Explore Costa Rica
National parks, historical museums, and cultural landmarks — organized by province. Costa Rica protects more than 25% of its land as national parks and reserves. Here's what's worth your time.
Costa Rica isn't just beaches and zip lines. The country has 32 national parks, 51 wildlife refuges, and a network of museums that tell the story of one of the most biodiverse and historically rich nations in the Americas. This guide covers the best of both — organized by province, written by people who live here.
Costa Rica's national parks are managed by SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación) under the Ministry of Environment and Energy. We proudly support and promote Costa Rica's protected areas and cultural institutions.
Costa Rica in 4K
From Arenal to the Pacific coast — the parks, wildlife, and landscapes you're about to explore.
ALAJUELA PROVINCE
Home of Insiders Costa RicaNational Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkAlajuela
Poás Volcano National Park
Active volcano with crater lake and cloud forest. One of the most visited parks in the country. Entrance reservation required.
- 🌿 National ParkZarcero
Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Protected watershed, cloud forest, and rivers. Less visited and worth the solitude.
- 🌿 National ParkGuanacaste border
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Cloud forest, rain forest, and the famous turquoise Río Celeste.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumAlajuela City
Museo Juan Santamaría
Costa Rica's national hero, the 1856 Battle of Rivas, and the story of the country's independence. One block north of Central Park.
- 🏛️ MuseumAlajuela City
Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría
Broader cultural and historical collections spanning natural history, art, and national identity.
- 🌟 Insider Picks — Atenas Headquarters🍽️ Where to Eat in AtenasAtenas & Escobal, Alajuela — Headquarters Province
Atenas Local Favorites
Two local gems right in the heart of Insiders Costa Rica country. Sele's Bakery in Atenas Centro — open at 6am, fresh pastries and baked goods, also at the Atenas market. And Mi Pueblo Restaurant in Escobal, just outside Atenas — traditional Costa Rican food made with care by Jessica Salazar Guerrero. The kind of places that feed the community and welcome travelers with equal warmth. And when the sun goes down — Campo Verde Restaurante & Sport Bar for live music, cold drinks, and the best atmosphere in Atenas. +506 6252-3222. Need a rental car? Economy Car Rental is based near SJO with 35 years in Costa Rica. Ask for Jimmy M. directly on WhatsApp: +506 6215-0266.
Contact: Sele's Bakery: +506 8484-1470 | Mi Pueblo: +506 8506-4757 | Campo Verde: +506 6252-3222 | Economy Car Rental: +506 6215-0266
Instagram: @selesbakery (opens in new tab)
Hours: Sele's: Daily 6am–6pm | Mi Pueblo: Call +506 8506-4757 to confirm | Campo Verde: Always open | Economy: Contact Jimmy M. on WhatsApp
ALAJUELA — ARENAL ZONE
Romantic Stays →National Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkLa Fortuna
Arenal Volcano National Park
Active volcano, hanging bridges, and some of the best wildlife watching in the country.
- 🌿 National ParkLos Chiles
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Wetlands, river boat tours, and exceptional birdwatching. One of Costa Rica's hidden gems.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumEl Castillo, Arenal
El Castillo Butterfly Conservatory
Tropical butterflies, frogs, and a garden walk worth an hour of anyone's time.
- 🌟 Insider Pick — Arenal Zone Adventures🧭 Local Adventure OperatorSan Carlos, Alajuela — Arenal & La Fortuna Zone
Morpho Adventures — San Carlos
A trusted local adventure operator covering everything the Arenal zone has to offer — white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, and zip lining. Run by people who know every trail, river, and canopy in the region personally. Skip the resort tour desk and book directly with a local operator who cares about the experience.
Contact: Keilyn Vargas — info@morphoadventures.com
Instagram: @morphoadventures (opens in new tab)
Hours: WhatsApp for availability: +506 8613-0148
Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make in La Fortuna
Watch this before you book anything in La Fortuna. Finding Mangos breaks down the mistakes most tourists make — and how to avoid every one of them.
PUNTARENAS PROVINCE
Full Puntarenas Guide →National Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkMonteverde
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Cloud forest, quetzals, hanging bridges, and guided night walks.
- 🌿 National ParkQuepos
Manuel Antonio National Park
Most visited park in Costa Rica. Wildlife, white sand beaches, and easy hiking trails.
- 🌿 National ParkUvita
Marino Ballena National Park
Whale watching, the famous Whale's Tail sandbar, and marine wildlife.
