12 Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica That Are Waiting to Be Photographed

Costa Rica is an incredibly beautiful country between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It’s a paradise for nature photographers seeking spectacular landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

Known for its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife, Costa Rica offers countless opportunities for capturing memorable images. Here is your guide to the country’s most stunning locations.

The Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica

1. Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic photography spots. The park is home to the near-perfect conical Arenal Volcano, which rises majestically above the surrounding rainforest. Photographers are drawn to this location for its dynamic lighting, rich greens, and the dreamy mist that often envelops the volcano’s slopes.

To get the best shots, head to the park’s lookout points, such as Lake Arenal, where the glistening water creates beautiful reflections of the volcano. The park also features dense trails teeming with wildlife like toucans and howler monkeys.

2. Rio Celeste Waterfall (Tenorio Volcano National Park)

The Rio Celeste, with its striking electric blue waters, feels like it’s straight out of a fantasy. Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, this waterfall offers a picturesque backdrop surrounded by lush greenery.

For an iconic photo, hike to the waterfall’s viewing platform. The rich turquoise waters cascading down stark gray rocks surrounded by jungle greens create a dramatic scene. Overcast days are perfect for capturing the vibrancy of the blue water without harsh contrast.

3. La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall is another must-visit spot, located just a short drive from Arenal Volcano. This 70-meter (230-foot) cascade plunges into a turquoise pool, surrounded by lush foliage.

Head to the bottom of the falls for the best vantage point or shoot from the observation deck for a full landscape view. Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and get soft, diffused natural light. A tripod is essential for capturing long exposure shots to emphasize the cascade’s silky flow.

4. Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park combines stunning beaches, verdant rainforests, and abundant wildlife. The park has idyllic spots like Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio, offering seascapes with dramatic cliffs and soft golden sand.

Wildlife photography is a major draw here, with sloths, capuchin monkeys, and vibrantly colored birds. For perfect lighting, walk the trails early in the morning and capture ethereal sun rays filtering through the dense canopy.

5. Playa Uvita

Playa Uvita is home to the iconic Whale’s Tail Sandbar, a geographical marvel best seen from above. At low tide, the sand and surrounding crystal-clear waters form the shape of a whale’s tail, making it a magnet for drone photographers.

For ground-level shots, sunrise and sunset provide golden-hour hues that make your beach compositions even more striking.

6. Corcovado National Park

Dubbed one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Corcovado National Park offers ample opportunities for wildlife and jungle photography.

Light filters beautifully through the jungle, so adjust your settings accordingly to capture all the shadows, textures, and movement within this lush environment.

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

If you appreciate mist-shrouded landscapes and mystical greenery, you won’t want to miss the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This breathtaking reserve provides an ethereal atmosphere perfect for photos that evoke a sense of wonder.

The hanging bridges allow you to capture panoramic shots of the forest canopy. Play with the depth of field to highlight the intricate textures of moss-covered branches or capture wildlife like quetzals and tree frogs.

Morning hours often feature the thickest mist, adding moodiness to your compositions.

8. Poas Volcano National Park

Poas Volcano’s otherworldly crater, one of the largest in the world, is a standout scene. The emerald-green and turquoise acidic lake at its center contrasts starkly with the blackened rocks and steaming fumaroles surrounding it.

9. Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a geological wonder. Bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and waterfalls like La Cangreja provide a fascinating variety of subjects for your photos.

Hike to Las Pailas to capture fumaroles and the rugged vent sites. For waterfall photography, La Cangreja’s turquoise pool surrounded by ferns and volcanic rock offers a brilliant contrast of colors.

10. Irazú Volcano National Park

Irazú Volcano is the highest volcano in Costa Rica, granting you an awe-inspiring view of its dramatic craters and, on clear days, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The small Laguna de Diego crater lake adds a softer, green focal point to your compositions.

11. Tortuga Island

Tortuga Island is a slice of tropical paradise, offering unparalleled opportunities for seascape and underwater photography. The island is rich with coral reefs and pristine beaches flanked by palm trees.

Capture clear blue waters from a boat or go snorkeling to photograph the vibrant marine life below. Hang back for golden hour to frame the island bathed in warm light.

12. Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park, located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, offers a laid-back beach-meets-jungle vibe. The park is an excellent place to spot and photograph wildlife, including sloths and monkeys. There are plenty of trails to explore this incredible park and experience the natural beauty.

Capture Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders

From misty cloud forests to vibrant volcanic craters and pristine beaches, Costa Rica offers diverse landscapes and photographic experiences. Whether you’re shooting dramatic volcanoes or tranquil seascapes, Costa Rica will reward you with subjects that push your creative boundaries and elevate your work.