As a pioneer in ecotourism, Costa Rica attracts countless nature lovers and adventurers every year who want to experience its protected national parks, impressive wildlife and tropical coasts.
But what could be more exciting than discovering Costa Rica’s hidden gems and traveling off the beaten track through this impressive country in Central America?
We will take you on a journey to the lesser-known but equally fascinating places. These hidden gems offer unique experiences in Costa Rica and give the opportunity to experience the country in its most authentic form. From secluded beaches to mystical waterfalls and cultural treasures. Let’s get to know the country of pura vida!
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Unexplored Territories: Costa Rica’s Remote Beaches
Costa Rica is famous for its white beaches and the pleasantly warm turquoise colored water of the sea. In case you were wondering where to go to do unique things in Costa and have a whole beach to yourself, here are our favorite hidden places:
- Playa Zancudo
Playa Zancudo, an idyllic beach on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a true paradise for those of you seeking peace and quiet. The beach is characterized by its black sand, which makes the turquoise water of the ocean glow even more.
Playa Zancudo offers an impressive natural backdrop lined with palm trees and tropical plants. Away from the tourist crowds and off the beaten path, this beach really guarantees a peaceful atmosphere in Costa Rica.
Besides just enjoying the peace and quiet, laying in the sun and having a fresh coconut you can also go swimming, kayaking and of course, surfing there.
- Playa San Josecito
Playa San Josecito is another one of the best hidden gems in Costa Rica. Located near the famous Corcovado National Park you would think that a lot of tourists go there every day.
But this secluded beach is only accessible by boat or after a hike through the dense rainforest. Making it a true adventure destination. The crystal clear waters of San Josecito are ideal for snorkeling. And the underwater world offers a variety of colorful fish and corals.
This beach really is far removed from civilization. That’s why with a bit of luck you can observe the vast wildlife that populates this remote location. Monkeys, exotic birds, sloths and even dolphins are actually not uncommon here.
Mystical Waterfalls and Natural Pools
We all know these pictures of people standing under the stream of a beautiful waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. Well, if you go to the following undiscovered hidden gems of Costa Rica, you might be able to take a similar picture.
- Catarata del Toro
Catarata del Toro is an impressive waterfall located in an extinct volcanic crater and surrounded by dense cloud forests. This breathtaking waterfall plunges from a height of around 90 meters into a deep, emerald green pool.
The surrounding area is a true paradise for nature lovers, with a huge variety of flora and fauna that definitely make the visit an unforgettable experience.
The hike to the waterfall leads through green vegetation and offers numerous opportunities to discover the biodiversity of the rainforest. From exotic birds to rare plant species. The area surrounding Catarata del Toro is a living example of Costa Rica’s biodiversity.
- Pozo Verde
Pozo Verde is a lesser-known green lagoon that is also located in an extinct volcanic crater and in our opinion it is one of the most beautiful places in all of Costa Rica.
This hidden treasure is characterized by its bright green water surrounded by dense forests. The hiking trails around the lagoon offer spectacular views and the opportunity to explore the special ambience of the region.
Although the path to the lagoon is an adventurous hike that leads through unspoilt nature it is definitely worth the sweat.
Pozo Verde is an ideal place for swimming and picnicking, far away from the tourist crowds. The peaceful atmosphere and impressive scenery make this place a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers. But also for some nice pictures for your Instagram 😉
Enchanted Forests and Reserves
Let’s be honest. Most people come to Costa Rica because they want to see cute sloths, cheeky little monkeys and colorful birds. The following parks are definitely among the best off the beaten path places in Costa Rica to do exactly what we were just talking about.
- Los Quetzales National Park
Los Quetzales National Park is a hidden paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park’s dense cloud forests provide an ideal habitat for the rare and magnificent Quetzal, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
In addition to the Quetzals, the park is home to a variety of other bird species as well as sloths, monkeys and lots of plants. The park’s different ecosystems range from high paramo areas to tropical cloud forests.
So if you ask yourself what to see in Costa Rica, this is a must. Where else would you be able to experience such a variety of natural beauty within one national park?
You might want to book a guided tour to discover the best birdwatching spots and simultaneously learn more about the park’s unique flora and fauna.
- Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is another hidden gem. This protected area offers various different habitats to see. Including wetlands, mangroves, rainforests and coral reefs. It’s really unbelievable how one place can combine so many different habitats.
As a hotspot for wildlife this is really the best place in Costa Rica to vacation, when you want to see exotic animals in their most natural way of living. The refuge is known for its populations of manatees, sea turtles and various species of monkeys.
When booking a guided tour it allows you to take a deep dive into the rainforest and discover the diverse wildlife. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters of the sanctuary also offer the opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Caribbean.
Hidden Gem Adventures in Costa Rica
Of course we won’t forget about the more adventurous ones of our readers. Here are two of our true recommendations when it comes to unique and a little more wild activities to do in Costa Rica.
- Canyoning in Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is a less-visited but spectacular destination for adventure seekers like you. Canyoning, so the abseiling through waterfalls and gorges, is an adrenaline-fuelled experience here. The tours lead through lush forests and offer breathtaking views of unspoilt nature.
Experienced guides ensure safety and an unforgettable experience for you. This adventure is ideal if you are looking for a challenge while experiencing the natural beauty of Costa Rica up close.
- Night hike in Monteverde
Monteverde is known for its dense rainforests and rich biodiversity. If you are brave enough you can do a guided night hike there. This nocturnal hike offers a unique perspective of the forest. Usually hikers talk about frogs, snakes or rare birds which only come to life after dark.
Guided tours with experienced nature guides offer deep insights into the nocturnal life of the forest and make this experience an unforgettable adventure. The sounds and atmosphere of the forest at night are a must for nature lovers.
Cultural Hidden Gems in Costa Rica
When visiting another country of course we can’t forget about its culture and history. That’s why we also included two cultural heritage sites where you can learn more about Costa Rica’s history.
- Guayabo National Monument
The Guayabo National Monument is the largest pre-Columbian archaeological site in Costa Rica and offers a fascinating insight into the history of the country’s ancient civilisations.
The site includes impressive structures such as paved roads, residential buildings and aqueducts that show the advanced technology and culture of the time.
Doing a guided tour you can learn more about the significance of this archaeological site and the history of its inhabitants.
- The Boruca village
The Boruca village is home to the indigenous Boruca community, who are known for their colorful masks and textiles. These works of art are traditionally made for the annual Fiesta de los Diablitos. A festival that preserves and celebrates the cultural identity of the Boruca.
This village is special because it offers the opportunity to experience authentic Boruca culture first-hand and take part in workshops.
So that’s it. We hope with these tips you can really find the best way to see and experience Costa Rica on your next travel adventure. Have you already been to Costa Rica and do you have any further tips on how to get to know this country far away from mass tourism? Let us know in the comments.
