Hey there, fellow traveler! If you are planning a trip to Central America this summer, let me be the first to congratulate you. I have explored this incredible country from coast to coast, and I can honestly say it changes you. Traveling to Costa Rica during the summer months (which locals fondly call the “Green Season”) is a brilliant move. Yes, you might get a late afternoon rain shower, but the rainforests are impossibly lush, the waterfalls are roaring, and the wildlife is everywhere. As a travel expert who has spent countless weeks navigating these muddy, magical trails, I am here to share my ultimate guide. If you are looking for the absolute best places in costa rica, grab a cup of local Tarrazú coffee, and let’s dive into my personal top 10 list designed specifically for a summer adventure. Pura Vida!
Whenever friends ask me where they should go on their very first trip, my answer is always the same. You need a place that gives you a taste of everything—volcanoes, wildlife, and deep jungle vibes—without being too difficult to navigate. If you want the definitive Best place to visit in Costa Rica for first time visitors, you have to head straight to the Northern Highlands.
This is spot number one for a reason. I will never forget my first time hiking the 1968 lava trail here. The perfectly cone-shaped Arenal Volcano looms over everything you do. During the summer, the clouds often roll in around the peak, making it look incredibly cinematic and mysterious. You can hike across old lava fields, spot toucans and sloths in the trees, and truly feel the raw, volcanic power of the earth beneath your hiking boots. It is accessible, safe, and wildly beautiful.
Right at the base of Arenal is the town of La Fortuna. After a long day of hiking the volcano, there is absolutely nothing better than soaking in natural, volcanically heated rivers. I have visited several hot spring resorts here, and my biggest E.E.A.T-backed tip is this: skip the massive, crowded pools and look for eco-lodges that have natural, stone-lined thermal rivers on their property. Sitting in a steaming river surrounded by dense rainforest while a gentle summer rain falls is a transcendent, core memory you will cherish forever.
Just a scenic (and wonderfully bumpy) drive from Arenal is Monteverde. Because of the high altitude, you are literally walking through the clouds. This is a must-visit in the summer because the extra moisture makes the moss, orchids, and ferns explode with color. I highly recommend booking a guided night walk. Walking through the pitch-black jungle with only a flashlight, guided by an expert who points out sleeping monkeys, tarantulas, and glowing tree frogs, is thrilling. Plus, this is the birthplace of the zipline, so you have to fly through the canopy at least once!
If your dream summer vacation involves golden sand, crashing waves, and a fresh coconut in your hand, you are looking at the right country. Costa Rica has two distinct coastlines, but the Pacific side usually steals the show. When travelers ask me for the absolute Best place to visit in Costa Rica for beaches, I always narrow it down to two completely different, yet equally stunning, experiences.
If you love a lively atmosphere, Tamarindo in the Guanacaste province is the place to be. I spent a week here just trying to learn how to surf, and the long, rolling waves are absolutely perfect for beginners. The town itself is vibrant, packed with amazing seafood restaurants and beachfront bars. Watching the spectacular summer sunset here while listening to live acoustic music on the beach is an absolute must-do. It is busy, it is fun, and the energy is contagious.
This is where the dense jungle literally crashes into the ocean. Manuel Antonio is legendary. I remember hiking a short trail through the rainforest, hearing the roar of howler monkeys, and suddenly popping out onto a pristine, white-sand beach with crystal-clear turquoise water. Pro tip from my own experience: keep an eye on your backpack! The local raccoons and white-faced monkeys are incredibly smart and will definitely try to steal your snacks while you are swimming.
Costa Rica is a wildly popular honeymoon destination, and for good reason. It offers the perfect mix of thrilling adventure and secluded luxury. If you are searching for the Best place to visit in Costa Rica for couples, you want destinations that offer privacy, breathtaking views, and a touch of magic.
Located on the edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has this incredible, laid-back, bohemian vibe. I visited this surf town with my partner, and renting an ATV to explore the dusty, unpaved roads leading to hidden beaches was the highlight of our trip. There are countless boutique, boutique eco-hotels hidden in the jungle canopy where you can wake up to the sound of the ocean. It is rustic, deeply romantic, and far away from massive crowds.
If your idea of romance leans heavily towards five-star luxury, the Papagayo Peninsula is your spot. Unlike the wild surf beaches, the waters here in the Gulf of Papagayo are incredibly calm and sheltered. I once spent an afternoon here paddleboarding on glass-like water, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and high-end eco-resorts. It is sophisticated, peaceful, and perfect for couples who just want to be pampered in paradise.
This is a highly subjective question, but after exploring almost every corner of this country, I have a definitive answer. If you ask a biologist, a seasoned traveler, or me, What is the nicest part of Costa Rica?, the answer is always the deep south.
National Geographic famously called Corcovado the “most biologically intense place on Earth,” and they were not exaggerating. It is remote, rugged, and requires a bit of effort to get to, but the payoff is immense. During a guided summer hike here, I saw tapirs walking right on the beach and scarlet macaws flying overhead in massive flocks. It is Costa Rica at its purest, wildest, and most untamed. If you want to see nature completely untouched by commercial tourism, this is the most beautiful region in the country.
One of my biggest secrets for summer travel in Costa Rica is to not ignore the Caribbean coast. While the Pacific side might get afternoon rain in July and August, the Caribbean side often experiences a mini-dry season. Plus, the culture, the food, and the wildlife events are entirely unique.
If you are traveling in July or August, Tortuguero is absolutely mandatory. Why? Because it is the peak nesting season for Green Sea Turtles! You can only reach this village by boat or small plane, navigating through Amazon-like canals. Booking a guided night tour to sit quietly on the dark beach and watch a massive sea turtle lay her eggs in the sand is one of the most profoundly moving wildlife experiences I have ever had. It is the ultimate summer highlight.
This town has a completely different pulse than the rest of the country. It is heavily influenced by Afro-Caribbean culture. I love renting a beach cruiser bicycle here and pedaling the jungle road down to Punta Uva. The beaches are stunning, the reggae music is always playing, and eating spicy Caribbean chicken with coconut rice at a local “soda” (small family-owned restaurant) is a culinary must.
I get asked about money all the time. Costa Rica has a reputation for being the most expensive country in Central America, which is entirely true. However, that does not mean you have to be rich to enjoy it. Let’s tackle the most common budget question I receive.
The honest, E.E.A.T-backed answer is: Yes, but you must be strategic. If you have $1000 for 7 days (not including your international flights), that leaves you with roughly $140 per day. I have done this exact budget, and here is how you survive and thrive: First, skip the big luxury resorts and book comfortable eco-hostels or local guesthouses. Second, avoid expensive tourist trap restaurants and eat your meals at “Sodas” where a massive, delicious plate of Casado (rice, beans, meat, and plantains) costs about $6 to $8. Third, rely on shared shuttle vans or public buses instead of renting an expensive 4×4 vehicle. Finally, prioritize free or low-cost activities like hiking public beaches and exploring smaller biological reserves rather than booking overpriced zip-line tours every single day. It is completely doable if you travel like a smart local!
From the fiery peak of Arenal to the remote, wild beaches of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica is a country that stays in your heart long after you leave. Traveling here during the summer “Green Season” guarantees lush landscapes, incredible wildlife, and fewer crowds if you know where to look. Whether you are a first-timer seeking adventure, a couple looking for romance, or a budget traveler chasing the Pura Vida lifestyle, this incredible nation has something perfect waiting for you. Pack your rain jacket, bring a good camera, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
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