In search of the very best locations to remain in Costa Rica? We took a pleasant highway journey across the nation and checked out varied varieties of lodging. Boutique inns, all-inclusive resorts, villas, eco-lodges, and treehouses – Costa Rica has all of it! Selecting a spot to remain in Costa Rica actually comes right down to what you need out of your trip and the worth you might be keen to spend.
We stayed at nearly each worth level of lodging aside from hostels. Worth factors fluctuate lots by location, normally if inns are beachfront relatively than a number of blocks again makes a giant distinction. Then there are off-grid properties within the rainforest that may demand the next fee given they’ve might have larger prices.
In the event you’re trying to sit back in Costa Rica it’s your decision an all-inclusive expertise relatively than a spot you need to pay per meal. We break down the very best locations to remain in Costa Rica and the very best areas to remain in Costa Rica right here beneath.
The Finest Locations to Keep in Costa Rica: Areas
Costa Rica is a comparatively massive nation with loads of totally different areas every providing one thing totally different for vacationers. A number of the coolest locations to remain in Costa Rica are:
Nosara Seaside – Nice for Browsing and Yoga.Coco Seaside – Seashores & Nightlife.Puerto Viejo – Laid-Again Vibe.Guanacaste – Probably the greatest locations to remain in Costa Rica for beachesSanta Teresa – Surf, yoga, seashore capital Manuel Antonia – Wildlife hotspot and nice for surfingJaco – Nice for Browsing and Fishing/Expat CommunitySan Jose – Excellent for those who need metropolis facilities.Monteverde – Waterfalls and rainforests, ecotourismLa Fortuna – Volcanoes and Jungle
How one can Get Round Costa Rica
There are a number of methods to get round Costa Rica, and the best choice for you’ll rely in your particular wants and preferences. Some choices to contemplate embrace:
Hire a automotive: Renting a automotive is an effective choice if you need the liberty to discover the nation at your personal tempo. Nonetheless, it may be costly, and the roads in Costa Rica could be fairly tough in sure areas, so that you’ll want a sturdy car. Verify rental automotive charges right here. Take the bus: The bus system in Costa Rica is pretty in depth, and it’s an inexpensive method to get round. Nonetheless, the buses could be crowded and never all the time comfy, and the schedules could be unpredictable.Rent a personal driver: If you’d like a extra comfy and personalised method to see the nation, you may rent a personal driver or e book a guided tour. This may be dearer, however it may be price it for the comfort and added consolation.Fly: In the event you’re brief on time or need to cowl a number of floor shortly, it’s possible you’ll need to take into account flying between locations. There are a number of home airways (like Avianca Costa Rica), and flights could be comparatively cheap in the event you e book prematurely.
Total, one of the simplest ways to get round Costa Rica will rely in your finances, the period of time you have got, and your private preferences. It’s a good suggestion to do a little analysis and take into account all your choices earlier than making a call.
What Forms of Properties Can You Keep in Costa Rica?
There are a selection of properties obtainable for rental, every provides a number of the finest locations to remain in Costa Rica.
Motels and resorts: These properties supply luxurious and comfy lodging with a variety of facilities, corresponding to spas, eating places, and swimming pools.Trip properties: Trip properties are a well-liked choice for households and teams touring collectively. These properties typically include a full kitchen and outside house. You’ll be able to e book very luxurious trip properties on Airbnb.Villas: Villas are sometimes massive, luxurious properties that provide privateness, house, and loads of facilities.Eco-lodges: These properties are designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable, providing company a novel and immersive expertise in nature. Eco Lodges are prevalent in Costa Rica and you’ll find them scattered throughout the nation, particularly within the cloud forest and on the Osa Peninsula. Hostels: Hostels are a budget-friendly choice for vacationers who need to lower your expenses on lodging. These properties typically supply shared rooms, dormitory-style lodging, and primary facilities. These are typically not the very best locations to remain in Costa Rica except you might be on a finances, or wish to meet folks in a communal surroundings. Cabins: Cabins are best for individuals who need to expertise the nice outdoor, with many cabins in Costa Rica positioned close to nationwide parks or different pure sights.Treehouses: Costa Rica has some fairly superior treehouse lodging if you’re in search of a novel keep.
