I spent a few weeks in Costa Rica and I had a great time. I didn’t like the capital city of San Jose to be honest . The best part of my trip was the country landscapes : lush rainforests, beautiful beaches … and a great vibe. One of my favorite place in central america. Safe , easy to travel and nice peoples .

Costa Rica is not cheap ! So depending on your travel style, finding the ideal place can be pricey sometimes . You will find middle range hotels and luxurious accommodations, some unique places with the best views on the tropical rainforest.

I selected for you the best and unique hotels ( and the best bargains ) and resort in Costa Rica Below . You will find the best areas to stay too and a complete guide for your travel

Check my Best itinerary in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, between Nicaragua and Panama, is desirable for nature lovers, it is the place to be. Volcanic rocks are formed, the rainforest abounds with life, the ocean is deep and turquoise, and marine life is vibrant. Therefore, this choice might take work, and multiple spectacular spots may need clarification.

Fear not, intrepid traveler! This guide will reveal the best places within every budget to stay in Costa Rica and revel in adventurous nature! Do you dream of a high-end jungle oasis, a fantastic cabin on a cliff looking into the ocean, or an ecolodge where sustainability and style are equally important? Whichever kind of accommodation you want, Costa Rica has the perfect place for you with a hammock and pura vida.

Best Hotels in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Coolest areas to stay : A Regional Rundown

Of the many experiences one finds in Costa Rica and its regions, each is distinct and diverse. Here’s a quick guide to the most incredible places to stay, catering to different vibes:

✔️ Volcanic Heart: Arenal Volcano Use Zone

For the Luxurious Adventurer, lay up not far from the Rainblow and the Arenal Volcano. Inside luxury ecolodges perched on volcano ridges with natural hot springs waiting for you, adventure strikes as you ascend high ridge trails, face to face with rapids, and ride with the zip line through the canopy of green forest.

✔️ Surfing Paradise: This comprise of Guanacaste and Puntarenas

For the Beach Bum: Guanacaste and Puntarenas have beautiful golden coasts, where you can enjoy the surfer lifestyle as chilled as you like. Surf compound formats with beachfront bungalows and trendy surf camps allow you to surf beach waves right out of your door. Install yourself in the delightful seaside settlements, grasp quality surfing with an advanced class, and discover the masterpieces of the Sun with the pink sky. Check our Best surfing beaches Costa Rica

✔️ Rainforest Rhapsody: Caribbean Coast (Limon and birthplace of Caño Negro)

For the Eco-Warrior: Dive into the vivid greenness of exotic Caribbean coast rainforests. Ecolodges are designed using eco-friendly structures that minimize their negative impact on the environment—hike or canoe through nature’s tranquil canals, which are habitats for all kinds of animals. Look out for exotic birds and discover hidden waterfalls while leaving minimal traces behind you.

✔️ Rustic Charm: the Monteverde cloud forest

For the Nature Enthusiast:Uncovering back to the natural atmosphere and its unexplainable misty tropical forest, including the cloud forest of Monteverde, is like a magical experience. Cozy cabins, thoughtfully rustic, sitting between the foggy mist, await travellers. Engage the outstanding flora and fauna while walking along hanging bridges, gun down elusive animals like the resplendent Quetzal, and reestablish a bond with nature in its natural environment.

✔️ Off the Beaten Path: Osa Peninsula

For the True Explorer:The Osa Peninsula offers a perfect spot for those tired of crowded places searching for peaceful ocean waves. Sometimes, only quietness, absence of noise, and loneliness with waves help us to concentrate, meditate and restore ourselves unnoticed. Hike through rainforests abound with animals that have remained in their natural habitat, kayak through mangroves spreading elegance and serenity, and you will be added to the list of ones who have witnessed a concentration of Mother Nature in this rare haven.

Want to try something different ? Try a half a day Fishing trip to Costa Rica

What types of stays can you find in Costa Rica ?

Costa Rica is ideal because there are properties for all sorts of tourists, from low to high, and you can craft your fit for your budget and personal needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most excellent places to stay in Costa Rica. Here’s a breakdown of the most incredible places to stay in Costa Rica:

✔️ Ecolodges

Get back to nature and try not to leave a footprint. Teacher: This contradiction is evident when privatization is accompanied by reduced social service funding or inadequate regulation. People passionate about ecological tourism have started building ecolodges using eco-friendly methods, including recycled materials and renewable energy sources. They establish their green lifestyle by emphasizing the environment, the relaxation, and the remarkable natural beauty of the accommodations.

