Hidden Treasures of Costa Rica
While the tourism infrastructure of Costa Rica is excellent, there still are many hidden treasures that have slipped through the cracks of mainstream tourism. Many of these gems are simply located along routes with small overgrown signs that many pass by without a thought or second glance. Others are located near larger tourist destinations and simply overshadowed by all of the hoopla. Whatever the case, we have made this section for those of you that like us enjoy the stops along the way that can turn a great vacation into an amazing trip of a lifetime. Click the links to read about Costa Rica hidden treasures.
CATIE Botanical Gardens
You are certain to be amazed by the variety of wondrous flora at the CATIE Botanical Garden. This fun and educational destination is perfect for photographers, gardeners and all who appreciate the splendor of nature.
Cerro de la Muerte
Don’t let the name fool you. The ‘Mountain of Death’ is home to plenty of life’s wonders. From a variety of birds to an exceptional mix of flora, this cool region is Costa Rica’s highest destination along the Inter-American Highway.
Childrens Eternal Rainforest
This lovely destination greets you with a massive variety of life and diversity. It is a wonderful place to learn about the natural habitats of Costa Rica while viewing a multitude of bird and animal species.
Lankaster Botanical Gardens
Lankaster Botanical Gardens should be high on any gardener's list of things to do in Costa Rica. The gardens feature an amazing selection of orchids and tropical flowers.
Nauyaca Waterfalls
This breath-taking set of waterfalls is a must-see destination. Here you can swim, relax or just take in the majestic beauty of one of Costa Rica’s most popular natural spots.
San Juan-La Selva Corridor
Several ecosystems exist in this refuge that connects the tropical forest of Costa Rica to Nicaragua. You’ll find it the ideal spot to observe the Great Green Macaw and other species of birds.
Rio Tarcoles Crocodiles
If traveling to Playa Jaco from the Central Valley, you will find yourself over the Tarcoles River – home to some of the largest crocodiles you’ll ever see and a favorite resting stop for tourists.
Zoo Ave
This amazing wildlife rescue center is the perfect place to meet many of Costa Rica’s birds. Here you’ll see a colorful mix of rescued and breeding birds including toucans, macaws and quetzal.
Tree of Life
This tour is perfect for the adventurer and will teach you about Costa Rica’s varied plant life. Hiking, waterfalls, caves and plenty of creature comforts can be found here.
Los Heroes
Prepare for a fun and entertaining visit when you come to Los Heroes. Here you can enjoy a train ride through the winding hills and relish lunch or dinner at a revolving restaurant.
San Lorenzo Cloud Forest
Don’t miss this important hidden treasure of Costa Rica. The San Lorenzo Cloud Forest will intrigue you with its variety of wildlife including sloths, monkeys, anteaters and more. This is a must-see stop for nature lovers.
Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary
With a dedication to protecting the lives of Costa Rica’s sloths, this sanctuary is an educational destination for animal lovers. Come meet the sloths of the sanctuary and enjoy a guided canoe safari through the mangroves.
Maquenque
This hidden treasure bridges wetlands and forest and homes a variety of birdlife including parrots and macaws.
Tiquicia Dinner Show
Prepare yourself for a unique, fun and colorful experience at Tiquicia. Here you’ll enjoy local cuisine and a fine performance, filled with music, dance and the spirit of Pura Vida.
Costa Ballena
Enjoy the warm and welcoming waters of Costa Rica’s Whale Coast. Costa Ballena is certain to capture your heart with its beautiful coastline and visiting whales, monkeys and birds.
Basilica of Our Lady of Angels
This lovely and historical place is steeped in legend and rich in its architectural design. The Basilica represents a must-see stop for faithful, photographers and those who enjoy local lore.
La Selva Biological Station
Prepare for a fun and educational experience when you visit La Selva Biological Station. Here you’ll meet Howler monkeys, sloths, macaws and more.
