12 Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica for Your Bucket List

Famous landmarks in Costa Rica, like the ancient ruins of Guayabo National Monument hidden within lush rainforests or the towering Mt. Arenal piercing the sky, offer endless mystery and adventure.

Though small in size, Costa Rica attracts over two million visitors annually, drawn by its unique mix of natural wonders and historic treasures. Each landmark tells a story of the country’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history.

Having explored these remarkable sites firsthand, we’ve selected them for their significance and appeal. To curate this list, we considered traveler reviews, expert insights, and cultural importance, ensuring each destination offers an unforgettable experience.

From iconic volcanoes to serene beaches and ancient ruins, these 12 must-visit landmarks capture the heart and soul of Costa Rica and are sure to inspire your next adventure.

Swipe and Vote: Choose Your Favorite

Which famous Costa Rican landmark would you brag about visiting first? (No judgment if it’s just for the Instagram shot.)

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

12 Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica Parque Nacional Corcovado

Corcovado National Park 1/5

12 Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

Monteverde Cloud Forest 2/5

12 Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica La Paz Waterfall

La Paz Waterfall 3/5

12 Cheap Residency Options in Latin America Costa Rica Arenal Volcano

Mt. Arenal Volcano 4/5

12 Famous Landmarks in Costa Rica Guayabo National Monument

Guayabo Monument 5/5

Results

Corcovado National Park

1 7

Monteverde Cloud Forest

1 7

La Paz Waterfall

1 7

Mt. Arenal Volcano

1 7

Guayabo Monument

1 7

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Table of Contents

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is a dream destination for nature lovers. If you love plants and animals, this amazing sight is a must.

The forest covers over 10,500 hectares of preserved cloud forest and rainforest. Head to Santa Elena and stay at a popular lodge. Book an experience that takes you deep into the forest for hiking, canopy walks, zip lining, and wildlife adventures.

You’ll walk on bridges high above the forest and see rare and endangered plants and animals. Hike to the entrance or take on the hiking trails into the forest. You can spend a week in the park and barely scratch the surface.

Travel Tips

Hire a naturalist guide: Explore with a knowledgeable guide who can point out interesting species you might miss.
Wear proper hiking boots: Sturdy hiking boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable on muddy and uneven trails.

Guayabo National Monument

Guayabo National Monument is a 20-hectare archaeological site with ancient ruins dating from 1000 BCE to 1400 CE. Tucked deep in the jungles two hours from San Jose, the monument is a must for history and nature lovers.

You’ll hike near several large mounds that once supported wooden buildings. There are aqueducts and roads. When the site was excavated, they found artifacts such as tools and petroglyphs.

Try to see the monument early in the day to beat the heat. Walk up the stone steps and take pictures of the monuments and local plant life. In addition to the historical structures, the trails take you through beautiful forests.

Travel Tips

Pack snacks and water: There are limited food options, so bring enough snacks and water.
Gear up for the weather: Bring an insect repellent to keep yourself comfortable while exploring the trails and ruins.

The National Theater of Costa Rica

The National Theater of Costa Rica is a historic theater in the country’s capital, San Jose. It opened in 1897 and became a center for performance art and theater in the country.

Visit the beautiful building and take a tour to learn about its history and cultural significance. Then, check out a live play or musical performance on its classic stage. You can see both international and local stars perform.

Afterward, hit the town and experience San Jose’s fun nightlife and dance scene. The theater runs shows throughout the year, so book a show and enjoy this fun experience in style.

Travel Tips

Book tickets in advance: Popular performances sell out quickly, so reserve your tickets ahead of time to get the best seats.
Explore the surrounding area: Make sure to visit nearby cafes and shops, and don’t miss the charming Alma De Cafe inside the National Theater.

Parque Nacional Corcovado

Parque Nacional Corcovado is a lush national park on the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. It’s one of the world’s great biodiversity hotspots and a must for any nature lover.

The park features dense rainforests with rare and endangered wildlife and plant life. Many tours start in the town of Sierpe and take you to Drake’s Bay. You can book a nature lodge and sign up for several experiences from here.

There are endless hiking trails that take you deep into the forest. You’ll see protected animals like howler monkeys, rare plants and towering trees, and colorful parrots. Bring your camera, because this will be an experience of a lifetime.

Travel Tips

Always hire a guide: Parque Nacional Corcovado requires visitors to hire a certified guide.
Prepare for the weather: It is often hot and humid in the park, so it’s best to wear light clothing.

La Paz Waterfall

La Paz Waterfall is a majestic cascade deep within the tropical forest. Surrounding the falls is an eco-park with several hiking trails and adventure activities.

Head to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park to see rare animals and plant life. Then, hike the trail to the La Paz waterfall. The towering falls cascade down the narrow gorge and into a beautiful pool.

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After hiking to the falls, continue on the trail up the mountain. If you’re up for an adventure, you can continue to the Cinchona Waterfall, another massive cascade in the jungle.

Travel Tips

Arrive early: Avoid the crowds by getting there right before the park opens at 8 AM.
Wear comfortable shoes: Keep your feet safe from the slippery steps while you hike.

The National Museum of Costa Rica, San Jose

The National Museum of Costa Rica has a rich collection of historical artifacts located inside former military barracks. Inside the 19th-century yellow building is a huge collection of pre-Colombian art, artifacts, and relics from the country’s history.

