Top Choice Area in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Punta Catedral
Geography fun fact: this isthmus that's the centerpiece of the park is called a tombolo and was formed by the accumulation of sand between the mainland and the peninsula beyond, which was once an island. At its end,…
Top Choice Waterfall in Dominical
Cataratas Nauyaca
This center, owned and operated by a Costa Rican family, is home to the coast's most impressive waterfalls, which cascade through a protected reserve of both primary and secondary forest. The family runs horseback-r…
Top Choice Waterfall in Tárcoles & Around
Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva
This 200m-high waterfall is claimed to be the highest in the country. From the entrance, it’s a steep 3km (45-minute) hike down into the valley; at the bottom, the river continues through a series of natural swimmin…
Top Choice Nature Reserve in Quepos to Uvita
Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge
Consisting of pristine beaches, riverbanks, mangrove estuaries, wetlands, primary and secondary forests, tree plantations and pastures, this 330-hectare nature reserve forms a key link in a major biological corridor…
Top Choice National Park in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Top Choice Square in Jacó
Jacó Walk
This dainty new square, to which most of the towns’ best restaurants have recently relocated, is adorned in multicolored bricks, potted plants and pretty lights. The restaurants all offer outdoor seating and the who…
Top Choice Waterfall in Uvita
Cascada Verde
Around 2.5km inland and uphill (toward the Cascada Verde hostel), this waterfall plunges into an inviting deep pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. The best part? The waterfall also acts as an exhilarating natural wa…
Top Choice National Park in Quepos to Uvita
Parque Nacional Marino Ballena
Top Choice Beach in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Playa Espadilla Sur
The exposed Playa Espadilla Sur is to the north of Punta Catedral and swimming here can be dangerous. The beach is a half-hour hike from the park entrance.
Top Choice Nature Reserve in Dominical
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Around 1.5km east and uphill from Dominical, this wildlife sanctuary takes in injured and orphaned animals as well as illegal pets, its mission being to rehabilitate those that can be and reintroduce them to the wil…