Costa Rica is a land of unparalleled biodiversity, with its lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, and serene beaches. If you’re seeking a nature retreat, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the wonders of the rainforest. This guide highlights five must-visit destinations for your ultimate Costa Rica rainforest getaway. We’ll explore the best times to visit, things to do, and where to stay in each of these stunning locations. Let’s dive into these spectacular places and start planning your adventure! 🦜
Ready to make your next foray into the jungle a dream come true? We’re here to help you plan the perfect Costa Rica adventure. Reach out to TourHero today — we’ll help you craft a trip that will immerse you in the lush wilderness!
Plot your adventure: Map of locations on this list
1. Monteverde Cloud Forest — A rainforest adventure like no other
Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast. This misty, magical forest sits high in the Tilarán Mountain Range, covering over 35,000 acres of protected land. It’s home to a unique ecosystem where cloud cover creates a lush, verdant environment teeming with life. The forest is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing over 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, and 120 types of reptiles and amphibians. Notable residents include the elusive resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, and an array of orchids, with Monteverde boasting the highest diversity of orchids in a single location worldwide. The cloud forest is just a three-hour drive from San José, making it a convenient yet remote escape within the Costa Rica rainforest from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Things to do in Monteverde
- Canopy tours: Explore the treetops on a thrilling zipline tour, offering bird’s-eye views of the forest.
- Hiking: Wander through trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints, with some paths taking you across hanging bridges that offer incredible perspectives of the forest below.
- Birdwatching: Monteverde is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with the chance to spot rare species like the resplendent quetzal and the emerald toucanet.
Best time to travel to Costa Rica’s Monteverde
The best time to visit Monteverde is from December to April during the dry season. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the forest remains lush and vibrant year-round due to its unique cloud cover.
Where to stay in Monteverde
- Affordable: Sibu Lodge — A charming, cozy boutique hotel designed to immerse you in the beauty of Monteverde’s natural surroundings.
- Mid-range: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens — This rainforest resort features beautiful gardens and is located in close proximity to the cloud forest, providing an immersive nature experience.
- Luxury: Hotel Belmar — A luxurious eco-friendly hotel nestled in the mountains, offering stunning views, sustainable experiences, and easy access to the Monteverde cloud forest.
✈️ Ready to explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde? Lead a trip to Costa Rica’s rainforest and make memories that last a lifetime.
2. La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano region — The heart of the Costa Rica rainforest
La Fortuna, nestled in the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano, is one of the most iconic destinations in Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano stands at 5,437 feet and is surrounded by a rich expanse of rainforest, making it a hotspot for both adventure and relaxation. The region is also home to Arenal Volcano National Park, where lava flows have created unique landscapes. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and the occasional jaguar. The region covers a vast area of over 29,000 acres, offering diverse ecosystems and countless opportunities for exploration. La Fortuna is conveniently located about a three-hour drive from both San José and Liberia airports, making it easily accessible for travelers eager to explore the Costa Rica rainforest.
Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- La Fortuna Waterfall: This 230-foot waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool below, surrounded by lush rainforest. A short hike brings you to this breathtaking natural wonder, perfect for a refreshing swim.
- Hot springs: Soak in natural hot springs with views of the towering Arenal Volcano, where the waters are naturally heated by geothermal activity.
- Arenal Hanging Bridges: Explore the rainforest canopy on a network of hanging bridges, providing a unique perspective of the flora and fauna high above the forest floor.
- Arenal volcano hike: Explore trails that wind through the forest and past old lava flows, offering stunning views of the volcano and Lake Arenal.
- Whitewater rafting: Tackle the rapids of the Balsa or Sarapiquí Rivers for an exhilarating adventure.
Best time to travel to Costa Rica’s Arenal region
Visit from December to April for the best weather conditions. This is when you’ll enjoy clear skies and the best views of the volcano, with the dry season offering the ideal climate for hiking and outdoor activities.
Where to stay in La Fortuna
- Affordable: Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge — A budget-friendly rainforest lodge surrounded by tropical gardens, offering rustic cabins and easy access to the Arenal Volcano and surrounding rainforests.
- Mid-range: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa — Set amidst lush grounds, this resort offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and natural hot springs on-site.
- Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa — A luxurious rainforest resort with private hot springs, nestled in the heart of the rainforest near the Arenal Volcano, offering an immersive nature experience.
✈️ Adventure awaits in La Fortuna! Lead your own trip to Costa Rica’s rainforest and explore the wonders of Arenal.
3. Manuel Antonio National Park — Peak biodiversity and wildlife spotting
Manuel Antonio is a treasure trove of natural beauty, nestled along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in the country, covering just 4,900 acres of land and 136,000 acres of marine reserve, it’s one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including three species of monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and hundreds of species of birds. Its stunning beaches, framed by lush rainforest, are consistently rated among the best in the world. Manuel Antonio is located about a three-hour drive from San José, making it an accessible and essential stop on any Costa Rican itinerary.