Check out original stone carvings from the country’s earliest inhabitants. See original artwork and statues from every corner of the country. You’ll also learn about the evolution of Costa Rica through interactive exhibits.

Book a tour early in the day and spend the afternoon in the museum’s impressive garden. Afterward, explore the nearby Museo del Jade, another must-see historical museum.

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Travel Tips

Visit on a weekday: Plan your visit during the weekday to avoid crowds.
Allocate enough time: Spend at least two hours exploring the museum to appreciate its vast collection.

Cocos Island

Cocos Island gives the Galapogus a run for its money. If you can get out to the national park, it’s an experience like nothing else. The journey by boat takes around 35 hours. When you arrive, you’ll open your eyes to a remote tropical paradise far away from the stresses of civilization.

There are no hotels, roads, or people on the island permanently, making it a haven for wildlife and plant life. You’ll see towering volcanoes with huge waterfalls pouring down the side. Underneath, you are healthy coral reefs with colorful fish and sea turtles.

Book a diving tour of the reefs and see the island from the boat if you can. Many people believe that the island still has pirate treasure buried deep inside. Don’t be tempted to find it; the jungle is some of the thickest in the world!

Travel Tips

Book a liveaboard tour: Explore the island and its marine life while staying on the boat.
Pack for adventure: Bring snorkeling gear, hiking shoes, and lightweight clothing.

The Stone Spheres

The stone spheres of Costa Rica are one of the country’s strangest and most fascinating landmarks. They’re located in several locations, including the Diquís Delta. They are huge stone spheres carved by the Diquís culture and other civilizations from the 6th to 16th centuries.

The stones are massive, weighing several tons each. Nobody knows why the people created them, and they continue to puzzle researchers even to this day.

The best place to see them is at the Finca 6 Museum in Osa. You’ll walk the trails and see these giant spheres scattered throughout the forest. Inside the museum are beautiful exhibits showcasing other pre-Colombian artifacts and art.

Travel Tips

Respect the site: Stay on designated paths and avoid touching the stones.
Bring a camera: The stone spheres and beautiful natural surroundings are great for photo opportunities.

Irazú Volcano National Park

The Irazú Volcano and its famous National Park are some of Costa Rica’s most renowned landmarks. It’s just an hour from San Jose, but it feels like you’ve stepped into a movie set. You’ll stare at the 11,260-foot (3,432-meter) volcano in awe, surrounded by thick cloud forest and wildlife.

If you love to hike, stay at a local nature lodge and book climbing experiences. The tours take you deep into the forest up the side of the mountain. You can drive or take a bus near the top and hike down to the crater.

Before hiking, make sure you’re okay with high altitudes. The green lake in the center of the crater is stunning, so visit when the weather is clear. You’ll want to capture as many photos as you can of this stunning landmark.

Travel Tips

Check the weather: Consider waiting for a clear day to enjoy breathtaking views of the crater.
Use sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn as the sun’s rays are stronger as you reach the summit.

Carara National Park

Carara National Park is another impressive destination teeming with wildlife and rainforests. It’s a preserved biosphere with untouched natural beauty and fun experiences. It’s a short drive from the popular resort town of Jaco, making it one of the country’s most visited natural landmarks.

Try taking a local tour to discover the park’s secrets with a local guide. They will take you deep into the forest, and you’ll see even more awe-inspiring creatures, including snakes, colorful frogs, parrots, monkeys, and alien-looking insects.

On your way there, don’t miss stopping at the Crocodile Bridge. You’ll look over the bridge to see tons of massive crocodiles lying on the river banks.

Travel Tips

Bring binoculars: Watch out for colorful birds like scarlet macaws and other animals up close.
Wear appropriate clothing: To protect against insects and the humid climate, wear lightweight, long pants and a breathable shirt.

Celeste River

The Celeste River is a gorgeous turquoise river that magically flows through romantic countryside and forest. You can visit Tenorio Volcano National Park and hike deep into the jungle to see its source.

After hiking, you’ll come to several intensely blue pools and waterfalls. Hike wooden bridges over the jungle to more turquoise pools surrounded by howler monkeys. At the top, you’ll get breathtaking views of the forest and valleys below.

Besides the national park, there are several other great places to enjoy the river. You’ll find tubing adventures, hiking, camping, and other adventure sports in the towns along the river. There are also several fantastic nature lodges along its banks, so you can enjoy it in luxury.

Travel Tips:

Don’t swim in the river: Swimming is not allowed in the Celeste River.
Take your time: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and take breaks if needed.

Mt. Arenal

Mt. Arenal is an iconic conical volcano and one of the country’s top destinations. It stands over 5,400 feet (1646m) high and looms over thick cloud forests and jungles. The volcano is home to an amazing array of plants and animals.

To see the mountain, head to the town of La Fortuna. From here, set out on hiking trips through the jungle to the base of the mountain. On the way, you’ll cross rivers and jungles and see wild monkeys, parrots, and rare plants.

Hike up to the Mirador Colada and enjoy incredible views. Hot springs and wilderness experiences surround the volcano. Take a few days to explore the mountain and its endless adventures.

Travel Tips

Wake up early: Start your day at sunrise to enjoy the best views of Mt. Arenal.
Bring a rain jacket: Stay dry while hiking and exploring the area, as the weather can change quickly in the rainforest.