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
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
🦜 Wildlife
Canales de Tortuguero
Boat through rainforest canals watching caimans, sloths, and river otters
Tortuguero
🚗 Scenic Drives
Valle del Río Orosi
A 37-kilometre valley loop through coffee terraces, colonial churches, and four ecosystems
Orosi
🌊 Waterfalls
Cataratas Llanos de Cortez
The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous
Bagaces
🏊 Swimming
Nacientes Palmichal
Crystal springs and natural swimming pools
Acosta
☕ Scenic Cafés
Café Finca Los Sueños
Espresso on a working coffee farm with valley views
Naranjo
🥾 Hiking
Sendero Valle del Silencio
A dawn hike into Costa Rica's most remote cloud forest — quetzal territory
Talamanca
🌅 Sunset Spots
Playa Santa Teresa
Bohemian surf village with the finest sunsets on the Nicoya Peninsula
Cobano
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Termales del Bosque
Thermal pools in old-growth forest, best after the sun goes down
Ciudad Quesada
🥾 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
🔭 Viewpoints
Mirador Candelaria
One of the quieter hidden viewpoints in the hills above Atenas
Atenas
🔭 Viewpoints
Laguna de Cote
Natural freshwater lake, surrounded by rolling highlands, lush forests, and abundant wildlife.
Guatuso
🧺 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
💎 Hidden Gems
Los Tenideros río Celeste
The exact spot where two clear rivers merge and turn the water an impossible turquoise
Tenorio Volcano National Park