Attractions

Geography fun fact: this isthmus, which is 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 …

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…

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…

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…

Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches and craggy headlands, this tiny park brims with wildlife (and oftentimes, visiting humans). As you wander its lovely trails, you'll catch a glimpse of dangling sloths, …

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…

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…

Famous for its beach, which is shaped like whale's tail at low tide, the small but important marine park protects coral and rock reefs surrounding several offshore islands, along with migrating humpback whales, dolp…

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.

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…