The Finest Locations to Keep in Costa Rica
Three Sixty Boutique Lodge, Ojochal
For the very best views in all of Costa Rica from a lodge, or maybe the very best on this planet, you need to cease by Lodge Three Sixty. Set on prime of a hill in the course of the rainforest, the ultra-modern boutique lodge options uncovered beams, an enormous pool with 360-degree views of the ocean and jungle, and splendid rooms with high-quality linen and excessive def Bluetooth audio system.
In our opinion, it’s among the finest locations to remain in Costa Rica for {couples} because it’s secluded and romantic. Lodge Three Sixty is a part of the Small Luxurious Lodge group, and for a very good purpose.
It’s undoubtedly intimate and splendid, and the rooms are among the many most comfy we stayed in Costa Rica. That includes high-speed WiFi, a tv, king-size plush beds, bathrobes, and wonderful balconies.
Being the best institution round, you get each dawn and sundown right here. We visited within the offseason however have been instructed that individuals come from the entire space to look at the sundown over the ocean from the outside bar when it’s busy.
Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula
Lapa Rios is well among the finest resorts in Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula is likely one of the finest areas to remain in Costa Rica, particularly for wildlife. Lapa Rios is likely one of the pioneers of ecotourism in Costa Rica and certain some of the well-known lodges within the nation.
It’s among the finest locations to remain in Costa Rica for households. It’s positioned within the Osa Peninsula and is taken into account some of the biodiverse areas on this planet.
All of the rooms right here have outside showers, personal decks with improbable views, and display screen partitions permitting for the sounds of nature to enter the room. This isn’t the place you come to if you need air con and televisions. Quite Lapa Rios is a sanctuary for nature lovers who need to immerse themselves into the Costa Rican jungle. It’s an exquisite eco-lodge in Costa Rica to journey to and fully disconnect for some time.
This property is a part of the well-reputed Cayuga Assortment. They’ve a number of the finest guides within the nation work right here, and there are all types of excursions to suit everybody’s wants. We personally spent our two days right here on evening walks scouting uncommon frogs, dawn hen watching, waterfall trekking, and guided hikes to see the howler monkeys.
Finca Bellavista, Piedras Blancas
Finca Bellavista is likely one of the most original and coolest locations to remain in Costa Rica. This eco-community is about in the course of the Costa Rican jungle alongside the Pacific Coast. It’s a shocking observe of secondary and first forest with a community of mountain climbing trails to discover by yourself.
Rooms right here come within the type of treehouses unfold all through the forest, some an hour-plus hike from the principle lodge, be sure you e book accordingly.
The entire neighborhood is off the grid and runs on solar energy. Company must be ready to be fairly self-sufficient when visiting, though there’s a primary kitchen dishing up tasty Costa Rican classics for individuals who don’t need to cook dinner.
With a down-to-earth vibe, it attracts a clientele searching for digital detox and good dialog. Treehouses begin at $100 an evening, meals not included, however you’ll have entry to their wonderful grounds and mountain climbing.
Casitas Tenorio, Bijagua
Casticas is a set of casitas which can be eco-friendly and unfold amongst a hamlet of major rainforest. This mattress and breakfast is family-run and really energetic within the rural neighborhood. We beloved the rooms, murals, and the situation of Casitas Tenorio. As quickly as I walked into our lovely casita, I instructed Cameron that that is what I needed my home to seem like.
There are solely a choose variety of casitas making the expertise very quiet. There’s no WiFi or tv right here, however there are nice views over the jungle, so be sure to convey a e book and a yoga mat and benefit from the serenity.
