28 BEST Locations to Keep in Costa Rica

In search of the very best locations to remain in Costa Rica? We took a pleasant street journey across the nation and checked out numerous kinds of lodging. Boutique lodges, all-inclusive resorts, villas, eco-lodges, and treehouses – Costa Rica has all of it! Selecting a spot to remain in Costa Rica really comes right down to what you need out of your trip and the value you might be keen to spend.

We stayed at nearly each value level of lodging apart from hostels. Value factors differ lots by location, normally if lodges are beachfront slightly 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 could have larger prices.

For those who’re seeking to sit back in Costa Rica you might have considered trying an all-inclusive expertise slightly 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 Greatest Locations to Keep in Costa Rica: Areas

Costa Rica is a comparatively massive nation with loads of completely different areas every providing one thing completely different for vacationers. A few 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 seashores
• Santa Teresa – Surf, yoga, seaside capital
• Manuel Antonia – Wildlife hotspot and nice for browsing
• Jaco – Nice for Browsing and Fishing/Expat Neighborhood
• San Jose – Very best for those who need metropolis facilities.
• Monteverde – Waterfalls and rainforests, ecotourism
• La 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 think about embrace:

1. Hire a automobile: Renting a automobile is an effective possibility if you would like the liberty to discover the nation at your personal tempo. Nevertheless, it may be costly, and the roads in Costa Rica may be fairly tough in sure areas, so that you’ll want a sturdy automobile. Test rental automobile charges right here.
2. Take the bus: The bus system in Costa Rica is pretty intensive, and it’s an affordable method to get round. Nevertheless, the buses may be crowded and never at all times comfy, and the schedules may be unpredictable.
3. Rent a personal driver: If you need a extra comfy and personalised method to see the nation, you possibly can 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.
4. Fly: For those who’re brief on time or wish to cowl plenty of floor shortly, you could wish to think about flying between locations. There are a number of home airways (like Avianca Costa Rica), and flights may be comparatively cheap should you e book upfront.

Total, one of the best ways to get round Costa Rica will rely in your funds, the period of time you’ve got, and your private preferences. It’s a good suggestion to do a little analysis and think about all your choices earlier than making a call.

What Forms of Properties Can You Keep in Costa Rica?

There are a selection of properties accessible for rental, every affords a few of the finest locations to remain in Costa Rica.

• Motels and resorts: These properties provide 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 possibility for households and teams touring collectively. These properties usually include a full kitchen and out of doors area. You possibly can e book very luxurious trip properties on Airbnb.
• Villas: Villas are sometimes massive, luxurious properties that provide privateness, area, and loads of facilities.
• Eco-lodges: These properties are designed to be eco-friendly and sustainable, providing friends a singular and immersive expertise in nature. Eco Lodges are prevalent in Costa Rica and yow will discover them scattered throughout the nation, particularly within the cloud forest and on the Osa Peninsula.
• Hostels: Hostels are a budget-friendly possibility for vacationers who wish to lower your expenses on lodging. These properties usually provide shared rooms, dormitory-style lodging, and fundamental facilities. These are usually not the very best locations to remain in Costa Rica until you might be on a funds, or want to meet folks in a communal setting.
• Cabins: Cabins are ultimate for many who wish to expertise the nice outside, with many cabins in Costa Rica situated close to nationwide parks or different pure sights.
• Treehouses: Costa Rica has some fairly superior treehouse lodging in case you are searching for a singular keep.

The Greatest 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 the planet, you need to cease by Lodge Three Sixty. Set on prime of a hill in the midst 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 the most effective 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 positively 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 very best institution round, you get each dawn and sundown right here. We visited within the offseason however had been advised that individuals come from the entire space to look at the sundown over the ocean from the out of doors bar when it’s busy.

Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula

Lapa Rios is definitely the most effective 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 sure probably the most well-known lodges within the nation.

It’s the most effective locations to remain in Costa Rica for households. It’s situated within the Osa Peninsula and is taken into account probably the most biodiverse places on the planet.

All of the rooms right here have out of doors showers, non-public decks with incredible 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 would like air con and televisions. Reasonably Lapa Rios is a sanctuary for nature lovers who wish 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 few of the finest guides within the nation work right here, and there are every kind of excursions to suit everybody’s wants. We personally spent our two days right here on evening walks scouting uncommon frogs, dawn chook watching, waterfall trekking, and guided hikes to see the howler monkeys.

