The Central American country has done a great job preserving its forest, which has now nurtured and bred a large number of plants, animals, and insects. Costa Rica is one of the most peaceful and cherished travel destinations in the world. Its diversity not only consists of plant and animals but also includes a number of beaches and active volcanoes that creates a natural paradise suitable for maximum enjoyment.

With such an amazing environment, it becomes difficult for solo travelers to decide where to begin the exploration. These destinations in Costa Rica offer the best experiences for travelers who want to travel solo and look for their own paths.

UPDATE: 2023/01/08 15:29 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Of The Best Places To Visit In Costa Rica For Solo Travelers

Costa Rica is a great destination for solo travelers, and there are plenty of activities and attractions to explore while there. This article was updated to include more of the best places to visit as well as things to see and do (such as viewing wildlife and staying in treehouses in Costa Rica). Costa Rica is considered one of the most dramatic and traveler-friendly countries in Central America.

12 La Fortuna, Costa Rica

One characteristic of La Fortuna is the heavy presence of vegetation which creates the perfect environment for interesting outdoor activities.

The Arenal Volcano national park, which is close to the active Arenal Volcano, offers an easy way to begin a solo adventure in Costa Rica. In Arenal Volcano National Park, solo travelers can:

• Explore the bone-soothing hot springs.
• Hike and explore the path to La Fortuna waterfall.
• Swim in the pool of La Fortuna Waterfall.
• Engage in Zipline activities.
• Enjoy the delicacies of La Fortuna town, which includes – Picadillo de Papa, Patacones, and lots of fruits.
• Engage in white water rafting in Balsa and Sarapiqui rivers.

To get the most out of this experience, a guide is essential, and solo travelers also need to engage in tours for more adventurous outdoor activities.

11 San Jose, Costa Rica

The capital city of Costa Rica is a popular destination for many. It is the largest Costa Rican city, and is due to its location at the center of the Bio-diverse country, solo travelers can enjoy:

• An adventure in La Sabana Metropolitan Park.
• A visit to the National Center of Art & Culture.
• Explore the forest and engage in Zipline activities with canopy tours.

Whitewater rafting also tops the activity list for solo travelers. In San Jose, and the Pacuare River, particularly, is the place for this outdoor activity as it poses a challenging and rocky path.

ATM Centers abound in San Jose, and so many hotels and restaurants accept visa credit cards but solo travelers also have to come with some cash needed in order to avoid getting stranded when in local villages.

In addition and due to San Jose’s status as one of the largest coffee cultivating regions, travelers are sure to get lots of coffee.

Related: San Jose Spotlight: Everything You'll Be Lining Up To Do In This Costa Rica City

10 Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa brings in the beach package for lovers of beaches. This city in Costa Rica is a hot spot for activities such as – surfing and swimming. Solo travelers also have a long list of beaches they can explore; although La Lora, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Carmen will always be on the list of beaches travelers should explore as they offer the best experience among the rest.

In Santa Teresa, travelers can also check out the wildlife and other natural characteristics of the town. For wildlife exploration, the Cabo Blanco nature reserve offers a view of beautiful birds, and the Curu Wildlife refuge offers views of wild animals.

Food in San Teresa, like many other parts of Costa Rica, consists of rice and beans, although some restaurants such as Taco Corner, Koji’s, The Bakery, Eat street, El Falcon, and some Argentinean restaurants offer other varieties.

Other things Solo travelers will also enjoy in San Teresa include:

• Outdoor activities such as Zip Lining.
• Viewing attractions.
• Getting some ice cream, some beers, and enjoying some nightlife.

9 Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo Talamanca is known to have the strongest sea wave, which can be potentially dangerous for surfers but at the same time challenging and exciting for those who need a more extreme adventure. One of the beaches with a very strong wave is Playa Cocles. Due to the strong waves, professional lifeguards always stand nearby to save those in danger.

The most powerful Costa Rican wave-producing beach – Salsa Brava, is also located in Puerto Viejo, and surfers are advised not to surf too deep if they are inexperienced.

Other activities solo travelers get to enjoy in Puerto Viejo include:

• Fishing in some of the waters with guides.
• Hiking in the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge.
• Experience Snorkeling.

For accommodation in Puerto Viejo, the options available include – hostels and lodges, as hotels are usually scarce.

8 Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is considered a small town due to its population of 6,375 in 2011, according to Wikipedia. The weather in Tamarindo is typical of the Costa Rican humid weather; however, it typically rains heavily from June to October.

Tamarinda is an ideal location for solo travelers looking for beach surfing, swimming, and a relaxing sunbath in the scorching summer sun. Sunsets in Tamarindo also create colorful skies.

Foods in Tamarindo also most commonly feature rice and beans, which is typical of the Costa Ricans, but Travelers can also enjoy other food types in Tamarindo, such as – Sushi, Seafood, and some Argentinean grills.

