Discover
Best Photography Locations in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers photography subjects at almost every turn — volcanic skylines, Pacific light, wildlife that appears on schedule, and a culture that photographs with rare authenticity. These locations have been identified specifically for their photographic potential, from the quality of light to the reliability of the subject.
🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata La Fortuna
A dramatic 70-metre waterfall, tropical rainforest, wildlife, and swimming
La Fortuna
🦜 Wildlife
Canales de Tortuguero
Boat through rainforest canals watching caimans, sloths, and river otters
Tortuguero
🌊 Waterfalls
Cataratas Llanos de Cortez
The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous
Bagaces
🌊 Waterfalls
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
One of Costa Rica’s most famous eco-attractions, located in the cloud forest between Poás Volcano and Sarapiquí
Heredia Province
🚗 Scenic Drives
Valle del Río Orosi
A 37-kilometre valley loop through coffee terraces, colonial churches, and four ecosystems
Orosi
🏊 Swimming
Nacientes Palmichal
Crystal springs and natural swimming pools
Acosta
🥾 Hiking
Sendero Valle del Silencio
A dawn hike into Costa Rica's most remote cloud forest — quetzal territory
Talamanca
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Termales del Bosque
Thermal pools in old-growth forest, best after the sun goes down
Ciudad Quesada
☕ Scenic Cafés
Café Finca Los Sueños
Espresso on a working coffee farm with valley views
Naranjo
🌅 Sunset Spots
Playa Santa Teresa
Bohemian surf village with the finest sunsets on the Nicoya Peninsula
Cobano
🥾 Hiking
Savegre Valley Trail
Network of cloud-forest hiking trails around San Gerardo de Dota and the upper Río Savegre
San Gerardo de Dota
🔭 Viewpoints
Cerro de la Muerte
One of the most dramatic and iconic highland regions
Cerro de la Muerte
🏊 Swimming
Playa Hermosa (Jaco)
One of the most famous surf beaches and beautiful stretches of coastline on the Central Pacific
Jacó
🌊 Waterfalls
Río Agrio Waterfall
The acid river that meets Río Celeste — this is where the blue begins
Sarchi
🧺 Picnic Spots
Parque Recreativo Laguna de Fraijanes
A peaceful highland retreat surrounded by pine forests, scenic trails, and a tranquil freshwater lagoon. Perfect for picnics and nature walks.
Alajuela
🏊 Swimming
El Salto Rio Rope Swing
Swing, jump, and swim at a local favorite where a rope swing launches adventurers into crystal-clear turquoise waters beneath cascading waterfalls.
San Carlos