Nuevo Arenal: A Lakeside Town

Set on a hill overlooking Costa Rica’s largest lake is the village of Nuevo Arenal. This quiet lakeside town has an interesting history. And while not a major tourist destination, …

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San Ramon: Close to Culture

Set in the mountains west of San Jose is the charming town of San Ramon. Many tourists drive right through this small city on their way to and from the …

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Heredia, Costa Rica: City Guide

Just a short drive from Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose is the smaller city of Heredia. This historic town has middle- and upper-class neighborhoods, universities, parks, and a downtown …

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Cabo Matapalo: Wild Jungle on the Osa Peninsula

Tucked into the southern-most corner of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is an area known as Cabo Matapalo. There isn’t much here, and that’s what makes it special. Remote beaches, bumpy …

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A Locals’ Guide to Dominical

Dominical is a small, laid-back beach town on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast. Here, you will find thick jungle, uncluttered beaches, and just enough amenities to feel comfortable. Attracting a …

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Playas del Coco: Costa Rica with all the Comforts

Remote jungle wilderness is not for everyone. Many people come to Costa Rica looking for a warm, sunny location that has conveniences nearby. In a nutshell, that describes Playas del …

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Bajos del Toro: Costa Rica’s Land of Waterfalls

Hidden on the backside of Poas Volcano in a lush green valley lies Bajos del Toro. This small town is not well known but boasts many amazing waterfalls. A couple …

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Tambor: A Relaxing Escape on the Nicoya Peninsula

Nestled in the rugged jungle of the southern Nicoya Peninsula, Tambor (also called Playa Tambor) is a quiet town with nature as its backdrop. Tambor isn’t a well-known destination, but …

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Playa Grande: A Peaceful Sun and Surf Destination

If you are traveling to Costa Rica to just lounge on the beach or escape for some much-needed surfboard therapy, Playa Grande is calling you. This small, relaxed beach community …

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Manuel Antonio Hotel Guide: Ocean Views, Rainforest, and Wildlife

Manuel Antonio is known for its amazing ocean views and plentiful wildlife. Depending on where you stay, you can wake up to monkeys calling outside your room or see sunset …

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Orosi: A Valley of Green

As you turn the corner into the Orosi Valley, you will immediately see its appeal. From the hilltop, steep green mountains surround a village of small rooftops. A swift river …

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Playa Bejuco (Puntarenas): A Destination Between Destinations

A drive along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast will bring you to some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. And while the bigger towns get much of the hype, …

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Santa Teresa: Costa Rica’s Trending Beach Town

Far on the tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, away from airports and city lights, is Santa Teresa. And while this jungle-backed beach town is remote, it is anything but …

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Curubande de Liberia: A Country Town in Rincon de la Vieja

While Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province is known mostly for its famed beaches, inland areas of this region offer their own unique experiences. Just an hour or two from the coast …

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9 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is no doubt on the map as an ecotourism destination, with millions of visitors each year. While many people head straight to the country’s most famous sites and …

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The Playa Avellanas Area: Going Off-the-Beaten Path in Guanacaste

The Guanacaste region, on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, is a tourism hotspot known for its miles of beautiful beach. But those seeking a more remote feel won’t have to …

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Playa Flamingo: A Luxury Destination in Guanacaste

Imagine laying on a fluffy white-sand beach, backed by quiet mangroves. Your condo or vacation rental sits perched on a rocky point nearby. A beach umbrella flutters with the sea …

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Potrero: A Home Base for Beaches in Guanacaste

Last Updated: January 31, 2024 Located in Guanacaste Province, right next to some of the region’s most popular destinations, is the unassuming town of Potrero. Driving through, you may not …

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Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast: Regional Snapshot

If you’re looking for peaceful seclusion and abundant nature, Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is the perfect place to find it. With lush rainforest, spectacular biodiversity, and generally little development, …

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Pavones: Surfing and Seclusion on the Southern Pacific

Far down Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, near the border with Panama, you will find the rural beach town of Pavones. Pavones isn’t well known, mostly because it is so hard …

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Costa Rica’s Central Valley: Regional Snapshot

Home to almost three-quarters of the country’s population, the Central Valley is Costa Rica’s cultural and economic center. Long ago, farmers used oxcarts and horses to traverse the surrounding green …

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Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast: Regional Snapshot

While often overlooked, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has a lot to offer visitors. It has some of the country’s most scenic beaches, with turquoise water and a wild jungle backing. …

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Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica: Regional Snapshot

With miles of beach, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast is a favorite among visitors. Some come for surfing, which is plentiful up and down the …

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Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Regional Snapshot

Guanacaste is a region in northwestern Costa Rica famous for its beaches and plentiful amenities. Sometimes called the “Gold Coast,” this area has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. …

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Best Beaches for Families in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its miles of coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. While most visitors want to experience the country’s tropical beaches, many don’t realize …

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Esterillos Oeste: Surfing, Serenity, and La Sirena

Last Updated: October 2, 2020 Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast is filled with busy beach towns, but there are still some quiet stretches of sand left to be discovered. One …

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Cahuita: Culture and Calm on the Caribbean

Last Updated: February 9, 2024 Though humble in size, Costa Rica has distinct differences in its culture from one destination to the next. On the country’s east coast, for example, …

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La Fortuna Hotel Guide: Where to Stay Near Arenal Volcano

Last Updated: February 22, 2024 La Fortuna is a destination for almost every type of traveler. It offers a huge selection of lodging that ranges from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range …

