First Timer's Guide to Costa Rica: Best Places to Go, Play and Stay
Heading to Costa Rica for the first time and want to know where to go while you’re there? This First Timer’s Guide has the best places to visit!
Costa Rica is a rugged rain-forested and volcanic country in Central America known for its lush biodiversity, jaw-dropping scenery, friendly people, and no standing military.
With coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific ocean, it's no wonder they're also known for their beaches too.
The capital city of San Jose is home to cultural institutions and most of the country’s residents, but most visitors come to Costa Rica for the natural environment.
Roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle, teeming withincredible wildlifeincludingspider monkeys, quetzal birds, and many other species, some that have yet to be discovered!
After many trips to Costa Rica over the years with various jumping off points from the mountains and theCaribbean coastover to the Nicoya andOsa peninsula, we’ve had some amazing experiences and learned a thing or two.
But we'll always remember our first time.
Here are trip ideas and recommendations on the best places to go in Costa Rica, for newbies.
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Getting Around Costa Rica
Where to Stay in Costa Rica, Near the Airports
Best Places to Go in Costa Rica (Where to Stay, Things to Do):
North Costa Rica:La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Bajos del Toro
North Caribbean Costa Rica:Tortuguero
South Caribbean Costa Rica:Cajuita, Puerto Viejo
Northwest Costa Rica:Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara
Middle Pacific Coast Costa Rica:Manuel Antonio and Jaco
Southwest Pacific Coast:The Osa peninsula,Puerto Jimenez andDrake Bay
Getting Around Costa Rica
Airports in San Jose
NOTE: The capital city of San Jose is where you'll fly in and out of. There areTWO international airportsin San Jose, Costa Rica:
Juan Santamaria Airportin Alajuela (the main international airport), and
Pavas (Tobías Bolaños)in San Jose (the secondary airport that services flights to Panama among others.)
Be sure you know exactly which airport you're flying into and out of, as they are not close together! Most flights from and to the USA will arrive and depart from Juan Santamaria.
Renting a Car in Costa Rica
We've rented a car with each trip to Costa Rica. Driving the country used to be adventurous, but now is fairly easy going, though some routes can still be bumpy! We've rented withSolid Car Rental(pronounced SO-lid) before and highly recommend them.
On our most recent trip, we rented withBudget Car Rentaland also had a good experience. Even when we got a flat tire in the cloud forest and reported it to them to be safe before the end of our trip, their Customer Service was very good.
They gave us solid advice about driving with the temp tire on, and reassured us for the drive back to the airport.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica, Near the Airports
If you’re arriving to Costa Rica later in the day or departing the country early in the day, you might want to consider staying close to the airport the first or last night in the country.
Whether you’re a first timer or not,staying at a local hotel near the airportbefore heading out into the country makes a lot of sense for several reasons:
Driving in the dark— if you’re renting a car and driving yourself, driving in the dark on roads that may or may not be paved is much better in the daylight.
Traffic— Depending on the time of day you’ll be arriving or departing, traffic around both Costa Rica airports can be heavy, so staying in Alajuela or San Jose especially on your last night in the country lets you arrive at the airport for early flights relaxed and refreshed.
Last minute shopping— if you want to do last minute shopping at the Mercado Centrale downtown, allow yourself extra time to get back to the capital city, stay overnight and catch your flight out the next day.
3 Awesome Hotels Near the Airport in Costa Rica
We’ve been staying here since it was Las Orquideas Inn (with its famous Marilyn Monroe Bar), and everything we liked about the property has been made even better in Villa San Ignacio.
The property has been completely renovated (2020) and is now fresh, current and beautifully decorated. The pool is still amazing, the included breakfast is delicious, and best of all, you can’t beat the value under $100/night.
Plus, it’s just 15 minutes from the airport and they can help arrange a transfer.Check availability and rates
This is our favorite place to stay in San Jose, no matter what part of the country we're jumping off to. The historic property is elegant and the restaurant is especially amazing. The perfect place to stay for one night or longer!Check rates and availability
This is a great place to treat yourself for the night with the most stunning view of the valley! Definitely a more luxurious stay with on-site amenities, and would make a good base for exploring the area around Alajuela.Check rates, availability, and more details
Search for Hotels in AlajuelaandHotels in San Jose
Where to Go in Costa Rica (Where to Stay and Things to Do)
Costa Rica is a big place. If you’re planning your first trip, the kind of trip you’ll have ultimately depends on how much time you have, your mode of transportation, and the type of traveler you are.
