Where is the best place to stay in Costa Rica?
By Charlotte Rogers. Aug 30, 2022
Costa Rica is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in all the Americas. A safe, friendly, tropical paradise that is host to unmatched biodiversity. People come to Costa Rica to experience the extraordinary variety of animals and plants and indulge in world-class beach and ocean activities.
In this article, we will be giving you our top ten picks for places to stay in Costa Rica. Start in San Jose, for a little bit of historical flavor. Then, for those who prefer a classic beach-side holiday packed with surfing and Piña coladas- The Nicoya, Puerto Viejo and Culebra are top of the list.
Adventure junkies will love The Osa Peninsula, Pacuare and Cerro Chirripó. For family-friendly and first-time travelers you can’t go past La Fortuna, Monteverde and Tortuguero have a wide variety of activities to suit any pace. So, let’s take a deeper look into this fascinating country.If you are interested in where to stay in Costa Rica, you may also be interested in where to stay in Belize, where to stay in Jamaica, where to stay in Roatan and where to stay in Panama City.
Best places to stay in Costa Rica
San Jose
Airport / Flight Overnight
San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is first on our list because this is likely where you will start your Costa Rican journey. Most international flights arrive here, and it is a major transport hub for the rest of the country. Many travelers decide to simply spend a night near the airport, before continuing to the coast.
While the city of San Jose can feel a bit hectic and claustrophobic, there are a couple of highlights that you might want to explore. History buffs won’t want to miss the National Museum and the Pre-Colombian Museum. Both have large displays of artifacts in stone, jade, pottery, and gold. There are also a wide variety of shops and restaurants that you won’t find in the rest of the country. It’s a great place to get your souvenir shopping done!
San Jose has a confusing array of hotels to choose from. There are several downtown hotels near the Avendia Central with real historical significance and charm for those who want a special experience.
Read more about where to stay in San Jose.
Peninsula Papagayo - Culebra
Luxury Hotels by the Sea / Honeymoon
Located in Guanacaste, on the North Pacific of Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo is the premier luxury destination in the country. For those looking for all-inclusive resorts, look no further than Culebra.
The Bay is home to the only luxury marina in Costa Rica, perfect for yacht owners or those who want to charter a boat. Charter activities include scuba diving, fishing, whale watching, and other water sports.
The Arnold Palmer Golf Club and the Prieta Private Beach Club are also popular attractions.
Culebra is almost exclusively high-end resort-style accommodations such as the Hyatt, Four Seasons, and Marina Suites. Those looking for a budget option will be disappointed.
La Fortuna - Arenal
Arenal Volcano / Luxury Hotels in the Mountains / Honeymoon
La Fortuna is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Costa Rica. In the Northern highlands, about a 2.5-hour drive from San Jose, this quaint little town has been a hit with travelers for decades. The Arenal Volcano towers over the surrounding landscape. And it really does look like a volcano!
Arenal has been in a rest period since 2010, so it’s unlikely that you will see any volcanic activity, but there are some spectacular views to take in. You can explore the hiking trails, visit the observatory, go ziplining, and take a relaxing dip in the hot springs. For first-timers to Costa Rica, La Fortuna is not to be missed. Overall, a relaxing place to kick off any Costa Rican adventure.
You can choose to stay in La Fortuna center, or closer to Arenal National Park itself. Either way, the options run from mid-range to luxury hotels. Not too many budget options here.
The Osa Peninsula - Drake Bay and Corcovado
Beaches and Rainforest / Corcovado National Park
For travelers who crave off-the-beaten-track adventure, you can’t beat The Osa Peninsula. From the small tourist hub of Drake Bay, you can experience Corcovado National Park and Isla del Cano. Known as the best national park and the best snorkeling and diving in the country. The region is also a world-renowned spot for offshore sport fishing, and whale & dolphin watching.
The Osa Peninsula is a great choice for those who want to stay in Costa Rica for extended periods. You could stay for a month and still not see everything it has to offer. Undiscovered beaches, hidden waterfalls, horseback riding, river floating tours, not to mention the famous Matapalo surfing community.
There are a range of accommodation options in the area, from high-end eco-lodges to rustic hostels and comfortable Airbnb’s. Vacation rentals are also becoming increasingly popular.
Tortuguero
Turtles / Tortuguero National Park
Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is named for its main attraction- sea turtles. From July to October, you can experience some of the 20,000 Green and Hawksbill sea turtles that nest here each year. If you are lucky, you might even see a nest hatching and be able to watch the adorable babies as they make their arduous journey to the sea.
Tortuguero National Park is formed from a volcanic archipelago and features a large network of creeks, lagoons, and mangroves. Exploring by boat, canoe, or kayak, this region is fabulous for bird enthusiasts.
