Costa Rica Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts in Costa Rica

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Enjoy unspoiled beaches on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast

Luxury Costa Rica Beach Break: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - 5 Days

Enjoy a luxury five-day beach break on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. Head straight to vibrant Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and check into a 5-star seafront hotel where white-sand beaches and rainforest spa sessions await. You'll get a taste of the local culture during a private chocolate-making session with the Indigenous Bribri community, then explore the natural delights of Cahuita National Park on exclusive kayaking and snorkeling tours.

Experience a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on a luxury trip to the Gulf of Papagayo

Luxury Costa Rica Beach Escape in the Gulf of Papagayo - 5 Days

Escape to Costa Rica's tropical Gulf of Papagayo on this luxury five-day beach break. Check into a boutique hotel steps from peaceful Playa Hermosa, where you can swim, snorkel, and laze on golden sands to your heart's content. Explore the area's pristine nature with a private ocean kayaking trip and a high-octane adventure tour in the Río Blanco Canyon, complete with ziplining, tubing, and a soak in the hot springs.

Sunset over the Central Valley of San José, Costa Rica

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio & Río Pacuare: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to nine days is a great length for a Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Río Pacuare. It's also possible to hit the highlights in six days to a week if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region, like Monteverde, Corcovado National Park, or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Keep reading for more inspiring San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Río Pacuare itineraries.

A young howler monkey inspects a flower in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for nine to 10 days when combining Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo with San José. For travelers wanting to visit Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo exclusively, plan seven to nine days for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five or six days. Check out the below favored Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Tamarindo itinerary options.

Immerse in nature together in Costa Rica on a honeymoon

5 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

With five days in Costa Rica, honeymooners should focus on one region. Beach lovers can choose from a leisurely visit to Manuel Antonio or an active itinerary in Guanacaste that includes daily snorkeling. Wellness-focused newlyweds can retreat to Bajos del Toro for jungle hikes and couples spa treatments. Those keen on a hiking and beach honeymoon can do both in the Northwest, and lovebirds passionate about wildlife will find opportunities to see and learn about unique species in Tortuguero.

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Sámara: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 10 days is a great length for a Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Sámara. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as a week or eight days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio.

A colorful street in Costa Rica's San José, including the correos (post office)

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo with Monteverde. For travelers wanting to visit San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo exclusively, consider a week to nine days for a well-paced trip. A condensed highlights trip is possible in six days for travelers with limited time. Read below for the best itineraries, including San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Gulf of Papagayo.

Learn to surf or practice your skills at Playa Tamarindo

Arenal/La Fortuna & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Nine to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Costa Rica travelers interested in visiting Arenal/La Fortuna and Tamarindo, especially when also including San José and Monteverde. If you're only headed to Arenal/La Fortuna and Tamarindo, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in six to eight days. Even if you're pressed for time, you can see the highlights in as few as five days.

A bridge over the brilliant blue Río Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park en route to Arenal

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna & Monteverde: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days are the most popular trip length for Costa Rica travelers interested in visiting San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Monteverde and including Manuel Antonio. If you're not interested in Manuel Antonio, six to eight days is enough for your San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Monteverde trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and beyond.

On the Río Tárcoles in Costa Rica, famed for its crocodiles

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 8 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Gulf of Papagayo. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Alternatively, extend your trip and explore more of the country; some of the best-loved trip extensions include Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, or Tárcoles. See below for more ideas for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Gulf of Papagayo itineraries.

Discover the abundant wildlife in Costa Rica's Tortuguero National Park

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde & Tortuguero: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 12 to 15 days is the right length of time for a trip to Costa Rica, with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Tortuguero. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 8 to 11 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Tamarindo, or Corcovado National Park.

Photos from top left clockwise: Sunset at Tamarindo beach, Wildlife on Manuel antonio beach, aerial view of Manuel Antonio beach, Surf boards on Tamarindo

Manuel Antonio or Tamarindo

Costa Rica is blessed with countless beautiful beaches, but two destinations that consistently top the list are Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo. Both offer stunning coastlines, abundant activities, and unique experiences, but each has its own distinct charm. In this guide, our local specialists, Randall Jiménez, Sergio Bolaños , Yuliana Valverde and Olman Romero help you decide which beach destination is the perfect fit for your Costa Rican adventure, covering aspects like activities, wildlife, accessibility, nightlife, and accommodation.

