Regions in Costa Rica

Costa Rica can be divided into 15 distinct regions, each unique in its characteristics, tours and activities.  Most Costa Rica Vacation packages feature at least two regions, combining cloud or rainforest and volcanoes with a stay on the beach in either the Caribbean or Pacific Coasts.  Longer trips visit multiple regions giving the visitor the opportunity to experience more of Costa Rica during their travel.

San Jose: The capital of the country, San Jose is home to the country's best nightlife and restaurants, as well as museums and other cultural attractions.

Central Valley Mountains: With four volcanoes to the north, this region is rich in coffee plantations, flower and ornamental plant production, magnificent rolling hills, and scenic views.

Sarapiqui: Less touristic, this rainforest lowland region in the northern plains is located between Arenal and Tortuguero. Sarapiqui is a birdwatcher's paradise.

Arenal: Costa Rica's best-known volcano and a renowned destination for hot springs resorts and spas, Arenal is often referred to as Costa Rica's adventure capital.

Monteverde: Founded by Quakers, Monteverde is the most popular destination in the cloud forest. Zip lines and hanging bridges are a trademark in this region.

Rincon de la Vieja: Rincon de la Vieja is a volcano with numerous parks that can be visited as a day tour from the beaches. It's the closest rainforest park to the Guanacaste beaches.

Papagayo: Anchored by the Four Seasons Resort, Papagayo is home to Costa Rica's top luxury resorts. Future developments will include the Mandarin Oriental and the One & Only.

Tamarindo: Costa Rica's best-known and most developed beach town in Guanacaste, Tamarindo is home to some of the country's most beautiful beaches.

Samara / Nosara: Secluded, less-developed beaches, small towns and private, intimate hotels are the calling cards of this region.

South Nicoya Peninsula: Home to popular beach towns such as Montezuma, Tambor, Malpais, and Santa Teresa, the southern Nicoya Peninsula is a great escape for visitors seeking destinations off the beaten path.

Jaco: One of the most developed beach towns in Costa Rica, Jaco is popular among surfers and fishermen and one of the beach escapes closest to San Jose and the airport.

Manuel Antonio: Exotic wildlife, wonderful boutique hotels, breathtaking ocean views, and numerous adventures inland and off-shore make Manuel Antonio a top destination.

Osa / Corcovado: National Geographic has called Osa/Corcovado "the most biologically intense place on Earth." Wonderful eco-lodges and exotic wildlife abound.

Tortuguero: Caribbean jungles and canals are the signature of Tortuguero, home to four species of turtles that nest on the beaches.

South Caribbean: Remote, beautiful beaches accompanied by Caribbean rhythms and culture make this region of the country truly unique.

Cartago / Turrialba: A magical region home to the powerful Pacuare River, renowned for its class III/IV whitewater rafting, and Costa Rica's most famous cathedral, Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles.

Manuel Antonio National Park, home to numerous boutique hotels and exotic wildlife

Nature watching at exuberant Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve