa Hermosa is close to the popular beach and surf town of Jaco in the central Pacific region of Costa Rica.
Playa Carrillo is situated next to the better-known beach, Playa Samara. This relatively secluded and palm tree-lined beach is an amazing place to take a beach walk, go for a swim or watch the sunset. There aren’t many accommodation choices here, but Playa Samara is very close by and has plenty of options. If you are looking for a laid-back beach spot to spend the day or week, this one is a surreal choice.
Playa Esterillos is a large, but very unpopulated beach located close to Playa Hermosa. The golden sand and almond trees create a captivating setting. The waters here are turquoise and calm. This is an excellent swimming beach that also sometimes has breaking waves for surfing. Due to the popularity of Playa Hermosa and Jaco, Esterillos has remained relatively untouched and is often completely overlooked.
Playa Uvita is a whale tail-shaped beach in the central Pacific region of Costa Rica. This gorgeous beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling and for whale and dolphin watching. It is such a beautiful coincidence that one of the most whale-populated areas of Costa Rica is also shaped like a whale tail. At low tide, you can walk all the way out to the “tail” of the beach.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls have two different levels of cascading water, ending the high-energy journey in the perfect swimming hole. The first cascade falls 200ft (60m) down before flowing over into the second level. You can access this astonishing site via horseback or by hiking down a well-maintained trail that takes about an hour to complete. The sheer power of these falls is enveloping and a sight not to be missed.
Catarata del Toro is a humungous waterfall that appears in the middle of a lush and very dense cloud forest. This cascade falls nearly 300ft (90m). For being one of the most outrageously beautiful waterfalls, it is not typically crowded here. It is best to hike in from El Silencio Lodge, which is also an amazing place to stay. Catarata del Toro is definitely in the running for the most mystical place in Costa Rica.
Río Agua Caliente is a free-access natural hot spring located near the Arenal Observatory Lodge. This is one of the few natural springs in the area that is not connected to a resort or privately owned establishment. However, it is nonetheless a divine experience soaking in a hot tub that is heated up by Mother Earth in the midst of nature. For a long time, only locals knew about this spot. It is still way less crowded than the bigger hot springs in the area.
The Papagayo Peninsula is one of the most surreal spots in northern Guanacaste. There are 31 beaches along the 15mi (24km) of coastline. The peninsula is home to the Four Seasons, a wide selection of luxury rental properties, a beach club, several other resorts and hotels and a golf club. The peninsula has been taken over by “the finer things in life.” If you aren’t on a budget, the Papagayo Peninsula provides quite the luxurious vacation in Costa Rica.
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