Costa Rica Travel Guide
There is so much to do and explore in each of the different regions of Costa Rica. From being one with nature and surrounded with lush greenery to falling asleep to the sounds of the rainforest or the crashing waves, there are so many experiences to be had in the land of pura vida. It is an adventure lover’s playground; a nature lover’s dream; a surfer’s paradise and a yogi’s spiritual haven. And, it’s home to some of the most awe-inspiring sunsets in the world.
Best time to visit
Costa Rica’s peak season is dry season from December to April. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds and save a little money, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May to November.
Top regions to visit
Monteverde
Monteverde is a hot spot for ecotourism in Costa Rica. You’ll be surrounded by the cool, misty cloud forest and deep green foliage as far as the eye can see. The cloud forests are brimming with plants and animals, the zip lines and suspension bridges are the longest (and most exciting) in the country, and the coffee is tasty, local, and cheap. This is the perfect area for wildlife viewing, canopy tours, horseback riding, and more.
Manuel Antonio
Home to one of the country’s most famous natural parks, the town of Manuel Antonio boasts some world-class views and beaches. This area is perfect for swimming, hiking in the park, surfing, and enjoying beautiful sunsets.
Arenal Volcano
Home to the most impressive and well known volcano in Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano is a stunning sight. Visitors to the area will enjoy white water rafting, waterfalls, hiking, and canopy tours. The friendly town of La Fortuna provides the perfect location for exploring this area.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is a town in the Guanacaste Province,on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Guanacaste is a land of golden beaches, sun-drenched coastline and tropical dry forest—an escape to traditional Costa Rica, where cowboys still ride over open plains and acres roll by without a building in sight. While many other parts of the country get most of the glory, there is still much to see and do around Guanacaste, and Tamarindo is the perfect base to do it from.
Top activities in Costa Rica
Visit Nayara Springs
Nayara is located at the base of Arenal Volcano, which is a premiere destination in Costa Rica. Not only is the lush rainforest a perfect backdrop, this part of the country is known as the premier adventure destination in Costa Rica with soaring canopies, hanging bridges, waterfalls and caves, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, whitewater rafting, fishing, zip lining, and nature safaris.
Surf in Playa Grande
This gorgeous beach area off the beaten path, just north of Tamarindo. It’s incredibly popular with surfers, and is the place to go if you consider yourself a pro, or are interested in honing your skills. Playa Grande is actually considered part of a national park, and is home to the leatherback turtle that comes ashore at night from October to May at high tide to lay their eggs.
Cloud Forest Reserve
Discover the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with guided hikes, zip-lining through the canopy, and wildlife encounters like quetzals and sloths.
Tortuguero National Park
This national park is made for wildlife lovers. Take a boat tour through the canals to see nesting sea turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, and birds in this coastal rainforest habitat.
Best hotels in Costa Rica
Nayara Springs—Nayara is located at the base of Arenal Volcano. The lush rainforest is a perfect backdrop and a great jumping off point for endless adventures. The villas are completely private with lush greenery surrounding the deck, a canopy bed, and an outdoor shower in a private tropical garden. The villa gives access to private plunge pools fed by the nearby volcanic hot springs.
RipJack Inn—Located in Playa Grande and about a mile from the beach, this accommodation has a great restaurant, yoga classes, and incredibly kind employees.
La Anita Rainforest Ranch—This peaceful and gorgeous ranch is also a working chocolate farm. Located between a trio of volcanoes, this property is a nature lover’s dream. There’s access to rainforest trails, horseback rides, and nearby streams. It’s also a great home base for visiting Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Miravalles Volcano, rainforests, waterfalls, and more.
Bri’s travel tip: If you get the opportunity to visit or stay at La Anita Rainforest Ranch, you absolutely must take part in the chocolate tour. The chocolate that’s produced here is absolutely delicious, and getting the opportunity to see the entire process from start to finish provides you with the unique experience of discovering the magic behind the sweet flavor of chocolate.
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