What Is The Best Place To Vacation In Costa Rica
Vacationing in Costa Rica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of exploration, wildlife and beauty. If you have ever thought about vacationing in Costa Rica, you are not alone. This country has been the dream destination for millions of Americans. In fact, 81% of the tourists that visit this country’s shores were either from the US or Canada. So, you will be in good company when you visit Costa Rica.
If you’re looking for a new destination for your next vacation that is filled with luxury, Costa Rica should be on the top of your list. This country has been one of the most popular tourist destinations earning a spot on prestigious lists like The Best View in the World by National Geographic and also named by CNN as “The Happiest Country in Latin America”.
Costa Rica is where I have always wanted to go. It is a tropical paradise where you can do just about anything. From surfing in luxurious hotels, to hiking the mountains, there is something for everyone. This makes Costa Rica perfect for a family vacation, or even just a honeymoon. If you want to spend your vacation in a place where you can make lifetime memories and take in nature at its finest, then this country is for you.
Costa Rica has been gaining in popularity as a vacation destination and has become known for it’s impressive biodiversity and eco-tourism. For example, a recent study was done by Costa Rica Tourism Board that outlined the following benefits and risks of Costa Rica vacations:
It’s no secret that I love living in Costa Rica on a permanent basis. I love the pace of life, the laid back attitude and of course, the tax-free status. Ever since I first set foot on Costa Rica soil…I have fallen in love with the place…
I love Costa Rica. It was the first place that inspired me to travel.
It holds a special place in my heart.
I’ve been back to visit Costa Rica many times since then, falling in love with it over and over again.
What Is The Best Place To Vacation In Costa Rica
But, because it’s not as cheap to visit as its neighbors, many budget travelers skip over Costa Rica.
And, while that’s true (though there are many ways to save money in Costa Rica), in my opinion, the beauty of the destinations below are worth the extra price.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica:
1. Puerto Viejo
Located on the Caribbean coast near Panama, Puerto Viejo is popular with young people and backpackers because of its great beaches, surfing, and party atmosphere.
The town is very lively and you’ll find something going on every night. It’s probably the most popular destination on the Caribbean coast. There are also many quiet beach hotels around for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. There is also a jaguar rescue center nearby that rehabilitates all sorts of local wildlife and releases them back into the wild.
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO VIEJO:
- Pagalu Hostel – A spacious and clean hostel located right in town so you can easily get around. They have hot showers too!
READ MORE: How to Explore Costa Rica’s Beautiful Caribbean Coast
2. Cahuita
Cahuita, a tiny town situated right next to a stunning national park with the same name, is about an hour north of Puerto Viejo. Cahuita is a place to relax. There’s one bar in town that gets lively (sometimes it’s half full!), but for the most part, after a day of hiking, animal spotting, swimming, or surfing, most people just sit around and read. If you feel ambitious, take a full-day guided tour of Cahuita National Park.
The region is known for its Afro-Caribbean influences, which you might notice in the food and local culture as you chill out with some dessert crepes or grilled chicken.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAHUITA:
- Estilo Hostel Hakuna Matata – This laid-back hostel has plenty of outdoor common space to relax in, a pool, and plenty of hammocks. It’s just a short walk from the beach as well.
3. Tortuguero
Tortuguero (which means ‘Land of Turtles’) is the Costa Rican version of the Amazon rainforest. It dominates the northern coast, with Tortuguero National Park spanning over 77,000 acres. This massive area is a series of rivers and canals that crisscross the jungle.
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The biggest draws to this area are the large numbers of turtles (hence the name) that come to nest along the shoreline. The best time to see them nesting is in April and May, but if you’re visiting during the off-season, you’ll still be able to go hiking and participate in canal cruises. However, there’s lots of wildlife to see year-round.
If you want to get off the grid, you can take a three-day guided tour of the national park with Get Your Guide for around $462 USD.
WHERE TO STAY IN TORTUGUERO:
- Aracari Garden Hostel – With free Wi-Fi, a big kitchen, hot showers, and comfy beds, this hostel is a little slice of paradise just a stone’s throw from Tortuguero National Park.
4. Corcovado
Corcovado National Park is on the remote Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica. Established in 1975, the park covers an area of 424 square kilometers, making it the largest park in the country.
Though more popular than it used to be, it’s still a very rugged, quiet, and off-the-beaten-path destination in a country where almost everything is on the beaten path. The peninsula is not easy to get to (which helps keep tourists away), but your efforts will be greatly rewarded with deserted beaches, tons of wildlife, great hiking, camping, and lots of marine life. It’s one of the best places in the country.
To me, this is probably one of the best places in the entire country. Try not to miss it!
WHERE TO STAY IN CORCOVADO:
- Corcovado Foundation BioHostel – This off-the-beaten-path ecohostel is a great place to unwind and disconnect. There’s a bar on-site, a yoga deck, vegan and vegetarian food, and gorgeous views of the lush landscape.
5. Arenal
Sitting at an elevation of 1,670m, Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s many volcanoes. It still erupts from time to time, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. (Though, it’s less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant for the last seven years). Fun fact: I got lost in the jungle around here.
The area has tons of wonderful activities: there’s an awesome waterfall (La Fortuna), the national park with great hiking, sunset views over the lake, caving, canyoning, rafting options, and famous hot springs. With so much to do, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited places in the country.
WHERE TO STAY IN ARENAL:
- Arenal Backpackers Resort – A fun, social hostel with a pool (and wet bar), hammocks, and gorgeous views of the nearby volcano.
READ MORE: How to Visit and Explore Arenal
6. Manuel Antonio
A popular beach destination on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio’s wide, white-sand beaches and warm blue waters aren’t the only attractions people come for. The nearby national park, which opened in 1972, sees over 150,000 visitors annually and is home to great hiking trails, a number of secluded beaches, and offers up the chance to view three different kinds of native monkeys.
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It’s become a lot more crowded and developed over the years. It’s definitely not the park I first visited in 2006. That said, you’ll still see a lot of wildlife and the beaches in the area have been kept surprisingly pristine! Admission to the park is $16 USD per person, though kids under 12 enter for free.
WHERE TO STAY IN MANUEL ANTONIO:
- Hostel Vista Serena – Offering stunning ocean views and a colorful interior, this chill hostel is right near the rainforest and the beach, making it a prime place to stay for a relaxing visit.
READ MORE: What to See and Do in Manuel Antonio
7. Monteverde
The nation’s premier cloud forest is the home to the elusive quetzal birds. Most people come to Monteverde for a glimpse of this rare bird. The area is one of the largest eco-tourism hubs in the country, and over 250,000 people visit every year.
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Monteverde, which rests right on the continental divide, experiences high winds and unusual weather patterns. The entire area is very green and wet. Witness it all on a zip-line adventure through the tree canopy or explore some of the sky bridges in the area. Expect to pay around $50 USD per person for zip-lining. Bird-watching tours cost around $50-70 USD
WHERE TO STAY IN MONTEVERDE:
- Sloth Backpackers – This quiet, clean hostel has free Wi-Fi, a tasty breakfast, and free coffee and tea all day. The location is great and the staff can help you book all kinds of fun tours.
READ MORE: What to See and Do in Monteverde
8. Poas Volcano
A great day trip from San José, Poas Volcano is an active stratovolcano with twin calderas filled with sulfur lakes. The lakes are so still, you’ll look at your picture and think you painted the color on.