Finca Bellavista, Piedras Blancas

Finca Bellavista is likely one of the most unusual and coolest locations to remain in Costa Rica. This eco-community is about in the midst of the Costa Rican jungle alongside the Pacific Coast. It’s a shocking monitor of secondary and first forest with a community of mountaineering 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 primary lodge, be sure to 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 most important kitchen dishing up tasty Costa Rican classics for many who don’t wish to prepare dinner.

With a down-to-earth vibe, it attracts a clientele in the hunt 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 mountaineering.

Casitas Tenorio, Bijagua

Casticas is a group of casitas which can be eco-friendly and unfold amongst a hamlet of major rainforest. This mattress and breakfast is family-run and really lively within the rural neighborhood. We liked the rooms, murals, and the situation of Casitas Tenorio. As quickly as I walked into our lovely casita, I advised 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 that to convey a e book and a yoga mat and benefit from the serenity.

The gorgeous little property can be house to some sloths and tons of birds, which the proprietor Donald was form sufficient to indicate us on a brief tour. Be certain 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 seaside 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 gorgeous sunsets over the shoreline.

For those who grasp 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 might want.  It’s all-inclusive, with attentive employees serving to these seeking to unwind in Guanacaste.

This property will not be inside strolling distance to the seaside, however they supply complimentary shuttles must you want to stroll on the Costa Rican sand. Charges begin at $225 per individual an evening, all-inclusive.

El Silencio Lodge, Bajos Del Toro

This eco-lodge incorporates a non-public cloud forest reserve with a number of mountaineering 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 scorching tub. Charges begin at $500 an evening, meals and actions not included. I received’t go into a lot element right here as a result of we wrote a complete submit 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 the most effective locations to remain in Costa Rica.

Located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Peninsula Papagayo, this enormous resort is surrounded by a tropical panorama that permits for a lot of adventures, together with ziplining, browsing and mountaineering. 

On-site facilities embrace 4 swimming swimming pools, a spa, a health middle, tennis courts, a golf course and a number of other eateries together with an Italian restaurant and a Latin grill. Take pleasure in a singular eating expertise that mixes scrumptious meals with stargazing by means of a strong telescope.

The Gilded Iguana, Nosara

Nosara is a famend trip vacation spot in Costa Rica, notably for the browsing and yoga neighborhood, and The Gilded Iguana has been on the middle of tourism within the space because the late Eighties. This eco-friendly property affords direct entry to iconic Playa Guiones and lots of facilities. 

Take pleasure in a complimentary breakfast, an outside pool, spa, surf classes and a restaurant and bar identified 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 out of doors showers and out of doors residing areas.

W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, Guanacaste

Positioned on the Papagayo Peninsula, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal is a five-star lodge that’s solely a one-minute stroll from a fantastic seaside. Your room or suite at this lovely property incorporates a sitting space and personal balcony. Property facilities embrace a health middle, 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 pal can be a part of you. Look after some leisure and rejuvenation on the seaside? How does seaside 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 health club, tennis courts, a steam room, a zipline and a spa providing numerous therapies together with massages, scrubs, aromatherapy and facials. A complimentary bicycle rental service can be supplied so you possibly can 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 lovely property, which incorporates lovely rainforest, gardens, strolling trails and direct entry to a sandy seaside, 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 right 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 gorgeous views from nearly wherever.

Whether or not you determine to remain in one of many villas, treehouses, or suites, you’ll chill out within the lap of luxurious. 

Spend the day on the on-site full spa, take a hike by means 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 thought for.  

Bahia del Sol Seaside Entrance Boutique Lodge, Guanacaste

Bahia del Sol Seaside Entrance Boutique Lodge is situated in Guanacaste Province and this lodge has many highlights together with its location on lovely 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 may spot a few of the native wildlife. The spacious visitor rooms are additionally surrounded by lush greenery and a few very outdated bushes that make it really feel such as you’re sleeping in a tropical rainforest.

Lodge Esperanza, Nicoya

Positioned on the distant and exquisite Nicoya Peninsula, Lodge Esperanza affords 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 possibly can chill out with a therapeutic massage within the backyard. You possibly can e book many adventures by means of this lodge, together with kayaking, windsurfing and volcano excursions. Make sure to seize some complimentary breakfast to begin your day. 

Lodge Nantipa, Santa Teresa

For those who’re searching for 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 lovely Santa Teresa. This beachfront lodge has bungalows and villas that function hammocks, Good TVs and eating areas. 

The property has a swimming pool and exquisite gardens. For those who can wait till nightfall, dinner at Nantipa’s restaurant with views of the solar taking place over the ocean is at all times an unforgettable expertise. 

