Coronado

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Top 10 attractions in Coronado

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Playa Ventanas

Playa Ventanas

3
Osa · 8.1km from Coronado
Arenal Volcano National Park
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park

6.7
4.8/5
15 reviews
Arenal Volcano Park is located in Arenal Reserve. There are actually two volcanoes in this national park, Arenal Volcano with a height of 1633 meters and Chato Volcano with a height of 1140 meters. The latter has been active for nearly 3500 years. A collapsed crater and a beautiful lagoon. In contrast, Arenal Volcano is a very active volcano in Costa Rica. It erupted in 1968 and 1973. Until July 2010, the eruptions of large and small volcanoes continued, and the severity was much lower, but almost every day. There was smoke and lava coming out.Costa Rica · La Fortuna
Manuel Antonio National Park
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

5.8
5.0/5
6 reviews
Manuel Antonio National Park packs tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife into a compact area. Covering approximately 6.82 square kilometers, it is one of the smaller yet most popular national parks in Costa Rica. The park is home to hundreds of mammal and bird species: white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys leap through the canopy; brown-throated three-toed sloths and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths move slowly while hanging from high branches; and toucans, iguanas, and coatis often appear along the trails. The animals here are accustomed to human presence, so the chance of encountering monkey troops along the trails during the day is quite high. The park is best experienced through a combination of hiking and beach time. The main trail is flat and easy to walk, connecting several beaches surrounded by rainforest. Among them, Manuel Antonio Beach has calm bay waters, making it suitable for swimming. The Cathedral Point loop leads to a highland that was once an island, now connected to the mainland by a natural tombolo. Along the way, multiple observation decks offer views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby small islands. Near the entrance, there is an elevated mangrove boardwalk called El Manglar, which is approx. 784 m long and easy to traverse. Additionally, sloths and squirrel monkeys are well-camouflaged; if you want to spot more animals, it is recommended to slow down and keep an eye on the canopy.Quepos · 68.6km from Coronado
Ballena Tour Costa Rica

Ballena Tour Costa Rica

2.5
Uvita · 18.3km from Coronado
Poás Volcano National Park

Poás Volcano National Park

6.1
3.0/5
1 reviews
Poás Volcano National Parkfeatures the active Poás Volcano as its centerpiece, with an elevation of approx. 2,700m, and the summit houses a massive main crater. Standing at the viewing platform, you can look down at the volcanic lake named 'Laguna Caliente': its surface shimmers with a mix of milky white and blue-green hues, constantly churning with sulfurous smoke, with liquid sulfur settled at the bottom. In stark contrast to the scorching main crater is Botos Lake on the south side: it lies quietly in a crater that has been dormant for thousands of years, with cool, emerald-green water surrounded by cloud forests. Along the forest trail to the lake, hummingbirds and toucans often flit through branches draped in moss and epiphytes, and you may occasionally encounter resplendent quetzals and Poás magnolias.Costa Rica · Poas
National Theater of Costa Rica
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

National Theater of Costa Rica

6
4.9/5
8 reviews
National Theater of Costa Rica is a Neoclassical-style theater. Its opening performance was Gounod's opera "Faust". Construction funds mainly came from taxes levied on coffee exports at the time, and this theater, born from the coffee trade, embodies the memories of Costa Rica's golden age of coffee. The theater has an elegant exterior, with statues of playwright Calderón de la Barca and composer Beethoven standing on the main facade, while the three sculptures on the roof symbolize dance, music, and fame, respectively. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior: marble staircases with gold decorations, crystal chandeliers, exquisite sculptures, and 19th-century-style furniture can be found throughout the halls, and the auditorium can accommodate 1,140 seats. The ceiling mural "Allegory of Coffee and Bananas" was painted by Milanese artist Aleardo Villa and depicts the scene of coffee and banana cultivation and export at that time. This painting was once printed on the Costa Rican 5-colón banknote. The theater remains an active performance venue today, with groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra performing here year-round. The theater is located right next to the Plaza de la Cultura, and downtown attractions such as theGold Museumare within walking distance.Costa Rica · San Jose
Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano

5.7
5.0/5
1 reviews
Arenal Volcano has an elevation of approx. 1,633m, with a nearly symmetrical conical shape. The town of La Fortuna at the foot of the mountain is the gateway to visiting this area. It is a relatively young volcano, formed approx. 7,000 years ago. It erupted suddenly on July 29, 1968, destroying villages such as Tabacón at the foot of the mountain, and remained active for over 40 years thereafter. The sight of lava flowing slowly down the slopes and lighting up the night sky once drew many tourists to wait specifically for it. The volcano entered a dormant phase in 2010 and no longer spews magma today, but its perfectly shaped conical silhouette remains striking. On clear days, when viewed from the foot of the mountain, the dark rock walls contrast with the clouds and mist on the mountainside. Within the national park established around the volcano, multiple trails pass through the lava wasteland left by the 1968 eruption and the regrown rainforest, with greenery emerging from the crevices of the black volcanic rocks. You can often encounter howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and toucans along the way. Volcanic geothermal heat also warms the natural hot springs at the foot of the mountain; soaking in the hot springs after a hike while looking up at the silhouette of the volcano is a common experience in this area. The nearby Lake Arenal has vast waters, suitable for birdwatching and water activities such as kayaking. The top of the volcano is often covered by clouds; there is less cloud cover in the early morning, giving a better chance to see the full mountain.Costa Rica · La Fortuna
Fortuna Waterfall
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Fortuna Waterfall