✔️ Luxury Resorts

Spoil yourself to the best spa and body treatments at manicured resort facilities. Tucked in the white sand beaches or the midst of the rainforests, these resorts have an opportunity to offer a pampering experience with international spas, specialty restaurants, swimming pools, and concierge services. This resort is for those who want to relax and recharge their mind and body. It is designed for those after the kind of experience that is all-in-one and THE pampering.

✔️ Boutique hotel

Feel at home in our traditional accommodations established by family-run hotel businesses. On several occasions, the hotels are situated in historic buildings with a high level of modernity. These hotels, therefore, offer a more personal environment compared to large resorts that can be overcrowded. The focus is on friendly staff, comfortable rooms, non-restrictive booking procedures, and local culture.

✔️Beachfront Bungalows

Take your life back to basics with the beach beside you! These picturesque bungalows exude a relaxed vibe, and enjoying the spectacular ocean view is one thing I can think of. Surfers and beach lovers will have handy replacements for them as they enjoy a moment close to the sand and waves.

✔️ Rustic Cabins

Enjoy the “pura vida” spirit while staying in a down-to-earth log or lumber cabin. These US camps that spot Costa Rica provide a getaway to nature—considering that wooden structures combined with only necessities mainly located within the National Parks would make an idea of an eco-touristic resort. This package is designed for nature lovers who want an immersive and authentic experience without a high price tag.

✔️ Vacation Rentals

In exceptional cases, spend your vacation in a rented house. Villas, condos, and private dwellings feature generous spaces and kitchens and often have private swimming pools designed to accommodate family needs or more intimate trips with friends. This alternative not only offers the benefit of mobility but also gives students a sense of familiarity outside their residences.

✔️ Hostels

Socialize with other world travellers and save on funds with hostel rooms. The variety of choices includes:

• Dormitories or private rooms.
• A shared kitchen.
• Rooms where you can chill while making new friends.

They are great for those who travel alone or seek community with others.

✔️ Tree Houses

Let your inner child be the bridge to another world and live just like we were rainforest treasures! These three living spaces explain the exciting feeling of the elevated abodes you will never feel anywhere else if you visit other places. Just contemplating a bird chorus and panoramas of a beautiful garden will bring a unique morning energy to your breakfast table.

✔️ Yoga Retreats

Mix it up and do both—easygoing and hard work—at a yoga retreat. Indulging in a yoga package offered by ecolodges and boutique hotels has become popular. These packages include yoga sessions, healthy meals, and unparalleled natural scenery to generate mindfulness and a good state of mind. Or Maybe you can try a wellness retreats in Costa Rica ?

✔️ Volcano Lodges

Observe the formation of craters, heat, and energy of an active volcano from the safety of a volcano lodge. These volcanoes have been prime scenes for attracting guests to these lodges, unravelling such scenes as lava flows and rising smoke columns in a front view. Another attribute that highlights our tour is that it can be the perfect program for adventurous-minded individuals and nature lovers.

✔️ Surf Camps

Surf yourself on a surfing camp where only wave riding is a purpose. The camps come complete with comfortable accommodations and classes with professional surf instructors. The best yet is the proximity to or being next to world-class waves. They are for both newbies trying to figure things out and people looking for the best waves in town. Check our Best surfing beaches Costa Rica.

✔️ Working Hostels

Volunteering during travel helps you engage with the locals and live their lifestyle while on the road. On the other hand, these hostels offer a significant discount on accommodation for a few hours of work on daily maintenance or kitchen chores, for example. This is an excellent attraction for value-oriented travellers and the local community, who need the extra days yet desire to participate in the local tourism industry.

✔️ Glamping

To live life best, spend glamorous days and camping nights! Costa Rica gives glamping lovers a fabulous experience when they stay in glamping tents that have all the luxurious amenities that one can find in comfortable hotel rooms, including private jacuzzis. This is perfect if you want to go off-grid and combine luxury with being in tune with nature.

✔️ Indigenous Community Stays

Make your experience transcend yearning for home as you live with a Costa Rican community. The journey into the lives of the locals brings you closer to the culture and how they used to live. It will tell you about the traditions and arts they perform, leaving you with new knowledge about things you never knew. The latter is the main feature of this kind of travel and the number one reason why people decide to travel this way in the first place.

