Costa Rica Travel Guide
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Costa Rica translates to “rich coast,” and it’s easy to see how it got its name. In addition to world-class beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific, this peaceful paradise boasts some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. In fact, scientists say five percent of the world’s species are found here — and for reference, the country is only as big as West Virginia.
The unparalleled wildlife watching includes encounters with slumbering sloths, majestic scarlet macaws, tree frogs as pretty as they are poisonous, and endangered nesting sea turtles. With dogged determination, they survive, symbiotically, in the shadow of some of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Top 5 Can’t Miss
- Nayara Springs: Soak in your villa’s private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs.
- Zip Lining: Feel the cloud forest come alive as you soar through the canopy.
- National Parks: These 28 protected areas showcase Mother Nature at her finest.
- Restaurant Silvestre: Taste an award-winning chef’s contemporary interpretation of Costa Rican cuisine.
- Limón: Experience the country’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
Whether you want to hike in a cloud forest at 10,000 feet above sea level, or you dream of riding horses on a white-sand beach, it’s never been easier to reach the rich coast. There are nonstop flights to Costa Rica from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Come in winter; the country is one of the best places to visit in March. Or, plan a trip for the summer months when hotel rates drop as temperatures rise — treat yourself to a stay in one of Costa Rica’s best hotels and resorts or an all-inclusive resort.
Meet the Expert
- Erica Linares is a Latin America travel specialist at Kensington Tours.
- Emmanuel Burgio is a T+L Top Travel Advisor specializing in Central and South America.
- James Kaiser is the author of “Costa Rica: The Complete Guide.”
Best Hotels
W Costa Rica — Reserva Conchal
With its audacious architecture and cheeky decor, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal stands out on a coast filled with cookie-cutter beach resorts. Rooms run the gamut from traditional queens with balconies and ocean views to treehouse suites with private plunge pools. The property has a spa, 18-hole golf course, beach club, adults and kids pools, and five restaurants.
Nayara Springs
This adults-only oasis was voted one of Central America’s best resort hotels by Travel + Leisure readers. “From the moment you arrive you feel pampered,” Erica Linares, a Latin America specialist at Kensington Tours, told T+L. She’s a fan of the welcome drink, Costa Rica’s answer to the bloody mary. Meanwhile Emmanuel Burgio, a T+L Top Travel Advisor, praises the private plunge pools.
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Located four miles from San José’s airport, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the capital. That said, it feels a world away from all things urban thanks to its valley views and meticulously manicured gardens and outdoor spaces, including several pools and a coffee plantation.
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
This family-friendly resort is one of T+L’s top 500 hotels in the world. “It commands one of the best locations in Costa Rica and offers easy access to the country’s most beautiful beaches,” James Kaiser, author of “Costa Rica: The Complete Guide” told T+L. His pro tip is to bring binoculars to spot the humpback whales migrating offshore in winter.
Lapa Rios Lodge
Also voted one of the best resorts in Central America by T+L readers, this luxurious ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula is the perfect place to immerse oneself in nature. In addition to proximity to wildlife, Burgio loves the waterfront location. “The bungalows boast terraces with ocean views and outdoor showers, and the shared outdoor pool overlooks the Pacific.”
Best Things to Do
Explore the national parks.
Between its diverse flora, fauna, and geothermal features, Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s paradise. A quarter of the country is set aside for conservation, and there are 28 national parks to choose from. “Plus, unlike Colombia or Brazil, you can visit multiple ecosystems in one day,” said Kaiser. Some of the top parks to visit include Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Go surfing.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Between Costa Rica’s 300 beaches, there are waves for expert surfers, beginners, and everyone in between. One of the best places to practice is Tamarindo, where Iguana Surf’s instructors are as passionate about teaching as they are pipelines. As you improve, try the Nicoya Peninsula. According to Linares, “It’s known for its powerful waves, and the town of Santa Teresa has a very relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.”
Indulge in wellness-focused experiences.
Wellness is a way of life in Costa Rica — it’s home to one of the world’s five “Blue Zones” — so it seems sacrilegious to not get a spa treatment while in town. The Vida Mía spa offers a range of treatments including massages and wraps, and according to its website, the spa sits atop a “high vibrational crystal mountain.” Costa Rica is also a popular destination for yoga or surfing retreats.
Soar through the tree canopy on a zip line adventure.
Often considered to be the birthplace of zip lining, Costa Rica offers canopy tours almost everywhere there are trees. Hanging bridges are usually an option, too. At Selvatura Park in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, there are nearly two miles of treetop walkways.
Get outside in the Pacuare Region.
If you ask Burgio, one of the most under-the-radar experiences you can have is a private hike through the Talamanca Mountains with a guide from the Indigenous Cabécar community. According to Burgio, the Pacuare River is also the best place in Central America for whitewater rafting.
