Attractions in Costa Rica

Balsa Wood Crafts

The carving of lightweight balsa wood into intricate animal and bird figurines is a specialized craft found in rural regions.

Limon Carnival

A spectacular Afro-Caribbean festival in Puerto Limón, celebrating the region's unique cultural heritage with parades and music.

Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Costa Rica's yoga and wellness retreats combine tropical scenery with rest and mindfulness.

Costa Rica-Taiwan Friendship Bridge

The Taiwan Friendship Bridge spans the Tempisque River, significantly improving travel to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Church of San Rafael de Heredia

The Church of San Rafael de Heredia is an impressive Neogothic structure known for its towering spires and scenic location.

Metal Church of Grecia

A unique architectural marvel in Grecia, this church is made entirely of prefabricated steel plates imported from Belgium.

Boruca Mask Art

Exquisite hand-carved masks created by the Boruca people, traditionally used in the annual 'Dance of the Devils' festival.

National Theatre of Costa Rica

The National Theatre is Costa Rica's most revered architectural jewel, funded by coffee exports in the late 19th century.

Chorotega Pottery

Traditional Chorotega pottery uses ancient pre-Columbian techniques and natural pigments to create beautiful ceramic art.

Puntarenas Pier

The long pier is a landmark of the port city of Puntarenas.

Durán Sanatorium

An abandoned former tuberculosis hospital, considered to be haunted.

Ruins of Cartago

The picturesque ruins of an unfinished church in Cartago.

Temple of Music

An elegant neoclassical pavilion in Morazán Park, inspired by the Temple of Love at Versailles and used for concerts.

Orosi Colonial Church

A well-preserved example of religious colonial architecture, this church remains a focal point of the historic Orosi Valley.

Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica

The world's first sloth-only rescue center.

Church of Coronado

An impressive neo-Gothic church in San Isidro de Coronado.

Sarchi Craft Centre

Sarchí is Costa Rica's most famous artisan town, renowned for its colorful and intricately painted wooden oxcarts.

Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños)

The Children's Museum of Costa Rica is an interactive educational center housed in the historic former central penitentiary.

Parque Viva

A modern multipurpose entertainment park in Alajuela, featuring a world-class amphitheater and a professional race track.

Basilica of Santo Domingo de Heredia

An impressive classicist church in Santo Domingo.

Lankester Botanical Garden

A botanical garden famous for its orchid collection.

Jaguar Rescue Center

A rescue center for injured and orphaned wild animals near Puerto Viejo.

Tortuga Island

A picturesque island famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Marino Ballena National Park

Famous for its whale-tail-shaped rock formation and humpback whale watching.

San Jose Cathedral

The main cathedral of the capital city, featuring a blend of architectural styles.

Tortuguero National Park

The 'Amazon of Costa Rica', famous for nesting sea turtles.

Surfing Culture in Tamarindo

The laid-back lifestyle on the Pacific coast.

Cano Island

A biological reserve and premier destination for snorkeling and diving.

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

The 'lungs of San José', the city's largest and most important urban park.

Corcovado National Park

One of the most biologically intense places on Earth on the Osa Peninsula.

Plaza de la Cultura

A bustling plaza in central San José, located above the Gold Museum.

Sabanero Culture

The proud cowboy tradition of the Guanacaste plains.

La Fortuna Waterfall

A stunning 70-meter-high waterfall located near the Arenal Volcano.

Marimba Sounds of Guanacaste

Traditional music celebrating the region's cultural heritage.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Famous for its beaches, jungle, and immense biodiversity.

Finca Rosa Blanca

A renowned boutique hotel and sustainable coffee plantation.

Oxcart Parade (Escazu)

A colorful annual festival in honor of the farmers.

La Merced Church (San José)

A distinctive neo-Gothic church in San José.

Nature

Lake

Lake Arenal

The country's largest lake, situated at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano.

More highlights

Battle of Ochomogo Site

Site of the short 1823 civil war that decided Costa Rica's capital city.

agriculture

Bribri Cocoa Tradition

The Bribri cocoa tradition links cacao to indigenous knowledge on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.

Finca 6 Stone Spheres

An archaeological park showcasing the mysterious pre-Columbian stone spheres of Costa Rica.

Cimarron Culture

The history of escaped slaves (Cimarrones) who found refuge in the Talamanca mountains, preserving their own culture.

San Vicente de Moravia Church

A beautiful Catholic church in the heart of Moravia, known for its distinct architectural style and local religious importance.

agriculture

Gallo Pinto Tradition

Gallo Pinto is the quintessential Costa Rican breakfast, a flavorful mixture of seasoned rice and black beans.

Ceibo Tree of La Paz

A majestic and ancient Ceibo tree in La Paz, celebrated as a living monument and a symbol of national peace.

Santa Rosa Battlefield

Site of the famous 1856 battle where Costa Rican forces defeated the filibusters of William Walker.

agriculture

Traditional Tortilla Making

The art of making corn tortillas by hand on a clay comal is a cherished culinary tradition inherited from indigenous cultures.

Nicoya Church

The Church of San Blas in Nicoya is one of the country's most significant colonial landmarks, founded in the 16th century.

Orosi Church

The Church of San José de Orosi is the oldest church in Costa Rica still in use, dating back to the colonial era.