Wondering where to stay in Costa Rica? Here’s a guide to the best places to base yourself out of!

During chillier mornings here in the frigid North, it’s not uncommon that I catch myself daydreaming about warmer weather, aquamarine waters, lush jungles, and proper sunshine. It’s pretty much all I can do not to throw my bikini in a backpack and hop on the next flight to Costa Rica, but for now, telling you about some of my favorite spots in this gorgeous country will have to do. 

Because I work remotely, I have the option to work from exciting places all around the world. However, my digital nomad life paired with my passion for scuba diving makes Costa Rica one of my favorite places to visit. If you’re looking for tips on places to visit whether you’re working or playing, read on!

via Pixabay

Best Place to Stay in Costa Rica for Culture: San Jose

This one is pretty obvious, but San Jose will most likely be your port of entry into Costa Rica if you’re arriving by plane. There’s no need to rush out, though; stay for a while and experience life in the capital city. I love wandering through the streets of San Jose and drinking in the colorful Spanish colonial architecture. Book a walking tour to really learn more about San Jose’s history and culture.

Make sure to save time to visit the San Jose Mercado Central which is open every day except Sunday — they have everything from local bites to kitschy souvenirs. I never shy away from a good central market!

Accommodations in San Jose

If you’re traveling on a budget, San Jose has plenty of options. I tend to split my time between social accommodations and private accommodations when I travel, and that all depends on how productive I want to be balanced against how many friends I want to make!

Selina San Jóse

If you’re feeling the hostel vibe, snag a bunk at the trendy Selina. It offers a ton of extras, from an on-site restaurant to a rooftop activities center, and co-working space. Check here for rates and availability

Airbnb near San Jóse

For a mid-range price, I recommend staying just north of San Jose in the hills of San Isidro de Heredia on the grounds of a coffee ranch. The whole ranch is around 8 acres and offers some seriously stunning panoramic views. Check here for rates and availability

Hotel Boutique Alta Las Palomas

If you’re looking for a higher end stay, check in at Hotel Boutique Alta Las Palomas. The hotel offers total luxury from its beautiful rooms to its onsite restaurant, which gets its ingredients from local, organic farmers. Check here for rates and availability

Image by Geoff Sowrey via Flickr

Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Beach Lovers: Las Catalinas

When in Costa Rica, there is no reason to stay landlocked. Although there are certainly some wonderful places to visit inland, the Pacific Coastline is one of the reasons behind Costa Rica’s descriptive name, which means “Rich Coast” in English. For me, spending as much time as possible on the coast is mandatory so that I can get a few more scuba dives under my belt! 

Las Catalinas is a fairly new beach town situated North of Potrero Bay and due east of Islas Santa Catalina, or the Catalina Islands. These islands are popular for divers because the surrounding underwater coral and lava formations make for a spectacular adventure, plus there is a high probability for shark sightings! 

Accommodations in Las Catalinas

Oceanfront Airbnb

As far as accommodations in and around Las Catalinas, I’m completely obsessed with this oceanfront guest house on Airbnb. It’s a little on the pricey side, so it’s more fun to share it with a friend or two. Check here for rates and availability

Massai Apartments

However, if I were looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, I’d head south to Playa Flamingo and stay at Massai Apartments. The apartments are close to the beach and they also have an outdoor pool, gardens, and more. Check here for rates and availability

CPI Spanish Immersion School

There’s a Spanish immersion school down in Playa Flamingo too, and I’ve spent a lot of time enrolled in Spanish immersion classes throughout South America. Shacking up around Playa Flamingo for Spanish school and diving the Catalina Islands sounds like a perfect time to me! 

via Pixabay

Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Adventure: El Castillo

If I absolutely have to tear myself away from the Pacific coast, then El Castillo makes it all worth it. El Castillo is a small town located right next to Arenal and Chato volcanoes, which are surrounded by dense, lush rainforest. This is a great place to go if you’re looking to find a chill home base for outdoor adventures and hikes — Sky Adventures Arenal Park is nearby for those who like to zip-line, and Arenal Volcano National Parks have hiking trails and hot springs to explore.

El Castillo and the surrounding natural areas are a little bit difficult to access because you can only take the public bus so far, so you’ll either have to grab a taxi at some point or rent a car yourself. For me, it’s genuinely worth whatever fancy footwork it takes to get there. 

Accommodation in El Castillo

There are plenty of places to shack up in this natural paradise, and you pretty much can’t go wrong with any of them.

