Witness incredible biodiversity and spot the Resplendent Quetzal, or explore the cloud forest by night and seek out armadillos and sloths! When staying in Tamarindo, arguably the best city in Costa Rica, you’re going to want to stay as close to the beach as possible! A province in northwestern Costa Rica, Guanacaste boasts pristine white sandy beaches and a … There’s also a tranquil garden to enjoy. The hostel has their own private surf instructor and plenty of surfboards to rent. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Backpacking Costa Rica can be a real blast. When looking to avoid cracking open that beloved piggy bank, staying in San José is definitely the way to go! Manuel Antonio is an especially intriguing destination. This field guide will certainly help you make sense of the bird populations in Costa Rica. It’s a beautiful hotel that has two large outdoor pools with plenty of sunbeds. There are also abundant rainforests and mangroves in the area— so you and your sweetheart will love exploring the land and the sea! Answer 1 of 11: I'm booking my trip to Costa Rica here soon and need to figure out the best area to stay for lodging whether it be hotel or airbnb. Hit up the big waves at Hermosa Beach or take in the interesting gray-sand beach of Jacó Beach too! What to Do in Costa Rica It is a remote village, not a crazy tourist hub and therefore one of the safest areas in Costa Rica. We work hard to put out the best backpacker resources on the web, for free! Manuel Antonio – Where to stay in Costa Rica for couples. The best area to stay in Costa Rica is a matter of personal preference, though you’ll need to do some research before making your decision. ... Was one of the hotels in front of the beach with the bar in one of the best areas in Jaco! Monteverde is a little bit of a tourist hotspot, so be aware that this small misty town is filled with lots of foreign visitors too! It doesn’t matter which beach, as long as you’re close to the shore you are sure to have a blast! This is hands down the best city in Costa Rica to visit when traveling with your family! There is a reason half the population lives in the metro area. Customized Costa Rica Vacations, since 1999. This beautiful hotel offers private villas and a beautiful pool! It’s a cute hostel that has a beautiful outside garden with their own coconut and mango trees! Top 8 Best Beach Towns Costa Rica 1. You’ll be just a 200 meter walk down to the ocean and will love sitting out on the balcony watching the views below. When you’re staying at arguably the best beach town in Costa Rica, you’re going to obviously want to stay close to those amazing beaches. In February 2014, sport-fishers everywhere were astounded when an albino marlin was caught in Costa Rica. The city of San José is not particularly beautiful in itself and it does unfortunately have some unsafe areas. Manuel Antonio is probably the best equipped for such an event. Costa Rica is an incredible country to visit filled with spectacular biodiversity, pristine beaches, and colossal adventure opportunities! And the better beaches are not the closest ones to the city. I know it also depends on what you want to do as well. More information. Jaco is the easiest beach to access from the Central Valley, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Home » Central America » Costa Rica » Where to Stay. This is definitely one of Jaco’s best hostels! As you wind through the canals, you will likely start to see some of the many animals that call the area home. With sea turtle nesting, early morning canal tours, and walks through the national park, the opportunities for enjoying nature go on and on. Expect Caribbean flair and colors and incredible street art! Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, just southwest of San José, Jacó is known for its epic surfing spots and raucous nightlife! Famous for great waves, it’s a funky surf town with plenty of expats, eateries, and happening nightlife. With almost unlimited activities to take part in, including some uncommon but great options like Santa Juana and Damas Island, there is no shortage of options. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Known for its hippie vibe and a coastline free from commercialization, Nosara is the land of … This is not a Bay area city, but it is a great place to live. Plus, there is a Wildlife Refuge center and even a jaguar rescue center in the area that is absolutely incredible to tour! Home to breathtaking rainforests, pristine beaches, and the infectious motto: ‘Pura Vida’, Costa Rica is a dream destination for many. Costa Rica is packed with more species than many places on earth combined. Additionally, each day there is a free two to three hour long walking tour of the city. For luxury accommodations, no one can compare to the all-inclusive, beachfront Westin at Playa Conchal. Tamarindo – Overall Best Place to Stay in Costa Rica, Drake Bay – Best Place to Stay in Costa Rica For Families, Puerto Viejo – Most Romantic Place to Stay in Costa Rica for Couples, Monteverde – Coolest Place to Stay in Costa Rica, San José – Where to Stay in Costa Rica