The attractive little property can also be house to a couple sloths and tons of birds, which the proprietor Donald was variety sufficient to point out us on a brief tour. Ensure to rise up early within the morning to participate of their farm tour! Charges begin at $120 an evening, breakfast included.
Villa Beuna Onda, Guanacaste
Nonetheless questioning the place to remain in Costa Rica? Why not a personal seashore villa! Villa Buena Onda is an all-inclusive adult-only villa that sits excessive above Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste. There are solely eight rooms on this massive villa so the setting is intimate and personal.
It’s excellent for honeymooners or grownup household getaways. The pool and swim-up bar present beautiful sunsets over the shoreline.
In the event you dangle round right here at evening to look at the sundown, you’ll additionally get an opportunity to drink a cocktail throughout their pleased hour. Rooms are sizable and really comfy, with all the trendy facilities you possibly can want. It’s all-inclusive, with attentive workers serving to these trying to unwind in Guanacaste.
This property is just not inside strolling distance to the seashore, however they supply complimentary shuttles must you want to stroll on the Costa Rican sand. Charges begin at $225 per particular person an evening, all-inclusive.
El Silencio Lodge, Bajos Del Toro
This eco-lodge includes a personal cloud forest reserve with a number of mountain climbing trails and actions. The rooms are a collection of villas nestled alongside a hillside, every that includes a personal deck, morning espresso supply, and a sizzling tub. Charges begin at $500 an evening, meals and actions not included. I gained’t go into a lot element right here as a result of we wrote a whole put up on the Costa Rican eco-lodge.
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4 Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Papagayo
It’s the abundance of facilities and issues to do, luxurious lodging and farm-to-table delicacies, that makes the 4 Seasons Resort Costa Rica among the finest locations to remain in Costa Rica.
Located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Peninsula Papagayo, this large resort is surrounded by a tropical panorama that enables for a lot of adventures, together with ziplining, browsing and mountain climbing.
On-site facilities embrace 4 swimming swimming pools, a spa, a health heart, tennis courts, a golf course and a number of other eateries together with an Italian restaurant and a Latin grill. Take pleasure in a novel eating expertise that mixes scrumptious meals with stargazing by way of a strong telescope.
The Gilded Iguana, Nosara
Nosara is a famend trip vacation spot in Costa Rica, significantly for the browsing and yoga neighborhood, and The Gilded Iguana has been on the heart of tourism within the space for the reason that late Eighties. This eco-friendly property provides direct entry to iconic Playa Guiones and plenty of facilities.
Take pleasure in a complimentary breakfast, an outside pool, spa, surf classes and a restaurant and bar recognized for its inventive cocktails and recent Mediterranean-Costa Rican fusion delicacies. The situation could also be rugged and pure however the lodging are luxurious with indoor and outside showers and outside residing areas.
W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, Guanacaste
Situated on the Papagayo Peninsula, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is a five-star lodge that’s solely a one-minute stroll from a phenomenal seashore. Your room or suite at this stunning property includes a sitting space and personal balcony. Property facilities embrace a health heart, swimming swimming pools, a spa, a sauna, tennis courts and three eating places.
A buffet breakfast is served every morning and the lodge is pet-friendly so your furry good friend can be part of you. Take care of some rest and rejuvenation on the seashore? How does seashore yoga sound?
Andaz Costa Rica Resort, Papagayo
Andaz Costa Rica Resort is a beachfront property located in a jungle space close to Culebra. Once you keep in a room right here, you’ll have wonderful views of the luxurious greenery surrounding the property or the glowing blue Pacific Ocean.
On-site, you’ll discover two swimming swimming pools, a number of eating places and bars, a gymnasium, tennis courts, a steam room, a zipline and a spa providing varied therapies together with massages, scrubs, aromatherapy and facials. A complimentary bicycle rental service can also be provided so you may simply discover the world.