Sunsets on Costa Rica's west coast are a nightly ritual

Costa Rica Luxury Beach Honeymoon - 5 Days

This supremely romantic—and slightly active —honeymoon adventure in Costa Rica is made for beach lovers. Over five magical days, you and your special someone will experience two luxury hotels on the Pacific coast, starting at Manuel Antonio, for rainforest hikes and nearby waterfalls. Then head south to Dominical to enjoy more spacious beaches and snorkeling among sea turtles. End each day the same way—with predinner drinks that coincide with Costa Rica's amazing sunsets.

Explore Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna & Manuel Antonio: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most people visiting San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio spend about 8 to 10 days in Costa Rica, which usually includes some time in Monteverde. If you're not interested in Monteverde, a week to eight days is enough for your San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio trip. With less time, seeing the highlights in as few as five or six days is still possible. Read below for kimkim's recommended San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio trips.

The Arenal volcano dominates the landscape during sunset, as seen from Monteverde

San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio & Monteverde: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days is a great length of time for a Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Monteverde. However, it's also possible to hit the highlights in six or seven days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country. Some recommended itinerary extensions include Tortuguero, Tamarindo, or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. See below for more itinerary ideas for San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and Monteverde.

Boat through lush jungles near Costa Rica's Caribbean coast on your honeymoon

Costa Rica Honeymoon Escape - 5 Days

Turn a quick holiday in Costa Rica into a honeymoon for the ages on this unforgettable adventure in San José and the Caribbean coast. Over five days, you'll enjoy a well-rounded experience that includes rainforest hikes, wildlife spotting, Afro-Caribbean culture, and plenty of romantic dinners. Cap the trip with a riverboat tour and a couple's massage, and you're sure to have memories that will last a lifetime.

Start your trip hiking in the rainforests of Rincón de la Vieja

Honeymoon Adventure in Northwest Costa Rica - 5 Days

This five-day romantic escape in northwest Costa Rica is ideal for newlyweds who want that perfect balance between active adventures and beach time. This itinerary takes you to some major highlights, including towering volcanoes, secluded waterfalls, and white-sand beaches. Along the way, you'll enjoy horseback riding, rainforest hikes, a private catamaran cruise, snorkeling in the Pacific, and more.

End each day with epic sunsets in Tamarindo and Nosara

Costa Rica Beach Honeymoon: Tamarindo & Nosara - 5 Days

Enjoy the ultimate couple's adventure on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Over just five days, you'll take part in catamaran tours, sunset horseback rides, snorkeling excursions, and candlelit dinners on the beach. The grand finale is a kayaking trip to remote islands, followed by a meeting with an Indigenous tribe to complete this memorable trip.

Enjoy a mix of relaxation and wellness activities in central Costa Rica

Luxury Wellness Honeymoon in Costa Rica - 5 Days

Make the most of a five-day honeymoon by enjoying equal parts romance and adventure in Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse spots in the world. You'll arrive in San José and set the mood with an intimate dinner before heading off to the cloud forests and waterfalls of Bajos del Toro, a reserve in the central highlands. Then wind down with stunning nature hikes, private yoga sessions, and relaxing spa treatments to complete this ultimate feel-good trip.

Red-eyed tree frogs are one of the nocturnal creatures you may meet in Monteverde

How to Choose the Best Night Walk in Monteverde

The lush landscapes and brightly-colored birds Monteverde is known for are undoubtedly worth seeing during the day. However, with 80 percent of the area's wildlife active after dark, a night walk affords the opportunity to experience all that the region truly has to offer.

Keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal in Monteverde's cloud forests

How to Choose the Best Cloud Forest Experience in Monteverde

The colorful wildlife (yes, the resplendent quetzal resides here), lush vegetation, and abundance of hiking trails found in the misty cloud forests of Monteverde make it an appealing destination for travelers looking to immerse in nature. But with so many activities, parks, and private reserves to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. Our expert tips can help you choose a memorable cloud forest experience in Monteverde.