5.6
5.0/5
7 reviews
Fortuna Waterfall is located in a rainforest canyon in San Carlos, approx. 5.5 km from the town of La Fortuna, at the foothills of the dormant Chato Volcano. Originating from theArenal Mountain Range, the Río Fortuna plunges approx. 70 m from the cliff edge, falling straight into the deep blue pool below. The sound of the water is deafening, and mist fills the air. The surrounding cliffs are covered in dense tropical vegetation. To view the waterfall, you need to walk down the steps to the bottom of the canyon, which involves over 500 steps round trip. There are platforms along the way for resting, and the trail passes through pastures and rainforest, where you may have the chance to encounter animals such as toucans and monkeys. Visitors who do not plan to walk the entire way can also overlook the full view of the waterfall from the viewing platform above. There is an open area at the bottom of the valley for taking photos, and you can also swim in designated areas to experience the cool, clear river water. The current is strong directly beneath the waterfall, so be sure to stay within the designated swimming areas. The return trip requires climbing back up the same way, which is physically demanding, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes and allow plenty of time.Costa Rica · La Fortuna
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

5.4
4.8/5
9 reviews
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is located on the watershed high in the Tilarán Mountains. The key difference between it and lowland rainforests is the altitude: moist air currents from the Caribbean side rise along the mountain slopes and condense into mist upon cooling, with white mist often filling the forest in the early morning, leaving the entire forest soaked in lush green. The preserve covers 10,500 hectares, with approx. 90% being primary forest. Epiphytes are a highly recognizable view here: mosses, ferns, bromeliads, and hundreds of orchid species hang in layers from the branches, with even the trunks appearing as if draped in a green carpet; the forest is home to birds such as the resplendent quetzal and the bare-necked umbrellabird, while mammals like jaguars and Baird's tapirs are elusive, attracting birdwatchers and naturalists year-round. The park's trails connect several highlights: the classic Cloud Forest Trail allows you to delve into typical cloud forest sections, and walking to the "La Ventana" lookout puts you directly opposite the Continental Divide, where you can overlook the mountain slopes on both sides when the weather is clear; in the hummingbird garden near the entrance, various hummingbirds flit around the flowers and trees, making it suitable for close-up birdwatching; a suspension bridge also spans the valley, allowing you to view the canopy layer covered in epiphytes at eye level. If you wish to experience outdoor activities like ziplining or bungee jumping, you need to book them separately, as the preserve itself focuses on hiking and nature observation.Costa Rica · San Ramon
Volcan Irazu
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Volcan Irazu

5.1
4.7/5
10 reviews
Volcan Irazu has an elevation of 3,432 m and is one of the higher active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It is formed by layers of basalt and andesite. It has erupted many times in history, including a continuous eruption from 1963 to 1965 that lasted approx. 2 years, during which volcanic ash drifted all the way to the capital, San Jose, before it gradually returned to calm. Today, the entire volcano is part of Volcan Irazu National Park, located 54 km from San Jose, with a road leading directly to the vicinity of the summit crater. The summit preserves several craters: the main crater is 1,050 m in diameter and 300 m deep, with steep walls. At the bottom, a crater lake sometimes forms, its water changing color between emerald green and rusty red depending on mineral content and rainfall. The shallower Diego de la Haya crater nearby, as well as the old crater plainPlaya Hermosacovered in gray-black volcanic ash, are also worth seeing. When the weather is clear enough, you can see the coastlines of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the observation deck. Clouds and mist can roll in quickly at the summit, so arriving early in the morning often gives you a better chance to see the full view of the crater before the clouds close in.Costa Rica · Goicoechea

Experiences you can't miss in Coronado

Featured Outdoor experiences in Coronado

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Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall Manuel Antonio
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4.9/5
· 226 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
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85 consecutive positive reviews
From£97.23
Rafting Pacuare River One Day from Turrialba
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4.9/5
· 181 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
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From£74.07
Surfing Classes Manuel Antonio
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5.0/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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From£78.56
Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife-Watching Hike
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4.8/5
· 10 reviews
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5% off
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Manuel Antonio National Park: Guided Tour with option for ENTRANCE FEE INCLUDED
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4.9/5
· 1.4k reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
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100 consecutive positive reviews
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Manuel Antonio Park: Guided Tour + TICKET INCLUDED option
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4.9/5
· 390 reviews
Duration: 2–2.5 hrs
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From£16.53£17.4
Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San Jose
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4.4/5
· 78 reviews
Duration: 12 hrs
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5% off
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From£120.27£126.6

