That Cool Travel Couple

Adventure, but make it close. Costa Rica literally has everything you could want to make it the ultimate adventure destination. Cloud forests, waterfalls and beaches aplenty and that’s not even including the plethora of sloths, monkeys, turtles and other critters.

Practicalities for Costa Rica

Currency: Costa Rican colón

Recommended length of stay: 1-2 weeks

Month of Visit: April

Useful tips: Rent a car to help get around and make the most of your trip

CDC’s Recommended Vaccinations: Click here!

Packing List

• 3 bathing suits and cover ups
• 1 lightweight rain jacket
• 3 dresses or lightweight shirt/shorts
• Sneakers or Hiking Boots
• Water shoes
• Waterproof bag
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• IDP

Getting There

The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose, and has many direct flights departing from major airports around the United States. We actually flew into one of the smaller airports called Liberia. It was a smooth five hour flight (direct) and the car rental process at the airport was really easy. It was an hour and a half drive to Tamarindo which is where our adventure began.

Pro Tip: We definitely recommend getting a car with 4 wheel drive – you’ll need it to get up the mountain roads! If you’re planning on staying in the beach area, it’s probably not as necessary.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is an awesome beach city in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It’s located on the west side of the island, which makes for some AMAZING sunsets. There are also many delicious restaurants set right on the beach, so definitely be sure to indulge in these while you’re on the coast. Check out Pico Bistro Tamarindo and dine with your feet in the sand. Then walk over to Volcano Brewing Company for a cool drink and watch the sun set.

If you’re into surfing, then the Guanacaste province is definitely the place to be. There are lots of cool beach side low key hotels, setting you up for long days sprawled across the sand. There are also lots of luxury all-inclusive resorts and hostels as well. Costa Rica has gotten quite pricey over the last few years, but here are our recommendations for hotels.

1. Luxury: The W Costa Rica. Sprawling views of the forest or ocean and well appointed hotel rooms make for classic W luxury. Set on the beautiful Playa Conchal, towards the northern end of Guanacaste.
2. Mid Range: Borinquen Thermal Resort. Bungalow style stays allow you some extra space. The highlight of this stay are the luxury spa experiences and pool.
3. Budget: Cabin Paraiso. This cabin is part of a full farm-stay experience. Plus the farm has ocean views!

Tamarindo also makes an awesome launching point for a beautiful cruise along the coast. We went with Blue Dolphin and had an awesome time swimming in the beautiful Pacific. It also includes a delicious lunch and bar. Monkey Park is also definitely worth a visit. It’s a non-profit that works on the rehabilitation of animals like monkeys, macaws, owls, porcupines, ocelots and many more.

If you’re in Guanacaste for a few extra days and want to make the most of it, check out this cool day trip. The tour picks up at multiple locations throughout Guanacaste. It includes transportation to Nicaragua but don’t forget to bring your passport! You’ll get to check out Granada as well as Lake Nicaragua and Volcan Masaya.

Cloud Forest

After you’ve lounged and surfed up and down Costa Rica’s left coast, it’s time to head to the bosque nuboso. Head to the city of Monteverde to experience the unmissable Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Driving up the mountain roads will make you super glad you went for the 4 wheel drive.

You can hike through the cloud forest yourself, which is what we did. Check out quetzals, monkeys, sloths, frogs and much more. The stand out here are the beautiful hanging suspension bridges that are iconic. If you feel more comfortable on a guided hike, then check out this page. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can actually zipline or bungee jump through the cloud forests. We definitely recommend doing a night hike while you’re in Monteverde as well – do this one guided! We saw plenty of sloths, spiders, snakes and definitely were glad our guide was there to navigate us through the forest.

If you have some extra time, take a detour to El Tigre Waterfalls. Definitely take your time to stroll around the small square in the town of Monteverde. Try not to get too carried away with sampling the delicious coffee at Cafe Monteverde coffee shop.

We stayed in an awesome AirBnB cabin in the cloud forest. There are quite a few options when it comes to hotels though.

1. Luxury: Senda Monteverde. If you want to splurge, stay in the Senda suite, which will make you feel like you’re living in nature.
2. Midrange: El Establo Mountain Hotel. The rooms at this hotel feature floor to ceiling glass and look out onto the forest.
3. Budget: Monteverde Rustic Lodge. About $60 a night will get you a room here, but keep in mind there’s no AC. We hear the breakfast is pretty good though!

Arenal Volcano

Hiking up the Arenal Volcano was one of the coolest things we did in Costa Rica. We highly recommend it, but know that you have to be in moderately good shape to do it. Definitely bring a guide with you – ours was so fun and encouraging!

We brought regular sneakers for this trip, but waterproof hiking boots would have been a better choice. When you get to the top, take a rest at Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa and enjoy sweeping views over Lake Arenal. Fortuna waterfall is nearby as well. Baldi Hot Springs are an awesome way to cool off after a long day.

Many of the hotels in the Arenal area have stunning volcano views. Lots of the resorts are associated with hot springs as well, which are great to relax in after a long day hiking.

1. Luxury: Amor Arenal. Some of the rooms have spas in them, and there are hot springs on site. Keep in mind – it’s adults only!
2. Midrange: Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa. This is a sustainable eco-lodge located really close to the Arenal crater. It also has an amazing rainforest spa to spoil yourself after hiking all day.
3. Budget: Cabinas Los Tucanes. These cabins are very basic but are located near all the action in Arenal. Some also have views of the volcano.

Manuel Antonio

Head further down the coast to the southwest corner of Costa Rica. There are obviously spectacular beaches down here. But you won’t want to miss the crown jewel which is Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

It’s a beautiful national park spanning from the sandy beaches with crystal water to the rainforest. It’s another opportunity to see lots of wildlife if you haven’t already.

There are a LOT of luxurious hotels around Manuel Antonio, but be forewarned they cost a pretty penny!

1. Luxury: Makanda by the Sea. This luxury hotel is located inside the national park and overlooks the sea. There is an amazing spa on site where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing, and the pool is absolutely jawdropping.
2. Midrange: Parador Resort & Spa. This sprawling resort is also located on the beach. It’s a few minute walk to lots of beachfront restaurants as well.
3. Budget: Guest House Pura Vida. This smaller guest house is a little further out of Manuel Antonio, but will make you feel one with the jungle.

San Jose

Make your way to the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. This is most likely where you’ll be departing from. We wouldn’t recommend spending more than 1-2 days here, but there are certainly a few interesting things to see in the area. The city has quite an urban feel to it, but take a walk around the Mercado Central to shop for delicious treats and beautiful hand crafted souvenirs.

The National Museum of Costa Rica and the Pre-Columbian Museum of Gold should be on your list, as well. They’ll open your eyes to the turbulent history of Costa Rica. The Museum of Costa Rican Art show cases local artists work and is adjacent to the beautiful Parque La Sabana. Here are a couple of decent hotel options in the area.

1. Luxury: Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn. This luxurious coffee farm also features a beautiful pool and gorgeous grounds (pun intended!) It’s a little ways out of the city giving it a nice rural feel.
2. Midrange: Hotel Grano del Oro. Splurge on the romantic suite with beautiful wooden accents and a jetted tub.
3. Budget: Costa Rica Backpackers. $11 a night will get you a bed in this hostel, and it’s right in the center of all the action in San Jose.

And that’s a wrap on Costa Rica! Check out our Belize and Guatemala itineraries if you’re hungry for more Central America.