The accommodation options in Tortuguero are mostly a mixture of cheap and cheerful beachfront hostels and budget cabinas. There are a limited number of more upmarket lodges, so book in advance if you would like to have more fancy digs for your stay.
The Nicoya Peninsula - Santa Teresa
Beaches / Young People
On the North Pacific of Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula is home to some of the best surfing beaches for beginners. Even if you don’t fancy testing out your balancing muscles, the Nicoya is perfect for family getaways, and relaxed beach vacations. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you occupied.
The most popular village to stay in is Santa Teresa, which attracts a young, trendy, and sun-bleached crowd. Nosara, a little further north, offers a more high-end experience, with a plethora of yoga retreats and eateries. For a more down-to-earth vibe, Playa Samara or Playa Montezuma are also excellent choices. These small villages also offer snorkeling, waterfalls, and kayaking trips.
The Nicoya Peninsula offers an astonishing array of accommodation options. There are dorm rooms for solo travelers, boutique hotels with amazing ocean views, cute private bungalows, and luxury resorts to choose from.
Pacuare River
Rafting / Nature Sports
Adrenaline junkies look no further! The Pacuare River runs 108 kilometers from the Cordillera de Talamanca all the way to the Caribbean coast. National Geographic has touted it as the top ten white water rafting experiences in the world. You can choose from a single day of rafting up to an epic four-day adventure. As the river winds through the tropical jungle, you can experience birds, monkeys, sloths, and towering waterfalls.
Pacuare offers white water rafting for difficulty levels 2-4, so you should bear in mind that some prior rafting experience is required. Also, this is not the trip for those with young children, as the minimum age is 12 years old.
The most convenient place to stay is the Pacuare River Lodge. An off-the-grid camp, surrounded by spectacular scenery, this lodge is the perfect jumping-off point for single or multi-day trips. For a more luxurious stay, the Ave Sol Sanctuary is a winner. You could also choose from a variety of eco-lodges in Turrialba.
Cerro Chirripó
Hiking
Another excellent option for those with an adventurous spirit and a high level of fitness is Cerro Chirripó. The highest mountain peak in Costa Rica, the summit reaches 3820 meters. After hiking through the beautiful cloud forest, you will then have the opportunity to see one of the rarest ecosystems in Costa Rica- this alpine tropical tundra is known as the Páramo. At the summit, you will be greeted by a 360-degree view of lakes, rivers, and clouds.
Hiking to the top of Cerro Chirripó takes between 2-3 days depending on your level of fitness. Some hard-core climbers have managed it in one day, but really, why rush it? If you would like to spend even more time in the region, there are additional hiking trails to explore from the Crestones Base Camp.
Most travelers who embark upon this adventure, stay in the tiny village of San Gerardo de Rivas. There is a small selection of boutique bungalows, mid-range hotels, and budget cabinas to be found here. The local grocery store offers a good selection of hiking food supplies.
Accommodation in San Gerardo de Rivas
Monteverde
Rainforest / Nature Sports
If you would like to experience the cloud forests of Costa Rica, without having to scale a giant mountain, then Monteverde might be the place for you. A family-friendly location, Monteverde boasts 13kms of hiking trails that are perfect for bird watchers. You might even catch a glimpse of the famous Quetzal!
Other fun activities to try while taking in the cool temperatures include ziplining, hanging bridges, or sky tram canopy tours. You can also visit coffee farms, butterfly gardens, the orchid sanctuary, and even a cheese factory. All in all, Monteverde is a great choice for families and first-timers that want to add a little diversity to their stay.
Monteverde is littered with eco-friendly accommodation options. You will have a choice of small B&Bs and mid-range to luxury lodges, all with sustainability in mind.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Beaches / Wildlife
Last but not least, it’s time to head back to the beach, and the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo. It’s the perfect place to take in the culture, cuisine, and scenery of this unique part of Costa Rica, at a very relaxed pace.
Hiring a bicycle is an excellent way to get around in Puerto Viejo. The road is flat, and there are 30 kilometers of beaches to explore. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is a low-key way to engage in some wildlife spotting. You can also take a chocolate tour with the BriBri indigenous community. The beachfront streets are lined with restaurants and bars, so don’t miss the opportunity to sample the Caribbean flavors. Coconut, seafood, and pineapple are the stars.
Accommodation options in Puerto Viejo mostly consist of wooden cabins or bungalows. Few have air conditioning, but the ocean breeze is very pleasant in the evenings. There are one or two more luxury options, but we suggest booking in advance if you want to snap these up.
Accommodation in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Our recommended hotels in Costa Rica
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Costa RicaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