San Gerardo de Dota Birding
This bird-watching destination welcomes you with a vast variety of species including toucanettes, trogons, hummingbirds and more. Don’t forget your camera!
Playa Nancite
Witness one of nature’s greatest feats. In Playa Nancite, you can see thousands of olive ridley turtles nest along the beaches. A sight to behold.
Rio Celeste
Few places in the world are as strikingly beautiful as the Rio Celeste Waterfall. I once brought my wife there and she immediately burst into tears at the natural beauty of this waterfall. The color of the river is a Kool Aid blue and the surrounding rainforest is emerald green. The combination and contrast of these colors creates an astoundingly gorgeous natural setting. Click on the link to read more about this Costa Rica hidden treasure.
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life tour is located down in the jungle lined mountains of the south Pacific between Dominical and San Isidro. The tour starts off with a difficult hike straight up a mountain. Along the way, your guide will point our medicinal plants and explain how the indigenous used them. When you reach the top, you will approach a gorgeous double waterfall with a cave behind it. The family that owns this property has installed bedding, a fully functional kitchen and bathrooms. The truly is an amazing, one of a kind hidden treasure. Click on the link to learn more about the Tree of Life.
Costa Ballena
The words, Costa Ballena translate to Whale Coast. This is an area located along the southern Pacific coast between Uvita and Dominical. Most of the area is protected within Marino Ballena National Park. This marine park was created with the intention of protecting whales, dolphins and other marine life. Humpback Whales visit the park annually to raise their calves. Click on the link to learn more about this amazing Costa Rica hidden treasure.
Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary
Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary is a family run facility located just north of Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. The family that owns the sanctuary has dedicated their land and home to the protection, research and rehabilitation of sloths. One month stays can be arranged for volunteers to assist with the sanctuary projects or visitors can pay a reasonable entrance fee for a day pass which includes a guided canoe ride through mangroves behind the center. Click on the link to read more about Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary.
San Lorenzo Cloud Forest
The San Lorenzo Cloud Forest is one of the most traveled through, but overlooked cloud forest areas in Costa Rica. The forest is located between San Ramon and La Fortuna, so most visitors to Arenal Volcano drive through the forest and do not even realize it. The San Lorenzo Cloud Forest is a beautiful place with plenty of wildlife and excellent birdwatching including annual migrations of quetzals. Click on the link to read more about this Costa Rica hidden treasure.
San Gerardo de Dota Birding
Loacted high up in the cloud forest of the Talamanca Mountains, San Gerardo de Dota is one of the best places in the world for highland birdwatching. Dedicated birdwatchers come to this area from all over the world in hopes of spotting exotic species such as the resplendent quetzal, bell birds, emerald toucanettes, hummingbirds, trogons and tanagers. Click on the link to learn more about San Gerardo de Dota birdwatching.
Childrens Eternal Rainforest
The Childrens Eternal Rainforest is a rainforest and cloud forest area located between Arenal National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This is an area of tough terrain and vast contrasts in elevation. The purchase of the private reserve was funded mostly by school age children who collected pennies in milk containers in the 1980s. Click on the link to learn more about this incredible Costa Rica hidden treasure.
Playa Nancite
Playa Nancite is a remote beach located within Santa Rosa National Park in northwest Guanacaste. The beach is mostly known for the Olive Ridley turtles which nest here in incredible numbers. During an arribada, there can be tens of thousands of turtles on the beach. This is an amazing sight and only surpassed when the millions of baby turtles hatch 45 days later and make their way to the sea. Click on the link to learn more about Playa Nancite.
Rio Tarcoles Crocodiles
The Rio Tarcoles borders Carara National Park, just inland of the Central Pacific coast a little north of Jaco. The crocodiles that inhabit the waters of this river have grown to mammoth size, up to 18 feet long. Many passersby collect on the famous Rio Tarcoles Bridge to catch a glimpse of the enormous crocs. Click on the link to learn more about Rio Tarcoles crocodiles.