Regions of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is divided into 7 provinces and multiple distinct tourist regions, each with its own character, climate, and attractions. From the busy capital and coffee highlands of the Central Valley to the dry Pacific beaches of Guanacaste, the wildlife-packed Osa Peninsula, and the Afro-Caribbean culture of the Caribbean coast, every region rewards exploration.
What region of Costa Rica should I visit?
There is no bad choice — each region has its own distinct character. The key is matching the region to your interests and travel style:
Beaches + resorts + dry weather: Guanacaste. Easy wildlife + beaches close to San José: Central Pacific (Manuel Antonio). Volcanoes + hot springs + adventure: Northern Lowlands (Arenal). Cloud forest + birdwatching: Monteverde. Raw wilderness + biodiversity: Osa Peninsula. Afro-Caribbean culture + sea turtles: Caribbean Coast.
First-timers often do Arenal + Manuel Antonio in one week. Two weeks allows adding Monteverde or the Caribbean. The Osa rewards those who make it a destination rather than a side trip.
No Bad Regions — Pick Based on Interests
Costa Rica is small enough that many travelers try to do it all — and end up spending most of their trip in a car or shuttle. Choose two or three regions and explore them properly. A week split between just Arenal and Manuel Antonio will be more rewarding than a rushed tour of six destinations in ten days.
The Seven Main Regions
Central Valley
The heart of Costa Rica, home to the capital San José and the cities of Cartago, Heredia, and Alajuela. Set at elevations between 1,000 and 1,500 meters, the Central Valley enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year round. This is where most Ticos live and where the country's culture, history, and coffee industry are centered. Day trips to active volcanoes (Poás, Irazú), colonial Cartago, and coffee plantations are easy from any base here.
Guanacaste (Northwest Pacific)
Costa Rica's driest and sunniest region, Guanacaste stretches along the northwest Pacific coast and includes the Nicoya Peninsula. Home to the country's largest concentration of beach resorts, this is where travelers come for guaranteed dry-season sun, surf, and nightlife. Tamarindo is the most developed beach town; Nosara and Sámara offer calmer vibes. The region also contains several national parks including Rincón de la Vieja and Palo Verde.
Central Pacific
The Central Pacific coast is Costa Rica's most accessible beach region, lying within a 2–3 hour drive from San José. Jacó is a lively surf town popular with weekenders and backpackers. Manuel Antonio, just south of Quepos, combines one of the most visited national parks in the country with upscale hotels and excellent restaurants. The region is excellent for families due to the ease of access and reliable wildlife sightings.
South Pacific / Osa Peninsula
The wildest and most biodiverse corner of Costa Rica, the South Pacific and Osa Peninsula are home to Corcovado National Park — described by National Geographic as 'the most biologically intense place on Earth.' Uvita is the gateway to Marino Ballena National Park, famous for humpback whale watching. Drake Bay and Puerto Jiménez offer remote lodges with world-class wildlife encounters. This region rewards those willing to make the extra effort to reach it.
Northern Lowlands (Arenal & Monteverde)
The Northern Lowlands encompass the area around La Fortuna and the iconic Arenal Volcano, as well as the Monteverde cloud forest highlands. Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited in the country, combining dramatic volcano scenery with hot springs, adventure sports, and good infrastructure. Monteverde and Santa Elena offer an entirely different experience: cool, misty cloud forest with hanging bridges, zip-lines, and exceptional birdwatching including the resplendent quetzal.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean coast feels like a different country compared to the Pacific side. Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae music, spicy rice-and-beans cooked in coconut milk, and a lush, rainforest-meets-sea landscape define this region. Tortuguero in the north is accessible only by boat or plane and is one of the most important green sea turtle nesting sites in the world. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the south is the social hub, with a laid-back surf vibe, excellent food, and nearby Cahuita National Park.
Southern Zone (San Isidro & Dominical)
The Southern Zone — centered on San Isidro de El General and the coastal town of Dominical — is one of Costa Rica's least-visited and most underrated areas. It serves as the gateway to Chirripó National Park, home to Mount Chirripó (3,821m), the highest peak in Central America. Dominical has a small-town surf vibe without the crowds of Jacó or Manuel Antonio. The region's rivers, waterfalls, and quiet beaches appeal to travelers seeking something off the tourist circuit.
Quick Region Comparison
| Region | Best For | Best Season | Distance from SJO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Valley | Culture, coffee, volcanoes, city life | Year round | You are here (SJO) |
| Guanacaste | Resorts, beaches, dry weather | Nov–Apr | 4–5 hrs by car or fly LIR |
| Central Pacific | Accessible beaches, Manuel Antonio wildlife | Dec–Apr | 2.5–3 hrs by car |
| South Pacific / Osa | Raw biodiversity, whale watching | Dec–Apr | 6–7 hrs by car or fly |
| Northern Lowlands | Arenal volcano, hot springs, cloud forest | Feb–Apr (driest) | 3–4 hrs by car |
| Caribbean Coast | Afro-Caribbean culture, turtles, reef | Sep–Oct, Feb–Mar | 4 hrs by car (Puerto Viejo) |
| Southern Zone | Chirripó hiking, off-the-beaten-path | Dec–Apr | 3.5 hrs by car |
Distances Are Deceptive
Costa Rica is roughly the size of West Virginia, but roads are narrow, winding, and often poorly maintained. A 100km drive can take 3+ hours. Always budget significantly more time than Google Maps suggests, especially in the rainy season or on unpaved roads to remote beaches and Osa Peninsula lodges.