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
- Beach relaxation: Enjoy the sun on pristine beaches like Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Wildlife watching: Spot monkeys swinging through the trees, sloths lounging in the branches, and exotic birds like the scarlet macaw and toucans in their natural habitat within the Costa Rica rainforest.
- Hiking trails: Explore well-maintained trails that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, taking you through lush rainforests teeming with life.
Best time to travel to Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio
The ideal time to visit Manuel Antonio is from December to April. The dry season ensures perfect beach days and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures that enhance your Costa Rica rainforest experience.
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio
- Affordable: Hotel San Bada — Located adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park, this rainforest resort offers affordable rooms with direct access to the lush forests and wildlife of the Costa Rica rainforest.
- Mid-range: Tulemar Resort — This option features private bungalows set in the rainforest with stunning ocean views and access to a secluded beach, providing an immersive rainforest experience.
- Luxury: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort — A luxury eco-resort nestled in the rainforest, offering spectacular views, eco-friendly practices, and direct access to both the rainforest and the beach.
✈️ Discover the beauty of Manuel Antonio! Start planning your Costa Rica rainforest retreat with us today.
4. Tamarindo — Best of both worlds, beach and jungle
Tamarindo, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in the Guanacaste province, is a vibrant beach town known for its stunning beaches, consistent surf, and lively atmosphere. While Tamarindo is often associated with its beach, it’s also a gateway to nearby rainforests and national parks, offering a perfect blend of beach relaxation and nature exploration. The nearby Marino Las Baulas National Park is home to one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the endangered leatherback turtle, and the surrounding areas are rich with mangrove forests and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Tamarindo is just an hour’s drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, making it one of the most accessible beach towns in Costa Rica.
Things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Surfing: Tamarindo is famous for its consistent waves, making it a surfer’s paradise for beginners and experts alike, all while being close to the Costa Rica rainforest.
- Mangrove tours: Explore the nearby mangroves of the Tamarindo Estuary, where you can spot crocodiles, howler monkeys, and an array of bird species.
- Nightlife: After a day of adventure, enjoy Tamarindo’s lively nightlife with beachside bars, live music, and vibrant restaurants.
Best time to travel to Costa Rica’s Tamarindo
Visit from December to April for the best surfing conditions and sunny weather. This period offers warm temperatures, making it ideal for both beach activities and rainforest exploration.
Where to stay in Tamarindo
- Affordable: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort — Though not deep in the rainforest, this beachfront resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering a blend of beach and forest experiences with easy access to nearby national parks and rainforests.
- Mid-range: Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel — This beachfront property is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and is close to the rainforests, offering a serene environment with the rainforest ambiance.
- Luxury: Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas — Located slightly inland, this eco-friendly resort is nestled in tropical gardens, offering a tranquil rainforest setting just minutes from the beach.
✈️ Ready to ride the waves in Tamarindo? Plan your group trip to Costa Rica’s rainforest and beaches today!
5. Corcovado National Park — Explore the untouched Costa Rica rainforest
Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula, is often referred to as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks. Covering over 164 square miles, it is one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, according to National Geographic. The park is home to 13 different ecosystems, including lowland rainforests, cloud forests, mangrove swamps, and coastal habitats. Visitors can encounter a vast array of wildlife, including tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, and all four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica. Corcovado’s remote location, about a six-hour drive or a short domestic flight from San José, makes it a true haven for nature lovers seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.
Things to do in Corcovado National Park
- Jungle hiking: Explore trails that wind through dense rainforests, leading to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches, offering a true immersion into the wild.
- Wildlife encounters: Spot jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws in their natural habitat, making Corcovado one of the best places in Costa Rica for wildlife viewing.
- Scuba diving: Dive in the waters off Cano Island, known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and manta rays.
Best time to travel to Costa Rica’s Corcovado
The best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is dry. This makes jungle exploration more enjoyable and wildlife easier to spot.
Where to stay in Corcovado
- Affordable: Finca Exotica Eco Lodge — A rustic, eco-friendly rainforest lodge offering basic accommodations in the heart of the jungle, providing direct access to Corcovado National Park.
- Mid-range: La Leona Eco Lodge — This lovely eco-lodge is located at the edge of the rainforest, offering comfortable accommodations with direct access to Corcovado’s trails and wildlife.
- Luxury: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge — A luxurious rainforest resort perched above the forest canopy offering sweeping ocean views, top-tier service, and an immersive experience with direct access to the biodiversity of Corcovado.
✈️ Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Corcovado! Lead your trip to Costa Rica’s rainforest and create an unforgettable adventure.
About TourHero
TourHero is a social travel platform that enables you to travel with like-minded people and fall in love with the journey. We work closely with handpicked local operators to ensure every experience curated is unique and exclusive to your travel group. Come with us on epic adventures and create memories that last a lifetime. Get started here!