If luck is on your side, you may spot the resplendent quetzal in the Cloud Forest Reserve

4 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With four days to spend in Costa Rica, it's wise to focus on one region. A popular choice is a highlights tour of the Arenal area, featuring volcano hikes and a dip in hot springs. Head to Manuel Antonio National Park for an active itinerary that includes surfing and kayaking, or travel to Monteverde for zip line adventures and horseback riding in the cloud forest. Alternatively, opt for a wildlife-themed luxury tour around the Osa Peninsula, or mix wildlife spotting with cultural experiences in Tortuguero National Park.

Look for wildlife on the water in Tortuguero National Park

Culture & Wildlife in Tortuguero National Park - 4 Days

Spot vibrant wildlife and learn about Costa Rican culture on this educational four-day tour. You'll start with a day of sightseeing in San José, then move on to Tortuguero National Park, where you'll learn about Indigenous traditions on a village visit. Enjoy a motorboat excursion along the park's jungle waterways, looking for toucans, sloths, and monkeys along the journey. Then tour a coffee farm, sampling locally produced coffee and finding out more about the country's coffee-growing history.

Enjoy your natural surroundings at a luxury eco-lodge in Costa Rica

Wildlife Luxury Adventure on the Osa Peninsula - 4 Days

Snorkel, hike, and bird-watch by day, then sleep in elegant eco-lodges at night on this luxury four-day wildlife tour around Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. A naturalist guide will point out rare avian species during an evening hike, and then you'll explore the wilderness of Corcovado National Park on day two. Plunge into the pristine waters of the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve for a snorkeling or diving adventure to finish off the itinerary.

Explore the Hanging Bridges of Monteverde

Monteverde Cloud Forest Adventure - 4 Days

Vibrant birdlife, aerial thrills, delicious coffee, and chocolate are just a few highlights that await you on this exciting four-day journey around the Monteverde Cloud Forest. In addition to guided nature hikes, this well-rounded itinerary features a bird-watching tour, an excursion on horseback, a tour of a coffee farm, a visit to a chocolate processing center, and an exhilarating zip line adventure through the rainforest.

Take in views of the coastline at Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover Manuel Antonio National Park - 4 Days

Make the most of a short stay in Costa Rica with this action-packed four-day adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park. On guided nature hikes through the park's lush rainforest and beautiful beaches, you'll spot colorful frogs, playful monkeys, and an incredible variety of birds. Kayak through a quiet estuary and learn to surf in crystalline blue waters before heading back to San José, where the trip comes to an end.

Explore the Volcanoes & Wildlife of Arenal - 4 Days

Discover Costa Rica's spectacular landscapes and vibrant wildlife on this four-day itinerary. After touching down in San José, you'll transfer to La Fortuna, your base for exploring the Arenal region. Go on a guided rainforest hike, walk through a sloth habitat, see how chocolate is made, soak in natural hot springs, and walk high above the jungle on the Arenal Hanging Bridges before heading back to the capital city to catch your flight out.

The 5 Best Hotels with Pools in Tamarindo

Though Tamarindo is known for its idyllic coves, inlets, and white-sand beaches, sometimes you need a break from the surf and want to relax by the pool. Tamarindo has several lodging choices that offer swimming pools, including many with multiple pools or areas where you can relax in sunloungers and still enjoy those ocean views.

Photo courtesy of Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Tamarindo

Boutique hotels in Tamarindo offer a blend of relaxation and authenticity while in the middle of the buzz on the region's famed white-sand beaches. You can choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront villas with bohemian vibes, and standard hotels with unique amenities, like happy hour, surf lessons, and beach clubs.

Photo courtesy of Jardín del Eden Boutique Hotel

The 6 Best Hotels for Romance & Honeymoons in Tamarindo

Tamarindo's reputation for tropical white-sand beaches makes it an ideal spot for a romantic trip. Couples can enjoy relaxing on the beach and taking in the sunsets or combine their vacation with something more active, like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or learning how to surf. And to enhance your stay, opt for accommodation with perks like private hot tubs, spa treatments, outdoor showers, and beach views.

