Sarapiquí · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Sarapiquí: Costa Rica's Hidden Gem of Biodiversity and Adventure

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, Sarapiquí is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Known for its rich biodiversity, the region boasts dense rainforests, flowing rivers, and abundant wildlife. This tranquil destination offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty that Costa Rica is famous for. Sarapiquí is home to several national parks and reserves, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the local flora and fauna. The La Selva Biological Station is a must-visit for those interested in tropical research and conservation. Here, you can learn about the region's ecosystems and even spot some of the 400 bird species that inhabit the area. For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, Sarapiquí does not disappoint. The Sarapiquí River is famous for its white-water rafting and kayaking opportunities. With rapids ranging from class II to IV, both beginners and experienced rafters will find a suitable challenge. After a day of adventure, unwind in one of the many eco-lodges that offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

Barva

Canopy Adventure Volcan Barva

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

Sarapiqui

Reserva biológica Tirimbina

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

Sarapiqui

Frogs Heaven

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

La Virgen

Hacienda Pozo Azul

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

Sarapiqui

Mirador Prendas

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Costa Rica Best Chocolate

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

La Selva Biological Station

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

Heredia

Pierella Ecological Garden

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

La Virgen

Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park

Discover Sarapiquí in Costa Rica: A haven for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, featuring lush rainforests, rich biodiversity, and exhilarating river adventures.

When is the best time to go to Sarapiquí?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJan–Dec
Longest daylightFeb–Oct
Driest periodFeb–Mar

Explore places in Sarapiquí

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Sarapiquí sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

    Discover Costa Rica's natural beauty at La Paz Waterfall Gardens: five stunning waterfalls and diverse wildlife in a lush rainforest setting.

    La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

    Braulio Carrillo National Park

    Explore Costa Rica's largest national park: Hike through diverse ecosystems, spot exotic wildlife, and experience breathtaking natural beauty.

    Braulio Carrillo National Park

    Hacienda Pozo Azul

    Experience thrilling adventures and tranquil escapes at Hacienda Pozo Azul, a premier destination for rafting, horseback riding, and relaxation in Costa Rica.

    Hacienda Pozo Azul

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    Experience the beauty of nature and comfort at Ara Ambigua Lodge, a bird watcher's paradise in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica.

    Ara Ambigua Lodge

    Reserva biológica Tirimbina

    Discover Costa Rica's biodiversity at Tirimbina Biological Reserve: rainforest trails, cacao plantations, and stunning suspension bridge views.

    Reserva biológica Tirimbina

    Tirimbina Lodge

    Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's rainforest at Tirimbina Lodge: sustainable lodging, wildlife encounters, and the country's longest suspension bridge.

    Tirimbina Lodge

    Frogs Heaven

    Explore the vibrant biodiversity of frogs at Frogs Heaven, an ecological sanctuary in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, dedicated to conservation and education.

    Frogs Heaven

    Selva Verde Lodge

    Immerse yourself in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforest at Selva Verde Lodge: Eco-friendly accommodations, thrilling adventures, and vibrant wildlife await.

    Selva Verde Lodge

    Costa Rica Best Chocolate

    Discover the journey from cacao bean to chocolate bar at this immersive Costa Rican chocolate experience in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.

    Costa Rica Best Chocolate

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Canopy Adventure Volcan Barva

    Discover adventure and nature at Canopy Adventure Volcan Barva, where zip lines and hiking trails reveal the beauty of Costa Rica's lush landscapes.

    Canopy Adventure Volcan Barva

    Hacienda Pozo Azul

    Experience Costa Rican adventure at Hacienda Pozo Azul: ziplining, rafting, horseback riding, and nature immersion in the heart of Sarapiquí's rainforest.

    Hacienda Pozo Azul

    Reserva biológica Tirimbina

    Explore the lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife at Tirimbina Biological Reserve, a nature preserve offering unforgettable eco-adventures and delicious local cuisine.

    Reserva biológica Tirimbina

    Frogs Heaven

    Explore the captivating world of frogs at Frogs Heaven, an eco-tourism gem in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, where nature and education unite.

    Frogs Heaven

    Costa Rica Best Chocolate

    Experience the delight of artisanal chocolate at Costa Rica Best Chocolate, where every bite tells the story of a rich culinary tradition.

    Costa Rica Best Chocolate

    Mirador Prendas

    Experience the stunning panoramic views at Mirador Prendas, a must-visit attraction in Costa Rica's lush Sarapiquí region.

    Mirador Prendas

    Pierella Ecological Garden

    Explore the captivating biodiversity of Pierella Ecological Garden, a serene nature preserve in Heredia, Costa Rica, ideal for nature lovers and families.

    Pierella Ecological Garden

    Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park

    Discover the vibrant biodiversity of Costa Rica at Dave & Dave's Nature Park, where adventure and education unite in a stunning natural setting.

    Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park

    La Selva Biological Station

    Explore La Selva Biological Station, a breathtaking nature preserve in Costa Rica, rich in biodiversity and perfect for adventure seekers and eco-enthusiasts.

    La Selva Biological Station

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Palí

    Discover Palí, the vibrant supermarket in Puerto Viejo offering local products and essentials for every traveler’s need.

    Palí

    Costa Rica Best Chocolate

    Discover the art of chocolate making at Costa Rica Best Chocolate in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, where flavor and education blend seamlessly.

    Costa Rica Best Chocolate

    Súper Mercado La Viña

    Experience the local flavors and vibrant culture at Súper Mercado La Viña, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí's quintessential supermarket.

    Súper Mercado La Viña

    Horquetas de Sarapiqui

    Experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Horquetas de Sarapiqui, a hidden gem in Costa Rica's Heredia Province.

    Horquetas de Sarapiqui

    Colono Construcción Sarapiquí

    Explore Colono Construcción Sarapiquí for all your building material needs—quality supplies, expert advice, and a wide selection await you!

    Colono Construcción Sarapiquí

    Hardware and Supplier Sarapiquí

    Discover an extensive selection of tools at Hardware and Supplier Sarapiquí, the essential stop for DIY enthusiasts and local craftsmen in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

    Hardware and Supplier Sarapiquí

    Copicentro Sarapiquí

    Explore Copicentro Sarapiquí, your essential shopping destination in Puerto Viejo for local goods and supplies.

    Copicentro Sarapiquí

    Almacén Y Ferretería Gonar

    Explore Almacén Y Ferretería Gonar for all your home and tool needs in Puerto Viejo, a local gem with friendly service and a wide selection.

    Almacén Y Ferretería Gonar

    Supermercado La Guaria Sarapiqui

    Explore local flavors and vibrant culture at Supermercado La Guaria Sarapiqui, your go-to destination for fresh produce and essential goods in Puerto Viejo.

    Supermercado La Guaria Sarapiqui

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    File:Costa rica arenal fortuna 2001 12.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    Destination guide

    More about Costa Rica

    Discover Costa Rica, where lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and incredible wildlife create a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

    Tell me more about Costa Rica
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    Explore Sarapiquí in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Jungle stream (La Selva Biological Station).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Rafting Sarapiqui river. Costa Rica.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    Bridge in rainforest 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K HD wallpapers free download |  Wallpaper Flare
    HD wallpaper: heliconie, helikonie, flower, blossom, bloom, heliconia, red  | Wallpaper Flare

    Planning another trip?

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