这可能听起来很明显,但是即使它的小尺寸, Costa Rica is a diverse country and each region is unique from the next in terms of scenery, culture, climate and weather, wildlife, things to do… even some of thebugs and insectsare different!
We recommend planning to visit one or two areas if you have a week or 10 days to travel. If you have 2 weeks or longer, plan on seeing several regions.
This post is designed to give you a starting point and help you discover all the unique areas in the country. Let’s start up north…
Best Places to Go inNORTH Costa Rica
Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, and Monteverde Cloud Forest
On our first trip to Costa Rica, we rented a car at the airport and drove north to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. It’s just a 3 hour drive and there are several interesting stops in the craft town ofSarchibetweenAlajuelaandLa Fortunayou can visit in between.
Once you’re in La Fortuna, there are active volcanos, hot springs, and plenty of hiking, zip lining, or tranquil spa treatments to enjoy for days.
On your first morning in La Fortuna, you can expect your day to begin around 4:45am with the chorus ofhowler monkeyswhich eventually wakes everything else up as well.
Grab your phone or video camera and sit quietly outside your cabina and listen to the most amazing primal noise of the howlers.
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Bajos del Toro
How to Get to Bajos del Toro -Drive, or arrange for private van transport with your hotel.
Things to Do in Bajos del Toro -If you’d like to spend a few days in a quiet, natural place that still has quick access to the airport in San Jose/Alajuela, we highly recommend spending a few nights in Bajos del Toro.
Bajos del Toro is just a short drive from Alajuela (about 20 km, but will take you a couple of hours to drive) but feels like a world away.
The small mountain region has a National Park at its door —Parque Nacional Juan Casto Blanco— and thePoas Volcano(Vulcan Poas) also nearby. It’s an undiscovered paradise for nature lovers!
Where to Stay in Bajos del Toro -El Silencio Lodge & Spa
This secluded luxury mountain resort and spa is in a stunning cloud-forest location and a shining example of a sustainable Costa Rican eco lodge.
Rooms and houses are perfect for families or a romantic getaway and the organic, modern design is serene with hardwood furnishings, luxury linens, and sleek wood-burning stoves to keep warm on the coldest nights.
The Balinese-style spa is set in the forest where a slow rain shower makes any treatment better. But the best part is the food — from mixologists who know how to craft impressive cocktails to the artisan-inspired Chef creations, it was our favorite part of this resort.
Check current rates and more details.
La Fortuna
How to Get to La Fortuna- Drive or private transport.Driving to La Fortuna from Alajuela or San Jose is easy, but most hotels will arrange a shuttle for guests flying into San Jose.
在哪里呆在洛杉矶命运-阿雷纳天文台Lodge & Spa
Arenal Observatory is one of the only hotels within the Park area, and is the closest to the volcano. We loved the comfy room and awesome pool and the grounds are full of beautiful flowers and birds galore.
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Things to Do in La Fortuna
Stop atLa Paz Waterfall Gardens阿拉胡埃拉以北一小时。你也会开车through the crafts town ofSarchi, where you'll see colorfully painted oxen carts.
If you're lucky, you might find a local shop where craftsmen are painting.
Explore thePoasvolcano, hikeLa Fortuna waterfalland soak in the thermal hot springs.
Nature lovers could probably spend an entire trip exploring the biodiverseMonteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You’re never at a loss for amazing sites to see and fun things to do.
You’re in a jungle, with all the natural, raw beauty that brings. It’s an adventure-lovers paradise, but also great for travelers who crave a bit more luxury and pampering too.
Santa Elena
TheMonteverde Cloud Forest Reserveis undoubtedly the highlight of the area, but that doesn’t mean there’s only one way to see it. Hiking through is a great way to see the forest but if thrills are more your speed, why not try ziplining high above the canopy along a network of supportive wires that stretch out for miles!