on a Budget, Montezuma – One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano – Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Adventure, Jacó – Where to Stay in Costa Rica on the Beach, Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Costa Rica, pack accordingly for your Costa Rica trip, The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica. And since you won’t be staying in the city center, you can expect a more tranquil beach experience. Narrowing down the best vacation places in Costa Rica is a difficult task, so we’ve done our best to condense each location into an easy-to-digest guide of the sights, sounds, and adventures that await. FINCA ROSA BLANCA RESORT (Heredia) Quality: 5 Stars / Budget: $$$ In the hills above San José, … The Best places to live in Costa Rica including five top expat havens where you can live in your dream in this beautiful country and take advantage of all it. Turtle tour: Tortuguero is the best site in Costa Rica to see Green Turtles and Leatherbacks. When you want to stay in Costa Rica it isn’t worth going to a mediocre hotel or resort. There is also a supermarket just across the street if you need to pick up any sundry items on your trip! If you’re willing to indulge in a little bit more expensive of a stay, Hotel Nya is for you! It offers a stunning rugged N ational Rainforest Park that is walking distance from most locations. Hotel Nya is a stunning modern hotel that offers guests a truly comfortable stay. Surfing during a lesson or on your own is at the top of most people’s agendas, but the list goes on from there. You can get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the local culture and agricultural traditions in the charming small towns of Costa Rica. Puntarenas is great for a surfer’s, snorkeler’s or diver’s vacation. The beaches and coasts are not the best place for Snorkeling in Costa Rica. Whether you’re attracted to particular Monteverde Cloud Forest hotels, or simply enjoy the foggy and mysterious greenery on offer in the north-central highlands of Costa Rica, Monteverde is an alluring destination, particularly if you want to beat the heat. Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS! Hotel Claro de Luna is a beautiful hotel that offers guests a tranquil stay. Consider Jaco Beach for a quieter area. It houses some of the best of Costa Rica beaches’ hotels. While staying closer to the national parks in the area is an exciting option to consider, when traveling on a romantic getaway, I always think it’s better to stay close to the beach! the cloud forest, this one-of-a-kind ecosystem, Frog Pond, Butterfly Garden and Serpentarium, The Osa Peninsula is the most remote area of the country. No, definitely do not stay in San Jose for your whole trip. This scenic location offers some of the finest dining cuisine along with a plenty of water based sports including kayaking and sports fishing. Select the Costa Rica vacation package that suits you best. Visitors will love discovering and learning about the rainforest and all its creatures. The staff will pick you up and drop you off at the harbor and are happy to take you to all the pick up points for excursions. It’s no ordinary breakfast either! Nature lovers will be in paradise here as the region has the highest number of orchids in the world, as well as being a stop for many migratory birds. He is an advocate for off-beat responsible travel and the preservation of the world's wild places and spaces. Soaking up the sun is definitely a priority here! San Jose is often skipped over as visitors are in a rush to get to more nature-oriented destinations, but those looking for a vibrant city experience with culture-rich museums, theaters, and great dining will enjoy a few days here. Culture can be found everywhere you look, albeit in different capacities. These places have natural hot springs, Volcano Views, Beachfront Local, and the greatest amenities known to man. Best area to stay in San José de Costa Rica. Additionally, what makes Montezuma the most unique place to stay in Costa Rica, is its bohemian vibes and abundance of artists living there! Beach towns like Santa Teresa and Nosara dot the coastline and are a hub for yogis, surfers, and backpackers. Kayaking, sailing, rafting, diving, and seasonal fishing round out the water sports, and then of course you can hop on an ATV, go horseback riding, or try zip lining, just to name a few. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Whether you need to purify the water from a hostel sink in Kathmandu or a stream trickle in the Andes, the Geopress has got you covered. Families will love visiting the Frog Pond, Butterfly Garden and Serpentarium, and, of course, there are other fun activities like visiting a dairy farm, coffee tours, horseback riding, and hanging brides that everyone will love. Located in the cloud forest, this one-of-a-kind ecosystem will leave you filled with wonder. Make sure to pack accordingly for your Costa Rica trip, especially when planning such adventures! Plus, it’s also a gateway to fantastic national parks, such as the Carrara National Park with its abundant scarlet macaws or the Pura Vida Park that will lead you through a meandering path in the rainforest to the Bijagual Waterfall! There is a bus stop super close if you don’t want to walk. Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful rainforests and beaches in the world. Thanks to the Pacific Coast, this area has experienced the greatest tourism development, and Guanacaste is the only region in which a traveler can find all-inclusive Costa Rica resorts with luxury accommodations. Our expert-approved resort and hotel collection highlight all the best places to stay in Costa Rica for all preferences and budgets! Puntarenas is great for a surfer’s, snorkeler’s or diver’s vacation. If you’re running out of ideas on what to do in Costa Rica … The country is home to several eco-friendly and elegantly designed tree houses that are just waiting for … The Birds of Costa Rica: Love birds? Best For Nature And Relaxation. Cloud Forests. It's easy to see why. Manuel Antonio and Quepos in the central pacific of Costa Rica are also great places to visit with your kids. Lonely Planet Costa Rica: Relevant, up-to-date advice and tips for backpacking Costa Rica. As Costa Rica’s most visited beach, you simply can’t miss out on staying in Jacó! Close, Where to Stay in Costa Rica: The COOLEST Spots in 2021, Chris Lininger is a writer, photographer, and guide from California. 1. Recently, the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste was given a "Blue Zone" status, because those living there fortunate enough to be over 100 still managed to live active and healthy lives. Ride with real cowboys and experience the authentic countryside—or campo. Oh my goodness gracious! However, Puerto Viejo stole my heart and I’m sure you can see why! El Cielo Eco Hostel is a truly memorable hostel, nestled right in the jungle with the city center of Montezuma just around the bend of the road. That’s why we have created this guide to the best places to visit in the city. Arenal is the place to push the limits! With so many incredible places to stay in Costa Rica, it’s hard to narrow it down to just three top places to stay! This is also a great jumping-off point for scuba diving at Caño Island. Consider Jaco Beach for a quieter area. Often the best place to stay in Costa Rica for first-time visitors is the Pacific beach town of Manuel Antonio. It’s a beautiful property with abundant gardens and a drool-worthy pool! Which is why it makes the list for best beach towns Costa Rica. Plus, you’ll be just a few minutes walk from a few little restaurants and eateries so you definitely won’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere! There is free parking and complimentary breakfast served daily. Tamarindo. This area is quite small though with not a ton to do, so most people stay 1-3 nights in Tortuguero. It doesn’t end there, though. Drake Bay, also called Bahía Drake, sits on the coast in the southwest of Costa Rica. There are yoga classes offered daily as well as surf lessons available. I live in Costa Rica and personally love vacationing around Puerto Viejo, to be more specific, I like the area called Playa Chiquita. The answers to all your questions are below! This area is quite small though with not a ton to do, so most people stay 1-3 nights in Tortuguero. Want to be featured on this list? Situated in the Guanacaste Province, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Tamarindo has plenty of incredible places to offer. The strikingly beautiful blue marlin are one of the largest fish in the world – they average 11 feet long and between 200 and 400 pounds! This Airbnb is one for the books! Just getting there is an adventure in itself. Just steps from the picturesque beach, there is no one that does luxury like the Westin. Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs. Tamarindo is an incredible Costa Rican beach town that is packed with all that you could love about Costa Rica! Rent this darling studio apartment for a steal! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If that’s the case then— lucky you! The Surf Ranch Tamarindo offers reasonably priced rooms, plus a huge— and free— continental breakfast! Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose is a 4.5 star hotel located at 700 meters West from Bridgestone/Firest in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has made a name for itself as the adventure capital of Central America thanks primarily to its diversity of land-bound diversions, from rainforest hikes and volcanic sightseeing to zip-lining above the jungle canopy and ATV-ing through the wilderness. So just sit back relax and let us do all the work in finding the Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica. It’s famous for breaks like Ollie’s Point, Witch’s Rock (made famous in the movie Endless Summer 2), Salsa Brava (site of many national surf contests), and Little Hawaii. Another great part of Costa Rica is the volcano Arenal area in the mountains. If you’re a beach lover, staying nearly anywhere in Montezuma will put a smile on your face as most accommodation options will put you within easy walking distance of the beach! That being said, the beach is just a 300 meter walk away! Most area hotels have their own on-site thermal hot springs so you don’t even have to leave the hotel. Another of the Costa Rica resorts I stayed in during my first visit to Costa Rica, Tabacon Thermal Resort is one of several hot springs resorts in the Fortuna area. Please note: these destinations cannot be pigeon-holed as good for only one type of vacation since all types of travelers will be able to find something for them at each location. By Duncan Madden Posted: Friday August 3 2018 Get to know the best jungle lodges, beach towns and city stays before deciding. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. Best Things to Do. Additionally, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge which protects tons of animals, from howler monkeys to crocodiles. Find and book deals on the best places to stay in Jacó, Costa Rica! Show more Show less. This area is packed with adventure activities! You will love your stay here and any other hotel you visit after just won’t match what we have put together. We hope you enjoy this armchair vacation to Costa Rica’s best destinations; the only thing better is actually visiting! Where would be the best areas to stay (if any) to get the beach but also rainforest experience. View Full Profile You can see Poas or Irazu on a day trip. It is also where … Required fields are marked *. As the capital city of Costa Rica, San José, it is packed with history. Arrange a private driver for day 2 and 1st drive to the top of Poas for a visit (1-2 hours (, then head to Manuel Antonio for your beach stay. Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. Plus, it’s not sitting right in the heart of town, so you have guaranteed peace and quiet! Costa Rica has it all, from beautiful beaches and soaring mountains to lush jungles that are filled with wildlife, including four types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, countless lizard species, poison-dart frogs and an astounding variety of exotic birds and butterflies. If you need another dose of adventure you can head over to the little farming town of La Fortuna just nearby and hike to La Fortuna Waterfall! Best Areas to Stay near the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland. You’ll be staying just a three minute walk from one of the absolute best surfing beaches in all of Costa Rica! Arenal Volcano is the backdrop of the town of Fortuna. With attractions like the Carara National Park nearby, there is more to Jaco than meets the eye. Wondering where to stay in Costa Rica? This is also where you’ll find La Fortuna waterfall, a stunning 70m-high cascade of water.. That definitely means that you’ll have plenty of privacy and won’t have to fight the crowds. It’s nestled right in the San Jose city center and offers mega-budget friendly room rates! Jaco is close to Manuel Antonio National Park for amazing beaches and nature tours. Answer 1 of 6: I'm having a hard time deciding on the best place in costa rica to stay. With a great social atmosphere, bright and beautiful murals, and the option between dorm rooms and private rooms, you’ll love the options available at Monteverde Backpackers. I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Then, read on readers! Overall, you and your significant other will love the laid back attitude and the relaxed atmosphere of this cute Central American place. Stay close to the National Theatre and to the Central Park to ensure an easy travel experience! The country is home to several eco-friendly and elegantly designed tree houses that are just waiting for you to climb up and settle in. But only if you know where to stay. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going . Arenal Volcano sits at the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park and you are free to wander around the park as you like! The kids will love actually getting to and from Drake Bay, as the best option to get to Drake Bay is actually to take a boat taxi from Sierpe. This hotel really goes above and beyond to promise guests all they could wish for during their stay. Wondering if Costa Rica is safe to visit? Visiting the Montezuma Waterfall is a must too! Costa Rica is a gorgeous Central American country that has coastlines on both the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean. Probably the most popular area in Costa Rica is the town of La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano and it’s famous hot springs. Best Towns to Stay in Costa Rica? The best places to stay in Guanacaste For Tamarindo Situated just over two miles from the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you’ll love eating at the delectable onsite restaurant. World-renowned for its cloud forests, when staying in Costa Rica staying in Monteverde is a must! Here are the best places to stay to enjoy it all. Your email address will not be published. If Arenal Backpackers Resort would let me move in— I would stay there forever! You’ll be just three blocks from the beach and one block from the nightlife! While Coco Beach itself may not be the most impressive, the sunsets