With lush forests, sandy beaches, and wildlife… it can sometimes be hard to know where to start. SoGuide is here to help with a top 10 list of places to visit in Costa Rica.

1/ Uvita Beach

Located south of Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita Beach is known for its sandbar and the whale-tail shape it forms at low tide. You can regularly spot whales venturing close to the shore here. A perfect spot for kids! Plus, the town has plenty of bars and restaurants and is an ideal location for whale watching.

2/ Arenal Volcano

A must-see for all travelers to Costa Rica, this once-very-active volcano ceased its continuous eruptions in 2010. Since 1968, Arenal Volcano was known as one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes. The Arenal crater has attracted many visitors eager to witness the continuous “explosions” caused by the crater. In addition to the volcano, mountains, lakes, and rivers surround the region, making this an attractive destination for adventure-seeking tourists to explore. SEE ARTICLE ON ARENAL VOLCANO

3/ Territorio De Zaguates

This wonderful place in Costa Rica has now achieved legendary status. Indeed, Costa Rica has a problem with stray dogs. Territorio De Zaguates was created with the goal of protecting and caring for some of them. It is estimated that 1,300 dogs live there. This place is perfect if you’re a dog lover or if you’re looking for a new adventure companion!

4/ Manuel Antonio National Park

During your trip to Costa Rica, a visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is a must. While it’s open year-round, visitors say the best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. The park offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Bring your camera and some snacks for the trip. But as with all national parks, do your best to minimize your impact on the flora and fauna. Manuel Antonio National Park is also home to the magnificent Manuel Antonio Beach. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica thanks to the surrounding jungle and its stretch of white sand, this beach also offers easy wildlife viewing, such as monkeys, and during mating season, you can spot dolphins and whales offshore.

#5 / Monteverde Biological Reserve It’s no surprise that Monteverde is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Costa Rica. Indeed, this reserve is incredibly beautiful. It features magnificent national parks with an untouched cloud forest, hundreds of bird species, epic views, and volcanoes—making it a dream destination for travelers. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy: hiking through the rainforest, birdwatching, canopy tours, crossing the suspension bridge, visiting butterfly gardens, horseback riding, and simply relaxing and enjoying nature from the picturesque town of Santa Elena.

6/ Rio de Celeste

With its striking milky-blue waters, it’s easy to see why the Rio de Celeste is considered one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio de Celeste gets its opalescent hue from the mixture of sulfur and calcium carbonate from the volcano. Enjoy the river by playing in the waterfall or soaking in the hot springs.

7/ Tortuguero

This is one of the country’s most diverse parks, featuring canals, beaches, and marshes. You can rent kayaks or canoes and explore the wetlands, observing all kinds of wildlife such as caimans, birds, and even crocodiles. This area is best known for the turtle hatchlings, which emerge at night on the beach.

8/Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

At the southernmost tip of the Caribbean coast, near Panama, lies the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Its beautiful hidden beaches are perfect for snorkeling. Surfers will also appreciate the waves during storms and large swells. You can also spot all kinds of wildlife, such as howler monkeys, sloths, and, if you venture far enough, even jaguars.

9/ Bajos del Toro

You’ll find this hidden gem 90 minutes from San Jose, but you’ll have to walk a bit. Bajos del Toro, however, is definitely worth the walk. Bajos del Toro is a private reserve full of exceptionally beautiful waterfalls and unique natural pools. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the water in a tropical setting and take epic photos of your trip, Bajos del Toro is the perfect spot.

#10 / Cocos Island Cocos Island certainly ranks among Costa Rica’s most beautiful destinations. This region is a mecca for experienced divers from around the world. Located south of mainland Costa Rica, Cocos Island is teeming with marine life, including white-tip sharks and hammerhead sharks. This island offers the chance to explore ancient caves and even gives you the opportunity to see rock carvings. During your trip, you’ll also notice many pigs roaming around the island.