Our guide on the Weirdest Places to Visit in Costa Rica for your next travels.
Costa Rica is well-known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, but it also has some truly bizarre and unique attractions.
If you’re looking for unusual and offbeat experiences in this tropical paradise, here’s a guide to the weirdest places to visit in Costa Rica.
By exploring these weird and wonderful destinations, you’ll discover a different side of Costa Rica that’s as intriguing as it is unforgettable.
Read here Things to know before visiting Costa Rica, 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary and best Costa Rica Sim card for tourist
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Tips for Visiting Weird Places in Costa Rica
Plan Ahead: Some locations, like Isla del Coco or Barra Honda caves, require permits or guided tours.
Bring the Right Gear: Sturdy shoes, rain jackets, and insect repellent are essential for many of these spots.
Respect Nature and Culture: Costa Rica emphasizes conservation and cultural respect, so follow local guidelines.
Be Open-Minded: Embrace the quirks and enjoy the offbeat charm of these unique places.
Weirdest Places to Visit in Costa Rica
1. Río Celeste Waterfall
What It Is:
A vibrant turquoise river and waterfall located in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Why It’s Weird:
The water’s otherworldly blue color is caused by a natural chemical reaction between volcanic minerals.
Where:
Tenorio Volcano National Park, Guanacaste Province.
Must-See:
The point where two clear rivers meet to form the striking blue Río Celeste, called “El Tenidero.”
2. Stone Spheres of the Diquís
What It Is:
Perfectly round stone spheres, some weighing up to 15 tons, scattered across Costa Rica.
Why It’s Weird:
Their origins and purpose remain a mystery, though they are believed to be pre-Columbian artifacts.
Where:
Palmar Sur, Osa Peninsula.
Must-See:
The Stone Spheres Museum in Palmar Sur, which showcases these enigmatic relics.
3. Isla del Coco (Cocos Island)
What It Is:
A remote island often referred to as the real-life inspiration for Jurassic Park.
Why It’s Weird:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for marine biodiversity and shrouded in pirate legends, including tales of buried treasure.
Where:
Pacific Ocean, about 550 kilometers off the coast.
Must-See:
Incredible diving spots featuring hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks.
4. Monteverde’s Bat Jungle
What It Is:
An educational and interactive bat sanctuary featuring live bats in flight.
Why It’s Weird:
The exhibit showcases bats’ nocturnal behavior up close, with some species flying freely in their enclosure.
Where:
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Must-See:
Guided tours explaining bat echolocation and their vital ecological roles.
5. Tortuguero Village
A remote village accessible only by boat or plane, known for its sea turtle nesting grounds.
Why It’s Weird:
Its isolation and the seasonal arrival of thousands of nesting turtles create a surreal experience.
Where:
Caribbean Coast, Limón Province.
Must-See:
The turtle nesting season (July to October) and nighttime turtle tours.
6. The Maleku Indigenous Reserve
What It Is:
A preserved area where visitors can learn about the traditions, language, and culture of the Maleku people.
Why It’s Weird:
It’s a window into a world vastly different from modern Costa Rican life, with unique rituals and crafts.
Where:
Northern Costa Rica, near Arenal Volcano.
Must-See:
Traditional Maleku handicrafts and ceremonial sites.
7. Poás Volcano Crater
What It Is:
One of the largest and most accessible volcanic craters in the world.
Why It’s Weird:
Its crater lake is one of the most acidic on Earth, creating an alien-like environment.
Where:
Poás Volcano National Park, Alajuela Province.
Must-See:
The bubbling, steaming crater and its unique green-hued acidic lake.
8. The Cemetery of Nicoya
What It Is:
A cemetery featuring brightly colored, elaborately decorated graves.
Why It’s Weird:
The vibrant tombs celebrate life and the afterlife, offering a stark contrast to somber cemeteries elsewhere.
Where:
Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste Province.
Must-See:
The intricate grave decorations and their cultural significance.
9. The UFO Bridge (Puente de los OVNIs)
What It Is:
A small pedestrian bridge with a UFO-shaped sculpture at its center.
Why It’s Weird:
The quirky design has led to local legends about alien encounters.
Where:
Grecia, Alajuela Province.
Must-See:
Snap a photo with the UFO sculpture for a fun, offbeat souvenir.
10. Chirripó’s “Los Crestones” Rock Formations
What It Is:
Peculiar rock formations that appear like giant fingers reaching into the sky.
Why It’s Weird:
These surreal formations are a highlight of the challenging hike to Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó.
Where:
Chirripó National Park, Talamanca Range.
Must-See:
Stunning sunrise views over the unique rock formations.
11. The Pink Lagoon (Las Salinas)
What It Is:
A lagoon with pink-hued water caused by algae and minerals.
Why It’s Weird:
Its vivid pink color makes it look like a scene from another planet.
Where:
Near Puntarenas, on the Pacific Coast.
Must-See:
The lagoon at sunset when the pink tones are most vibrant.
12. The Haunted Sanatorio Durán
What It Is:
An abandoned sanatorium that’s said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients.
Why It’s Weird:
Its decaying buildings and eerie atmosphere have made it a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts.
Where:
Cartago Province, near Irazú Volcano.
Must-See:
Explore the graffiti-covered walls and hear local ghost stories.
13. The Whale Tail at Marino Ballena National Park
What It Is:
A sandbar that forms the shape of a whale’s tail when viewed from above.
Why It’s Weird:
The area is also a hotspot for humpback whale watching, adding to the surreal experience.
Where:
Uvita, Puntarenas Province.
Must-See:
Visit during low tide to walk along the tail-shaped sandbar.
14. The Secret Caves of Barra Honda
What It Is:
A network of limestone caves with intricate stalactites and stalagmites.
Why It’s Weird:
Some caves have unique acoustics, creating an eerie echo as you explore.
Where:
Barra Honda National Park, Guanacaste Province.
Must-See:
The Terciopelo Cave, accessible with a guide.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.