are breathtaking, and this area is great for exploring the many surrounding picturesque beaches. Puerto Viejo – Most Romantic Place to Stay in Costa Rica for Couples. Complimentary local breakfast is included in the price of a room or a dorm bed. This cabin is a private property one-bedroom home with three beds and one bathroom. It’s common to see locals and travelers sip cocktails together beachside or meander down the road on a bike in no hurry to get anywhere, just enjoying life. Answer 1 of 11: I'm booking my trip to Costa Rica here soon and need to figure out the best area to stay for lodging whether it be hotel or airbnb. Well, we have put a list together of the Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica. Plus, at the Saturday morning farmer’s markets, you can pick up great handmade art and will likely hear some great local music. Any suggestion? You can actually take a hands-on chocolate making class. The provinces of Alajuela and Heredia offer a chance to get up close and personal with Costa Rica’s cloud forests. Manuel Antonio. Room2Board is mere steps away from the beach and has a super cool atmosphere! Single-use plastic bottles are a huge threat to Marine Life – Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. From the pools to the gardens to the delectable breakfast overlooking the sea, you’re sure to have an incredible stay at this hotel! The rooms are clean and have comfortable beds and offer complimentary breakfasts for their guests. It is a truly unique Airbnb that offers guests an unforgettable experience. The Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is safe to drive and you can rent a cheap car during your stay. To inspire and help the next generation of Broke Backpackers, you can now grab ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day’ for free! Tension will melt away and leave you completely relaxed. Atenas is known for its warm, agreeable climate and is a great place to stay along the scenic “old road” from the central valley to the beaches of the central pacific. With tons of beach activities, not to mention the national park and nearby mangroves and estuaries, there is a lot to explore while you’re having fun. It’s all about helping out our tribe of awesome backpacker readers [that’s you!]. That means that you and your family won’t be fighting for a place to put your beach towel down! If you're planning on bringing the kids along for your vacation to Costa Rica, picking a good place to stay is among the first decisions you'll make when booking your trip. The majority of the country’s all-inclusive resorts are located around Papagayo, making it a top luxury beach destination. The GRAYL GEOPRESS water bottle is the ONLY all-in-one filter water bottle setup you’ll need. Tamarindo is a beach hot spot and the surrounding area has much to offer. The 5 Best Places to Surf in Costa Rica Thanks to consistent, high-quality waves and a variety of breaks, Costa Rica has been one of the world’s top surfing destinations for decades. When staying in Costa Rica, expect a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From $15.30 per night 8.2 Very Good 1,950 reviews ... on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Best Towns to Stay in Costa Rica? You probably don’t want to follow the crowd when visiting such a unique country. This upscale and safe area is home to some of San José’s best shopping centers, restaurants, and nightlife venues. 5 years ago. To the north, there is a beautiful walking trail that meanders through the jungle and will bring you to the popular surf spot: Playa Grande. Luz en el Cielo is your home away from home in the jungle. It is a pretty and safe area, with easy and quick access to the city centre, as well as being just 15 minutes from the airport. Moreover, this hostel has been newly renovated with plenty of exciting bells and whistles— from lockers to personal fans to USB charger ports! Wondering where should I stay in Costa Rica? Fly into SJO, spend the 1st night in Alajuela, the city where SJO is located - it's not actually in SJO. Save. Most hotels in the area offer numerous on-site guided tours which will give you the best chance of spotting animals. Costa Rica is a massive tourist destination and overall pretty safe. Best cities to stay in Costa Rica Puntarenas. Contemporary Costa Rican Poetry: This is the first Spanish/English bilingual anthology of contemporary Costa Rican poetry ever published. What are the best places to visit and places to stay? It’s right on the gorgeous Caribbean coast and is renowned for its black sand beach, and epic surf break at Salsa Brava! This makes it the second best place to live in Costa Rica. Curiously enough, it sits nearly smack-dab in the middle of the country and is also the largest city in the country. The surrounding area is rich with wildlife, beautiful rainforests, waterfalls, and natural thermal hot springs, with so many exciting and family-fun adventure activities and nature tours available in the Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna area. Also, you’ll be situated just 700meters from the Hot Springs Resort and Spa.