Best Landmarks in Southern Zone
Planning a trip to Southern Zone? Discover the best landmarks in Southern Zone with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in Southern Zone
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
35 landmarks
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National park4.5★21,082 reviews
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is a stunning fusion of lush rainforests and pristine beaches. This national park, located in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, offers visitors a chance to experience an unparalleled diversity of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventures. Perfect for a family day out or a romantic getaway, it's a must-visit destination for any tourist.
Mon 7:00–16:00 · Wed–Sun 7:00–16:00
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Park4.4★15,849 reviews
Plaza de la Cultura
The Plaza de la Cultura, located in the heart of downtown San José, is a bustling hub of Costa Rican life. This concrete plaza is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a taste of the city's vibrant culture. Surrounded by significant landmarks and filled with street performers and vendors, it's a must-see destination for anyone visiting San José.
Open 24 hours
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National park4.8★9,163 reviews
Parque Nacional Cahuita
Cahuita National Park, located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, is a stunning natural reserve known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and vibrant coral reefs. Established in 1970, the park protects a diverse range of flora and fauna, offering visitors a unique blend of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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Nature preserve4.6★8,677 reviews
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Traverse the lush rainforest canopy of Costa Rica at Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges. This nature preserve features six impressive suspension bridges, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and diverse wildlife. It's an immersive experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Daily 6:00–15:50
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National museum4.7★7,855 reviews
National Museum of Costa Rica
Housed in the historic Bellavista Fortress, the National Museum of Costa Rica in San José offers a comprehensive journey through the nation's history, from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Explore archaeological artifacts, historical exhibits, and a serene butterfly garden within the walls of this former military barracks.
Tue–Sat 8:30–16:30 · Sun 9:00–16:30
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National park4.6★6,554 reviews
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park, established in 1991, is a stunning protected area surrounding the iconic Arenal Volcano. Though the volcano's major eruptions ceased in 2010, the park offers diverse landscapes, from rainforests to lava fields, and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Daily 8:00–16:00
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Nature preserve4.5★4,999 reviews
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is a world-renowned natural sanctuary in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province. Established in 1972, this 26,000-acre reserve protects a fragile and diminishing ecosystem, showcasing an impressive density of biodiversity at 4,600 feet above sea level. Visitors can explore a network of trails, encountering unique flora and fauna amidst the ethereal mist of the cloud forest.
Daily 7:00–16:00
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National park4.6★3,663 reviews
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of Costa Rica's largest protected areas, offers a stunning landscape of high mountains, dense forests, and deep canyons. Established in 1978, the park is a haven for biodiversity, boasting over 6,000 plant species, 500 bird species, and 150 mammal species. Visitors can explore diverse habitats, from cloud forests to tropical rainforests, and experience the raw beauty of Costa Rica's natural heritage.
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National park4.7★3,132 reviews
Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja
Explore the raw beauty of Costa Rica's Rincón de la Vieja National Park, home to the active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Hike through diverse landscapes, witness geothermal wonders like bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, and discover the legend of Princess Curubanda, all within this captivating natural area in Guanacaste Province.
Tue–Sun 8:00–15:30
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Park4.7★2,993 reviews
Ruinas de Ujarrás
Explore the evocative Ruinas de Ujarrás, the remains of one of Costa Rica's oldest churches, dating back to the 16th century. Nestled in the Orosi Valley, these ruins offer a glimpse into the country's colonial past and a serene escape surrounded by lush gardens.
Daily 9:00–15:00
Cristo de La Misericordia
The Cristo de La Misericordia is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ overlooking San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Standing 134 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views and a tranquil space for reflection.
Daily 8:00–18:00
Parque Nacional Volcán Poás
Poás Volcano National Park, located in the Alajuela Province, is one of Costa Rica's most visited parks, offering breathtaking views of a massive active volcanic crater and unique cloud forest landscapes. Visitors can explore the main crater, an inactive crater lake, and learn about the area's history and ecology.
Daily 8:00–16:00
Samaná Farm
Samaná Farm, nestled in the hills of Las Nubes de Coronado, offers a delightful escape into Costa Rican culture and cuisine. This family-friendly destination boasts a restaurant, dairy farm, and various activities, all set against the backdrop of stunning views.
Wed–Sat 9:00–20:00 · Sun 9:00–19:00
Parque Nacional Los Quetzales
Los Quetzales National Park, southeast of San José, Costa Rica, is a mountainous rainforest known for its rich biodiversity and cloud forests. Established in 2006, the park is a prime location for bird watching, especially for spotting the Resplendent Quetzal, a near-threatened species.
Daily 8:00–16:00
Guayabo National Monument
Explore the intriguing Guayabo National Monument, Costa Rica's largest and most significant archaeological site. Discover the remains of a pre-Columbian city inhabited from 1000 BC to 1400 AD, featuring mounds, aqueducts, and petroglyphs, all set within a lush rainforest environment. Unravel the mysteries of this ancient civilization and its sudden disappearance.
Daily 8:00–15:30
Parque Nacional Corcovado
Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica's largest park and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It protects a vast array of ecosystems, from rainforests and beaches to mangrove swamps, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
Daily 7:00–16:00
Parque Arqueológico San Andrés
Explore the well-preserved ruins of San Andrés, a significant Mayan city in El Salvador that thrived between 600 and 900 AD. Wander through pyramids, plazas, and residential areas, and delve into the site's rich history at the on-site museum.
