Costa Rica is known as a prime tourism destination. However, many people don’t want to worry about being around so many people.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of less popular, but just as beautiful travel destinations in Costa Rica. These are places where you can find your peace and relaxation with fewer chances of crowds. These are some of our personal favorite places. Let’s see what you think of them.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Costa Rican Destinations
You may have already heard of some of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica. Everyone loves the majestic Arenal Volcano, gorgeous Manuel Antonio National Park, and popular Tamarindo beach. We love those places too.
While those destinations are sure to thrill and delight you…they also tend to be crowded tourist spots. Here are some of our favorite less common destinations that are just as, if not more, beautiful as the classics.
Samara Beach
Samara is a beach town located on Costa Rica’s Western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Considered by many to be the most underrated beaches in Costa Rica, this cute town and gorgeous beach give guests the tropical vibes and sunny skies that they crave without ever getting very crowded.
Naturally, the biggest attraction in Samara is the beach. This long, smooth beach is extremely calm most of the time, since it is protected by a small bay. It’s so calm that people can easily stand up paddle or kayak out to the Chora Island where they can snorkel or explore the thousands of hermit crabs that make their home on the little secluded beach. The calm waves make for ideal surfing conditions for beginners.
Other things to do in Samara include horseback riding, ATV adventures, and zip lining. The Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve has trails through its tropical dry rainforest for travelers to hike while looking out for monkeys, porcupines, and birds. 20 minutes up the road is the Belen Waterfall, where guests can escape the tropical heat in natural pools.
Region: Nicoya Peninsula
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~4 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~2 hours
Boca Tapada
This sleepy farmland destination in Northern Costa Rica is known by bird watchers, but few other travelers to Costa Rica. If you are looking for an alternative to popular La Fortuna or an even less crowded destination than Sarapiqui, then Boca Tapada is your place.
Boca Tapada is famous for being one of the last nesting grounds of the Great Green Macaw. Additionally, bird watchers can spot Sunbittern, Roseate Spoonbill, Jabiru, Green Ibis, Muscovy Duck, Agami Heron, Keel-billed Toucan, and Great Curassow in and around the trees of the rainforest.
Bird watching isn’t the only thing to do in Boca Tapada. The wildlife is also extensive, considering that since 2005 the whole region has been considered a biological corridor, meaning it is land that connects the Maquenque Wildlife Reserve with other reserves and national parks, creating havens for animals such as sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, pizotes, and jaguars.
Region: Northern Plains
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~3.5 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~5 hours
Junquillal Wildlife Refuge – Santa Rosa National Park
Far up on the northern coast of Costa Rica near the Nicaraguan border is a series of remote beaches at the end of long roads. The long drive from the capital and the relative lack of tourism infrastructure makes this coastal area the ultimate off-the-beaten-path beach destination in Costa Rica.
The Junquillal Wildlife Refuge is one of the more accessible parts of this expansive protected area. At the end of a paved road lies this little oasis of turquoise waters and white sand. Hiking, swimming, and snorkeling are all fun things to do here, where you might go the whole day without seeing another visitor. Thanks to donations made through Premio Experiences, the park now sports beautifully hand-painted picnic tables.
To the south lies the even larger Santa Rosa National Park, which is known for hosting 10 different habitats, which include marshland, littoral woodlands, savannahs, mangrove swamps, and oak, evergreen, and deciduous forests. You can imagine the diversity of wildlife and birdlife to be found here. Naranjo Beach in the south of the national park is famous amongst surfers and remote beach lovers alike.
Region: Guanacaste
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~4.5 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~1.5 hours
Nosara Beach
Nosara is a laid back beach destination, located right in the middle of the Western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Known as a destination for yoguis, surfers, nature lovers, and adventurers alike, this region gives travelers all the best of Guanacaste, with often much fewer people than other popular beaches like Del Coco, Playa Flamingo, and Tamarindo.