- 🌿 National ParkOsa Peninsula
Corcovado National Park
One of the most biodiverse places on earth. Remote, raw, and extraordinary.
- 🌿 National ParkPacific Ocean
Cocos Island National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remote island, world-class diving, hammerhead sharks.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumPuntarenas City
Museo de Puntarenas
Maritime history, fishing culture, and the port heritage of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
- 🏛️ MuseumPunta Islita, Nandayure
Museo Islita
Open-air contemporary museum using the community itself as canvas. Over 15 works promoting art and sustainable development.
- 🌟 Insider Picks — Puntarenas Favorites🧘 Five-Star Wellness RetreatSavegre Mountains, above Dominical — Puntarenas Province
Imiloa Institute — Dominical
22 acres of pristine rainforest overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Seventeen luxury accommodations including 200-year-old homes imported from Bali. Private waterfall on property. Gourmet plant-based cuisine. A campus that feels more like a national park than a retreat center — because it essentially is one. Re-booked by 90% of the retreat leaders and participants who experience it. Located 3km from Dominical surf town and 30km from Quepos — 800 feet above sea level, cooler than the beach, fewer bugs, extraordinary views. Perfect for corporate leadership retreats, wellness experiences, yoga programs, and transformational group travel. Now operating a second location — Verdesana by Imiloa — in Cartago Province. Also worth knowing in the cloud forest zone — Los Cerros Mirador y Café in Monteverde. Breakfast and coffee above the canopy with some of the most spectacular views in the province. @loscerrosmv on Instagram. On the Pacific Coast Highway at Caldera — Restaurante y Cabinas Mata Limón serves the famous 7 Machos and La Patrona seafood platters. A local institution and Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner. Perfect lunch stop on the drive to Manuel Antonio or Jacó. +506 8818-2743 Overnight on the Pacific Coast Highway? Hotel Luna de Mata Limón in Caldera offers beachfront rooms, pool, and complimentary breakfast from $51/night — right next to Restaurante y Cabinas Mata Limón. Hidden gem in the southern zone — Metaponto Waterfall in San Vito de Coto Brus is one of Costa Rica's most spectacular undiscovered waterfalls. Tours run by Costa Rica Mochilera with pickup from San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and Pérez Zeledón. WhatsApp: +506 7008-8044 In the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area — Costa Rica Jade Tours runs the top-rated ATV and rainforest tours in the region (4.9★, 13,000+ reviews). For dining, La Luna at the Gaia Hotel has the best sunset fine dining view on the coast. Ronny's Place is perched atop a 90-acre farm for Pacific sunset views and fresh seafood. Agua Azul Café is the casual sunset spot with fresh fish every way imaginable.
Contact: Rita Robles — imiloainstitute.com | Mata Limón: +506 8818-2743
Instagram: @imiloainstitute (opens in new tab)
Hours: Private retreat center — contact for group and retreat availability
GUANACASTE PROVINCE
Full Guanacaste Guide →National Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkLiberia
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Active volcano, mud pots, hot springs, and dry tropical forest.
- 🌿 National ParkLa Cruz
Santa Rosa National Park
Historic site of the 1856 battle, dry forest, and nesting sea turtles.
- 🌿 National ParkNicoya
Barra Honda National Park
Unique limestone caves and dry tropical forest. Cave tours available.
- 🌿 National ParkSanta Cruz
Diría National Park
Cloud forest between Nicoya Gulf and the Pacific coast.
- 🌿 National ParkCañas border
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Shared with Alajuela — home of the famous Río Celeste.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumNicoya
Museo Casa Cural de Nicoya
Colonial religious art and pre-Columbian artifacts. One of the oldest churches in Central America.
- 🏛️ MuseumCañas
Las Pumas Rescue Center
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Unique opportunity to see Costa Rica's wild cats up close.
- 🏛️ MuseumLiberia
Casa de la Cultura de Liberia
Regional cultural history, colonial architecture, and local art exhibitions.
