Top Nature Spots in Costa Rica

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1

Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel & Spa rating icon 9.3

142, Provincia de Alajuela, San Carlos, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 3 of 195
Popularity in Category: 12 of 137
Popularity Worldwide: 1426 of 29088
Hot Springs & Pools
SPAs
2

Ecotermales Fortuna rating icon 8.5

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 8 of 195
Popularity in Category: 28 of 137
Popularity Worldwide: 4124 of 29088
Hot Springs & Pools
SPAs
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Adam April 17, 2025

Definitely get there by 3 PM! The crowds start thinning out and you'll have the pools almost to yourself during sunset. Such a beautiful vibe!

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David April 7, 2025

If you can, skip the restaurant inside and bring some snacks or a light meal. The food is okay but you can save money and enjoy a picnic by the springs instead

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Donald March 24, 2025

Check out the smaller pools first. I found the bigger ones were too crowded at times, and the quieter spots were way more relaxing.

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Elijah March 23, 2025

Bring some snacks and drinks with you! The food in the area can be pricey and having a little picnic while soaking is a great way to save money and enjoy the vibes.

3

Manuel Antonio National Park rating icon 8.4

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 11 of 195
Popularity in Category: 199 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 4149 of 29088
Parks
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Steven April 10, 2025

There are some awesome trails with beautiful views, but don’t miss the beach! I spent way too long on the trails and had limited beach time. Balance it out!

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Matthew March 20, 2025

Don’t forget sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy. I ended up with a sunburn after thinking I was safe with the shade of the trees. Better safe than sorry!

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Jill January 16, 2025

Wear sturdy shoes! I thought flip-flops would be fine, but trust me, the trails can be a bit tricky, and you'll want to be comfortable

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Joseph November 2, 2024

Arrive early, like around 7:00 AM, to beat the crowds and maybe even catch some critters waking up. I loved spotting sloths and monkeys before the park filled up.

4

La Sabana Metropolitan Park rating icon 8.4

Av. de las Américas, San José, Sabana, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 10 of 195
Popularity in Category: 196 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 4432 of 29088
Parks
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Elijah March 16, 2025

My advice is to bring a picnic. There are plenty of spots to chill out and enjoy your food. Buying snacks inside can be a bit pricy!

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Barbara January 15, 2025

I think taking the time to check out the small art pieces scattered around the park is totally worth it. I almost missed them but they add a nice touch to the whole vibe!

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George December 25, 2024

I recommend wear comfortable shoes since you might end up walking more than you expect. The paths are nice, but sometimes you might want to explore a bit off them.

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Tyler November 29, 2024

I suggest visiting early in the morning, around 7 AM. It's much quieter then, and you can get some nice pics without crowds. Plus, the park is really peaceful at that hour.

5

Parque Central de San Jose rating icon 8.3

WWMC+533 Parque Central de San José, C. Central Alfredo Volio, San José, Merced, Costa Rica copy icon
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Price: - Phone: - Web:
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Popularity in Country: 12 of 195
Popularity in Category: 212 of 1227
Popularity Worldwide: 4476 of 29088
Parks
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Justin April 12, 2025

Check out the little food stalls nearby for some tasty local snacks. I had a delicious empanada that didn’t break the bank!

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Zachary March 10, 2025

Consider bringing a book or some games. I saw families just enjoying the day together, and it added to the chill atmosphere.

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William January 25, 2025

Don’t skip the people-watching! Grab a bench around 2 PM when the locals come out for their afternoon breaks - it’s a lively time

6

Tabacon Hot Springs rating icon 8.2

Tabacon Hot Springs, 21007, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 14 of 195
Popularity in Category: 30 of 137
Popularity Worldwide: 5052 of 29088
Hot Springs & Pools
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Andrew April 4, 2025

If you're into adventures, don’t miss the evening package! The springs are lit up at night and it feels magical. Just check the weather though - it may rain!

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Daniel March 23, 2025

I think you should definitely bring your own snacks and drinks. The places inside can be pricey, and you might get hungry after all that soaking!

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George March 11, 2025

My tip is to wear water shoes; the rocks can be a bit slippery, and you'll enjoy the pools much more without worrying about slipping. I learned this the hard way!

7

Plaza de La Cultura rating icon 8

WWMF+C66 Plaza de la Cultura, Av. Central, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 16 of 195
Popularity in Category: 396 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 5915 of 29088
Museums
Parks
Theaters
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Margaret January 27, 2025

Check out the National Theater while you’re there. It’s just a stone's throw away and totally worth the 1,500 colones for a guided tour. I loved the stunning architecture and history.

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James December 5, 2024

The best time to visit Plaza de La Cultura is around 4 PM. That way you can grab a coffee from a nearby café and catch that golden hour light for amazing photos - trust me, it's worth it!

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Mark November 27, 2024

I highly recommend stopping by the cafes around the plaza for lunch. You can find delicious local food for a fraction of the price you’d pay in more touristy spots.

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Lucas October 19, 2024

My advice is to bring comfy shoes. You’ll end up walking around more than you expect, especially if you want to explore the area. I didn’t and my feet were killing me!

8

Beach Conchal rating icon 7.9

Playa Conchal, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica copy icon
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Price: - Phone: - Web:
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Popularity in Country: 19 of 195
Popularity in Category: 285 of 1406
Popularity Worldwide: 5986 of 29088
Beaches
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Maria April 19, 2025

If you want to beat the crowd, try to get to Beach Conchal around 8 AM. Trust me, the early morning vibes are magical, and you'll have more space to enjoy the sand!

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Margaret January 30, 2025

I suggest you wear water shoes! The rocky parts of the beach can be a bit tricky, and I learned that the hard way when I cut my foot. Better safe than sorry!

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Brandon January 26, 2025

My advice is to check the tide schedules before you go. We got surprised by the high tide and lost out on some areas during our visit. Plan your day around it!

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James December 11, 2024

I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks, because beachside vendors can be pricey! We spent way more on food than we planned to. A cooler with goodies makes it a lot better!

9

Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge rating icon 7.8

J869+WPR Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo, 36, Limón, Costa Rica copy icon
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Price: - Phone: - Web:
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Popularity in Country: 21 of 195
Popularity in Category: 94 of 421
Popularity Worldwide: 6323 of 29088
Nature Reserves
10

Samara Beach rating icon 7.7

Samara Beach, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica copy icon
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Price: - Phone: - Web:
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Popularity in Country: 22 of 195
Popularity in Category: 42 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 6436 of 29088
Surfing
Beaches
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Benjamin April 2, 2025

Don’t miss the sunset at the beach! Grab a drink from a local vendor and just sit back. It’s one of the best moments of the day and absolutely free!

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Christopher March 27, 2025

I think the best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April. The weather is much more reliable, and I had sooo much fun not worrying about rain ruining my beach days

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David March 21, 2025

Check out the local beach shacks for food! I tried a place called 'Luv Burger' and their burgers are divine. It’s way cheaper than fancy restaurants and supports locals!

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Lucas March 6, 2025

I recommend renting a surfboard instead of buying lessons. You can find great rental shops by the beach and figure out the basics on your own. I wish I did that instead of wasting cash on a two-hour lesson.

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