Best Restaurants
Restaurante Celajes
With its working farm, coffee plantation, and sugar cane fields, Hotel Belmar takes farm-to-table to a whole new level. As a result, its pride and joy – Restaurant Celajes – is so well-respected, diners drive from as far away as San José just for dinner.
Lidia’s Place
According to Kaiser, the country’s best food is found on the Caribbean coast where “ the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture spices things up.” Lidia’s Place is where he goes for the best Caribbean chicken. A small, family-owned establishment, don’t be surprised if Lidia stops by to say “hola.”
Sano Banano
Translating to healthy banana, Sano Banano serves feel-good food — for breakfast, lunch and dinner — in an open-air restaurant. Enjoy seating on the back patio or front porch overlooking Montezuma’s lively main street, and don’t miss the artisanal chocolates for sale by the cash register.
Don Rufino
Choose from Costa Rican prix-fixe menus, a la carte, or a five-course tasting tour at this Arenal landmark where Linares says the dishes are delicious and the ambiance is just as memorable. Grandma’s roasted chicken, served wrapped in banana leaves, has a cult-like following, so order it before it sells out.
Restaurante Silvestre
This San José institution is famous for its edible experiences derived from “unorthodox and avant-garde culinary techniques.” Since it’s deemed one of the best restaurants in Central America, reservations are a must. And because the chef-driven tasting menu knows no bounds, it’s not ideal for picky eaters.
Best Time to Visit
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your goals. The Pacific side of the country has a defined dry season — December through March — and wet season — May through October. September and October are the rainiest on the Pacific side, according to the country’s official tourism website. The Caribbean side of the country is a little less predictable, though it is often less rainy in February-March and September-October. If you want to take advantage of low-season rates and avoid crowds, visit during the wet season (which is often marketed as the “green season”).
For the best cultural events, visit during January for Palmares or during Easter Week. As a predominantly Catholic country, many of Costa Rica’s biggest holidays correspond with religious events. Regardless of when you visit, you can always watch sea turtles nest and hatch, go zip lining (they do it rain or shine), and learn how to surf.
Related: The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List
How to Get There
Costa Rica has two main airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. SJO is your best bet if you’re visiting Manuel Antonio, Limón, Arenal, or the Osa Peninsula. It also tends to have the cheapest flights. For trips to Guanacaste and Alajuela, you’ll probably want to fly into Liberia. Both airports offer rental cars.
Of course, it’s possible to fly into one airport and out of the other. And transferring between the two is easy thanks to public buses and shared shuttles. The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Driving to Costa Rica is not recommended as you’ll have to pass through countries with civil unrest and border crossings can be complicated.
Places to Know
There are seven provinces in Costa Rica, and each has its own distinct vibe. Here are three we recommend starting with.
San José
Home to the country’s capital city of the same name, many travelers start their Costa Rican journey in this province. The capital boasts the best souvenir shopping and has many cultural institutions including the Museum of Costa Rican Art, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Museum of Costa Rica. It’s also where you’ll find the country’s best culinary offerings.
Alajuela
Alajuela is popular with adrenaline junkies as it’s home to Arenal Volcano National Park where you can zipline, hot springs hop, and hike in a cloud forest all in 24 hours. The province is also where you’ll find one of the world’s largest craters in Poas Volcano National Park (which you can mak reservations to visit online).
Limón
Limón is located on the Caribbean side and highlights include Tortuguero National Park and the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. This province is also where you can experience the country’s incredible Afro-Caribbean culture. Approximately eight percent of Costa Ricans are of African descent, according to the official tourism website.
How to Get Around
Trains and Buses
Costa Rica is rebuilding its train infrastructure, damaged during the 1991 earthquake. For now, buses are the best public transportation. While most are privately owned, fares are low. For example, a four-hour ride might cost $10. “Directo” buses offer nonstop service, while “colectivos” will have more stops.
Taxis and Shuttles
Costa Rica’s official taxis are red or orange (the only cabs licensed for airport pickups), and all have a yellow triangle emblem. It’s also easy to pre-book private car services or shuttles online.
Rideshare Services
Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft aren’t currently legal in Costa Rica (although the Uber app may work depending on where in the country you are). We recommend sticking to taxis and private car services.
Car Rentals
Car rentals are cheap and plentiful, but keep in mind that most cars are manual, and Costa Rica’s roads don’t have the best reputation (during the wet season, many roads turn into rivers). Try to get a high-clearance SUV with AWD, and if you need extras like a roof rack for surfboards, carseat for kids, or cell phone for navigation, book with Vamos — they don’t charge an additional fee for those perks.
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