Tulemar Resort, Quepos
Non-public, secluded, luxurious and surrounded by pristine nature. That is the 33-acre Tulemar Resort in world-renowned Manuel Antonio. Quite a lot of lodging choices can be found together with bungalows, casas and personal homes.
This stunning property, which incorporates stunning rainforest, gardens, strolling trails and direct entry to a sandy seashore, options 4 swimming swimming pools, a spa, a tour desk and free use of boogie boards and sea kayaks. There are a number of wonderful eating places and bars on-site together with one serving gourmand Italian fare.
Rancho Pacifico, Uvita
As an adults-only boutique lodge, Rancho Pacifico is the proper place to get away from on a regular basis life and sit back in a spectacular rainforest location in Puntarenas province. Right here, the mountains meet the ocean and also you’ll take pleasure in beautiful views from nearly anyplace.
Whether or not you determine to remain in one of many villas, treehouses, or suites, you’ll loosen up within the lap of luxurious.
Spend the day on the on-site full spa, take a hike by way of the rainforest, assist endangered sea turtles, or head to one of many beautiful seashores within the space. When starvation strikes, take pleasure in recent, native meals on the oceanfront restaurant and lounge.
Begin your days with a complimentary breakfast and sit back within the night with one of many well-known pineapple basil martinis that the resort is understood for.
Bahia del Sol Seaside Entrance Boutique Lodge, Guanacaste
Bahia del Sol Seaside Entrance Boutique Lodge is positioned in Guanacaste Province and this lodge has many highlights together with its location on stunning Potrero Seaside. Take pleasure in on-site entry to an outside pool, a Jacuzzi, a spa and an Italian restaurant.
The outside of the property is surrounded by tropical gardens the place you would possibly spot a number of the native wildlife. The spacious visitor rooms are additionally surrounded by lush greenery and a few very previous bushes that make it really feel such as you’re sleeping in a tropical rainforest.
Lodge Esperanza, Nicoya
Situated on the distant and delightful Nicoya Peninsula, Lodge Esperanza provides an incredible location that’s solely minutes away from Playa Carrillo Seaside. The luxurious rooms are fully-equipped and have Roman showers.
On-site, you’ll take pleasure in entry to a pool, a restaurant and a spa the place you may loosen up with a therapeutic massage within the backyard. You’ll be able to e book many adventures by way of this lodge, together with kayaking, windsurfing and volcano excursions. Make sure to seize some complimentary breakfast to start out your day.
Lodge Nantipa, Santa Teresa
In the event you’re in search of an opulent expertise the place you’re surrounded by the ocean, nature and limitless issues to see and do, look no additional than Lodge Nantipa in stunning Santa Teresa. This beachfront lodge has bungalows and villas that characteristic hammocks, Good TVs and eating areas.
The property has a swimming pool and delightful gardens. In the event you can wait till nightfall, dinner at Nantipa’s restaurant with views of the solar taking place over the ocean is all the time an unforgettable expertise.
Finca Rosa Blanca Espresso Farm and Inn, Santa Bárbara
Situated in Santa Barbara, Finca Rosa Blanca Farm and Inn close to the capital metropolis of San Jose is an incredible place to remain for a novel, quintessential Costa Rican expertise. Not solely do you get to take pleasure in luxurious lodging in your selection of villa, suite, or studio that includes stunning paintings, however you’ll additionally take pleasure in a location surrounded by pristine nature and an natural espresso farm that you would be able to discover.
Oh and, sure, you get to take pleasure in genuine Costa Rican espresso together with your farm-to-table meals. This property has been voted among the finest 100 inns on this planet, too.
Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa, Uvita
With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, rainforest environment and a secluded location in Uvita, Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa is an adults-only boutique property the place you’ll loosen up in peaceable luxurious.
Plenty of stunning seashores are close by however in the event you’re not within the temper to wander off-site, you may take pleasure in a calming soak within the infinity pool surrounded by tropical palm bushes.
