The Most Underrated Towns and Cities to Visit in Costa Rica

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Dominical is a colorful beach town near Quepos and Manuel Antonio and south of Jaco. Many people either stop and stay in Jaco or continue on to Quepos, while missing Dominical – but those who visit are in for a treat. The waves are very consistent in Dominical, and there are several different spots geared towards surfers of all levels. There are beachfront bars, restaurants and local artisans selling their crafts along the cobblestone road parallel to the shore. From Dominical, there’s relatively easy access to Chirripó National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park.

Palmar Sur is a small inland town situated on the Sierpe River in the southwest region of Costa Rica. Nature lovers and eco-adventurers will find this place to be truly heavenly. The Sierpe River actually leads to one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, and the plant and animal life in this area is extraordinary. There’s boutique and luxury accommodation alongside backpacker, budget-friendly spots, and a decent selection of restaurants and bars. Palmar Sur is a great place to spend a few days before continuing down into the Osa Peninsula.

Zacero is a picturesque and quaint town on the scenic path towards Arenal from San José – it might just be one of the loveliest small towns in Costa Rica. The landscape here consists of verdant rolling hills, coffee farms, sugar cane plantations and lush forests. It’s also much cooler up here than in other parts of Costa Rica, a nice change after traveling around the coastal zones. One of the most popular attractions is a topiary garden, which has over 120 hedge sculptures and archways. There are plant sculptures shaped like elephants, giraffes, dinosaurs, humans and even cars.

Turrialba is awe-inspiring in its beauty and charm. The Central Valley highland town offers visitors exquisite views of coffee, macadamia and sugar plantations, rolling hills and deep valleys, and Turrialba Volcano National Park. There’s springtime weather all year – Turrialba is a perfect place to stay for both high-energy activities like whitewater rafting and volcano hiking, or for kicking back and relaxing. The town even has its own type of cheese, which is highly recommended.

San Isidro de El General is a truly unique place to visit in Costa Rica. The town is home to several traditional festivals, including Fiesta Civica – known for its bullfighting, live music and ceremony honoring the patron saint San Isidro. Attending one of these festivals is a wonderfully authentic cultural experience. San Isidro is also a bird lover’s paradise as the colorful, resplendent quetzal can be found here. It also happens to be a very important agricultural zone in Costa Rica, producing fruit – especially pineapple – sugar cane and coffee. There’s plenty of hiking and exploring to do around the town, and the weather makes it pleasant enough to spend the entire day outdoors.

The small town of Sarchí is famous for its crafts and painted oxcart wheels. If you’re looking for quality, handmade Costa Rican art and crafts, this is the spot – plus you can get to Sarchí as an easy day trip from San José. Photographers will have a field day here, as everything is so vibrant and colorful – plus there are magnificent views of the surrounding Central Valley.

Playa Chiquita is only 5 miles (8 km) from the town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. This charming and gorgeous beach town is ideal for romantic getaways or family vacations. There are cute little cafes, a gourmet grocery store and a local farmers market once a week. Days can be spent soaking in a private tidal pool on a stunning beach dotted with palm trees. Playa Chiquita is also great for exploring the surrounding tropical rainforests and national parks and reserves.

Overall, the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is still underrated and less-visited compared to the Pacific coast. Puerto Viejo is a vibrant, laid-back yet lively beach town that should definitely not be overlooked. The town has a great selection of restaurants, some of the best nightlife and easy access to multiple beaches, great snorkeling and lush tropical rainforest. There are tons of exciting tours and activities to choose from, including rainforest hiking, surfing, snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding and sea turtle tours.