Rancho Margot

If you’d like to combine your activities with sustainable accommodations, definitely book in with Rancho Margot. This eco lodge features a ton of educational outreach opportunities including Sustainable Living, Spanish Language, and Eco-Literacy immersion programs. Enjoy farm-fresh meals, natural pools, forest trails, and even learn how to milk a cow if you don’t know how already. I recommend staying here if you’ve got some time because you’re going to fall in love with the community and never want to leave! Check here for rates and availability

Essence Arenal and Spa

Alternatively, stay in a tent at Essence Arenal and Spa which is located on a coffee plantation near the Butterfly Conservatory. Check here for rates and availability

As you can see there are a ton of places to stay in Costa Rica, whether you’re looking for culture, the beach, and/or adventure.

For more advice, check out our Costa Rica travel tips post as well as where to go!

Have you been? Where do you think is the best place to stay in Costa Rica?

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The post A Complete Guide on Where to Stay in Costa Rica appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

All the top Costa Rica travel tips to plan your trip!

Whether you are a nature lover, beach bum, adventure enthusiast, or simply looking to relax, Costa Rica truly does have something to offer everyone. Wildlife, beaches, national parks, lakes, hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls…the list is endless! I have to confess that when I started to plan my family’s two week trip this past year, I found myself quite overwhelmed by the sheer variety of things to see and do.

To help you plan an unforgettable Costa Rican giveaway, I’ve put together this guide which covers some of my best tips for visiting this diverse paradise. We’ll cover everything from where to go and when, to transportation and once-in-a-lifetime excursions. So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in! Pura vida! (Pure life, as the locals say!)

Choosing Where to Go in Costa Rica

Whether you plan on visiting Costa Rica for one week or one month, I can promise you that it is simply impossible to “see it all.” There are so many cool and unique places scattered all throughout the country! I’d recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Costa Rica, as the country is much bigger than you’d think.

To help you figure out where to go in Costa Rica, I recommend first thinking about your interests, and choosing a region (or two or three, depending on time) based off of that. My family wanted to prioritize volcanoes, beaches with great surf, and rainforests, so we chose to base ourselves in Guanacaste and Arenal, as we only had two weeks.

However, for those with different interests, you may find yourself in a completely different part of the country! The great thing about Costa Rica is that each region has so much to offer. For a breakdown of what the different regions are best suited for, click here! 

When to Visit Costa Rica

Once you’ve decided where you’d like to visit in Costa Rica and for how long, you’ll want to decide when. Costa Rica’s climate is tropical, and warm year round, making it a great destination at any time of year.

It is important to note that there are two seasons, the dry season and wet season. Depending on which region (or regions) you plan on visiting, you will want to research the weather before you go. Costa Rica is actually home to quite a few micro-climates, so weather will differ according to your destination of choice. 

Dry Season: December to April

Dry season is typically from December to April, and consists of lots of sun and very little rain. Some areas even dry out and become quite desert-like! Temperatures are typically a bit warmer during this time. The dry season is the highest season in terms of tourism, so you’ll find that prices tend to be higher during these months. 

Wet Season: May to November

The wet season, also called the “green season,” is characterized by lots of rain. Temperatures can be a little cooler, but still warm enough for shorts, sandals, and swimming. Thanks to all of the rain, the countryside becomes quite green and truly comes to life. The green season is the lowest season for tourists, and you’ll find that many accommodations and excursions offer lower rates during these times.

Many locals recommend visiting during the green season for these reasons! I was nervous to visit Costa Rica during the green season, but I found that, for the most part, it rained for just a few hours in the afternoon. We actually ended up with a day or two with no rain at all!

That being said, if you hate rain, or are only planning on a few days in Costa Rica with a jam-packed itinerary, you will definitely want to consider heading to Costa Rica in the dry season to avoid it raining on your parade! 

Getting to Costa Rica

There are two possible airports to fly into when visiting Costa Rica, Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO). When choosing an airport, you’ll want to consider where you are staying so you can fly into the closest one. It is typically recommended that you avoid staying near the airports, so you can get out of the city and instead begin your vacation right away!

Be sure to research your local airport options and choose the flight package that best suits you. Check for flights on Kiwi.com or CheapOAir.

Transportation in Costa Rica

Renting a Car

I typically avoid renting a car whenever possible, but I have to admit that in Costa Rica, your best option for getting around is renting a car. Renting a car will give you the flexibility that public transportation won’t, and help make your schedule a lot more efficient. 

