There are so many Costa Rica attractions it is impossible to list them all on a page. There is something for everyone in this small tropical paradise! This is possible due to the lay of the land, which accounts for an astounding 12 unique climate and life zones. Mix in a couple hundred volcanic formations and 2 oceans and you have a melting pot of sweet smelling paradise brew!

Top 5 Costa Rica Attractions:

Arenal Volcano: Arenal Volcano is one of the most active in the world, erupting every five to ten minutes, Arenal Volcano is a constant reminder that Mother Nature is still hard at work. The beauty of this area is also accentuated by Arenal Lake and dam area which provides a high percentage of the electricty to this small country. La Fortuna, the closest town to the imposing volcano, and is a long time favorite of eco-tourists. Many consider this area to be the adventure capital of Central America. The Arenal area offers a variety of activities including various forms of canopy explortation, whitewater rafting, canyoning, cave exploration, indigenous villages, hot springs and much more...

Manuel Antonio National Park: Manuel Antonio is the smallest Costa Rica national park yet one of the largest in terms of biodiversity. Encompassing some 683 hectares, the park contains numerous endangered species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and marine life. The park also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery that can be found in this tropical paradise.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Originally founded by Quakers in search of a peaceful existence, this area has become one of the largest tourist attractions in Costa Rica. Comprising 11,500 hectares, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve contains eight distinct life zones and a wide variety of flora and fauna unique to this area. The reserve is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and thousands of insects, reptiles, amphibians, and plant life.

Tortuguero National Park: Created in 1975, Tortuguero National Park was established to protect four endangered sea turtle species of the Caribbean Sea which come to nest annually between July and October. These species include the hawkbill, loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles. The Tortuguero area is known for its beautiful channels, rivers, and lagoons which can be accessed by boat, canoe, or kayak.

Corcovado National Park: Corcovado National Park encompasses nearly 41,800 hectares of swamps, lagoons, primary jungle, mangroves, rivers, rainforests, and low altitude cloud forests. The park also boasts nearly 50 kilometers of beautiful white sand beaches. Naturalists and biologists from all over the world come to Corcovado to study its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The park is home to approximately 500 tree, 140 mammal, 117 amphibian and reptile, 370 bird, and 40 freshwater fish species. Several species of dolphins and whales migrate annually to the seas surrouding Corcovado National Park to rear their young.

These Costa Rica attractions are just the tip of the iceburg! Click here for Costa Rica National Parks.

You are probably already asking yourself "With so many Costa Rica attractions, how can I possibly fit them all, in on one trip?". The answer is simple - don't even try. Save some for next time and you will have a much more enjoyable trip. We have friends that have been coming to Costa Rica for 19 years and are still amazed with something new every time.

So where do I start? Most start with Costa Rica attraction destinations such as Arenal Volcano, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio. These 3 destinations combine as attractions and coordinate well with one another. They are each located in different climate zones, with unique qualities and are tourist geared areas that will simply amaze you.

Want to do a little more research about Costa Rica attractions before taking my word for it? Check out our Costa Rica National Parks Directory. Over 25% of the land in Costa Rica is protected, whether by parks, refuges, reserves or protection zones. Another great choice is our Costa Rica Volcanoes directory which will help you decide which volcanic area is right for you.