Costa Rica is a land of rich biodiversity, dense rainforests and amazing beaches. Between Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, there are green mountains, dense jungles, majestic volcanoes, wonderful waterfalls, and pristine lakes. There are so many places to visit that it is really hardest part of trip planning to decide where to go. Before traveling to Costa Rica, it is better to find out the destinations based on time, constraints, proximity, and interest. You can Take help from Costa Rica Guides to make a list of some of the popular destinations of the country and enjoy discovering the natural wonders of this amazing country. Here goes top ten vacation destinations in Costa Rica:

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna:

Arenal Volcano is a perfect travel destination for both the nature and adrenaline lovers. Resides within the 29,960-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, this is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. In the surrounding area of the volcano there are hot springs, forests, waterfalls, caves, lakes and beautiful towns such as La Fortuna. In the surrounding area you can enjoy a variety of fun and adventure activities including hiking, whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling and canopy tours.

Drake Bay:

Resting on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay is one of the most peaceful and beautiful destinations in Costa Rica. People who are seeking a vacation spot for enjoying a relaxed vacation, they will find this place a perfect destination. Drake is a tranquil village that has easy access to the Corcovado National Park and renowned for its natural beauty, unique ecology and diverse wildlife.

Jaco:

Jaco, a top destination for surfers, a closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley. This place is also ideal for the backpackers and nature lovers. With its 2.5 mile (4 km) strip, it offers world renowned surfing and more. People who love to enjoy adventure activities, leisure activities and also water activities, they will find Jaco a perfect destination. Like many other metropolitan areas, Jaco also has post office, health center and branches of major banks. There are also abundance of surf shops, restaurants, and hotels. There are a plenty of tour operators who can arrange Jaco Beach Adventure tours at very competitive rates.

Mal Pais – Santa Teresa:

Santa Teresa, a tiny beach village, situated in the south of the Nicoya Peninsula, in the province of Puntarenas. In Costa Rica, Santa Teresa is a popular surf destination and this private and secluded beach is described as “Paradise”. Mal Pais, located just next door to the south, has long beaches and reefs. Mal Pais is situated 4 miles (6.5 km) north of Cabo Blanco National Park, at the southwestern cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, opposite Montezuma. You will find the Santa Teresa and Mal Pais absolutely perfect for enjoying a memorable vacation.

Manuel Antonio:

Located on the Pacific Coast just south side of Quepos, Manuel Antonio boasts world-class views and beaches. Here you can enjoy discovering the beauty of coral reefs, rain forest and beaches. In Costa Rica Manuel Antonio is considered as one of the most amazing destination to visit. Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park of the country in terms of biodiversity and natural beauty. Its amazing beaches, rich dense forestation, amazing array of birds and wildlife, easy accessibility and plenty of options to do, all make the park one of the main attraction of the area.

Monteverde:

In Puntarenas Monteverde is a cool, misty town. This town is considered as a major tourist destination. Its deep green foliage and impressive rain and cloud forests make this place an absolute hot spot for eco tourism in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. In this area you will find a string of volcanoes, both active and dormant, beautiful national parks.

Montezuma:

Montezuma is nestled on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Earlier it was a small remote fishing village since it began to gain repute of being an ideal destination among the tourists on a budget and nature lovers. It is close to the Cabo Blanco National Park, the Isla Tortuga and the Curu Wildlife Reserve that makes it a popular destination. This area has amazing beaches, rivers and scenic waterfalls that surround the village. This place is a perfect vacation destination for the eco-tourists, foreign backpackers and also for the nature lovers.

Puerto Viejo and Cahuita:

In Puerto Viejo you will experience most tropical side of Costa Rica. This place is renowned for its laidback attitude and Caribbean lifestyle. In this one town you will enjoy the blend of Latin, Bribri indigenous and Afro-Caribbean cultures. In a close destination you will find Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park where you can enjoy a variety of adventure and fun activities and enjoy discovering amazing wildlife, beauty of coastal rainforests and beaches of the area.

Tamarindo:

Tamarindo is situated along the north Pacific Coast. Once it was a sleepy town but it is now Guanacaste’s largest center. In this area you will fin all the amenities of a Costa Rican beach town. Surf lovers and eco-travelers will find this place absolutely perfect for enjoying a memorable vacation. Tamarindo boasts crystal clear turquoise water and pristine weather  and surrounded by National Parks to its north and south, and mountains with abundant nature.

Tortuguero:

Tortuguero is known as the Costa Rica’s Amazon. The Caribbean Coast is home to the beautiful town of Tortuguero and it’s National Park. In this area you will find the most important nesting sites of the marine turtles. Tortuguero Canals is another great feature of the area. This canal has an extensive system of man-made and natural waterways used both for jungle exploration and transportation. Boats are commonly used from the town of Moin found near the port town of Limon for reaching Tortuguero as there are no roads leading to this area.