Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Seven Costa Rica Destinations Showcase Rainforests, Volcanoes, Beaches and Wildlife
Costa Rica is a small country with many different kinds of nature.
It covers about 0.03 percent of Earth’s surface but has about 6 percent of the world’s known biodiversity.
Arenal Volcano National Park has volcano trails and hot springs.
Monteverde is a cool, misty forest where rare birds such as the resplendent quetzal live.
Manuel Antonio has beaches, rainforest, sloths and monkeys.
Corcovado and Tortuguero protect especially rich wildlife habitats.
Green sea turtles usually nest and hatch at Tortuguero between July and October.
Tamarindo is popular for sunny beaches and surfing, while San José offers history and culture.
Costa Rica offers rainforests, volcanic landscapes, beaches and access to diverse wildlife.
Arenal Volcano National Park features hardened lava trails, geothermal hot springs and local flora.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve protects a misty high-altitude ecosystem and resplendent quetzals.
Manuel Antonio, Corcovado and Tortuguero national parks are known for wildlife and coastal biodiversity.
Tamarindo provides sunny surfing beaches, while San José offers cultural landmarks including the National Theatre.
- Who
- Travellers and nature enthusiasts visiting Costa Rica.
- What
- A guide to seven notable destinations featuring volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, beaches, wildlife and cultural landmarks.
- When
- Tortuguero’s peak green turtle nesting and hatching period is July to October; Tamarindo’s dry season runs from December to April. The National Theatre of Costa Rica opened on 21 October 1897.
- Where
- Costa Rica, including its northern highlands, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Osa Peninsula, Guanacaste province and capital city, San José.
- Why
- The destinations offer access to Costa Rica’s biodiversity, wildlife, natural scenery, beaches and cultural attractions.
- Biodiversity
- Costa Rica covers about 0.03 percent of Earth’s surface and is home to approximately 6 percent of the world’s known biodiversity.
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Located in the northern highlands, with hardened lava trails, geothermal hot springs and local flora.
- Monteverde elevation
- The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve sits at 1,440 metres above sea level.
- Manuel Antonio size
- Manuel Antonio National Park spans 682 hectares along the central Pacific coast.
- Tortuguero turtle season
- Green sea turtles have their peak nesting and hatching period between July and October.
- Tamarindo dry season
- The dry season runs from December to April, with near-zero rainfall and consistent sunshine.
- National Theatre
- The National Theatre of Costa Rica opened to the public on 21 October 1897.