Other things to do in Tamarindo include:

• Engage in tours.
• Visit the Tamarindo night market.
• Engage in outdoor activities such as – zip-lining, horseback riding, and boat sailing.
• Explore nature, wildlife, landmarks, and sights.
• Eat good food, drink sweet wine and enjoy the nightlife.
• Bathe in hot springs.

Related: 10 Reasons To Visit Costa Rica During The Rainy Season

7 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

One of the most exciting wonders and top attractions in Manual Antonio is the Manual Antonio National Park, and even though there are many other things to do in Manuel Antonio, the national park steals the entire spotlight. This is well deserved since the park features a heavy wildlife presence, charming beaches, and soft white beach sand. Travelers who visit once are often lured back again due to their unforgettable experiences in this National Park.

Activities available for solo travelers here include:

• Eating different types of rice-inspired dishes.
• Swimming and surfing.
• Exploring the beaches within the park, which includes – Manuel Antonio beach, Espadila Sur, Tesoro, and Playita beaches.
• Witnessing the magical sunset

Manuel Antonio might be a small settlement but luxurious and comfortable accommodation, synchronized with nature, abounds for solo travelers.

6 Guanacaste, Costa Rica

This Costa Rican northwestern province features an arrangement of lots of natural elements and welcoming beaches for those seeking an escape from the unfavorable hot weather conditions of the province or other parts of the world. Here, travelers will find peace in Hermosa beach and Mataplo beach.

Other activities travelers will enjoy here include lots of sugar canes and visits to interesting national parks such as - Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Tenorio national park.

The Tenorio National Park is one of the most interesting destinations in Guanacaste. Here, travelers will find the Rio Celeste and Bijagua. The Rio Celeste is one amazing natural wonder. It is a waterfall that features a glowing blue river at the bottom of the waterfall. This creates a totally unique view for the spectators.

Interesting Foods to try in Guanacaste include:

• Arroz de Maiz is made from corn, basic vegetables, and spices.
• Gallina Achiotada is made from – chicken, garlic, bacon, mushrooms, potatoes, and other interesting ingredients. Sadly, this meal is only popular during Christmas or during celebrations.

To enjoy the most adventure in Guanacaste, solo travelers should book accommodations close to national parks and ensure they enroll in tours to meet other people and get to engage in other activities available for travelers.

5 Corcovado National Park

Located in the southwestern parts of Costa Rica is this small settlement that is heavily surrounded by plants and animals of all kinds. It is a place with a warm temperature and beaches.

Corcovado is considered one of the most biodiverse places on earth, where plants, trees, animals, and insect species live in abundance. In Corcovado, travelers can surf, hike and engage in diving activities as the region is filled with beaches and nature-rich national parks.

One major and popular destination in Corcovado is the Corcovado national park, where travelers can hike all the way into the jungle and join in on some outdoor activities.

Other things solo travelers can do in Corcovado include:

• Visit national parks.
• Whale watching.
• Engage in wildlife and Bird watching tours.
• Go fishing.
• See unique sunset colors.
• Engage in outdoor activities such as horse riding and kayaking.

Travelers should be aware that they can only hike in Corcovado national park with professional guides to ensure safety.

4 Stay In A Rainforest Treehouse

If one is traveling to Costa Rica and flying solo, then perhaps one is looking for some solitude and a chance to meditate and reflect. One of the best ways to do that is by going off the grid and staying at a treehouse in Costa Rica's tropical rain forests. Perhaps the best option is Finca Bellavista which is an excellent off-the-grid community set in around 600 acres of rainforest. They have a range of off-the-grid treehouses to pick from.

3 Sloth Sanctuary

Perhaps Costa Rica's most famous animal is the iconic sloth. Sloths are just bizarre animals - they move so slowly in the humid jungle that moss grows on them. Visitors can learn all about the sloths by going on a tour; there are plenty of tours to choose from. Consider taking the Buttercup Tour offered by the Sloth Sanctuary and see these particular animals in the flesh up close. The tours are for an hour and cost around $28 per adult.

2 Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is one of the best places in the country and Central America to see turtles, and visitors can find a number of species of turtles (the name means "region of turtles" in Spanish). It is another of the great places to go and discover the rich wildlife of Costa Rica. Counted among the turtles in the park is the iconic leatherback turtle. The best time for seeing turtles varies by species, although the high season for leatherbacks is March to April.

1 Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

Another great national park to see while exploring Costa Rica is the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena. It is famous for its 4km or 2.5-mile-long beach, and it protects some of the nation's best coral and rock reefs. The beach largely disappears at high tide, but it emerges from the waves in the shape of a whale's tail. The park is intended to help protect humpback whale migrations and is also a great place to see dolphins and sea turtles.