Photo courtesy of Casa Chameleon Hotel Las Catalinas

The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in the Gulf of Papagayo

The hidden coves and beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo's rugged coastline offer a relaxing and active stay. Spend your days sunbathing at the beach or enjoy ventures like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in the protected waters. And if you're after that beachfront experience, this region offers plenty of options.

Photo courtesy of Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

The 5 Best Beach Hotels in Tamarindo

If you're planning to visit Tamarindo, it's probably for its renowned beaches and coastline. To truly experience this region's famous shores, you might want to stay in a beachfront hotel or lodgings that offer direct beach access. You'll find plenty of options, from luxury hotels with sports equipment to standard accommodation with common spaces right on the sand.

Photo courtesy of Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel

The 7 Best Mid-Range & Luxury Hotels in Tamarindo

With such an idyllic setting, Tamarindo offers plenty of beautiful mid-range and luxury boutique hotels to enhance your stay along the region's famed coastline. Choose from luxury hillside hotels, beachfront cabins, villas with private pools, and bungalows with bohemian vibes.

The 4 Best Standard Hotels in Tamarindo

Many visitors choose to stay in Tamarindo for its incredible coastline, beaches, and opportunities for water sports. Surfers from all over the world come here to catch waves, which means there's plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and local shops to enjoy. Some of the best standard hotels in Tamarindo double as surf schools, so you can enjoy the total experience.

The 6 Best Hotels for Romance & Honeymoons in Monteverde

Monteverde is an ideal location for a Costa Rican honeymoon, with its misty and romantic cloud forest and abundant wildlife. Couples will find intimate properties surrounded by jungle greenery that offer amenities like private balconies, soaking tubs, fine dining restaurants, spas, outdoor pools, and happy hours.

The 6 Best Hotels Near Downtown Santa Elena in Monteverde

Santa Elena is Monteverde's hub and is where local restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, and shops are found. If you'd like to stay close to the downtown area, you have several hotel options, and many still maintain those Costa Rican cloud forest vibes.

The 6 Best Hotels Surrounded by Nature in Monteverde

One of the appeals of Monteverde is its dense cloud forest, so you'll find many hotels surrounded by nature and offering a quiet reprieve in the jungle. You'll have your choice of eco-lodges with organic eateries, bungalows surrounded by protected rainforest, and plenty of options allowing you to watch wildlife right from your room.

Photo courtesy of Monteverde Rustic Lodge

The 7 Best Lodges in Monteverde

A cozy lodge is an excellent choice when staying in the misty cloud forests in Monteverde, as many sit in the jungle and offer views within or above the treetops. Sleep in luxury cabins with plush furnishings, area staples operating since the 1980s, or lodges with spas, outdoor pools, and fine dining restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Hotel Lomas del Volcán

The 4 Best Lodges in Arenal

Arenal offers several lodges, many featuring iconic views of Arenal Volcano while also sitting within the Costa Rican jungle. Our top picks for accommodation in Arenal maintain an authentic atmosphere while still providing amenities like on-site eateries and hot springs. Enjoy staying in cabins, bungalows, and wooden rooms with warm decor and private outdoor spaces.

Photo courtesy of the Springs Resort & Spa Arenal

The 7 Best Hotels for Romance & Honeymoons in La Fortuna

Arenal/La Fortuna offers a romantic mix of beautiful scenery, relaxing hot springs, and cultural activities—an ideal spot for a honeymoon or getaway with your partner. Our recommendations for the best hotels for a bit of romance include luxury stays where you get your own private bungalow and plunge pool, plus other properties surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle with fine-dining eateries and secluded hot springs.

The 6 Best Hotels with Views of Arenal Volcano

The main attraction in Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's famed volcano, a cone-shaped peak often shrouded in clouds. Early morning is the best time to catch cloud-free views, so we recommend staying in an area hotel offering vistas of Arenal Volcano. Enjoy those views from your room with your morning coffee or common areas like open-air restaurants, hot springs, and yoga platforms.