The on-site spa is about as distinctive because it will get as a result of it incorporates a river into its rejuvenating therapies. The ocean or jungle view villas characteristic floor-to-ceiling home windows and personal terraces and the on-site restaurant focuses on Indigenous delicacies utilizing solely native, natural components.
Makanda by The Sea Lodge Adults Solely, Quepos
Located alongside the ocean in Quepos, Makanda by the Sea Lodge is a classy and splendid property the place you’ll discover super-spacious suites with beautiful views, plush bathrobes, Nespresso machines and personal, oceanfront balconies.
The property itself is house to one of many nation’s most stunning infinity swimming pools, a spa providing many therapies, a whirlpool tub and the Arbol Restaurant which serves scrumptious, fashionable delicacies utilizing the freshest components obtainable.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort Peace Lodge, La Fortuna
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort Peace Lodge in La Fortuna is a novel and splendid place to remain solely a brief distance away from the mighty Arenal Volcano. This boutique lodge includes a pure surroundings and is house to many facilities together with a sauna, a freshwater swimming pool and a number of other eating places and bars.
Whereas all these items are nice, it’s the new spring amenities that attract most individuals. Take pleasure in entry to 2 sizzling spring swimming pools and a number of other sizzling spring Jacuzzis the place you may loosen up in mineral-rich waters. You’ll additionally begin every morning with a scrumptious complimentary breakfast.
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal, La Fortuna
Views of the long-lasting Arenal Volcano, a gourmand buffet restaurant, 5 waterfall swimming pools, an opulent spa with sizzling springs, a sizzling tub and a sauna. Appears like paradise, proper?
That is The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal and it additionally has a number of different eating places, greater than a dozen outside swimming pools, mountain climbing trails and a sushi bar. The rooms are wonderful too. Loosen up in well-equipped lodging surrounded by views of the Arenal Valley.
Akwa Resorts Ocean View, Santa Teresa
Located solely a number of hundred meters away from a seashore in Santa Teresa, Akwa Resorts Ocean View provides a wide range of lodging choices surrounded by nature. Whether or not you select to remain in one of many villas, lodges, or rooms, you’ll all the time have unimaginable views of the Pacific Ocean.
The perfect half is that every one comes geared up with a personal pool. On-site, you’ll additionally discover stunning outside residing areas.
Congo Bongo EcoVillage Costa Rica, Limón Province
Congo Bongo EcoVillage, which is located within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge in Manzanillo, is a family-run and family-friendly property with eight trip properties obtainable to hire.
Inside strolling distance, you’ll discover a nature space and a secluded sandy seashore. Inside the gorgeous properties, you’ll discover an array of facilities together with complimentary Wi-Fi service, sitting areas, laundry amenities and fully-equipped kitchens. A few of them even have a patio or balcony with views of the close by river.
Ecolirios Boutique Lodge and Spa, Guacimo
In the event you’re searching for a quiet boutique lodge with all of the providers and facilities you’d count on in a calming Costa Rica trip, Ecolirios Boutique Lodge and Spa is a beautiful property positioned in a beautiful space of Guacimo in Limon Province.
The rooms characteristic free Wi-Fi service and bathrobes, and your selection of continental or a la carte breakfast is included together with your keep. On-site, you’ll discover a swimming pool, a restaurant and a beautiful backyard. Complimentary bicycle leases can be found so you may discover the world with ease.
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens, Tortuguero
Located in a phenomenal location surrounded by a river, rainforest and tropical gardens, Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is a famend lodge distinctive from another within the nation. Tranquility and rest await in elegant visitor rooms that includes river views, personal terraces and turn-down service.
Rain boots, umbrellas and strolling sticks to your rainforest adventures may also be discovered within the rooms and the on-site hammocks present a calming sanctuary. The Inexperienced Turtle Restaurant serves fashionable dishes utilizing recent, native components. The lodge can prepare a wide range of adventures together with kayaking journeys, nature hikes and excursions to turtle nesting websites.