- 🌟 Insider Pick — Nosara's Premier Group Retreat Venue🏡 Exclusive Buyout PropertyPlaya Pelada, Nosara, Guanacaste Province
Paradise Villas Nosara — Private Group Retreat
The entire property — yours. 14 rooms accommodating up to 20 people, private pool, and lush tropical landscaping steps from Playa Pelada beach. Paradise Villas Nosara is exclusively designed for private group events and retreats — no shared spaces with other guests, no hotel lobby, just your group and the grounds. Ranked #2 of 38 specialty lodging in Nosara on Tripadvisor with 205 reviews. Perfect for corporate leadership retreats, family reunions, yoga and wellness programs, destination weddings, and any gathering that deserves a private paradise. For guided tours across Guanacaste — Tours with Frank the Tank CR is the most recommended local operator in the province. Rio Celeste, catamaran cruises, volcano combos, hot springs, and more. tourswithfrankthetank.com
Contact: paradisevillasnosara.com | Frank the Tank: tourswithfrankthetank.com
Hours: Contact via website for group availability and pricing
SAN JOSÉ PROVINCE
National Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkSan José/Heredia border
Braulio Carrillo National Park
One of the most expansive national parks in Costa Rica. Cloud forest, rivers, and critical wildlife corridors.
- 🌿 National ParkPuriscal
La Cangreja National Park
Waterfalls, natural swimming holes, and rare pink granite rock formations.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumSan José
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
Permanent exhibitions including Indigenous Gold, Colonial House, and pre-Columbian artifacts. Housed in the historic La Fortaleza — a former penitentiary. Must visit.
- 🏛️ MuseumSan José
Museo del Jade
Houses the world's largest collection of American jade. Stunning Indigenous jewelry and animal carvings.
- 🏛️ MuseumSan José, Sabana Park
Museo de Arte Costarricense
Beautiful colonial building. Costa Rican paintings, sculptures, and national artistic heritage.
- 🏛️ MuseumSan José
Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo
Established 1994. Contemporary Central American art and design with international works.
- 🏛️ MuseumSan José
Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
Costa Rica's rich biodiversity through natural sciences. Great for families.
- 🏛️ MuseumSan José
Museo de los Niños
Children's museum with exhibits on geography, music, science, and culture. National Gallery inside.
- 🏆 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2021–2026🚗 Private Transfers & ToursSan José — Serving all of Costa Rica | SJO & LIR Airports
Arturo Sáenz-García Transfers & Tours
Need a private transfer? Arturo Sáenz-García Transfers & Tours is our trusted driver recommendation — 6-time Tripadvisor award winner, bilingual, pet friendly. Modern vehicles, fully licensed, and available for airport transfers, hotel transfers, and custom tours across the country. For local taxi and courier service across Liberia, Limón, San José, Puntarenas, and the Nicoya Peninsula — O'Fresco Mensajero y Taxi covers four provinces. For yoga and wellness retreats near San José — Amatierra Retreat Center in Turrubares offers an eco-retreat forest setting with yoga, meditation, and group programs. amatierra.com
Contact: WhatsApp: +506 8822-1921
Hours: Available daily for SJO & LIR airport transfers — book via WhatsApp
LIMÓN PROVINCE — Caribbean Coast
National Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkTortuguero
Tortuguero National Park
Two-thirds water. Hosts the largest green turtle nesting site in the Western Hemisphere. Accessible by boat or small plane only.
- 🌿 National ParkCahuita
Cahuita National Park
Coral reef, coastal hiking trails, and some of the best wildlife spotting on the Caribbean side.
- 🌿 National ParkMatina
Barbilla National Park
Remote, rarely visited. Indigenous territory and primary rainforest.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumCahuita
Museo Cacao de Cahuita
The story of cacao and the Caribbean zone. Locally made chocolate tasting in an early 20th century environment.
- 🏛️ MuseumPuerto Limón
Museo Etnohistórico de Limón
Afro-Caribbean history, culture, and the banana industry that shaped the province.
- 🏛️ MuseumPuerto Limón
Museo Ferrocarril del Caribe
History of the Caribbean railway that connected the coast to San José.
- 🏛️ MuseumNext to MEPE Bus Terminal, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón
Watuza Café
The best breakfast and specialty coffee in Puerto Viejo — oceanfront, right next to the MEPE bus terminal. Specialty coffee with Talamanca cacao, Rice and Beans in fresh coconut milk, whole fried red snapper, and tropical smoothies. Open at 7AM daily. The Talamanca chocolate moccachino is unlike anything else in Costa Rica — 100% local cacao melted into a double espresso. Perfect first stop for travelers arriving by bus from San José. Free WiFi, ocean views, pet friendly.