Photo courtesy of Downtown La Fortuna Hotel

The 6 Best Hotels Near Downtown La Fortuna

Staying close to La Fortuna gives you a mixed stay in the Arenal region, combining the area's famed jungle and volcanic views with the culture of its central hub. Our list of the best hotels near downtown La Fortuna includes those right in the action, properties a short walk from local restaurants and shops, and accommodation in the jungle yet just a quick five-minute drive from town.

The 5 Best Hotels Surrounded By Nature in Arenal

A popular reason to visit Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's beautiful natural surroundings, which include dense jungle and the famed Arenal Volcano. To really experience Costa Rica's appeal, you may want a hotel enveloped by nature. Kimkim's list consists of the best hotels giving you that experience, from luxury lodges to standard properties with volcano views.

Relax in an infinity pool overlooking the Costa Rican rainforest

Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & the Osa Peninsula - 16 Days

Experience Costa Rica in style, enjoying excursions with private guides and overnight stays in luxury hotels on this wide-ranging itinerary around the country. Start with birdwatching and snorkeling on the Osa Peninsula, then transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll take surf lessons. Go horseback riding in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, hike around Arenal Volcano, and relax in natural hot springs before heading back to San José for one last night out on the town.

Discover the Best of Costa Rica - 16 Days

Offering an appealing mix of outdoor adventures, relaxation, and cultural experiences, this 16-day itinerary around Costa Rica is a traveler's favorite. Start with volcano hikes and hot springs in Arenal, then explore Monteverde's cloud forest on a canopy tour and an excursion on horseback. Go whitewater rafting down the Río Pacuare, visit a wildlife rehabilitation center in Puerto Viejo, and enjoy a boat tour along the canals of Tortuguero National Park before heading to San José, where the trip ends.

Active Adventure on Costa Rica's Rivers & Caribbean Coast - 6 Days

Whitewater rafting, hiking, cycling, and kayaking await on this action-packed six-day adventure around Costa Rica. The start of the trip features a two-day rafting excursion down the Río Pacuare on Class III-IV whitewater. You'll explore Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on a bicycle, then see Cahuita National Park on a guided hike. Kayak around the lush jungle waterways around Punta Uva before the journey ends.

Luxury Wildlife Adventure in the Osa Peninsula - 6 Days

Enjoy Costa Rica in style on this high-end six-day trip around the wildlife habitats of the Osa Peninsula and Arenal. After a day exploring the capital city of San José, you'll travel to Drake Bay for a colorful birdwatching tour and hiking in Corcovado National Park. Continue to La Fortuna—and check into a luxury hotel—where you'll soak in hot springs, spot nocturnal mammals on a private jungle tour, and get up close with animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center.

Take in views of Arenal Volcano at sunset

Discover Costa Rica's Natural Highlights - 6 Days

Explore Costa Rica's great outdoors on this lively six-day tour around the country's natural highlights, from volcanoes and hot springs to forests and beaches. Start in Arenal with a visit to the Hanging Bridges, a hike around Arenal Volcano, and a dip in the Tabacón Hot Springs. Then transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park for snorkeling, hiking, a sunset catamaran cruise, and a boating excursion in the Damas Island Estuary.

Explore Culture & Nature in Costa Rica - 6 Days

From visiting an indigenous village to riding horses in a national park to snorkeling with tropical fish, this six-day itinerary around Costa Rica offers a mix of cultural and outdoor activities. Start at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where you'll soak in natural hot springs, then move on to the Gulf of Papagayo for a sunset sail, a jungle cruise, and a visit to an indigenous village. End your trip with a snorkeling adventure offshore the Catalina Islands.

The remote Tortuguero National Park lies between the Caribbean and lush, inland waterways

Explore Costa Rica's Cloud Forests, Volcanoes & Caribbean Coast - 13 Days

Cloud forests meet Caribbean beaches on this 13-day Costa Rica adventure filled with low-impact nature tours and immersive cultural activities. Start in Monteverde to ascend the forest canopy via hanging bridges and ziplines, then cruise across Lake Arenal for volcano hikes and hot spring soaks around La Fortuna. It's off to the Caribbean next to learn about the Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous communities of Puerto Viejo and witness sea turtles nesting on the protected sands of Tortuguero.

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