Can’t decide where to go in Costa Rica? You won’t want to miss our best cities to visit in Costa Rica. The country contains an endless variety of exotic cities to explore. From erupting volcanoes to virgin rainforests, Costa Rica offers an abundance of magical destinations. Imagine infinite possibilities and a myriad of ways to discover. We suggest you to choose Costa Rica destinations to visit because the country of Costa Rica is small but travel options are extensive for a week-long vacation. This will give you an ideal amount of time to immerse yourself in the culture, surroundings, and activities available in each destination, without missing out on any of the amazing experiences! Don’t be surprised to discover that you will yearn to return to the “Rich Coast” that is Costa Rica. Here you will get a description of one of the top 10 cities to visit in Costa Rica.
List of Cities to Visit in Costa Rica
1. San Jose
San Jose
San José is the capital of the country, located in the Central Valley and one of the largest cities in Costa Rica. The city was founded in 1738, and it was given the name after José de Nazaret. It has become a modern, cosmopolitan city and is currently home to a third of the country’s total population. San José offers a surprising assortment of museums, theaters, and different types of interests. Such as the Lankester Botanical Garden, the Central Market, cloud forest, and a couple of nearby volcanoes. This only adds to interesting day trips and tours of San Jose Costa Rica. This city in Latin America grew around its main square, La Plaza de la Cultura. This is where the Gold Museum and the National Theater are located, which is a miniature replica of the Paris Opera. Nearby is Central Avenue, which is a pedestrian shopping street that finally leads to the Central Market. Here you can buy unique indigenous herbs and remedies, souvenirs, and typical food. The nightlife in San José consists of amazing international cuisine restaurants, bars, and casinos.
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2. Liberia
Liberia
Founded in 1769, Liberia Costa Rica is the charming historic capital of Guanacaste. In fact, once it was considered little more than a dusty cattle town, this famous city in Costa Rica is now a center for many travelers. It is famous for white houses with terracotta roofs, nicknamed “the white city” many houses from the colonial era have a charm that can still be found in the city. With the architectural details so it is unique in the area. Including double corner doors called “Puerta del Sol”. An excellent example of this picturesque building style has become the fascinating Sabanero Museum. The airport saves many visitors almost half a day’s trip. In addition, it has saved many travelers from spending hours driving from San José. With a population of almost 40,000 people, the city of Liberia offers travelers access to all services. Whatever you need, including modern banking services, a variety of convenient stores, and hotels. Liberia has become the busy gateway to the beaches of Guanacaste. As well as many national parks, including the beautiful Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Rosa.
3. Heredia
Heredia
The lush province of Heredia Costa Rica is located in the hills north of the Central Valley. In fact, it is a very short distance from San José. Heredia is known for its green volcanoes, pastures, and coffee plantations. It is home to majestic volcanoes and rainforests. Heredia is very close to many magnificent national parks that can be visited in one day. Heredia is better known as the City of Flowers and one of the best cities to visit in Costa Rica. According to people, this is where the most beautiful women in Costa Rica meet. From tours of the colonial city to explore its flora and fauna Heredia offers a fascinating variety of activities. There are other beautiful cities in Costa Rica in the province that are worth visiting. For example, the city of Santo Domingo, San Isidro, San Rafael and San José de la Montaña.
4. Cartago
Cartago
Cartago, Heredia, and Alajuela joined together to challenge the authority of San José. Unfortunately, this was a battle they lost, and San José was confirmed as the capital of the country. Over the years, this best city in Costa Rica to visit has suffered many earthquakes. However, its inhabitants have always rebuilt even when the city was almost destroyed. The legacy of this can be seen in the central square, where the ruins of a church can be visited. As in San José, the city center is compact so it is easy for you to walk. At the bottom of the Plaza Mayor or central square, which has been the focal point of city life since the founding of Cartago. The two main avenues run through the northern and southern parts of the square and form the main arteries of the city. When they are followed on the outskirts of Cartago, they are also the easiest routes outside the city to other parts of the country. A building that has survived the various earthquakes that Costa Rica has suffered, is the cathedral or the ‘Basilica of Our Lady of Los Angeles’, rebuilt due to the damage caused by several earthquakes. It could be said that it is the most important and the most beautiful church in Costa Rica, in addition to being the largest. Its architectural style is a mixture of colonial and neo-Byzantine Spanish tradition, creating a unique and instantly recognizable building.
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5. Limón
Limon
Limón is a city and province, the sixth-largest in Costa Rica, officially declared the city of Limón in 1854, by Philipp Valentini. This city to visit in Costa Rica is largely known for being the main port on the Caribbean side, Limón is active with ships and cruises that stop nearby to unload or load. The city of Limón is known for its beaches, the area surrounding this famous port city has a series of incredible beaches. One of these beaches is located in Cahuita, about 40 minutes south of the drive also known for its National Park. Another is in Puerto Viejo, a dream beach town. In addition, Punta Uva, Playa Cocles, and Gandoca Manzanillo. In addition to visiting some of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean, you can also try a very popular tour, Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River. This tour takes place near the small town of Siquirres.
6. Puerto Caldera
Puerto Caldera
Puerto Caldera is a fantastic part of Costa Rica’s cities. This most beautiful city in Costa Rica is located in the province of Puntarenas. This is the main port of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. In addition, you will see many cruises that dock in this port due to its short distance from San José, the capital of the country, and many other main destinations in Costa Rica. Although there are many places to visit in Costa Rica like any traditional city in Costa Rica, Puerto Caldera has clean beaches, palm trees, and spectacular weather. Another great aspect of Caldera is that it is a tourist city because many cruise ships dock here during the year. Locals have established shops, bars, and restaurants of all kinds to give visitors the best experience in Costa Rica.