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The Untapped Miravalles Volcano: Hot Springs, Nature, and Zero Crowds

Last Updated: June 8, 2023 If you’ve done some research on Costa Rica, then you have probably read about the country’s famous volcanoes and soothing hot springs. Flocks of visitors …

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Bijagua: A Gateway to the Rio Celeste Waterfall

Last Updated: December 15, 2023 Nestled in a lush valley between two dormant volcanoes is the town of Bijagua. This rural village is probably best known as a stop-over destination …

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Atenas: A Glimpse of Authentic Costa Rica

Last Updated: July 18, 2022 Not far from the bustling city of San Jose you will find the charming town of Atenas. This medium-sized town in the Central Valley offers …

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Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste): Costa Rica’s Northern Beauty

Last Updated: October 7, 2022 One of the best places in Costa Rica’s popular Guanacaste Province to relax and unwind is Playa Hermosa. This small community draws repeat visitors year …

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Playa Brasilito: An Authentic Beach Town in Guanacaste

Last Updated: November 17, 2020 Nestled between the popular resort destinations of Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal is the unassuming Playa Brasilito. This town and beach of the same name …

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Costa Rica Destinations Summary Guide

Last Updated: September 14, 2022 On this website, we give tons of detailed information on Costa Rica’s destinations and attractions. Reading everything takes a lot of time, however. That’s the …

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Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town

Last Updated: April 8, 2022 Many of the beach towns in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province have become extremely popular over the years due to their gorgeous sands and turquoise waters. …

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Monteverde Hotel Guide

Last Updated: March 8, 2024 Monteverde may be a remote destination, but once you arrive, you’ll find a long list of things to do and places to stay. In this …

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Montezuma: A Bohemian Beach Town

Last Updated: February 9, 2023 Not long ago, Costa Rica was known for its bumpy dirt roads that led only the most determined explorers to pristine beaches and virgin jungle. …

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Puerto Jimenez: An Outpost to the Osa

Last Updated: January 31, 2024 Situated near the tip of Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, the town of Puerto Jimenez may not seem like a tourist destination if you were …

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Best Beach Towns in Costa Rica to Visit Without a Car

We always say that Costa Rica is best explored with your own rental car. That’s because a car gives you the flexibility to explore and move around at your own …

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San Isidro de El General

Last Updated: December 6, 2022 Filling a wide valley in the peaceful mountains of Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is San Isidro de El General. This small city is bursting with …

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Best Hotels Near SJO Airport

Last Updated: December 10, 2020 With crazy flight schedules and lengthy drive times between most destinations and the airport, sometimes an overnight near Costa Rica’s SJO (Juan Santamaria International) Airport …

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Tortuguero, Costa Rica: Off the Resort

Last Updated: February 14, 2024 In the swampy northeastern corner of Costa Rica is the village of Tortuguero. Named by locals long ago as the place where turtles go, this …

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How to Spend 1 or 2 Days in San Jose, Costa Rica

Last Updated: March 15, 2021 San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is filled with rich history and culture. Not only that, but it has a hip urban vibe …

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Drake Bay: Costa Rica Unplugged

Last Updated: November 17, 2020 Set among the largest, most biologically diverse section of lowland rainforest in Central America is the magical destination of Drake Bay, Costa Rica. Here, you’ll …

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Jaco: Costa Rica’s Booming Beach Town

Last Updated: June 14, 2023 Many people come to Costa Rica to turn everything off and just relax. Others are looking to do a lot of activities, get out on …

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Nosara Trip Planning Essentials

At first glance, the town of Nosara might seem like little more than a tangle of dirt roads, some winding their way through lush jungle, others dead-ending or bringing you …

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Playa Conchal: The Allure of Shell Beach

Last Updated: October 5, 2021 The distinct sound of a million tiny seashells gently shuffling with each lapping wave will forever be what we imagine when thinking of Playa Conchal. …

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La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination

Last Updated: November 16, 2023 La Fortuna, also known as La Fortuna de San Carlos, is undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s most talked about destinations. Travel writers love to cover it, …

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San Gerardo de Dota: A Hideaway in the Cloud Forest

Last Updated: August 26, 2019 San Gerardo de Dota is a little known destination in the remote mountains south of Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose. The village is set …

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Monteverde: A Forest in the Clouds

Last Updated: March 1, 2024 Located in the country’s northwestern mountains and straddling the Continental Divide is one of Costa Rica’s top ecotourism destinations, Monteverde. Translating to Green Mountain, this …

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The Costa Ballena: Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal

Last Updated: May 7, 2020 Pick up an old guidebook on Costa Rica, even from just a few years back, and you’ll read that the area known as the Costa …

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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Caribbean Cool in Costa Rica

Last Updated: February 13, 2024 Set along the turquoise Caribbean Sea in southeastern Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laid back beach town with a distinctly Caribbean feel. …

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Manuel Antonio Trip Planning

Last Updated: May 20, 2021 Just 2.5 hours from Costa Rica’s San Jose international airport lies the popular beach town of Manuel Antonio. Thousands flock to Playa Espadilla and its …

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Tamarindo: Where Paradise Meets Convenience

Last Updated: July 1, 2020 Located in Costa Rica’s northwestern province of Guanacaste, Tamarindo is a bustling tourist town that lures surfers and sunbathers alike. The main draw here as …

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The Whistle That Drew Us In: Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast 

Originally Featured in Travel Culture Magazine, November 5, 2012 Something seems wrong. It’s dark and the bed is swaying from side to side. I think I may be dreaming, but as …

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