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Plan Your Trip to Costa Rica: Best of Costa Rica Tourism

Explore Costa Rica

Costa Rica is where to go when you want to disconnect and go all in on nature—and with its sun-drenched beaches and lush rainforests, it’s pretty easy to do it. Yes, it’s known for its laid-back pura vida lifestyle, but adventure’s everywhere, too: Hike through lava fields at Arenal Volcano National Park, raft down the Rio Celeste in Guanacaste, soar above the jungle in Monteverde—home to the longest zipline in Latin America. Or, head to the Osa Peninsula, where you can kayak through mangroves, spot some wildlife, and get a taste of local Tico culture—literally—with a trip to a cacao farm to see how chocolate is made. When you’re ready to slow things down, make your way to the Nicoya Peninsula and start each morning with yoga, then go surfing or kick back on a secluded beach. Whatever you’re into, you can find it, and we’ve got more recs, below.

Essential Costa Rica

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Travel Advice

The perfect seven days in Costa Rica

From cloud forests to sunny beaches
Read on

My under-the-radar family adventures on the Nicoya Peninsula

The farther south you venture from Tamarindo on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, the wilder the adventure feels. But in this generally safe country, there’s a choose-your-own-adventure nature to the exploring. We opted for backroads—some of which involved driving our rented SUV across shallow rivers (Google Maps made me do it!)—over a month-long exploration of this compact but ecologically diverse wonderland.
Stratton Lawrence, Charleston, SC
  • Pizza Tree
    101
    Over a week-long stay in nearby Playa San Miguel, we made two trips to this wonderfully unique, Italian-owned pizzeria with three levels of dining areas, including a treetop perch. It’s a magical place at sunset. Pizza from the wood-fired oven may be the best in the country, but don’t sleep on the pasta carbonara and the grilled ribs.
  • Cabo Blanco Butterfly Farm
    3
    Our children were mesmerised by the hundreds of butterflies in the two greenhouses at this legitimate farm, where native tropical butterfly pupae are raised and shipped to exhibits worldwide. Our children witnessed each stage of metamorphosis while we captured incredible images of adult butterflies dancing around them. During summer, call to schedule a private tour.
  • Macaw Recovery Network
    290
    The scarlet and great green macaws at this non-profit institute are free to roam the jungle, but they return here in the evening and fill the trees with smile-inducing noise and colour. Staff ornithologists breed and rehabilitate macaws here, and the site is part of a network supporting the wild population across the country.
  • Guacamaya Lodge
    155
    We met up with another family for a long weekend at this comfortable hotel at Playa Junquillal. The living here was easy, shifting between the beach (where sea turtle hatchling releases are common during winter at sunset) and the inviting pool. Even if you don’t stay the night, the thatched-roof restaurant is an excellent lunch or dinner stop.
  • Totobe Resort
    14
    When you reach the end of the road at Playa San Miguel’s southern terminus, you’ve found this tiny “resort.” It’s not especially fancy (don’t expect A/C), but getting away from it all with a pool and grassy lawn directly on the beach—plus oceanfront porches to while away evenings—feels special. We extended our stay to a week because our children loved it here so much.
  • Jungle Butterfly Farm
    65
    A second butterfly farm? Yes, kind of. But the promise of butterflies is really a front for entomologist Mike Malliet’s incredible walking tours through the dry tropical forest. We saw our fill of butterflies, but the highlight came when Malliet cracked open a termite nest, popped a few of the wriggling creatures in his mouth, and then offered one to our son, who eagerly obliged before asking for another.
  • Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
    1,350
    Punta Islita, just south of Samara, is both a resort and a tidy little town where much of the local population works at the property. We enjoyed the best of both worlds here, taking in the small cultural centre and attending a local dance on Friday night while spending our days at the hotel’s beachfront pool.
  • Gusto Beach Club Samara
    1,555
    There’s no shortage of beachfront dining on the Nicoya Peninsula, and the bare-feet-in-the-sand, cocktail-in-hand concept reaches perfection in Samara, where the wide beach means children can run free while mom and dad truly relax. Gusto Beach was our favourite for relaxed meals and sunset palomas, with plenty of children’ options (even a grilled fish and potato puree for babies).

Costa Rica travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Public Buses and Shuttles

According to forum posts, Costa Rica offers a variety of public transportation options, including buses and shared shuttle vans. Public buses are noted for being economical, with some routes allowing travelers to navigate across major locations like Monteverde, La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio. Shared shuttle vans provide a convenient door-to-door service and are available on a scheduled basis.

Private Transfers

For direct and private transportation, travelers have mentioned the availability of private transfers across different regions. These services can be booked per ride or vehicle, offering a more personalized and flexible travel experience. Prices and arrangements can typically be made through local companies or recommended drivers, ensuring a comfortable journey tailored to specific travel needs.

Local Colectivos

In more rural areas, posts indicate the use of colectivos, which are usually trucks or vans adapted for passenger service. They operate on specified routes and are a common choice among locals and travelers seeking to reach remote destinations or for intercity travel at a lower cost. These are especially prevalent in the Osa area and are used for agricultural services but require a permit for operation.

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Tour Companies and Guides

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended local tour companies like Horizontes and CR Referrals Travel for organized tours across Costa Rica. These companies are praised for being environmentally friendly and family-owned. Additionally, users have advised ensuring that tour guides are certified by the ICT to avoid unqualified services, such as taxi drivers acting as tour guides.