One of the must-try activities in this area is surfing. With year-round waves that are perfect for beginners and intermediates, it doesn’t matter if you come with your own board or rent one on the beach. Expert surfers won’t be disappointed either, since challenging swells can give them something to do too. The great thing is the beach here is very long, meaning it is easy to find plenty of personal space.
The second most popular activity here is yoga, with several different wellness centers and hotels offering yoga spaces and classes. Hiking, bird watching, waterfalls, ATVs, zip lining, and a wildlife refuge provide plenty of things to do for all kinds of travelers.
Region: Guanacaste
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~4.5 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~2.5 hours
Orosi Valley
This gorgeous valley is so under the radar, that travelers here are sure to feel secure with their personal space. However, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do in this little corner of Costa Rica, just a little over an hour from the capital.
Orosi is known as one of the eight regions of coffee in the country. It’s a gorgeous site, since the valley’s steep sides are full of coffee terraces. You can be sure to enjoy only the best brew while here. There are several hotels where you can enjoy the view, as well as a special viewing park for those on day-trips, complete with picnic tables and BBQ spots.
Close access to Tapanti National Park also provides guests with less-visited trails where they can spot birds and coatis. The ruins of the very first church in Costa Rica are nearby, dating back to 1693, set in tranquil gardens full of butterflies, birds, and colorful tropical flowers. At the very end of the valley, you will find some exquisite non-sulphurous natural hot springs, perfect for a day visit to these warm pools with one of the best views you’ve ever seen.
Region: Guanacaste
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~1.5 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~5 hours
Nuevo Arenal
On the other side of Arenal Lake from the busy tourist center is Nuevo Arenal, or New Arenal, a sleepy village that gives guests access to many of the things people love about the Arenal area, like a breathtaking view of the conical Arenal Volcano, without the crowds.
The lake continues to be one of the main attractions for visitors, with water activities such as wakeboarding lessons, windsurfing, kiteboarding, sport fishing, boating as close as possible to the base of the volcano, and kayaking.
There are so many ways to appreciate this beloved landscape as well. Avoiding the massively popular Arenal Volcano National Park, hikers can take to the trails in and around Nuevo Arenal and appreciate the bright green rainforest from there. Horseback riding, bird watching, and tranquil drives along the winding road that circles the lake are wonderful alternatives.
Region: Arenal Region
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~3.5 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~2 hours
Uvita – Dominical Beaches
Just about an hour south of the famous Manuel Antonio, along a well maintained highway, you’ll find several beaches that stretch between Dominical and Uvita and beyond. With a similar geography and climate as Manuel Antonio, this area is consistently less crowded than it’s famous Pacific cousin up north.
One of the most famous features of this part of the Pacific is the whale’s tail at low tide in the Marino Ballena National Park. Interestingly enough, this is also a great location for humpback whale watching from December to March and July to December.
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country can be found just upriver from Dominical. Hike 4km to Nauyaca Waterfall, where you can swim in the pool and even jump off the side of the falls themselves. Surfing at Dominical, bird watching, and beach hopping give visitors lots to do in this area.
Region: Central Pacific
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~3.5 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~5 hours
Rivas de Pérez Zeledón
Right in the center of the country, south of San Jose, you’ll find Rivas de Perez Zeledon, a tranquil, mountainous region of Costa Rica that offers visitors neverending trails to explore countless mountains, rivers, and hidden meadows.
This area is undoubtedly most well known as the home of Mount Chirripo, Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, where hikers can see both Pacific and Caribbean seas on clear days. As a member of the Talamanca Mountain Range, Chirripo gives mountain climbers a tropical challenge. Despite being a popular destination, strict quotas maintain a limited number of adventurers here per day.
Other activities in the area include spectacular bird watching, exquisite local coffee tasting, and hiking through the Cloudbridge Nature Preserve. This private park gives guests a chance to walk its trails in search of an impressive number of orchids and hidden waterfalls.
