5 Unexpected Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its lush jungles, dreamy beaches, and more sloths than you can count. But let’s be honest—everyone and their dog has been to La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. If you want to mix things up and see a different side of Costa Rica, you’re in the right place. Here are five destinations that deserve a spot on your 2025 itinerary.
1. Bagaces – Where the Tropics Take a Desert Detour
Costa Rica is all rainforests and beaches, right? Not so fast. Bagaces, tucked away in Guanacaste, flips the script with an arid, almost otherworldly landscape. Think rugged hills, dry forests, and—surprise—steaming thermal waters.
Take a dip in Rio Perdido, a natural hot river that winds through a canyon, or visit the nearby Llanos de Cortés waterfall, where you can cool off in a jungle oasis after soaking in the warmth. It’s like getting the best of both worlds, minus the crowds.
2. San Gerardo de Dota – Cloud Forest Without the Chaos
The beautiful Quetzal makes the highlands of San Gerardo its home.
Monteverde is cool, but have you tried San Gerardo de Dota? This little valley, nestled in the Talamanca mountains, is what cloud forest dreams are made of—minus the tour buses.
Bird lovers, get your binoculars ready because this place is the spot to see the elusive resplendent quetzal. If you’re more into gastronomy than birds, local farms serve up some of the best experiences in the country. Whether it’s enjoying a coffee tour from a prized coffee plantation up in the mountains or tasting a new tropical wine (and yes, we mean wine as in cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, merlot, you get the idea) from the local Copy Estate Winery, either way, you’ll be sipping or birdwatching in peace.
3. Barra Honda – Caves, But Make It Costa Rica
Ever thought about going underground in Costa Rica? Barra Honda National Park is hiding a limestone cave system that most travelers miss. While only a few caves are open to visitors, the adventure involves climbing down ladders into the depths of the earth—Indiana Jones-style, but with a helmet.
If spelunking isn’t your thing, the park’s dry tropical forest is home to howler monkeys and stunning sunset views over the Nicoya Peninsula. Bonus: it’s one of the few places in Costa Rica where you’ll see leafless trees in the dry season, giving it a completely different vibe.
4. Isla Chira – The Island Escape You Didn’t Know You Needed
Forget the Pacific beach resorts—how about an island stay in the middle of a Gulf? Isla Chira, located in the Gulf of Nicoya, is a fishing community where life moves slow, and the sunsets are unreal.
Stay in a locally run lodge, take a boat tour through the mangroves, and eat the freshest seafood you can imagine. The best part? Tourism here directly supports local women-run businesses, making your trip feel as good as it tastes.
5. Turrialba – Volcanoes, Whitewater, and Cheese
While everyone is heading to Arenal, the real adventurers are making their way to Turrialba. This region is home to Costa Rica’s second-tallest volcano (which is very much active, by the way) and some of the country’s best whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River.
Turrialba is also the birthplace of queso Turrialba, a fresh cheese that pairs perfectly with local gallo pinto. So after a day of paddling down rapids or hiking through misty trails, you can refuel with some cheesy goodness.
Turrialba Volcano.
Final Thoughts: Go Beyond the Postcard
Costa Rica has its classics, but if you step just a little off the well-worn path, you’ll find a country that’s even more diverse, surprising, and—dare we say—better. So in 2025, skip the obvious and explore the unexpected. Your travel stories (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.