Costa Rica has something for everyone at varied pocket money rates. Whether looking for a condominium with top-notch comfort amenities, an eco-conscious house that blends with your surroundings, or a simple apartment with breathtaking views, you have found the ideal space to unwind your soul and live the way Costa Ricans do.

10 Best Hotels To Stay In Costa Rica

Three Sixty Boutique Hotel, Ojochalicientifica

Do you need to disconnect yourself from an adult-only mission with gorgeous panoramas? Wait no sooner from Three Sixty Hotel in Ojochal, Costa Rica—the perfect match for your needs. This vacation spot is for those who want peace during their stay. Encircling it with the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, this luxurious sanctuary is the best destination for you to relax. For example, picture luxurious villas with big wide doors perfectly synchronized to suit the interior and the terraces with amazing all-inclusive views over the coastline, islands, and exotic lush green scenery. Relax by the Edge infinity pool, share a romantic dinner at the Kua Kua eatery (which in local dialect means a “butterfly”), and take a day to enjoy the Sun going down over the sea with a fantastic view. Three Sixty offers the chance to have an exciting adventure where you will enjoy great nature and some exquisite luxury.

https://www.hotelthreesixty.com/?gad_source=1

Lapa Rios, Osa Peninsula

Lapa Rios is a unique ecolodge in the Peninsula’s pristine wilderness valley, occupying untouched terrain. Regarding infrastructure and approach, being an eco-tour does not explicitly mean something. However, it is an amalgamation or manifestation of having the principles of sustainability, protection of the environment, conservation of energy, and natural Visualize a range of ocean-viewed bungalows from sustainable material for shipping inspiration on the hilltop where you can take a panoramic view of 1,000 acres of green rainforest. Laila Rios advocates ecotourism, gently singing sacred music but still providing luxury. Open your eyes to the beauty that is the sound of exotic birds chirping, the rainforest filled with animals like jaguars and monkeys roaming free, or just a slice of heaven by the seems of an infinity pool that overlooks the endless Pacific horizon. Lapa Rios gives the luxury dream accurate for those fond of exposed life and the natural beauty, as well as the diversity of the environment of Costa Rica.

Website HERE

Finca Bellavista, Piedras Blancas

Finca Bellavista is a treetop community in Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica, an exciting place surrounded by an incredible green forest featuring a canopy. It features handmade tree houses with eco-friendly facilities, private balconies and amazing sights from the rainforest. Guests can swim in the pool, savouring mouthwatering dishes, go out with the operated nature trails, and watch animals, which is also an advantage, as well as waterfalls in the backdrop. The property has a great promise to be green, covering solar panels, organic growing, and waste treatment. Best hotel in the area .

Website HERE

Casitas Tenorio, Bijagua

Casitas Tenorio B and B is a cozy bed and breakfast in Bijagua, Costa Rica. Surrounded by the Tenorio Volcano National Park, it treats guests to a rustic retreat on a dairy farm that is used to provide for the locals. Customers will have the opportunity to stay in bungalows with excellent facilities as a choice and may be served tasty breakfasts straight from local fruits and vegetables. The farm’s production includes this and its homemade cheese, which is exceptional in representing Costa Rican life. Great place to chill and enjoy life !

Website HERE

Villa Beuna Onda, Guanacaste

Villa Buena Onda in Guanacaste isn’t simply a villa but a pay-per-view mixed-resort feel. Think about the existence of the scenery you can enjoy in your oasis, made for the giving of pleasure. The villa is located amidst a green tropical jungle environment, which has been awarded in a couple of categories. It has a family house, a romantic place for couples, and a venue for destination weddings or corporate retreats. Such accommodation facilities can be imagined as private townhomes and modern homes with a pool outdoors. Some may even include the Vistalya Bay overlooking (What specifically a property may or may not offer will depend on the specific property). Think of all that is getting “for cost”: you get the opportunity to put in nothing and get all that plus tasty food and peace of mind. Just remember all about your daily grind.

Website HERE

El Silencio Lodge and Spa

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of cloud forest at El Silencio, Lodge &Spa, an unseen place for the people in the Bajos del Toro region. This stunning sanctuary incorporates 200 hectares of private area, guaranteeing complete relaxation and magnificent panoramas. Imagine idly situated houses constructed to offer undisturbed privacy, each providing an expansive terrace to appreciate the scenic vistas of the swaying forest canopy, the distant mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Have a perfect relaxation on a sun deck by the infinity pool, enjoy the taste of gourmet food freshly prepared by the restaurant, and be enchanted by the surrounding nature, where each angle offers a different view. El Silencio Lodge is the place of your dream vacation, mixing deluxe amenities with cloud forest magnetic beauty.

https://www.elsilenciolodge.com

Four Seasons resort, found in Papagayo, Costa Rica.