Featured Water activities in Coronado

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Uvita - Dominical: Private Kayak Tour - Mangroves of Terraba
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Manuel Antonio: Surfing Lessons with a Private Instructor
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Duration: 1.5–4.5 hrs
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From£56.81£59.8
Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise to Biesanz Bay with Lunch
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Whales Watching Adventure in Uvita with Expert Guides
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4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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5% off
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From£68.17£71.76
Cano Island Snorkeling Tour from Uvita
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4.9/5
· 47 reviews
Duration: 1 day
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47 consecutive positive reviews
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From£113.86£119.86
Mangrove Kayak Adventure – Monkeys, Wildlife & Nature
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Uvita: Kayak & Snorkel Private Tour - Marino Ballena N. Park
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Uvita: Private Ocean Kayak & Snorkel Marino Ballena N. Park
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Free things to do in Coronado

What travellers say about Coronado

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 December 2025
5.0
Walking along the volcanic rock trails of Arenal Volcanoes National Park, a slight tremor from the depths of the earth resonated in my shoes. The smell of sulfur mingled with the damp rainforest mist, and suddenly, the cry of a howler monkey pierced the air from the treetops. I held my breath on the viewpoint—and as the clouds parted, the cone-shaped crater slowly emitted smoke rings, the setting sun painting the steam into golden-pink ribbons. The most magical experience was visiting the lava field at night: dark red heat flowed like the earth's veins through the cracks in the rocks, illuminating the phosphorescent spots of arrow frogs on the leaves. The guide whispered, "The volcanic ash teaches the soil to feel pain, which is why the flowers here bloom so wildly." On the way back, I touched the dew on the moss on the rock wall, and it was as warm as tears.

Arenal Volcano National Park

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criskotsu13 June 2022
5.0
Manuel Antonio is one of the most amazing locations in Costa Rica. The beach has a gorgeous turquoise color, you get to walk around the hiking trails and observe so many animals in their natural state.

Manuel Antonio National Park

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Gavin-Beijing4 February 2020
5.0
The pure natural landscape is extremely beautiful, pristine and pollution-free. It is the Switzerland of Latin America, with Tabacon Hot Springs, Irazu Volcano, Waterfall Park, Blue River Forest Park, etc. You will never want to leave after visiting here!

National Theater of Costa Rica

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乖小咪21 August 2019
5.0
La Fortuna Falls in Costa Rica is a very spectacular waterfall. Although it is not very wide, it has a large amount of water. The mist stirred up by the waterfall is very large, like a fairyland. Many tourists are swimming in the pool below, very happy.

Fortuna Waterfall

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呆火23 May 2016
4.0
Elizabeth and Diana have put so much work into turning this into one of the best places to visit in Boquete. You will see and learn about the coffee and herbs grown on their farm while appreciating the beauty of the area. Be sure to bring your change and there are many species of birds to observe as well.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve

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轻轻的一个蚊19 December 2019
5.0
Irazu Volcano is an active volcano in Costa Rica, with an altitude of 3,432 meters, and is the highest peak in the Central Mountain Range. It was originally very close from the capital San Jose to Irazu, only a few dozen kilometers, but we chose to return to the upper volcano from the distant Caribbean Sea, and stayed overnight in a mountain villa more than ten kilometers away from the volcano; the road to the volcano was originally very flat, but we were constantly navigated to dirt roads. Thanks to the help of simple mountain people, we went from the mountain road in Figure 9 to the 230 kilometers of the Holy Cross Cemetery, and then after several twists and turns, we turned to the correct 219 kilometers. The scenery is beautiful and the journey is winding. It took more than two hours to reach the top of the mountain. The scenery overlooking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can only be imagined, but looking down at San Jose at the bottom of the mountain is real. The volcano last erupted in 1978, leaving a crater with a diameter of 1,050 meters and a depth of 300 meters. There is a pool of green water at the bottom, which looks like a pocket version of Changbai Mountain Tianchi. There is also a dry crater with a diameter of 690 meters and a depth of 100 meters. The overall scenery of the volcano is beautiful and worth the trip. I will never forget the mountain people who showed the way. Three men with similar looks said at the same time that the Holy Cross Cemetery was ahead. A man carrying firewood put down his load and curiously said to his phone that the road was blocked.

Volcan Irazu

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Coronado?

Don't miss these attractions in Coronado: Playa Ventanas, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park. If you like Outdoor experiences, try Whitewater Rafting Savegre Class II-III plus Waterfall Manuel Antonio. If you enjoy Day tours, try Uvita - Dominical: Private Kayak Tour - Mangroves of Terraba.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Uvita - Dominical: Private Kayak Tour - Mangroves of Terraba, Costa Rica San Jose: Manuel Antonio National Park 1-day tour, and Guided Tour in Manuel Antonio National Park!. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 21 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Coronado is around GBP 16.53 – GBP 210.28. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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