7. Sa Isidro de El General
San Isidro de El General
San Isidro Costa Rica is located in the South Zone. This beautiful city in Costa Rica is full of amazing wildlife. Most of this is the species of birds that make this an extraordinary space for birds and nature lovers. The city of San Isidro is a great stop at its southernmost destination. Because it is such a unit of time that more than likely you want to stop and take a bite to eat or take a rest stop. San Isidro serves as a gateway to all of southern Costa Rica including the Osa Peninsula, Chirripó, and La Amistad International Park. The city of San Isidro is a typical city of Costa Rica, which is certainly not the largest, but it has more than enough to continue playing when you visit. It is the most populous city in the region with more than 45,000 people, it is also the capital of Perez Zeledon Canton. Every year there are some small festivals that take place. The Feast of Devils and cattle fairs in February. The city is filled with joy and some impressive smells, as the markets open with different types of Costa Rican cuisine.
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8. Golfito
Golfito
Golfito as a city is small but beautiful, a tourist city in Costa Rica. Only in recent years has more tourist traffic been seen in this small port city, because it is very close to the Osa Peninsula. It is also not far from many beautiful and quiet beaches. Golfito has a lot of things to do. For example, bird watching, diving, sport fishing, surfing and swimming, not to mention whale watching, is very common among the inhabitants of this city, when walking through the streets of Golfito you can listen to the locals talking about the whales and dolphins that can be appreciated most of the year.
9. Atenas
Atenas
Atenas Costa Rica is located in the central valley of Costa Rica, in the province of Alajuela. It is Atenas, but it is far from being the Atenas we all know, it is located about 40 kilometers from the capital, right on the very edge of the central valley. Atenas may not resemble that of European Atenas but it has a charm that you will not see anywhere else. One of the best parts of Atenas is without a doubt the central park. Where history comes alive with the monuments and statues of the town enriching its tourist value due to the high tourism potential. Since Atenas Costa Rica is a bit outside the Central Valley, you will notice a different variety of birds and animals. This amazing city in Costa Rica includes famous bird species such as the toucan and the red macaw. Another part of Atenas is the annual general festival, held in April to celebrate its heritage and tradition. Costa Rica’s famous carts arrive in all their glory as two great oxen pull a colorful car, hand-painted with extraordinary designs. Oxcarts are a symbol of Costa Rican pride and have been declared a UNESCO world cultural heritage. In the central park, vendors prepare for the big festival and sell all kinds of merchandise.
10. Alajuela
Alajuela
The province of Alajuela is marked by the extraordinary natural beauty of a chain of volcanoes that form the Central Mountain Range. One of the main attractions of Alajuela Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano, an active volcano that guarantees a night show, it also has a lake, one of the best places for windsurfing, in addition to the La Fortuna waterfall, the upper waterfall of the area Alajuela. Alajuela is a quiet typical Costa Rican town, the second-largest in Costa Rica. Your visit to Costa Rica would not be complete without having to learn about the history and culture of this one of the top cities in Costa Rica. Another attraction is the Poás Volcano. In the center of the city is a large church with a dome, near the lush and green Central Park. There is also the central market located on the western side of the park. The outskirts of Alajuela have shopping centers, fancy restaurants, bars and cinemas, and much more. While in the city it has the Juan Santamaría Cultural Historical Museum. Located near Central Park. The museum exhibits artifacts from Costa Rica, which portrays the battle of 1856, and historical maps.
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11. Jaco
Jaco
Jacó is a beautiful, energetic beach town that’s located within two hours of Costa Rica’s capital and is known for its carefree party atmosphere and exceptional aquatic activities. If you want to spend time in an area bustling with animated nightlife and friendly locals, make sure you add this best city in Costa Rica to vacation to your travel itinerary. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling by yourself, with kids, or with a large group of adrenaline-seeking adventurers. Jacó truly has something for everyone and becomes a beloved travel destination for all who visit. There are many things to do in this pleasant town, including surfing, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, ATV tours, kayaking, boat rides, rafting, and more. If you’re looking for an adventurous activity that’s safe and exciting for the whole family, visit one of the many attractions located in this fun city. This exciting place offers a variety of activities all in one place, including horseback riding, waterfall rappelling, ATV tours, and a canopy zip line
12. Quepos
Quepos
Quepos is a small booming harbor city famous for being one of the best places in the world for big-game sport fishing as well as the gateway to Manuel Antonio. This beach city in Costa Rica is located in the northern part of the Puntarenas province on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. No trip to Quepos is complete without a sport fishing tour. The shoreline is home to many fish that are considered premier catches, including marlin, sailfish, snapper, amberjack, wahoo, dorado, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna, and roosterfish. You can prepare to hook a winner with the several charter companies operating. Angling enthusiasts can fish inshore or offshore, with the option of fly fishing as well. Novice fishermen will benefit from bilingual guides that bring you over the breeding hotspots for fish. Quepos is now home to one of the prettiest & impressive marinas in Costa Rica.
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Here mentioned the list of cities in Costa Rica. contains the proper information regarding the cities to be visited in Costa Rica and some of the most beautiful and famous cities in Costa Rica. Hope the post is beneficial to you. Kindly head to other blogs as well if interested to explore the whole world, and don’t forget to share your views in the comment section.
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