Check here for rates

While renting a car may seem expensive up front, you will actually be able to save money by driving to excursions, instead of needing to book all of your excursions with hotel pickup. Some words of advice when driving: 

• Locals can sometimes drive a little recklessly because they know the roads much better than us tourists! 
• Get out of the city-if you are nervous about driving, your best bet is to get out of a big city ASAP for more relaxed driving and less traffic. 
• Use Waze to help navigate. We got along just fine with Google Maps, but many locals recommend Waze for accurate directions. 
• Our rental company recommended we didn’t drive at night, as in many areas lighting is dim (or non-existent). We always made sure our days ended with enough time to drive home before sundown. 

Shuttles

If you are nervous about renting a car in Costa Rica, have the budget, or hate driving, you can also consider using private or shared shuttles to get around. This can be a great option if you aren’t on a tight budget, or if you are planning on spending most of your time in one or two locations and need an airport transfer. 

Check here for airport transfers and ground transport options

Bus

For those on a budget, buses are a great option when it comes to getting around Costa Rica. The public transportation is actually quite reliable and affordable, however, buses take much longer than driving, and sometimes you’ll have to switch buses multiple times. Also, buses don’t typically reach those off-the-beaten path places that you’re better off driving to.

Be sure to research the bus schedule beforehand to make sure they can get you to any areas you are hoping to go. However, if you are an adventurous, budget-conscious traveler with lots of time in Costa Rica, then this might just do the trick! Just make sure you are comfortable with public transit and long stretches of travel. 

Taxi/Uber

For shorter distances, a taxi or Uber is a great solution. Uber tends to be cheaper than a taxi, however Uber is only in select cities at the moment, like San José. Great if you need to get from the airport to town! 

Currency

The local currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón, or colones (plural). US Dollars are actually accepted in many places, but you’ll also want to withdraw cash from an ATM to use during your trip. 

Prepaid SIM Card

If you don’t have an international cell phone plan, don’t spend any extra money to get one! Simply purchase an affordable prepaid SIM card while at the airport or in a local grocery store. Having data is a great way to navigate, translate, and communicate while visiting Costa Rica.

Accommodation in Costa Rica

I always recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible to get the best selection and deals on hotels. Costa Rica is a popular destination for families, backpackers, and luxury vacationers alike, which means that there are a wide variety of properties to suit every style and budget. Keep in mind that green season prices are usually lower. 

Hostels

I recommend using Hostelworld to find the best hostels in the areas you are looking into visiting. There are some really awesome hostels in Costa Rica, and prices typically range from $15-$20 per night. Great for budget travelers as well as solo travelers looking to meet people! 

Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals

Airbnbs and vacation rentals are great if you’re looking for a more independent place to relax or are planning on cooking a lot of your own food while in Costa Rica. Selecting a rental with a kitchen can save you a lot of money by limiting meals out.

Keep in mind that there is no front desk, so it may be more difficult to book excursions and have your questions answered. Also, be sure to thoroughly read reviews beforehand! 

Hotels

Hotels range in price from more affordable to super luxurious. You can use Hotels.com or Booking to compare prices and locations. Once you think you’ve found a property you like, be sure to check if booking on the hotel’s website is any cheaper. Hotels often have amenities like a pool or gym, and many include breakfast. They’re also often happy to help you arrange excursions or tours in the area. 

All-Inclusive Resorts

If you are looking to sit back and relax on your vacation, then an all inclusive resort may be for you. You’ll have all the amenities, food, and drink you’ll need on property. This can get expensive, but is great if you don’t want to drive around much and would rather be based in one place. Like other hotels, all inclusive resorts often work with local tour companies to arrange any off-property excursions. 

Some of the top resorts include Fiesta Resort All Inclusive, Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort, and Parador Resort and Spa.

Costa Rica Travel Tips: What to Do & See

There are so many things to see and do in Costa Rica! Nature tours, zip-lining, canyoning, bird watching, scuba diving, white water rafting, soaking in hot springs, hiking through the rainforest-you won’t be lacking in unique experiences! Here are some tips I learned when planning my visit:

Research before you go.

Though I recommend booking excursions after you arrive, it never hurts to do your research before you travel. If you have a rough idea of what excursions you’re interested in upon arrival, you’ll have an easier time selecting and booking them once you are in Costa Rica.

It can be overwhelming booking everything once you’re on vacation, but if you know what tours you are looking for, it will be easy to sort through the many offerings your hotel may provide. Check through Viator to get an idea of the excursions and tours you want to do.

Book when you arrive.

If you are staying in a hotel, I recommend waiting until you arrive to book any specific tours. Your hotel may have relationships with local tour operators, and you might be able to get a lower rate this way. 

Be sure to budget.