See the Cloud Forest like monkeys do. TheMonteverde zip linetour is a great way to get around!
Places to Visit inNorth CARIBBEAN Costa Rica
Tortuguero
Tortuguero is Costa Rica's "region of turtles" as you may have guessed by the name, and the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the Western Hemisphere. Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley turtles also come here to nest.
After years of being hunted almost to extinction in the area,Tortuguero National Parkwas established and from the mouth of the Tortuguero River now protects 22 miles of nesting beach.
The town here is small and quite charming with just one dirt street, so be prepared for a remote experience. That's the fun of it.
How to Get to Tortuguero -Public transportation, drive yourself, or arrange a transfer.
The village of Tortuguero is only accessible by boat, and the boat ride into town is a great way to see the wildlife! Depending on where you stay, your hotel likely has a shuttle right from the airport in San Jose which will meet the boat to take to your hotel.
If you’re driving in to the town, you’ll need to make arrangements to park your car in the town lot, and arrange for the boat trip to your hotel.
Where to Stay in Tortuguero -Tortuga Lodge and Gardens,Laguna Lodge,orTurtle Beach Lodgeare all located in Tortuguero National Park. You can’t go wrong with any of these three choices.
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Things to Do in Tortuguero
Visit in July, August, or September if you want to see turtles. Visitors can hike or take a river raft tour, kayak tour, nature or other sightseeing tour.
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Jorge is their local expert in CR— why not give him a call and pick his brain to add more local flavor to your itinerary — no strings attached!
Where to Go inSOUTH CARIBBEAN Costa Rica
Limon, Cahuita, and Puerto Viejo
TheCaribbean coast of Costa Ricahas a very different feel than the rest of the country. Once you see it for the first time, you'll see what I mean.
It's no surprise it has more of a laidback reggae vibe here given its West Indies roots, which thankfully is also evident in the food as well. Fresh, local, and delicious, you'll find everything here much more island-y and colorful!
What to Do in Puerto Viejo
Rent a bike to explore the colorful town. Stop at a local produce market for fresh fruit and head to the beaches at Playa Cocles or Punta Uva. Drive south toward Manzanillo for the day.
For up close and personal wildlife encounters, visit Cahuita National Park, and theJaguar Rescue Centreoutside of Puerto Viejo is a must-see if youlove monkeys as much as we do!
How to Get to Puerto Viejo -Drive. It's a beautiful scenic drive through theBraulio Carrillo National Parkand along the coast.
Where to Eat in Puerto Viejo -Bread & Chocolate (amazing breakfast); Koki Beach Restaurant Bar Lounge, a fun place anytime of day
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo -Hotel Banana Azul
We've stayed at Hotel Banana Azul several times andlove the property, the friendly staff, the lush gardens and the prime location on Playa Negra, one of the prettiest beaches in town.
The food here is always scrumptious, and the property is LGBTQ friendly.
>>Click to search hotel rates and availability in Puerto Viejo
Do the Panama Combo
Feeling adventurous? A visit to Puerto Viejo is made even better when you combine it witha few days in Bocas del Toro, Panama, the tropical archipelago just south of Caribbean Costa Rica and a stone's throw from Puerto Viejo.
Best way to get there? Arrange a private transport with a company like Caribe Tours.
>>Search Now for Hotels in Bocas del Toro, Panama— just a short hop or drive from Puerto Viejo
Best Places to Go inNorthwest Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya peninsula on Costa Rica's northwest coast is all about the chill, surfer vibe. The weather here is drier than the southern Osa peninsula, but they do get their share of rain (and mud) in the green season. Nicoya is known for its great beaches, and who could say no to that!
What we also love about the Nicoya peninsula is the temperate climate — it’s the Costa Rica coast that’s not too muggy and buggy.
In north Nicoya is the town of Tamarindo and the region of Guanacaste, one of the more touristed spots on the Nicoya, but that’s also relative.
Compared to Disney World it’s still pretty sleepy, but there’s enough to do and has a wide array of accommodations from luxury to hostel, making it one of the places in the country that’s perfect formultigenerational travel in Costa Rica.
For nature lovers, the southern part of the Nicoya is perfect for experiencing the wildlife and natural world.
