Costa Rica Tourism: Top 5 Must-See Destinations [Photos]

Costa Rica is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. While the country might be a small one, tourists find that it is one of nature's biggest playgrounds

Costa Rica gives off a certain vibe that many visitors will find that they cannot get enough of. The place leaves them with memories that they will take with them all the way home. It is a country that is blessed with natural wonders as well as warm and accommodating people.

Tourists who visit the country find a myriad of activities to do, so there is never a dull moment. The Central American country boasts of the world's biggest variety of fauna and flora as well as a varied terrain of natural beauty. While it is tough to limit the list of Costa Rica's most beautiful places, here is a list of the top 5 must-see destinations in Costa Rica.

Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste Costa Rica

This beautiful beach was once a quiet fishing hamlet, as told by Anywhere Costa Rica. The long beach is now a popular tourist destination for surfers. It is also a prime spot for sportfishing, diving, and sunning. Nature lovers can also appreciate the beauty of the beach as leatherback turtles make their way to the beach on the months of May to October. Tourists can also shop and dine in some of the finest restaurants and boutiques. 

San Gerardo de Dota, South Central Costa Rica

This tranquil place is known to be an elusive haven for birds. The mysterious forest boasts 200 bird species that inhabit the misty surroundings, including Tanagers and the magnificent Quetzals. Nature lovers are drawn to the place as the forest is home to many wildlife. Accommodations are nothing but pleasant and visitors are treated to gorgeous views of rolling hills and fruit plantations.

Arenal Volcano, Northern Lowlands Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano is known to be one of Costa Rica's most notable natural features. The impressive sight is located within the Arenal Volcano National Park which spans around 29, 960 acres. The park itself is a tranquil natural forest that is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. It is a known fact that nearly 75% of the total 850 species of birds that have been discovered in Costa Rica can be found in the national park. Other creatures living within the park include sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, coati, deer and snakes, including the fer-de-lance, parrot snake and boa constrictor.

 San Jose, Central Valley Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a place where people can take in the sights and sounds of city life. San Jose, the nation's capital city is proof of that. There is a certain charm to the city that visitors will surely remember and won't see anywhere else.

 It is home to numerous restaurants, museums, and parks. The city also has a temperate weather, which makes it pleasant especially during the summer months. Some of the more notable places to visit in the city are the Spanish Park, Jade Museum, as well as the Democracy Plaza.

Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, Playa Flamingo boasts of beautiful white sand. The long, crescent shaped beach is also one of Costa Rica's most lavish areas.  Unlike many beach communities in the country, Flamingo Beach has no village center to speak of, which means that life beyond the beach is limited to various water sports activities as well as some excellent restaurants all over the place, as in a report by Tourism-Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is an ideal tropical paradise for visitors who want to get away from it all. In Costa Rica, there is always something to do for thrill seekers, nature lovers, couples away on a romantic vacation, or families who want a memorable holiday. This tropical slice of paradise will certainly have something for visitors everywhere.