Think about how much excursions cost when planning your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have funds available to check off everything from your Costa Rica bucket list! 

Nature tours are worth it.

My family and I did a guided walk through Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. It cost a bit extra to go with a guide, but without his expert eye, we never would have noticed a tiny red tree frog, several beautiful species of local birds, and even a sloth! If you are into wildlife, the extra money might be worth it! 

For some other nature tours, try these:

• Mangrove Monkey Tour
• Sloth Watching Experience
• Costa Rica Canopy Tour

Sometimes the best things in life are free.

Concerned about budget when it comes to excursions? Well then, you are in luck, so much of what Costa Rica has to offer is natural beauty. All of the beaches in Costa Rica are free for the public to access, and many of the national parks are either free or have a small entrance fee. You don’t have to spend a lot on excursions when there are many ways to enjoy Costa Rica for less. 

Food and Drink

Restaurants

When it comes to dining in Costa Rica, I recommend doing as the locals do and dining in “sodas.” These restaurants serve delicious local dishes (oftentimes dishes that include rice and beans) and are more affordable than many restaurants clearly catering to tourists. I usually try to ask locals where the best places to eat are in town! 

Tipping

In Costa Rica, tips are not typically expected, as there is usually a service charge added onto your meal. However, in touristy areas, a small tip may be commonplace for great service. 

Water

Great news! The water in Costa Rica is safe to drink, so feel free to pack that reusable water bottle! The only exception to this rule is some more rural locations within the country. When in doubt, just ask your hotel reception or Airbnb host if you aren’t sure. 

What to Pack

In addition to the clothing and toiletries you’ll be packing, don’t forget these items when traveling to Costa Rica! 

• Passport
• Raincoat
• Umbrella
• Quick dry towel
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water shoes
• Hiking boots or sneakers

Don’t forget to have some sort of travel insurance, especially if you’re planning a more active trip. We recommend World Nomads for total coverage, and you can check the full review here.

There you have it, my top Costa Rica travel tips for planning your own adventure you’ll remember for years to come! What are you most excited to do in Costa Rica?

Check out some of Catalina’s other posts:

• 5 Stunning Photo Locations In Santorini
• The 10 Best-Kept Secrets In Florence
• The Ultimate New Orleans Girls’ Weekend Itinerary

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The post Essential Costa Rica Travel Tips for Planning Your Vacation appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If you’re not too familiar with the Central American country known as the land of “pure life,” then you’ll want to get a pen and notepad ready to take some notes. I’m going to share exactly where to go in Costa Rica to have the best trip possible!

Out of all of the countries I’ve ever had the fortune of visiting, Costa Rica tops several notorious lists. I personally find this country to be amongst one of the happiest, most beautiful, and adventure-filled lands — a nation that provides any willing explorer with an adventurous journey full of readily available memories.

But before you decide to decide to initiate your journey, it’s always preferable to have an idea of the knowledge and tools necessary to transform an ordinary trip into an unforgettable success first.

Whether you plan on visiting this country soon or merely have an interest in getting to know the region a bit more, here’s a quick guide to the land of Costa Rica with all of the know-how you’ll need to become a Costa Rican expert.

READ MORE: Check out more articles on destinations in Central America

A Guide to Costa Rica

 Before You Board Your Plane

If you’re anything like me, you may just want to shove a few weeks’ worth of clothing into your suitcase and call it a day. But while you may be tempted to unleash your impulsive side and board the next plane to Monteverde without so much as an inkling as to what to once you step foot in Costa Rica, it’s always important to have a plan established first.

Whenever I travel, I have a checklist of essentials I abide by that help me prepare myself for my new journeys ahead. Make sure you have the following necessities ready to go, too.

• Updated passports — to avoid delays at the airport, maintain an up-to-date passport for simple transportation.
  
• Visa – Check if your nationality needs a visa. You can look on iVisa.
• Travel insurance – You need it, especially if you are doing adventure sports. I recommend World Nomads. Get a quote here and read this article to see what is covered under each plan.
• Vaccinations and medicine — remember to get the appropriate vaccinations for your new environment to better protect yourself against unwanted viruses and diseases. Pack all of your daily medications in a cool and dry place, too. (Read more tips on vaccines here).
  
• Weather-appropriate clothing — Costa Rica typically boasts a warmer environment, so be sure to pack quick-wicking and comfortable clothing best suited for the higher temperatures. Get some packing tips here.
  
• Relevant currency — use a simple currency converter to estimate the amount of money you need to spend during your trip. Remember that this country uses the Costa Rican colón, so you’ll want to adjust your dollars and coins accordingly.   

