Costa Rica Destination Guide
For such a small country, Costa Rica offers a wide variety of travel options. For first time visitors, the choices can be overwhelming. However, there are a few key items to consider while planning your trip. First, your entry and exit airports (LIR or SJO) will be an important factor for maximizing vacation time and minimizing travel. The roads in Costa Rica are rough, and even short distances can take many hours by ground transportation. Second, it’s important to consider what destination features are most important for your vacation. Do you want to enjoy nightlife activities? Do you prefer having the conveniences of nearby banks, Internet cafes, and restaurants? Or are you an avid hiker, hoping to explore the raw and untouched natural environment? Keep these basics in mind while deciding how to spend your time in Costa Rica.
Below you will find previews for a variety of Costa Rica destinations. Follow the destination link to see additional photos and information about a specific area. If you would like to speak with one of our Costa Rican travel advisors, please contact us toll free at: 1-888-256-3212.
| Major Beach Destinations | Beaches Off the Beaten Path | Nature Destinations |
Major Beach Destinations in Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's most famous destinations, offering world-class beaches, a fantastic National Park, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. There are dozens of local and international dining options and a wide range of accommodations that range from luxury 5 star suites to simple budget hotels. Visitors to Manuel Antonio will find a combination of nature, nightlife, and adventure. More information about Manuel Antonio Costa Rica.
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Tamarindo
Home to steady surfing waves, perfect Pacific sunsets, a diversity of dining options, and a healthy nightlife, Tamarindo is an ideal destination for enjoying the beach. Over the last 5 years, the area has experienced major expansion through the construction of condos, homes, and hotels. While it remains a fantastic beach, Tamarindo exemplifies the environmental challenges and growth pressures that are faced with rapid development. Fearful of loosing its charming characteristics, Tamarindo has taken steps to slow its growth and re-focus on environmental and biological preservation. These efforts have improved water quality and beach cleanliness dramatically over the last year. More information about Tamarindo Costa Rica.
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Jaco
Jaco is Costa Rica's largest and most populated beach destination. It creates a city-vibe better than any other beach in Costa Rica with high-rise condos, deluxe restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. The town of Jaco is set amid beautiful verdant hills, and it maintains a healthy population of Scarlet Macaws. It is a short driving distance from many less developed, pristine beaches in the area, including: Hermosa, Herradura, and Esterillos. Jaco beach itself has become considerably cleaner as the city has adopted stricter environmental regulation. It has moved forward with zoning and water treatment standards to attract more visitors and maintaining a sustainable balance with the surrounding biodiversity. More information about Playa Jaco Costa Rica.
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Puerto Viejo de Limon
Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast offers a climate and culture that distinctly differs from the rest of the country. The eccentric village of Puerto Viejo is an eclectic mix of Tico, Afro-Caribbean, European, and American businesses. Bike rentals, in the Puerto Viejo area, are a popular and ideal way to explore. Visitors will find that the stretch of coast, running from Puerto Viejo's black sand bay to Manzanillo's pristine white sand and jungle, includes many premier and unspoiled beaches. Punta Uva, a beach 5 km to the south, is considered to be among the most beautiful. It is an outstanding spot for snorkeling, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the mild Caribbean breeze. More information about Puerto Viejo de Limon Costa Rica.
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Playa Potrero
At the heart of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, Potrero is a large half-moon bay with a sleepy fishing village. It is surrounded by some of Costa Rica's most picturesque beaches, including: Conchal, Flamingo, Penca, Preita, and Sugar Beach. Development seems destined to change these pristine beaches, but the citizens and municipalities have pledged to avoid the mistakes of similar villages, which underwent rapid transition without prudent regulations. Activities around Potrero include sport fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. More information about Playa Potrero Costa Rica.
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Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste
Hermosa Beach is a quiet community, safe for swimming and a favorite among Costa Ricans. Nearby Hermosa, there are dozens of other beaches including Ocotal, Coco, and Panama. Culebra Bay and the Papagayo Gulf lie just a few miles to the north. Costa Ricans are not alone in flocking to Hermosa's picturesque beach and calm waters; the surrounding hills are home to some of the largest real estate developments in all of Costa Rica. Playa de Coco is about 7 km from Hermosa, and it has the area's largest selection of restaurants and nighttime activities. Adventure activities in the area include scuba diving, boat tours, and kayaking. More information about Playa Hermosa Costa Rica.