Connect with “pura vida” ( the good life) in each of the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Papagayo. This Forbes Five-Star resort balances luxury with an eco-friendly approach. With such a spectacular setting on the Papagayo Peninsula, you can play the beach and the golf courses to your heart’s content. Give an example of luxury villas and hotel rooms with infinite pools and their observation emplacements overlooking the surrounding scenic views. Leap into the swimming pools; the beach will be so clean, and you can also tee off golf to the championship golf course. Gastronomic journeys here show running at top-class restaurants, and the famous spa ensures that you achieve total relaxation. Whatever you seek, whether it is family entertainment, romantic activities, or outdoor adventures, the resort world of Four Seasons offers an enticing range of options – from pottering around the garden to horse riding. Every attention has been paid to this pampered sanctuary to celebrate this fantastic onsite natural resources.

Check their website HERE

The Gilded Iguana, Nosara

Escape to an island of stylish and luxurious romance at The Gilded Iguana in Nosara, Costa Rica. This bound-to-be favourite waterfront hotel accommodates locals and visitors who perceive themselves as laid-back surfers or yogis. Imagine chic bungalows and lodges bathed in handmade crafts and local works of art, and this immediately brings to mind the white sandy beach and the surf rolling as if it was just steps from where you are. Recline and pamper yourself at the oceanfront terrace with a beautiful view and the perfect ambience of tireless waves. The Gilded Iguana has an outstanding yoga studio fronting as a space for inner silence, while the onsite surf consists of the total surfing novice and veteran alike. Relax in the pool under the sun-drenched setting with an organic drink, or let your toes soak in the warm sand and enjoy the pura vida feel. Out here, the sky is an unfiltered blanket of stars, and the sand can be lived-in and full of holes, but there’s nothing like it.”

Spacious guest rooms and great service !

Website HERE

Andaz Costa Rica Resort on Papagayo.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort on Peninsula Papagayo gives visitors a unique chance to enjoy an incredibly sophisticated ambience characterized by chic, cozy rooms with private balconies, breathtaking vistas, four swimming pools, pearly beaches, four restaurants, free babysitting service, ocean adventures with Papagayo explorers, and nearby access to golf—everything wrapped in a joyful spirit. Great spot to relax

Check their websites HERE

Tulemar Resort, Quepos

Try to picture yourself forth in the morning melodic call of some mystical birds from your private balcony and the sight of green vegetation. Tulemar Resort in Quepos, Costa Rica, is an example par excellence of a resort that not only offers the sea and the rainforest as its settings but also exhibits the inherent wonders in this area. Located in 33 acres of the spectacular rainforest which overlooks the Manuel Antonio seashore, Tulemar has diverse accommodations, from the bungalows rec, organized as thet, to private villas with the best facilities that any hotel can offer you. Please take advantage of our onsite concieronsitevices, pools by the pool, and onsite restauonsitend a private beach, all within a short walk from your room. Discover the rich biodiversity of the rainforest or somewhere nearby, or sunbathe by the pool among tanning and sunbathing. The spellbinding Tulemar Resort targets travellers seeking a therapeutic setting harmonized with the scenic surroundings of Manuel Antonio.

Website HERE

When Is The Best Season To Travel To Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s tropical climate offers warm temperatures year-round, but deciding the best time for your trip depends on your priorities.

✔️ Dry Season (December – April):

Pros: Summertime has sunny days and typical evening rains, making it the best month for outdoor activities such as hiking, scuba diving, and surfing. As with most trees, these forests are not densely closed; hence, they are perfect for watching wildlife.

Cons: Fewer visitors mean lower prices during the Slack season, like winter. Christmas, New Year, and Easter have their skyrocketing crowds and prices.

✔️ Shoulder Seasons (May and November):

Pros: Fewer crowds and lower prices should be a pleasant surprise compared to the peak season. La greenery abundante al comienzo (may) o al final (nov) de la estación climática que incluye lluvias. Rain is the source of drinking water, but it may bring some sporadic showers, which quickly cloud in most cases.

Cons: If there are works like whitewater rafting, the possibility is lower in May than in other seasons.

✔️ Green Season (May – November):

Pros: It offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience to any destination at the most affordable price. Life is abundant as the forests flourish with rainfall and wet weather. It is well-placed for everybody desiring a remote and authentic Costa Rican experience.