Tue–Sun 9:00–16:00
Catarata del Toro
Catarata del Toro is a stunning 90-meter waterfall plunging into an extinct volcanic crater, surrounded by a lush rainforest near Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica. It's known for its unique setting and vibrant scenery, offering a memorable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Mon–Sat 7:00–17:00
Parque Nacional Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica's first national park, protects the largest remaining tropical dry forest in Central America. It's also a site of historical significance, home to La Casona, where the Battle of Santa Rosa took place in 1856. The park offers diverse landscapes, from beaches to forests, and a rich array of wildlife.
Destinos La Lucha
Nestled in the mountains of Desamparados, Costa Rica, Destinos La Lucha offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. This hiking area features trails, a lake, and various outdoor activities, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and families alike.
Tue–Sun 9:00–16:30
Fortress of the Immaculate Conception
The Fortress of the Immaculate Conception, or El Castillo, is a well-preserved 17th-century Spanish colonial fortress in El Castillo, Nicaragua. Built in 1675, it stands as a historic sentinel on the San Juan River, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's colonial past and strategic importance.
Mon–Fri 8:00–17:00 · Sat–Sun 8:00–16:00
Trogon Lodge
Nestled in the Savegre Valley, Trogon Lodge offers a tranquil escape in the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. Renowned for its birdwatching, comfortable accommodations, and stunning natural surroundings, it's an ideal retreat for nature lovers seeking serenity and adventure.
Ecological Sanctuary
The Ecological Sanctuary in Monteverde offers an immersive experience in sustainable farming and conservation. Explore lush gardens, encounter local flora and fauna, and learn about organic practices. Enjoy guided tours, cooking classes, and coffee tastings in a serene, family-run environment.
Daily 7:00–17:00
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
Nestled in the Talamanca Mountains near San Gerardo de Dota, Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge offers a tranquil escape amidst Costa Rica's lush cloud forests. Founded by a Colombian-Dutch couple, this eco-lodge combines sustainable tourism with indigenous art and design, providing guests with a unique and immersive experience.
Paraiso Orgánico
Paraiso Orgánico is a family-owned organic farm in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, offering visitors an immersive experience in sustainable agriculture and Costa Rican rural life. Explore vibrant gardens, learn about eco-friendly farming practices, and enjoy hands-on experiences.
Daily 9:00–17:00
Cocos Island National Park Costa Rica
Cocos Island National Park, a remote Costa Rican island, is a world-renowned destination for experienced scuba divers. Its unique marine ecosystem teems with sharks, rays, and diverse marine life, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. The island also features a lush rainforest with stunning waterfalls.
Mon–Sat 8:00–17:00
Aquiares Coffee & Community Experience
Nestled in the lush mountains of Turrialba, Aquiares is the largest contiguous coffee farm in Costa Rica, offering immersive tours into the world of coffee production and community life. Visitors explore the coffee lifecycle, engage with the local community, and gain insights into Costa Rica's rich coffee culture.
Templo de la Música
The Templo de la Música, a neoclassical structure in San José's Parque Morazán, is a cultural and architectural landmark. Inspired by the Temple of Love in Versailles, it hosts concerts and events, reflecting Costa Rica's rich artistic heritage.
Organic Paradise Tour
Embark on a tractor-pulled journey through the lush, organic pineapple fields of Organic Paradise Tour in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica. Learn about sustainable farming practices, sample fresh pineapple, and savor the flavors of the region with a refreshing piña colada.
Daily 8:00–17:00
Irazú Volcano National Park
Ascend to the summit of Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica's highest active volcano, for otherworldly views of its craters and, on a clear day, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The park offers easy access to stunning volcanic landscapes and unique high-altitude flora.
Represa del lago Arenal
Arenal Lake, Costa Rica's largest lake, is a stunning man-made reservoir set against the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano. Created in the 1970s for hydroelectric power, it's now a prime destination for water sports, fishing, and wildlife viewing, offering breathtaking scenery and a tranquil escape.
Centro Geográfico de Costa Rica
The Centro Geográfico de Costa Rica, located in Heredia Province, marks the calculated geographical center of the country. Surrounded by Costa Rica's signature lush landscapes, it offers a tranquil and educational experience, inviting visitors to appreciate the country's natural beauty and learn about its geography.
Open 24 hours
La Concepción De León Cortés Costa Rica
La Concepción de León Cortés is a hauntingly beautiful ghost town in Costa Rica's San José Province. Once a vibrant community, it now stands as a silent testament to time, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Explore the crumbling ruins and overgrown paths, where nature intertwines with decaying architecture, creating a captivating and serene atmosphere.
Costa Rica (Caminos de Costa Rica)
Caminos de Costa Rica is a 280-kilometer hiking trail stretching across Costa Rica, from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Established in 2018, this trail offers a unique experience of the country's diverse landscapes and culture, promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities.
Open 24 hours
Centro de Costa Rica
Centro de Costa Rica, nestled in the Copey District of San José Province, is a historical landmark offering a serene escape into Costa Rica's past. Surrounded by lush landscapes, it provides a unique opportunity to connect with the country's heritage through its architecture and tranquil environment.
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