Cities in Costa Rica
The most important cities in Costa Rica at a glance – from the bustling metropolis to the charming small town. Each city links to a detailed page with map, attractions and travel tips.
Curridabat
A prosperous suburb on the eastern side of San Jose, recognized for its educational institutions and vibrant residential character.
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Mal País
Mal País is a quiet fishing village south of Santa Teresa, ideal for nature lovers seeking rugged coastlines and pristine, uncrowded beaches away fro…
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Paraíso
Situated in the highlands of Cartago, this city is a gateway to several natural attractions including the Orosi Valley.
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Dominical
Dominical is a laid-back South Pacific beach village known for consistent year-round waves, yoga culture, and its proximity to lush rainforests and w…
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Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a trendy beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula, renowned for its spectacular surf breaks, yoga retreats, and vibrant international commu…
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San Francisco
A growing suburb located in the Heredia province, known for its mix of residential areas and local commerce.
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Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas is a stunning beach in Guanacaste, famous for its world-class surfing and laid-back vibe.
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San Vicente
Part of the Moravia canton, this area combines traditional suburban living with modern commercial growth.
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Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa near Jacó is a world-renowned surf beach featuring powerful waves and dark volcanic sand.
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Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí is a lush, inland agricultural hub known as a premier destination for eco-tourism, river rafting, and rainforest exploratio…
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Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)
Playa Hermosa is a stunning, family-friendly beach town in Guanacaste, known for its calm waters, beautiful gray sands, and relaxed resort vibe.
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Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal is an exquisite beach unique for its sand made entirely of millions of crushed seashells, bordered by crystal-clear turquoise waters.
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Quesada
The administrative center of the San Carlos canton, serving as a critical commercial and logistics hub for northern Costa Rica.
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San Isidro de El General
The largest city in the southern region of Costa Rica, acting as a major commercial and agricultural hub for the Perez Zeledon area.
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Chacarita
Located on the Pacific coast, this town serves as a residential and secondary service center for the port city of Puntarenas.
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San Pedro
A bustling urban center serving as home to the University of Costa Rica, creating a vibrant, student-oriented atmosphere.
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Purral
A densely populated district within the Goicoechea canton, serving as a significant residential area close to San Jose.
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Pavones
Pavones is a remote surfer's paradise in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, famous for having one of the longest left-hand surf breaks in the…
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Turrialba
Nestled in a fertile valley, this city is famous for its proximity to the Turrialba Volcano and various river rafting destinations.
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San Pablo
A fast-growing residential community in Heredia, popular for its proximity to San Jose and its pleasant suburban environment.
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Santa Elena
Santa Elena is the vibrant commercial hub serving the Monteverde region, offering authentic Costa Rican culture and easy access to cloud forest reser…
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San Miguel
A residential district located in the southern part of San Jose, integrated into the urban fabric of the city.
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Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is an upscale resort town known for its gorgeous white-sand crescent beach, luxury villas, and a world-class marina.
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Naranjo
A charming town nestled in the coffee-growing region of Alajuela, known for its scenic mountains and agricultural productivity.
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Zancudo
Zancudo is a tranquil beach town offering one of the safest swimming beaches in Costa Rica, featuring miles of dark sand and stunning sunsets.
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Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island is a stunning day-trip destination in the Gulf of Nicoya, famous for its white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and snorkeling.
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San Rafael de Escazú
An upscale residential district within Escazu, known for its high-end housing and modern infrastructure.
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Siquirres
A bustling town in the Limon province, positioned between the highlands and the Caribbean coast.
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Nicoya
Considered a historical and cultural heart of the Guanacaste province, famous for its colonial architecture and traditional local cuisine.
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Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a vast, protected beach known as a world-class surfing destination and a crucial nesting site for leatherback turtles.
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San Juan
The heart of the Tibas canton, acting as a busy residential and commercial area north of the capital.
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Ipís
A notable district in Goicoechea, primarily characterized by its residential development and steady local population growth.
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Guápiles
The main town of the Pococi canton, serving as a primary commercial and transit point on the route to the Caribbean coast.
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Puerto Jiménez
Puerto Jiménez is the main town on the Osa Peninsula, offering rustic charm and serving as the primary launching point for expeditions into Corcovado…
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La Fortuna
A vibrant Costa Rican town nestled at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano, famous for its natural hot springs and outdoor adventures.
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Esparza
One of the oldest towns in Costa Rica, strategically located on the way to the Pacific coast.
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Aserrí
Situated on the southern mountains overlooking San Jose, this area offers a cooler climate and traditional cultural experiences.
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San Antonio
A residential district near the city of Alajuela, close to the international airport.
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San Diego
A key district in La Union, serving as a rapidly urbanizing area east of San Jose.
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Cocos Island
Cocos Island is a remote, uninhabited national park in the Pacific Ocean, world-renowned for its unparalleled scuba diving and pelagic marine life.
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Guadalupe
The main district of Goicoechea, serving as a bustling commercial and administrative hub for the eastern suburbs of San Jose.
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Tortuguero
Known as the "Amazon of Costa Rica," Tortuguero is a remote, canal-laced rainforest famous for crucial sea turtle nesting beaches.
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Zarcero
Famous for its unique topiary garden located in the main park, this mountain town is known for its crisp, cool climate and beautiful landscape.
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Tejar
The main center of the El Guarco canton, acting as a residential bridge between the city of Cartago and the surrounding rural areas.
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Atenas
Often cited for having one of the best climates in the world, this tranquil town attracts many residents looking for a comfortable and temperate envi…
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Calle Blancos
A strategic industrial and commercial district in Goicoechea, positioned close to the major roads connecting the capital to the north and east.
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Mercedes
A residential district in Heredia, reflecting the province's transition between urban and rural landscapes.
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Cañas
A vital town in Guanacaste, known for its hot climate and agricultural prominence in the region.
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Cahuita
Cahuita is a laid-back Caribbean coastal town in Costa Rica, famous for its stunning national park and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
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Santa Cruz
Known as the 'National Folklore City' of Costa Rica, it is a primary hub for cultural celebrations and traditional music in the Guanacaste region.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in Costa Rica?
This page lists the most important cities by population – each with its own detail page, map and attractions.
How do I find attractions per city?
Click a city – the detail page lists the top attractions, a map and travel tips.