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Malpais-Santa Teresa
Malpais-Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica's most dynamic surfing destinations- great for beginning and advanced surfers alike. In addition to surfing, Malpais and Santa Teresa offer many international restaurants, Yoga sessions, a variety of accommodation options, and miles of beach to walk at sunset. More information about Malpais and Santa Teresa Costa Rica.
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Beaches Off the Beaten Path
Montezuma
One of Costa Rica's most laid back destinations; Montezuma is full of natural beauty, dozens of large and small beaches within walking distance of town, and nearby waterfalls that are ideal for cooling off. There are limited luxury accommodations, but traveler’s will find a variety of comfortable options. For its small size, Montezuma presents a high-density of quality Costa Rican and international restaurants. More information about Montezuma Costa Rica.
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Samara
Samara’s beach town provides a charming balance of typical Costa Rican atmosphere with a low-key gringo presence. From one end to the other, its enormous beach stretches 5 km. A number of lesser-known beaches can be found nearby. To the north lies the gorgeous Playa Barigones, and to the south sits Carillo and Punta Islita. Although Samara is not the most famous of Costa Rican beaches, there are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as horseback riding, bike rentals, kayak rentals, snorkeling, and fishing tours. More information about Playa Samara Costa Rica.
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Dominical
There are very few locations on Costa Rica's Southern Pacific Coast that offer as many activity and accommodation options as Dominical. The Dominical area is famous for its consistent surf and pristine beaches. The shores are often lined with locals showing off the day’s catch, especially at beaches to the south. Although the area is changing, the Southern Pacific has remained relatively unspoiled by major real estate developments. The town of Dominical offers a range of dining and accommodation choices that balance budget, middle, and high-end travel. Most luxury hotels are a short drive from the town center. More info about Dominical Costa Rica.
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Cahuita
By far, one of Costa Rica's most laid back destinations and peaceful communities; Cahuita is a picturesque fishing village that benefits from having Cahuita National Park and Beach located at the edge of town. The community takes pride in maintaining one of the cleanest beaches and healthiest bays in all of Costa Rica. For traditional Caribbean food, fresh seafood, clear Caribbean waters, and friendly locals, Cahuita is a wonderful option for adventurous travelers. More information about Cahuita Costa Rica.
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Nature Destinations
Monteverde
The misty Cloud Forest of Monteverde is one of the most accessible cloud forest regions in the world. With dense canopy foliage and hundreds of epiphytes and lichen, the forest is an intense sea of green, and it is one of the country’s best hiking destinations. Monteverde offers action-packed activities, including zip line tours and horseback riding, as well as educational museums and species exhibits. Due to its varied elevations and diverse density of species, it is a major research site for biologists from around the world. More information about Monteverde Costa Rica.
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Distances from: - SJO: 140 km 4 hours - LIR: 125 Km 3 hours - Arenal: 120 km 4 hours. Taxi boat taxi route: 60 km 3 hours. Horseback tour route 40 km 5 hours. - Daily Domestic Flights: No |
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San Gerado de Dota
A premier bird-watching destination that you may never have heard of, San Gerado de Dota is nestled in a high elevation river valley. With cloud forest along both ridges, its ecosystem attracts hundreds of bird species. You will not find much nightlife, but for avid hikers and nature lovers, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica is paradise. More information about San Gerardo de Dota Costa Rica.
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Rincon de La Vieja
Rincon de La Vieja is one of Costa Rica's most dynamic destinations. Here travelers will find a variety of waterfalls, an active volcano, amazing hiking trails, mud baths, and hot springs- all in picturesque mountain terrain. There is not much in the way of nightlife or dining options, but for an Eco-adventure, Rincon de La Vieja is an ideal destination. More information about Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica.
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Tortuguero
One of Costa Rica's premier Ecotourism destinations; Tortuguero is a nesting ground for giant sea turtles including the Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead. Accessible only by boat or air, the Tortuguero canals offer a unique experience for those most accustomed to heavy traffic and cars. In fact, there are no cars. Transportation in Tortuguero usually involves a boat ride, cruising through glassy water or navigating heavily forested canals. More information about Tortuguero Costa Rica.
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