Villas en el Bosque, Ojochal
Villas en el Bosque is a tropical sanctuary in Ojochal with easy accessibility to stunning Tortuga Seaside. Throughout the property is unspoiled rainforest so that you can discover and the on-site facilities embrace a swimming pool, a spa and a restaurant that serves a sizzling breakfast each morning.
The boutique villas are luxurious and are available varied sizes and kinds however every one has top-quality bedding and complimentary Wi-Fi service.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, Manuel Antonio
As the one luxurious property in Manuel Antonio, Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort has a lot to supply in the best way of facilities and providers to make sure you have a memorable expertise in Costa Rica.
This resort has direct entry to a seashore and as you discover the Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, you’ll possible see wildlife together with monkeys and sloths.
On-site, you’ll discover two swimming swimming pools, a wellness heart and a beachfront restaurant serving scrumptious meals made with the freshest native components obtainable. The rooms and suites have unimaginable views and have free Wi-Fi, natural toiletries, rainfall showers, minibars, tea and low amenities and air con.
Locations to Keep in Costa Rica Map
When is the Finest Season to Journey to Costa Rica?
Dry Season (Late November to Late April)
Contradictory of excessive season in North America, Costa Rica celebrates its finest climate throughout the North American winter. The excessive season in Costa Rica is the dry season. From late November to April you’ll get little rainfall to spoil your vacation.
That is good and unhealthy. Clearly, nobody likes rain on their vacation, nevertheless it additionally implies that the whole lot gained’t be practically as lush as within the moist season. It’s throughout this time you’ll discover larger costs, and lodging choices reserving up quick. Superior bookings are beneficial.
Wet Season (Might to November)
Also known as the inexperienced season, that is when the rain falls in Costa Rica. Might is the start of the wet season with peak rainfall occurring in September and dying again down come to mid-November. The wet season means decrease costs and fewer vacationers.
Nonetheless, you need to journey with a rain jacket as chances are high excessive you’ll get rained on. The plus aspect is the whole lot is inexperienced and beautiful. We traveled to Costa Rica throughout the center of Might and did get rained on no less than as soon as a day, however nonetheless noticed loads of sunshine and had a improbable time nonetheless! Rain within the jungles of Costa Rica is so picturesque!
Fast Costa Rica Journey Ideas
Foreign money: Costa Rica ColónVisa: Many nationalities can enter Costa Rica for 90 days visa-freeWhat to Pack: Good mountain climbing footwear, a showering swimsuit, rain jacket, and rain boots. See our full Costa Rica packing checklist right here.Keep Linked: We suggest Sim Playing cards from both Kolbi, Movistar, or Claro. Sim playing cards could be bought on the town facilities Finest Areas to Keep in Costa Rica? I’d extremely recommend spending time within the cloud forest, Guanacaste, and the Osa Peninsula.
What to Pack for Costa Rica
Questioning what to put on in Costa Rica? We have been too earlier than we landed in San Jose in the course of the evening. Costa Rica might seem like a small nation, nevertheless it’s truly a land of various climates, terrains, and temperatures.
With this Costa Rica packing checklist you’ll have the ability to pack the proper issues in your suitcase so that you don’t find yourself with pointless gadgets, or worse, discovering you forgot one thing necessary.
Costa Rica Journey Planning Sources
Packing Information — Take a look at our Costa Rica packing checklist to assist pack your baggage and make sure you don’t depart something at house.Hire a Automotive — We recommend most guests take into account renting a automotive for the very best journey doable. Strive Uncover Automotive Rent to check quotes from totally different rental businesses. Verify Worth Right here!Shield Your Journey — Don’t overlook to buy journey insurance coverage! We all the time carry journey insurance coverage to guard us from damage, theft, or a canceled journey. Strive HeyMondo for aggressive short-term plans.Excursions in Costa Rica — Take a look at our checklist of the very best excursions you may take pleasure in in Costa Rica!Journey Adapter – Be sure to discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.