Finca Rosa Blanca Espresso Farm and Inn, Santa Bárbara

Positioned 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 singular, 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 lovely paintings, however you’ll additionally take pleasure in a location surrounded by pristine nature and an natural espresso farm which you can 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 the most effective 100 lodges on the 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 chill out in peaceable luxurious.

Various lovely seashores are close by however should you’re not within the temper to wander off-site, you possibly can take pleasure in a soothing 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 function floor-to-ceiling home windows and personal terraces and the on-site restaurant focuses on Indigenous delicacies utilizing solely native, natural elements.     

Makanda by The Sea Lodge Adults Solely, Quepos

Located alongside the ocean in Quepos, Makanda by the Sea Lodge is a trendy and splendid property the place you’ll discover super-spacious suites with gorgeous views, plush bathrobes, Nespresso machines and personal, oceanfront balconies. 

The property itself is house to one of many nation’s most lovely infinity swimming pools, a spa providing many therapies, a whirlpool tub and the Arbol Restaurant which serves scrumptious, trendy delicacies utilizing the freshest elements accessible. 

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 singular and splendid place to remain solely a brief distance away from the mighty Arenal Volcano. This boutique lodge incorporates a pure setting 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 this stuff are nice, it’s the new spring amenities that attract most individuals. Take pleasure in entry to 2 scorching spring swimming pools and a number of other scorching spring Jacuzzis the place you possibly can chill out 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 scorching springs, a scorching 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 out of doors swimming pools, mountaineering trails and a sushi bar. The rooms are wonderful too. Chill out 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 seaside in Santa Teresa, Akwa Resorts Ocean View affords quite a lot of lodging choices surrounded by nature. Whether or not you select to remain in one of many villas, lodges, or rooms, you’ll at all times 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 lovely out of doors 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 accessible to lease. 

Inside strolling distance, you’ll discover a nature space and a secluded sandy seaside. Inside the attractive 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

For those who’re looking for a quiet boutique lodge with all of the providers and facilities you’d anticipate in a soothing Costa Rica trip, Ecolirios Boutique Lodge and Spa is a stunning property situated in a stunning space of Guacimo in Limon Province. 

The rooms function 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 stunning backyard. Complimentary bicycle leases can be found so you possibly can discover the world with ease. 

Tortuga Lodge and Gardens, Tortuguero

Located in a fantastic location surrounded by a river, rainforest and tropical gardens, Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is a famend lodge distinctive from some other within the nation. Tranquility and leisure await in elegant visitor rooms that includes river views, non-public 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 soothing sanctuary. The Inexperienced Turtle Restaurant serves trendy dishes utilizing recent, native elements. The lodge can organize quite a lot 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 quick access to lovely 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 scorching breakfast each morning. 

The boutique villas are luxurious and are available numerous sizes and types 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 seaside and as you discover the Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, you’ll probably see wildlife together with monkeys and sloths. 

On-site, you’ll discover two swimming swimming pools, a wellness middle and a beachfront restaurant serving scrumptious meals made with the freshest native elements accessible. The rooms and suites have unimaginable views and have free Wi-Fi, natural toiletries, rainfall showers, minibars, tea and occasional amenities and air con. 

Locations to Keep in Costa Rica Map

When is the Greatest Season to Journey to Costa Rica?

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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, but it surely additionally implies that every thing received’t be almost 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.

Nevertheless, it is best to journey with a rain jacket as chances are high excessive you’ll get rained on. The plus facet is every thing is inexperienced and lovely. We traveled to Costa Rica throughout the center of Might and did get rained on at the least as soon as a day, however nonetheless noticed loads of sunshine and had a incredible time nonetheless! Rain within the jungles of Costa Rica is so picturesque!

Fast Costa Rica Journey Suggestions

• Foreign money: Costa Rica Colón
• Visa: Many nationalities can enter Costa Rica for 90 days visa-free
• What to Pack: Good mountaineering sneakers, a washing swimsuit, rain jacket, and rain boots. See our full Costa Rica packing record right here.
• Keep Related: We advocate Sim Playing cards from both Kolbi, Movistar, or Claro. Sim playing cards may be bought on the town facilities
• Greatest Areas to Keep in Costa Rica? I’d extremely counsel 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 had been too earlier than we landed in San Jose in the midst of the evening. Costa Rica could seem like a small nation, but it surely’s really a land of various climates, terrains, and temperatures.

With this Costa Rica packing record you’ll have the ability to pack the suitable issues in your suitcase so that you don’t find yourself with pointless objects, or worse, discovering you forgot one thing necessary.