- 🌟 Insider Pick — Tico Times Featured🌋 Hidden Gem — Off The Beaten PathTortuguero, Limón Province — Caribbean Coast
Cerro Tortuguero — Hidden Caribbean Viewpoint
Most visitors to Tortuguero come for the canals. Almost none discover this. Cerro Tortuguero is a small extinct volcanic cone — just 119 meters tall — but it sits on the otherwise completely flat Caribbean coastline, making it the highest point on the entire Caribbean side of Costa Rica. From the summit you see the canals, beaches, and rainforest canopy in a single panoramic frame that no boat tour can match. Named by the Tico Times as one of the best vantage points on the entire Caribbean coast. Tours are offered by local operators in the village, often paired with a canoe trip or nighttime wildlife walk. For travelers who think they've already seen everything Tortuguero has to offer — this is what most of them missed.
Contact: Ask your lodge or local operator in Tortuguero village
Hours: Best visited morning for clearest views | Ask local operators for guided tours
HEREDIA PROVINCE
National Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkHeredia/San José border
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Shared with San José — cloud forest and wildlife corridors.
- 🌿 National ParkSarapiquí
La Selva Biological Station
World-renowned research station with guided nature walks and exceptional birdwatching.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumBarva, Heredia
Museo de Cultura Popular
Traditional Costa Rican rural life and popular culture in Santa Lucía district.
- 🏛️ MuseumSanto Domingo, Heredia
INBio Parque
Biodiversity museum and educational park. Costa Rica's National Biodiversity Institute.
- 🏛️ MuseumHeredia
Museo de las Flores
The history of Costa Rica's flower industry and botanical collections.
- 🌟 Insider Pick — 200-Year-Old Colonial Adobe🍽️ Historic RestaurantSan Pablo de Heredia, 300m north of Catholic Church — Heredia Province
Restaurante Casona de Mi Tierra — San Pablo
A 200-year-old colonial adobe house that became one of the most beloved traditional restaurants in the Central Valley. Ranked #18 of 202 restaurants in Heredia, 173 Tripadvisor reviews, and over 22,000 Facebook followers. The meat sampler plate is legendary. The Tres Leches is outstanding. Coffee made the old fashioned way right in front of you — something you won't find anywhere else. On the road toward Braulio Carrillo National Park making it the perfect lunch stop before or after the park. Generous portions at prices that make you want to come back tomorrow.
Contact: +506 2262-9281
Hours: Mon–Sat 7:00am–10:00pm | Sun 7:00am–9:00pm | facebook.com/casonademitierra
CARTAGO PROVINCE
National Parks & Reserves
- 🌿 National ParkTurrialba
Turrialba Volcano National Park
Second highest volcano in Costa Rica at 3,340 meters. Active crater and dramatic views.
- 🌿 National ParkParaíso
Tapantí National Park
Rain forests, rivers, elevations up to 2,560 meters, ancient oak and alder trees.
- 🌿 National ParkSan Isidro del General
Chirripó National Park
Home to Cerro Chirripó — the highest peak in Costa Rica at 3,821 meters. Advance permits required.
- 🌿 National ParkTurrialba
Guayabo National Monument
The most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Costa Rica. Aqueducts, roads, and tombs dating back over 3,000 years.
Museums & Cultural Sites
- 🏛️ MuseumOrosi, Paraíso
Museo Regional de Orosi
Next to the historic Orosi Church. Preserves the history of Catholicism in the Orosi Valley.
- 🏛️ MuseumTurrialba, UCR
Museo Arqueológico de Turrialba
Pre-Columbian artifacts, ceramic and lithic figures, and the story of Guayabo.
- 🏛️ MuseumCartago City
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles
Costa Rica's most important religious site and pilgrimage destination. Built 1639.
- 🌟 Insider Pick🏛️ Museum & Cultural Site (Unique Experience)Cartago City, Cartago Province
Hogwarts Cafe
A charming Harry Potter-themed café in the heart of Cartago. Immersive wizarding world décor including floating candles, themed baked goods, and the famous Butterbeer. A perfect stop for families, kids, and fans of all ages — especially on the way to or from the Orosi Valley or Guayabo National Monument.
Contact: +506 5067-032-2205
Instagram: @hogwarts_cafe_cr (opens in new tab)
Hours: Wednesday–Friday 2:30pm–6:00pm | Sunday 12:00pm–6:00pm
Ready to Book Your Costa Rica Adventures?
Browse thousands of verified tours, activities, and experiences across every province — from Arenal volcano hikes to Caribbean snorkeling. Book instantly with free cancellation on most activities.
Powered by GetYourGuide — free cancellation on most bookings · Instant confirmation
Planning a trip around these destinations?
Our certified Travel Advisors live in these provinces. We know which parks need advance reservations, which museums are worth a half day, and how to build a trip that gets you to the right places at the right time.
Use code CC9O9U0 at checkout