Getting to Costa Rica and Away

When it comes to travel, there’s always the option to navigate a new land via air, land or sea. But when it comes to navigating my way to Costa Rica, I always choose to arrive at my desired destination in the two following ways:

Via Plane

One of the most common (and perhaps easiest) ways to travel to the country is via plane. If you depart from another country, it may just be your most practical — and only — option.

By Public Transportation

If you find yourself visiting a different Central American country and want to save yourself the cost of a plane ticket, consider opting to travel via a form of public transportation instead.

When I travel, I often make it a point to explore nearby countries and regions before I return home — which is how I found myself in Costa Rica during my first time visiting the country.

I originally planned a trip to Panama, but had an urge to explore the lands of the nearby Monteverde forest, too. The only thing separating me from my journeys was a bus ticket and a day’s worth of travel before I could initiate my new adventures in this fun and exciting land.

Where to Go in Costa Rica: My Top Picks!

If you crave adventures and love experiencing a new set of unique surroundings every day, then you may just fall in love with Costa Rica in the same way that I did during my travels.

They call Costa Rica the land of happiness for a reason, after all. There’s plenty to see and do — so you’ll never have to worry about leaving the land without a satisfied sense of adventure and a heart full of memories.

Here’s a list of my top Costa Rican travel activities and top spots to visit that you should experience for yourself during your stay, too.

Adventure in Costa Rica

Zip lining over the Rio Celeste Waterfall 

Costa Rica is a nation beaming with natural wildlife and it dedicated to preserving its precious environment, too. Because Costa Rica is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations, expect to enjoy the biodiversity without altering it in the process.

But just because Costa Rica emphasizes protected environmental activities doesn’t mean that they can’t be fun and exciting, too. My favorite activity is enjoying the view of the country — from a zip line, of course. There’s nothing more refreshing than immersing yourself in nature while enjoying the kick of an adrenaline rush, too.

Snorkeling in the Cahuita

I’m a sucker for a beautiful body of water — a feature which Costa Rica certainly doesn’t fail to deliver.

The entire country is beaming with biodiversity and I always find myself fascinated by the new species I have the fortune of discovering during my stays. Be sure to dive into the country — literally — when you travel. Suit yourself up with your best snorkeling attire and explore the majestic seas.

Whale watching in Tamarindo

When I’m back at home, it’s not uncommon for me to go days without seeing another species — besides that of humans, of course. Yet the world is so rich and diverse that I always have a sense of longing to enjoy the company of another animal or ocean-dwelling friend.

I always make a point to enjoy the exotic parrots in the forests, take in the scenery of the beautiful tree frogs, and indulge in a bit of whale watching, too.

Check out all the best day tours in Costa Rica on Viator, who offer amazing deals and have user reviews.

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Whenever I travel, I always emphasize the importance of my living arrangements. I may spend the entire day exploring my new surroundings, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need a comfortable place to refresh in during my time in between activities, too.

While there are a variety of options when it comes to how you choose to experience your stay, I find that hotels are always my preferred option. It’s nice to camp in the great outdoors, but I also have a preference for a touch of luxury during my voyages as well.

While I may go against the popular opinion, I really enjoy removing myself from the bustle and crowded areas of popular tourist destinations — which makes Manuel Antonio the perfect place.

I’ve traveled to Costa Rica a handful of times already, and each stay was in a private suite nestled in the comforts of Villa Punto De Vista — a local hotel located near outdoor activities, beaches, and more!

Be sure to choose a hotel or living arrangement surrounded by plenty of outdoor fun and activities that enhance your overall stay.

Tasting Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine

What would a trip to Costa Rica be without a bit of tasty food — or comida rica, as the natives like to say?

I always strive to push myself out of my comfort zone when I travel — starting with the dishes I eat throughout the day. I can effortlessly get a burger and fries back home, so why not indulge in a tasty gallo pinto instead?

Remember to check out local restaurants and try a few bites of street food, too. You may taste a delicious bowl of sopa negra — the country’s designated black bean soup — and make it your next go-to dish you plan to bring back home.

Experience Costa Rica’s Beauty Firsthand

Costa Rica is a land brimming with natural wildlife, beautiful scenery, and delicious cuisines. But don’t just take my word for it —  plan your own journeys to the land of “pura vida” so you can experience the adventures of Costa Rica, too.

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Kacey Bradley is the lifestyle and travel blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she frequently writes for sites like US Travel News, Thought Catalog, Style Me Pretty, Tripping.com and more! Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

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