19 Instagrammable Spots in Costa Rica You Need to Visit

Yes, this is a real volcano, but you have nothing to worry about because it was declared dormant in 2010. The last time this sleeping beauty had a large eruption was in 1998. Unfortunately, but for obvious reasons, you can’t climb the volcano. However, this shouldn’t stop you from taking some photos with the Arenal Volcano in the background. Check out The Springs Resort for some of the best views!

Featured Traveler: @theviewswechase

The Cloud Forest is like a scene right out of the Jumanji movie. The low-hanging clouds/fog are an incredible feature in anyone’s shot. Venture onto one of the suspension bridges for a spooky yet stunning shot of what you envision a rainforest to look like.

Featured Traveler: @ana__ellee

A trip to Costa Rica isn’t complete without visiting La Fortuna Waterfall. This is one of, if not the most, Instagrammable spot in Costa Rica! The water comes shooting out of the rainforest, plummeting 200 feet to the plunge basin below. If you are brave enough and have a waterproof camera, you can swim right up to the waterfall for the ultimate shot!

Featured Traveler: @lisahomsy

Truthfully, one of the most breathtaking views you’ll see in your life. The crystal blue color of the water at the bottom of the waterfall is out of this world. Unfortunately, you can’t go swimming in and around the waterfall, but there are many opportunities for you to take Instagram worthy shots everywhere.

Featured Traveler: @holly_rohmer

When visiting Rio Celeste, it is well worth hiking all the way to the end. Here, you’ll be able to see where two rivers collide, causing a chemical reaction that gives Rio Celeste its bright blue color. The Rio Celeste Hike, Waterfall, and Los Teñideros are an Instagram heaven, giving you many opportunities to take a photo of this stunning blue river.

Featured Traveler: @charelldm

This is still an active volcano, although it hasn’t erupted in years. Here, you’re given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hike the volcano all the way to the crater. Once you reach the crater, you’ll be greeted by a bright lake. This is the perfect opportunity to take a photo standing on top of an active volcano!

Featured Traveler: @elisavelazquez

Free-flowing waterfalls, vibrant tropical flowers, and green foliage everywhere you look. Spending an afternoon at the thermal springs is the perfect way to relax in Costa Rica. You’ll be able to take stunning photos in the cascading hot springs or with the natural waterfalls behind you.

Featured Traveler: @lolapatridge

This wildlife refuge has it all – 23,348 acres of rainforest, 10 kilometers of beachfront, two swamps, and a coral reef. The beachfront offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with the lush tropical forest in the background.

Featured Traveler: @mariegroetzinger

Playa Hermosa should be on your list when you visit Costa Rica because it’s one of the best-maintained beaches in the whole country. Beyond the blue waters and lush palm trees perfect for taking photos, the beach town is super cute and relatively affordable for food and shopping. It is a more laid back area with good vibes, well worth an afternoon trip.

Featured Traveler: @ashleelaruee

We found out about this spot from one of the associates working at our hotel! It took a bit of off-roading to get there, but the views were amazing! If you’re adding Playa Hermosa to your list of places to visit in Costa Rica, make sure to venture out to this lookout.

What used to be a small fishing village, this coastal town has grown in popularity. The beaches here are beautiful and well-maintained, but this area is best known for its surfing. If you love to surf or want to try it out, this is the place to go in Costa Rica. Not only that, but the sunsets here also help make it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Costa Rica.

Featured Traveler: @achavasol

When you see photos of white sand beaches and palm trees in Costa Rica, there is a good chance it’s Tamarindo! A very tourist-friendly place, offering tons of Instagrammble spots and adventure activities for all. If you are looking for nightlife and great food, Tamarindo has you covered!

Featured Traveler: @annna_lenaaa

Another waterfall that you must visit in Costa Rica! Located in Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park, we think this is one of the nicest waterfalls to get a shot in. Plus, the park itself has two volcanoes, 32 rivers and streams, and a vast array of biodiversity.

Featured Traveler: @nikkthequick

Soaring through the Costa Rican rainforest, show all your friends + followers you are having the time of your life! We had the best time ziplining in Costa Rica, and we highly recommend the Big AMA tour at Arenal Mundo Aventura! Also, we recommend using a camera with a strap so you don’t lose your phone.

If you want to see a sea turtle, this is their main nesting area. We recommend going between June and October to see these beautiful creatures. Take a boat tour through the river system and canals to see the biodiversity of the rainforest. Make sure to have your camera ready because you never know what wildlife you might see!

Featured Traveler: @marianatemudo

If you love orchids and tropical flowers – you need to visit the Lankester Botanical Garden! These gardens are run by the University of Costa Rica and are a center for Orchid research. With over 3,000 species of plants, you are sure to find something to take a photo of (or with)!

Featured Traveler: @mafej19_cr

With three beautiful beaches, rainforest trails to hike, and wildlife everywhere, this National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the world! The best part about this park is that it’ll appear that you’re the only one in the jungle – perfect for taking some candid photos.

Featured Traveler: @ashlynpodloski

Although you’re given only 20 minutes to view the volcano (due to health and safety reasons), you will not be disappointed! You’ll get to see one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanos, spewing gases and steam from its 1.6km wide crater! The Poás Volcano, from the viewing platform, is by far one of the most Instagrammable spots in Costa Rica.

Featured Traveler: @sharonpenaranda_

This beautiful area, of course, has those lovely white sand beaches, but also something a little more rare. The jaguar rescue center is located here and offers public tours. You’ll be able to see monkeys, sloths, toucans, jaguars, and many more animals in the wild and under their care. Well worth the trip to see these beautiful creatures up close!

Featured Traveler: @jaratwins