Skip the packed tour buses and busy trails and explore off the beaten path

A sloth in a tree in Costa Rica — One of Costa Rica’s biggest draws is its outstanding ecology | **Milan Zygmunt / Shutterstock**

Costa Rica is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, but if you stick to the usual spots—Monteverde, Tamarindo, the Osa Peninsula—you’re missing out on some seriously special places. There’s so much more to see beyond the usual tourist trail. If you want to experience the real Costa Rica, the one most visitors never find, check out these seven hidden gems.

1. Playa Cocalito and the Secret Waterfall

Sunset view of a beach — Playa Cocalito, although harder to reach, is often completely empty | **Andrzej Rostek / Shutterstock**

If you’re up for an adventure, this one's for you. Playa Cocalito, on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a stunner that most people never reach. You can either take a boat from Montezuma or hike through jungle trails (about 90 minutes), and trust me—it’s worth it.

The big draw? El Chorro Waterfall, one of the few waterfalls in the world that tumbles straight into the ocean. There’s no snack shack, no sun loungers—just you, the waves, and maybe a few howler monkeys. Pack plenty of water and wear solid hiking shoes, because the trail can get rough.

2. San Gerardo de Dota: A Cloud Forest Without the Crowds

San Gerardo de Dota is lacking infrastructure, which is actually a great thing in my opinion! | **Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock**

If you’re dreaming of misty cloud forests but want to avoid the tour buses in Monteverde, head to San Gerardo de Dota instead. This quiet valley along the Savegre River is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially if you want to see the elusive resplendent quetzal.

Even if you’re not a hardcore birder, the hiking here is fantastic, with well-marked trails through pristine cloud forest. Bonus: the local trout is some of the freshest you’ll ever eat—don’t leave without trying it at one of the family-run lodges along the river.

3. Isla Chira: A Slow-Paced Fishing Island

Isla Chira, tucked away in the Gulf of Nicoya, is about as far from Costa Rica’s tourist hotspots as you can get. No big resorts, no fancy restaurants—just a small fishing community where life moves at its own pace. The women here have set up sustainable tourism projects, so you can stay in a locally owned ecolodge, kayak through the mangroves, and even learn traditional fishing techniques from the locals. If you’re looking for an authentic Costa Rican experience away from the crowds, this is it.

4. Bajos del Toro: Waterfall Wonderland

If you like waterfalls, you’re going to love Bajos del Toro | **Gianfranco Vivi / Shutterstock**

If you love waterfalls, you need to put Bajos del Toro on your list. Just north of San José, this area has some of the most spectacular cascades in Costa Rica, yet hardly anyone goes. The biggest showstopper is Catarata del Toro, a 270-foot waterfall that crashes into an ancient volcanic crater—it’s a must-see.

But don’t stop there. The Blue Falls of Costa Rica, just a short hike away, are a series of mesmerizingly turquoise waterfalls that look like they belong in a fantasy movie. Go early in the morning for the best light and the fewest people.

5. Manzanillo: Possibly The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret

A rainforest by a beach — Manzanillo is the ideal place to see wildlife | **Cris Young / Shutterstock**

Puerto Viejo gets all the attention on the Caribbean coast, but if you head just a little further south, you’ll find Manzanillo—a sleepy fishing village that feels like a different world. This spot is surrounded by the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, where jungle meets deserted beaches.

The coral reefs just offshore are great for snorkeling, and if you’re lucky, you might spot sloths, toucans, or even a jaguar in the forest. For an unforgettable experience, rent a kayak and paddle through the mangrove channels at sunrise—you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

6. Río Celeste’s Secret Hot Springs

A woman looks at a waterfall — Río Celeste is pretty famous, but its hot springs less so | Jakub Maculewicz / Shutterstock

Everyone knows about the famous bright blue Río Celeste waterfall inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, but what most people don’t realize is that there are natural hot springs hidden just outside the park.

These undeveloped pools, heated by volcanic activity, are the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking. Unlike the big, commercialized hot springs in Arenal, these are completely wild. You won’t find signs pointing the way, so you’ll need to ask locals or hire a guide who knows the secret spots. Bring a swimsuit, but be prepared to hike a bit to get there.

7. Santa Rosa National Park: Wilderness and Empty Beaches

Costa Rica’s first national park is also one of its least-visited, which is crazy considering how incredible it is. Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste protects vast dry forests, rolling savannas, and some of the country’s most beautiful, untouched beaches.

If you’re a surfer, you might already know about Playa Naranjo and Witch’s Rock, but if you’re just looking for a quiet beach with zero crowds, check out Playa Blanca. Santa Rosa is also home to one of the most important battles in Costa Rican history, so there’s a bit of history thrown into your adventure. Be ready for some rugged terrain—it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of a challenge.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica has its fair share of famous destinations, but if you want a more authentic, crowd-free experience, these hidden gems should be at the top of your list. Whether it’s hiking to a secret waterfall, soaking in a wild hot spring, or exploring a quiet fishing village, you’ll get to see a side of the country that most travellers never do.