Region: Perez Zeledon
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~4 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~6.5 hours
Turrialba
The town and area of Turrialba are located only a couple hours from Costa Rica’s capital. The Turrialba Volcano is one of the most active in the country, which, while providing occasional ash shows, means the national park is closed to visitors. However, the volcano can still be appreciated from the entrance to the national park, and the area is definitely safe.
From Turrialba, you can find a nice variety of physical activities, such as biking, hiking, and canyoning. The Guayabo National Monument is Costa Rica’s most important historical monument with ruins that date back to 1000 AD. The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center gives guests an educational experience on agriculture and sustainability, as well as a beautiful tour.
Go hiking in La Marta Wildlife Refuge or white water rafting in the Pacuare and Pejibaye Rivers. The Pacuare River offers one of the best experiences for novice and intermediate rafters, as well as a beautiful experience for even advanced rafters. The river runs through valleys and canyons that make adventurers feel like they are completely secluded in this remote paradise.
Region: Cartago
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~2 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~5.5 hours
Celeste River – Tenorio Volcano
Celeste River isn’t as common as some other popular Costa Rican destinations since it was a little difficult to access for so long. While a brand new road makes this Northern Region of the country much more accessible, that reputation means fewer people venture this way.
However, the Celeste River and nearby Tenorio Volcano are one of the most beautiful areas in the country. Under the right conditions, mostly during the dry season, the river runs fluorescent blue naturally. It practically glows.
You can access the river via a fairly long hike in the Tenorio National Park, however visitors are not allowed to swim in the river at that location. Some hotels and other locations have access to the river, where you may get in if you wish to brave its cool waters. The Tenorio Volcano doesn’t have the classic volcano shape, yet presents itself as an almost Swiss Alps like mountain range. It is a gorgeous backdrop for a nature hike or bird watching tour.
Region: Tenorio
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~4 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~2.5 hours
San Gerardo de Dota – Savegre Valley
When most people think of cloud forests, they think of Monteverde. We can’t lie; we love Monteverde to death…but so do a lot of people. Costa Rica has another, much less visited cloud forest south of San Jose.
San Gerardo de Dota is a valley that gives visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding high altitude cloud forest, Savegre River, and Cerro de la Muerte mountain range. Hike higher up in the mountains and you will pass from cloud forest to paramo highlands, where you can see a unique variety of wildlife and birds.
One of the highlights of the area is the Los Quetzales National Park, where guests can have one of the best chances ever of seeing the exquisite Resplendent Quetzal. This elusive bird has almost a cult following among birdwatchers for its emerald green feathers, ruby red chest, and long flowing tail feathers.
Region: Savegre Valley
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~3 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~6 hours
Corcovado – Osa Peninsula
Remote Tortuguero is in the far Northeastern corner of the country, while the Osa Peninsula resides in the opposite Southwestern corner. Both of these distant coastal destinations require both road and river transportation. However, the Corcovado National Park is much less visited than the Tortuguero National Park.
Drake Bay is a center for ecolodges that attract visitors seeking peace and nature. One of our favorite things about the Corcovado area is the primary rainforest with its imperial canopy towering over the ground far below. The ocean here is much safer than the Northern Caribbean side, which means snorkeling and other water sports provide a lot of family fun.
There are excellent hiking trails around both San Pedrillo and Sirena Ranger Stations. The peninsula can be enjoyed from both the Drake Bay Pacific coast side, as well as the Puerto Jimenez and Dulce Gulf side. The warm waters around the Osa Peninsula are also famous for their seasonal Humpback whale presence. Between late July and November, Humpback whales linger in this area on their migration cycle. It’s a truly impressive sight to see.
Region: Osa Peninsula
Distance from SJO/San Jose: ~6.5 hours
Distance from LIR/Guanacaste: ~8 hours
What Kind of Vacation Destination Do You Prefer?
Are you a “in the thick of things” traveler or an “off the beaten track” adventurer? In the end, it doesn’t really matter because Costa Rica has plenty of both!
All you have to do is assemble the destinations that speak most to you into an outstanding itinerary and make it happen!