Costa Rica views are among the most breathtaking anywhere, which may be the reason why this Central American paradise has become such a hot spot for ex-pat retirees and entrepreneurs. The best views in Costa Rica are available to travelers too though. All you need to know is where to find them.
One of the best Costa Rica views of all is also the most accessible. The summit of the Irazu volcano shows off both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day, and is only a short drive from the capital city of San Jose. Most tourists set down first at the San Jose airport, so taking in this amazing mountaintop view could easily be your first Costa Rica adventure.
Even on a cloudy day the view from the top of Irazu provides a panoramic view of the surrounding forest and clouds, and is well worth the trip. So whether you are touring Costa Rica views or shopping for a retirement spot, the summit of Irazu is a great place to start. Bring your camera.
Near La Cruz, a humble little restaurant called El Mirador Elhecatl affords an unforgettable view of the Baha Salinas. The food is fairly basic, and the drive from San Jose is longer than most would like just to watch the sunset, but if you find yourself anywhere near La Cruz on your way to somewhere else, El Mirador Elhecatl Is an experience not to be missed, offering one of the best Costa Rica views of the setting sun, bar none.
Set into a high bluff above Play Junquillal, the Iguanazul Hotel includes a sweeping view of the Junquilla coastline in both directions. Book a room for the night at the Iguanazul and enjoy hillside hammocks where you can settle down with a drink and one of the best Costa Rica views of the Pacific anywhere on the western shoreline.
The Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa does for the Arenal Volcano what the Iguanazul Hotel does for Junquillal. The volcano seems so close here that you could almost reach out and touch it, and indeed, when it rumbles you hear and feel it right up through your bones. The best Costa Rica views at Tabacon are experienced on the private patios and verandas of the rooms that face Arenal. Make sure you request one.
In Play Hermosa de la Jaco, the Villa Caletas offers memorable view of the Golfo de Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Watching the sunset from the hotel’s legendary amphitheater is a must, but the views during the day are wonderful too.
For the best Costa Rica view of Manuel Antonio, check into the Hotel La Mariposa. Your best bet for viewing the rainforest is over a leisurely breakfast or afternoon drink. Towards dinnertime, things can get a bit cloudy.
Finally, you can’t miss the highest spot in Costa Rica on your tour of Costa Rica views. The summit of Mount Chirripo near San Isidro is 12,215 feet in the air. Go in the morning, when it is most likely to be clear, and you’ll be able to see both coastlines at once. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Related links:
Exploring Costa Rica’s Santa Rosa National Park
Return from Best Views in Costa Rica to
Costa-Rica-Life.com Home page.