How to Get to Nosara -开车,或者飞到我新国际机场n Liberia
Things to Do in Nosara
Chill out! So grab a board and head to the beach. Yoga is the lifestyle here so take a class or bring your mat to the beach. The sleepy town ofOstionalis anature loversdream with a beach that's home to thousands of nesting sea turtles each year.
If you go, please be respectful. Don't get too close or do anything that could hinder their nesting or their return to the sea!
Check outPlaya Carrillo, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica about an hour south of Nosara, then stop for shopping and lunch in the town ofSamaraon the way back.Samara Beach是最好的海滩之一在哥斯达黎加的孩子吗because of its sheltered bay and gentle waves.
>>Click here to search rates for hotels in Samara
Where to Stay in Nosara -Harmony Hotel
Located onPlaya Guiones, one of the best beaches in Costa Rica and the longest surf break on the coast,Harmony Hotel是一个两分钟步行到海滩在一个安静的一部分吗town.
Known for its yoga programs and healthy, inspired cuisine, you can't help but get your Zen on while you're here.
The most heavily touristed place on the Nicoya isTamarindo, an uber popular beach town. If you want more peace and quiet, head further south toNosara,Samara, or the funky beach towns ofManzanillo,Santa Teresa, orMal Paisat the southern tip of the peninsula.
(NOTE: Check road conditions if you're driving during the green season as roads may be flooded and/or impassable.)
>>Search rates and availability for Hotels in Nosara<<
BestMiddle PAcific CoastCosta Rica Destinations
Manuel Antonio and Jaco
Our first time to Costa Rica, we combined our first 3 days in Arenal with 6 days on the Pacific Coast to Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula. Depending on how much time you have, you could drive the entire coast south and see some of Costa Rica's best sites.
The only road to get there takes you across the famous Rio Tarcoles (Crocodile River), home to monster American Crocodiles. Bring your camera and park along the road before the bridge and walk halfway down for the best view.
Afterwards, grab a casado (lunch) or quick drink at a number of good local restaurants at the bridge.
I took this pic of the crocodiles in Rio Tarcoles with a zoom lens from a bridge a few hundred yards away!
How to Get to Manuel Antonio -Drive, private transport, bus. Several buses run daily from San Jose to Manuel Antonio, but make frequent stops, so don’t plan on getting there quickly.
Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
A funky coastal town, Manuel Antonio is touristy and laid-back. Its famousManuel Antonio National Parkhas miles of amazing trails and is home to the endangeredMono Titi, orsquirrel monkey.
The town's slogan is "Still more monkeys than people", and we happily found that to be the case.
The National Park sits on the ocean, and is a must-see while you're there. It's a great place to see wildlife of all kinds, and a nice break from the 'bustle' of Manuel Antonio. Keep your eyes open in the Park, as some of the wildlife you'll encounter may be right under your feet or close by.
Where to Eat in Manuel Antonio -Barba Roja and Cafe Aqua Azul are two of our favorites, with food that’s always good. El Avion is everyone’s favorite place for drinks and food with a cool and very unique setting in what remains of an old airplane used during the Wild West Iran Contra scandal of the 1980s!
Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio -Hotel Villas Nicolas(Adults only) andVilla Perezoso Luxury Apartment
In the middle of Manuel Antonio and walking distance to many restaurants, the rooms and suites atHotel Villas Nicolasare spacious, quiet, open-air, and have the most amazing views of the ocean from your hammock on the veranda.
Check availability and more details.
Villa Perezoso Luxury Apartmentis in the heart of Manuela Antonio and perfect for families or groups of friends. There are 2 huge bedrooms with king beds, private baths for each, and a spacious shared living area, gourmet kitchen, private parking, and a beautiful wrap around terrace.
It’s a 5-10-minute walk from Espadilla Beach and Playitas Beach, and 2 miles from Manuel Antonio National Park.
Where to Go inMiddle PACIFIC COASTCosta Rica
Dominical and Uvita
Further south, travel the infamous "bumpy road" - what an understatement! - which will take you to the southern surf towns of Dominical, Uvita, and the growing areas of Palmer Norte and Palmer Sur. The beaches are beautiful and people are so friendly.
