Costa Rica is one of those destinations that is always desirable. Whether you're hoping to interact with monkeys, spend your days surfing, ziplining, or exploring beyond, Costa Rica has so much to offer. With the help of our partners at Costa Rican Trails, we've compiled this guide to different regions of Costa Rica. Does one speak to you? Let your CTG Advisor know, and get planning! 

Osa Peninsula: Costa Rica´s Most Remote and Biodiverse Region  

Named "the most intensely biodiverse place on the planet" by National Geographic, the Osa Peninsula is an ideal destination for adventurous wildlife lovers who are seeking a true immersion in nature. 

The Osa Peninsula remains one of the most remote, wild, and mystic areas across Costa Rica. Witness scarlet macaws soaring, monkeys swinging overhead, jaguar and tapir tracks on the forest floor and beyond. This area also conserves an assortment of over 300 pre-Columbian stone spheres, commonly attributed to the extinct indigenous Diquis culture, and it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Top attractions include Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park, Bahia Drake, or Caño Island for snorkeling and diving in the warm waters of the Golfo Dulce, which draw humpback whales, dolphins, anglers, and surfers. 

Santa Teresa: Where Golden Sands Meet Lush Jungle 

A laid-back beach town on Nicoya Peninsula's southern tip, Santa Teresa is a region recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's five blue zones fostering a slow-paced, healthy lifestyle and longevity of its population. Expect beautiful white sand beaches backed by jungle-covered hills, one-of-a-kind surf, hip restaurants and bars, and a pura vida vibe attracting nature lovers, young and spirited travelers, artists, and teleworkers from all over the globe. 

Monteverde: A Mystical Cloud Forest Experience  

Nestled amidst a mystical mountaintop jungle, Monteverde is a small town founded by those seeking a peaceful place to live among nature. This area offers a wide variety of flora and fauna that can't be found anywhere else, making it the ideal destination for travelers who are seeking this connection to nature. The area preserves one of the few remaining cloud forests worldwide, is home to over 400 bird species, 120 mammals, 160 reptiles, and 600 butterflies. 

Manuel Antonio: Your Coastal Paradise 

Easily accessible from San Jose, Manuel Antonio offers miles of sandy beaches and vibrant rainforests flourishing with wildlife, making it one of Costa Rica's most visited regions. Manuel Antonio Park is one of the main attractions and a great option for both families or couples. The Central Pacific has something for everyone – from ziplining to kayaking, rafting to offshore fishing, and leisurely nature strolls to challenging treks to remote waterfalls.