Cons: Be ready for temperatures to drop, sometimes above 34 Fahrenheit, which may upset your plans to go outdoors. Shorter routes and some tour guides might not be available due to slippery terrain. Low winter temperatures can prevent mosquitoes from developing, making them less likely to be present at this time of year.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

✔️ Beach Bums: Combining the dry season (December-April) with sunny skies and quiet waters is a sure bet to maximize your enjoyment of the location.

✔️ Adventure Seekers: In the rainy season, the temperature is moderate, and the landscape’s greenery is at its peak. This attracts people to adventure activities like hiking, rafting, and exploring the rainforests, which boast less dense foliage. Periods of moderate seasons (8 and 11 months, respectively) can also be adequate if water levels are suitable for thoroughly enjoyed activities like rafting.

✔️ Wildlife Enthusiasts: The dry season offers the advantage of having more forest visibility and the opportunity to spot wildlife more easily. Nevertheless, one side of the green season could also be good, as there is increased animal activity (higher than the dry season) due to abundant water sources.

✔️ Budget Travelers: The green season from the end of May to November will be the most promising for flying and booking accommodations.

Quick Costa Rica Travel Tips

Costa Rica will fascinate you with its attractive landscape, different wildlife-filled places, and the “pura vida” (pure life) way of living. Here are some quick tips to ensure a smooth and unforgettable trip:

✔️ Planning and Preparation:

✔️ Entry Requirements: Find out entry regulations for the passport of your traveller category. Most states require a language of the state that is valid for at least half a year upon entry.

✔️Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance, which can be a lifeline during emergency medical conditions or even the cancellation of your trip.

✔️ Currency Exchange: Costa Rica has been on the CRC since 1853. ATMs are ubiquitous, and taking a limited number of local currencies to deal with minor changes could be practical.

✔️ Packing Essentials: For your tour, pack light, breathable clothes that will withstand the warm weather. Make sure to add a rain jacket and a swimsuit, as well as some comfortable walking shoes, plus a hat, preferably with sunscreen. For example, examine means of repelling insects, especially during the green season.

✔️ Getting There and Around:

Flights: In your case, San Jose (SJO) is the leading international airport that operates. Most importantly, book your flights well in advance, noticing the peak season.

Transportation: Costa Rica contains a different array of transportation systems. Getting a car hired ranks high in terms of convenience, but navigation on the roads may pose some risks. However, cabs, transfers, and local buses may be less frequent with the schedules of these public transportation types outside of tourist areas.

✔️ Money Matters:

Tipping: Clients do not need to skip restaurant tips since the restaurant usually calculates a charge for the services themselves. However, paying some amount as a gratuity that you receive as a clay service is customer-friendly.

Wrapping up

Take a plunge into the beauty of 4 Costa Rica, different adventures, and the various elements of life appealing as “pura vida.” The diversity that you will find in holiday destinations is endless, from high-end resorts to cozy treehouses, so discover that Pura Vida is a fit for you. Be packed, live like the tacos and enjoy unforgettable moments in this beautiful paradise by the beach.

Check my articles about Costa Rica !  Best itinerary Costa Rica, Coolest places to stay in Costa Rica, Fishing trip to Costa Rica, Visiting Costa Rica in June ,Best surfing beaches Costa Rica, Things to do in Samara Costa Rica, wellness retreats Costa Rica 

WHO AM I ?

Hello !

I am Eric, a French Australian citizen based between Australia, Asia and Bali and I love to travel and experience the world. I generally like outdoor activities, wellness, great food and venues , party and real local adventures ! I am a Yoga practitioner and fitness lover

I created this blog because I love to travel and I want to share my experiences with others. I’ve been traveling since I was a child, and I’ve been to over 50 countries. I’ve seen some amazing things and met some amazing people, and I want to help others experience the same things.

I believe that travel is one of the best ways to learn about the world and about yourself. When you travel, you’re forced to step outside of your comfort zone and experience new things. You learn about different cultures, different religions, and different ways of life. You also learn about yourself, your strengths, and your weaknesses.

Travel can also be a great way to make new friends. When you’re traveling, you’re surrounded by people from all over the world, and you’re all in the same boat. You’re all there to explore and experience new things, and that can create a bond between people.

Let’s connect together !

I hope that my travel blog will inspire others to travel and to see the world. I also hope that it will help people to learn about different cultures and to become more open-minded.