In the funky, surf town of Dominical, check out the surfer bar at the beach which promises you a free beer in exchange for your broken board and bruised ego — "You break 'em, we hang 'em", as the sign goes.
There's even a shrine there to the King! Nope, there's no King in Costa Rica. I'm referring of course, to Elvis! If you're a fan, you HAVE to stop and check it out. I mean, how often do you get to see this on a beach in Costa Rica?
How to Get to Uvita -Drive
Things to Do in Uvita
Hiking and surfing are popular pastimes in the area. Funky beach shops are everywhere to stroll and shop.
Where to Stay in Uvita -The Lookout at Playa Tortuga- Individual spacious and clean cabinas surround the main hotel, pool, and common terrace (great for bird watching). Just a short ride from amazing beaches - we loved Playa Ventanas which is close by.
Places to Visit inSOUTHWEST Pacific COASTCosta Rica
Osa Peninsula — Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez
Leaving Uvita for Puerto Jimenez and the Osa, we traveled a road that's worse than the 'bumpy road' near Quepos! Crater-sized potholes filled with rainwater left no hint at their depth, and bridges with gaping holes and missing supports carried us further south.
All part of the adventure, right?
Lesson here: exercise caution and common sense. National Geographic calls the Osa Peninsula "the most biologically diverse place on Earth" and it really is amazing. It’s one of the wildest and most natural parts of the country with so much wildlife and all the unusual critters you might have heard about.
Drake Bay
How to Get to Drake Bay -Drive, or Fly direct from San Jose into Drake Bay airport
Things to Do in Drake Bay
Look for the famous pre-Columbian spheres nearSierpeandPalmar Surand see if you can figure out where they may have come from. Most visitors to the Osa come here for the unparalleled nature, to dive the waters off Isla Cocos, or hike in beautiful Corcovado National Park.
Where to Stay in Drake Bay -La Paloma Lodge
One of the most beautiful eco lodges in the Osa peninsula, the all-inclusive La Paloma Lodge is set high on a bluff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by lush rainforest jungle.
It’s a short walk into the tiny town of Drake Bay and a favorite stay of ours, whether you’re planning a family vacation or your honeymoon.
Puerto Jimenez
Where to Stay Near Puerto Jimenez-Iguana Lodge
TheIguana Lodgeis the perfectrustic beach chichotel— it's super comfortable and charming with a secluded feel.
The staff and owner are helpful and welcome you like old friends. They even downloaded my overloaded memory cards to a CD, and our small dinner group ended the evening with guitar playing and great company.
And the food is fabulous! (Wish we had stayed much longer.)
Bosque del Cabo- Before we ever heard the termglamping(glam camping), there was Bosque del Cabo, truly one of the most fabulous places on earth.
It's not just a great place to stay — it's over 700 acres of well-maintained and well-preserved land on the southwestern tip of the Osa Peninsula.
Committed to sustainable growth and preservation, the owners Phil and Kim and their staff share their love of the land with guests, inviting you to enjoy the peace and quiet, the sumptuous accommodations, the mouth-watering cuisine (fresh and local), and the incredible wildlife.
At BdC, the wildlife takes center stage, and their naturalist programs, tours and network of integrated hiking trails showcase that in a big way.
This may be the perfect family getaway in Costa Rica, with something for everyone to enjoy - whether you want to lounge by the pool, immerse yourself in the natural world, hike nearby Corcovado National Park, or hang out in a tidal pool on the beach.
Why Visit Costa Rica?
Much of Central America is lush and green, with amazing wildlife and super friendly people, and it may be difficult decidingwhich country to explore first.
But for us, Costa Rica has the best combination of eco-friendly opportunities with developed tourism infrastructure, perfect for first time travelers.
Whether yougo ziplininginArenal National Parkor surfing inMatapalo, you’ll never be at a loss for amazing sites to see and funthings to do.
Like every first trip to a new place, we had the usual nervous anticipation and didn't know quite what to expect from our first trip to Costa Rica.
Even with all the stories we'd heard from online travelers and friends, we could not have imagined how much this amazing place would stay with us for years to come.
Go.Now!