What is the number one destination in Costa Rica?

San José is the most popular destination in Costa Rica — More people are taking advantage of the international airport in Liberia and most people that arrive in San José don't stick around too long but it still gets more visitors than any other place in Costa Rica.



While "number one" is subjective, La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) is widely considered the top tourist destination in Costa Rica for 2026. It serves as the ultimate "adventure hub," offering the perfect mix of lush rainforests, hanging bridges, and the iconic, symmetrical cone of the Arenal Volcano. Visitors flock here for the world-class natural hot springs, ziplining, and wildlife spotting (sloths are very common here). Close behind is Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast, which is the most-visited national park in the country due to its unique combination of white-sand beaches and easily accessible jungle trails filled with monkeys. For those seeking "off-the-beaten-path" nature, the Osa Peninsula is the top choice for biodiversity, but in terms of sheer popularity, infrastructure, and the "quintessential Costa Rica experience," La Fortuna/Arenal remains the reigning champion for international travelers and first-time visitors alike.

People Also Ask

Costa Rica receives over 1.7 million tourists per year, the majority of whom come from the United States and Canada. Earnings from tourism amount to more than $1.7 billion US dollars per year. It is estimated that up to 80% of all visitors to the country come to do eco-tourism related activities.

MORE DETAILS

You can have a great time on either side of Costa Rica but here are some reasons why you should visit one over the other. Two of the main reasons why you should visit the Pacific side of Costa Rica over the Caribbean are that there are more choices and a closer proximity to the international airport and attractions.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica.

MORE DETAILS

Exploring the entire coast would make an excellent itinerary and take a good week or ideally two. If this is your first trip and you're wondering where to go in Costa Rica, the Caribbean coast would be a good intro to the lush ecosystem and wildlife Costa Rica is known for.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability. Mexico, unfortunately, still gets a lot of violence due to drug cartels. However with that being said, it is still a safe place, you just have to be a little bit more cautious.

MORE DETAILS

#1: No Parties, No Big Waves, Just Relaxing at Hermosa Beach in Guanacaste. Playa Hermosa Guanacaste is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Some people like to pack their itinerary with activities. If that isn't you, Playa Hermosa has the beach scene you're craving.

MORE DETAILS

You're probably wondering how safe IS travel to Costa Rica right now? At this point in time, traveling in general is not recommended by the CDC, because, you know, #pandemic. Because of that, we can't explicitly recommend that you go ahead and travel during a pandemic.

MORE DETAILS