Tour Activities and Locations

Some travelers mentioned specific areas and activities for guided tours. The Manuel Antonio area is highlighted for its beaches, wildlife, and easy hikes, with attractions like the Tarcoles River bridge for crocodile viewing. For adventure seekers, Arenal offers ziplining, and the Monteverde area is recommended for hiking in the cloud forest. Moreover, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is suggested for a mix of rainforest and cloud forest experiences.

Short Tours in San Jose

For those with limited time in San Jose, forum users suggest taking combo tours that might include visits to a coffee plantation, Poas Volcano, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, or alternatively, trips to Irazu Volcano and the Orosi Valley, providing a quick taste of Costa Rican highlights.

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Bus Companies and Routes

Pulmitan de Liberia and Alfaro are the main bus companies providing service from San José to Liberia. Pulmitan de Liberia operates several daily buses departing from their specific station in San José.

Schedule and Costs

The schedule for Pulmitan buses as provided includes departures at 06:00 am, 07:15 am, 09:30 am, 11:00 am, 01:00 pm, 03:00 pm, and 06:00 pm. The approximate fare for these buses is about $6.50 USD per person.

Travel Considerations

Travelers have discussed the convenience of these bus services, noting the frequent departures, which provide flexibility in travel planning. It is recommended to take a taxi to the Pulmitan bus station from the San José airport, especially when carrying luggage, to ensure safety and ease of travel.

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Insurance Requirements

According to forum posts, when renting a car in Costa Rica, purchasing liability insurance is mandatory, as personal liability insurance from other countries is not valid. Some travelers have noted that while you can use your credit card for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), it may involve a higher deposit and personal liability until your card reimburses the damages.

Vehicle Types and Rental Process

Travelers have called out that contacting the rental company directly, especially local branches, is beneficial for clarifying terms about vehicle types, such as whether the car is 4WD. It's often suggested to handle bookings with the rental companies directly rather than through third-party websites to avoid hidden costs and ensure clear communication.

Insurance Waiver and Deposits

Some users mentioned that you could have the CDW waived if your credit card provides coverage for it. However, this typically requires a proof of insurance letter from your credit card company and might still necessitate a substantial credit hold on your card during the rental period.

Rental Recommendations

Travelers frequently recommend reputable local agencies like Vamos and Adobe for their clear fee structures and reliable service. Experiences shared by users suggest that these companies are transparent about their insurance policies and rental conditions, which helps in avoiding any unexpected charges.

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Family-Friendly Surf Beaches

According to forum posts, Tamarindo is frequently recommended as a family-friendly surf beach. Travelers have noted its gentle waves at the southern point of the beach, which are suitable for children and beginner surfers. Additionally, the beach is easy to walk around, and many families live there full-time, contributing to its welcoming atmosphere.

Additional Recommendations

Some users also suggest Samara Beach for families, highlighting its safer swimming conditions and suitability for children. Another option mentioned is Playa Hermosa near Coco Beach, known for its lovely beach and kid-friendly environment. These beaches offer a combination of good surf, safety features, and a friendly community, making them ideal for family visits.

Considerations for Travel

Travelers have called out the importance of checking local conditions such as tides and speaking with lifeguards to ensure safety. For those planning to visit, it's advised to stay informed about the weather and sea conditions during their stay.

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Family-Friendly Accommodations

According to forum posts, Hotel el Silencio del Campo near Arenal is recommended for families. It features villas, a pool, hot springs, and a farm, making it appealing for children. Travelers have praised this location for its family-friendly amenities.

Alternative Options

Some users suggested looking into Airbnb or VRBO for family accommodations, as these platforms offer houses, condos, and villas that can accommodate larger groups. This option allows families to stay together and often provides more space and facilities compared to standard hotel rooms.

Specific Features

Travelers have mentioned that accommodations like Arenal Observatory Lodge and La Casona provide family-friendly amenities such as pools and breakfast included, along with the excitement of nearby trails and wildlife spotting opportunities. These features are particularly appealing for families with children who enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

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Hiking Trails in La Fortuna

According to forum posts, popular hiking options in La Fortuna include trails within Arenal National Park, which offers a variety of trails catering to different fitness levels. The park is known for its scenic views and diverse wildlife.

Specific Trail Recommendations

Some travelers have recommended the Lava Vieja trail in Arenal National Park for those looking for an engaging hike. Additionally, the park rangers are a valuable resource for current trail conditions and recommendations.

Alternative Hiking Sites

For travelers seeking alternatives, the Mistico Hanging Bridges and the Arenal 1968 trails are also favored for easy to moderate hikes. These sites provide unique perspectives of the area's natural beauty and volcanic landscapes.

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Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, the Pura Vida Hotel is a popular choice near San Jose airport, offering beautiful grounds and a great breakfast, though it lacks a pool. Travelers have also recommended the Hampton Inn for its proximity to the airport, free shuttle service, and nice breakfast. The Holiday Inn Express and the Courtyard by Marriott are also noted for their convenient airport shuttles and breakfast inclusion.

Additional Amenities

Some users highlighted that the Hampton Inn provides an interesting spectacle of green parrots that gather in the trees at the hotel around evening time, adding an extra touch of nature to the stay. The Pura Vida Hotel also stores luggage, which is beneficial for travelers making side trips.

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