Stunning Places in Costa Rica You Won’t Believe Are Real
Costa Rica is a country with awe-inspiring natural wonders seemingly around every corner. From the Caribbean to the Pacific coast and everything in between, there are plenty of magical places brimming with surprises in this captivating country.
If you’d like to experience Costa Rica, including a night-time tour of the cloud forest in Monteverde, join Culture Trip’s specially curated nine-day Costa Rica tour with a local guide for a hassle-free trip shared with like-minded travelers.
Rio Celeste
Natural Feature
Rio Celeste lies within the Tenorio Volcano National Park. You can access this dreamy river on foot, and although the hike can be a bit challenging, it’s most definitely worth it. The opaque turquoise color of the water is quite special. It is said that Rio Celeste’s truly unique color comes from the reflection of sunlight off a combination of minerals within the river. The rainforest surrounding Rio Celeste is dense, vibrant and full of life. This is a place that should not be missed.
Rio Tarcoles
Natural Feature
Rio Tarcoles is quite the opposite of the dreamy Rio Celeste; it has been suggested that the Rio Tarcoles has the largest population of American crocodiles in the world. There are roughly 10 crocodiles per square mile or 25 crocodiles per square kilometer here, and many of them are mammoth in size. There is a viewing bridge where you can stop to see some of these humongous reptiles up close.
Playa Uvita
Natural Feature
Playa Uvita is a whale-tail-shaped beach coincidentally located within the Marino Ballena National Park. This white-sand beach is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and juts out into the sea, taking the shape of a whale’s tail at the end. Between the months of December and April, humpback whales spend time in this area to mate before migrating north.
Islas Murciélagos
Natural Feature
The Islas Murciélagos (Bat Islands) are home to an impressive population of massive bull sharks. At the tip of the Santa Rosa National Park, the islands have remained free of human life and development, which has kept the area a pristine and perfect habitat for the sharks as well as manta rays, eagle rays, devil rays and a visiting whale shark every once and a while. Between the months of May and November, visibility is best, and bull shark encounters are the most frequent. Don’t worry though, there have been no reported shark attacks here in the past 30 years. For an experienced diver, this dive will top the charts as one of the best.
Playa Ostional
Natural Feature
A great natural phenomenon called an arribada takes place on the shores of Playa Ostional one to two times during each month of the rainy season (August-December). Typically occurring for three to seven nights a week before the new moon, thousands upon thousands of olive ridley sea turtles emerge onto the sand at the darkest hours of the night to lay their eggs. Over the course of one arribada, up to 10m turtle eggs can be laid. Around 50 days later, baby turtles will surface and make their way to the sea. Both the nesting and the hatchings are two of the most beautiful sights to see in Costa Rica.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Forest, Hiking Trail
Nauyaca Waterfall
Natural Feature
Just a short trip inland from Playa Dominical, there is a relatively secret valley that’s home to a dozen spectacular waterfalls and beautiful primary rainforest. There are various hiking trails leading to the waterfalls, and adventurers are free to climb up, jump off, swim beneath and gaze up in wonderment. The Nauyaca Waterfall is part of this collection, as well as the Diamante Waterfall.
Cahuita National Park
Forest, Natural Feature, Park
The Cahuita National Park is famous for its stunning coral reefs close to the shore. During the drier months (February–April), the water visibility is great and ideal for snorkeling. There are more than 125 species of fish that make their home on the reefs of Cahuita. There are also 35 species of coral, including huge sea fans, brain coral and blue staghorn coral. What’s so special about this park is that the land portion is equally as impressive as the underwater portion, with both accessible to nature-loving visitors.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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