If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or an excuse to extend your trip to paradise, we’ve got you covered.
we have a list of recommendations that we know you’ll love. Find our Costa Rica Travel Guide below!
For those who want to lay by the beach, go swimming, or take a stab at surfing, here are a few places:
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At Islita Beach:
Islita Surf School — Read more hereAt Nosara Beach:
1. Nosara Surf School —Lessons are 90 minutes long, includes board, rash guard, even special sunscreen for the face — Read more here2. Corky Carroll's Surf School — Read more here
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Coffee Farm Tour:
While most people know about Nosara’s beautiful beaches, few make the journey up to the mountains and experience their cool temperatures and epic views. On this tour you learn how to make fresh coffee from the ground to your cup!Kayak Tour:
This activity takes place in Playa Garza, located at 15 minutes drive from Guiones. Garza calm sea conditions prevail throughout the year allowing to kayak.Mangrove SUP/Kayak Tour:
This tour starts at Nosara River mouth, that offers amazing views. You will row on Montaña river which runs parallel to the ocean.
Horseback Riding:
Choose between riding a horse at the beach or at the mountain. Beach tour is done along Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada and Nosara River Mouth. On the way you will experience different natural scenarios, looking at different types of flora and fauna.
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ATV Tour:
This tour is the perfect combination for exploring Beautiful Samara and its surrounding areas.
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The Camaronal Wildlife Refuge offers a range of recreational activities to tourists of all interests, including surfing and fishing, but the site is perhaps best known for the important role it plays in the preservation of one of Costa Rica's treasures, the sea turtle.
For those interested in exploring Costa Rica’s famous rainforests, volcanoes and waterfalls, here are a few options:
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The cloud forest in all of its beauty. Monteverde is in every visitor’s bucket list for good reason—incredible biodiversity, zip lining, bungee jumping and Costa Rica’s mountain food all meet in this quaint town.
Travel times by car to/from Monteverde:
LIR airport = ~2.5 hours
Islita = ~3.5 hours
SJO airport =~3 hours
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Arenal is another very popular tourist destination. Known for its iconic summit’s shape, waterfall hikes and sloths, Arenal caters to all visitors in some way. Explore the surrounding areas for a more authentic experience while still enjoying the beautiful nature of the area.
Travel times by car to/from Arenal:
LIR airport = ~3 hours
Islita = ~4.5 hours
SJO airport =~3 hours
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Unique volcanic features, highly biodiverse forest and proximity to Liberia and the coast. Rincón de la Vieja also has some of the most beautiful river hikes and swimming holes in Guanacaste. Beyond hiking, visitors can enjoy zip lines, tubing, horseback riding and even a post-hike spa.
Explore nearby Tenorio volcano and Bijagua for a chance at seeing sloths and an ecosystem similar to Arenal but much less crowded—plus lots of authentic Costa Rican dining options.
Travel times by car to/from Rincón de la Vieja:
LIR airport = ~1.5 hours
Islita = ~4 hours
SJO airport =~5 hours
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The Punta Islita Wild Macaw Reserve is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of Costa Rica! Take a tour through a dry tropical forest on the Pacific slopes of the gorgeous Nicoya Peninsula, just minutes from the beautiful Playa Islita, and see truly remarkable charismatic birds. Choose a regular one-hour visit, or bring your long lens and photograph Macaws displaying natural behaviors in the wild whilst enjoying a cup of Costa Rica’s renowned coffee.
Read more here -
The perfect combination for adrenaline lovers & nature enthusiasts.
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The Mala Noche waterfall is known in Nosara for its beauty and easy access. You will enjoy a nice walk following the river on a property with a lush garden.
For those seeking to experience Costa Rica’s history, folklore and gastronomy, here are some places:
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Guanacaste has many hidden gems to explore, whether on the way to another destination or as a destination itself.
Historical sites:
Casona de Santa Rosa—Santa Rosa Nat’l Park. Mix this with a visit to the park’s trails or, if you’re adventurous, to Playa Naranjo (Witch’s Rock)
Iglesia de San Blas in Nicoya—oldest church in Costa Rica found in the sleepy city of Nicoya
Food experiences:
Rancho Avellanas—goat farm with cheese made on-site, bring a bottle of wine to pair with it ;). Located 30min from Playa Grande
Finca Las Garzas—local farm with delicious typical food and tours of the old Guanacastecan way of life. Located 10min from Playa Grande
Sentido Norte—good drinks and food with one of the best sunset views around. Located 30min from Playa Grande in Catalinas.
El Coyol—beautiful sunset spot with local wood-fired food. Located 20min from Nosara.
Folklore:
Horseback riding, ox cart, cow milking in Finca Las Garzas. Located 10min from Playa Grande.
Fiestas cívicas — community parties including rodeos (Costa Rican style), attractions and street food. Look out for large gatherings of people on the street and that’s your sign!
Coffee tours in Hojancha. Located 1.5 hours away from Islita
Reina’s chocolate tour and tastings. Located 20min from Playa Grande
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San José is full of options, from museums to markets and great restaurants. A few highlights:
Historical sites:
National Museum of Costa Rica—a comprehensive look at Costa Rica’s history
Gold museum—pre-Columbine museum full of gold artifacts
Jade museum—similar to Gold museum but focused on jade and its role in ancestral cultures.
Food experiences:
Sikwa ancestral food
Memé Pajarito (chifrijo & chicharrones—pork)
Sibö chocolates and restaurant
El Arca restaurant and botanical gardens
Folklore:
Watch a show at the National Theater
Visit San José’s Central Market
Go to a futbol game at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium
Costa Rican Art Museum
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Cartago was Costa Rica’s colonial capital. Full of history and culture, it’s a good spot to check during your travels to sites in the area.
Historical sites:
Ruinas de Ujarrás
Ruinas de Cartago
Food experiences:
Chespiritos
Any soda along the way to Irazú, Turrialba or Orosí
Turrialba cheese
Folklore:
Basílica de Los Ángeles
Coffee experiences near Orosí valley
A few helpful tips to keep in mind as you explore:
Costa Rica is a small country that you can drive across in a single day. However, keep in mind that the travel times we listed do not include bathroom breaks, food stops, or parades or protests blocking main streets. Welcome to Latin America!
If driving for the first time in Costa Rica (or in the developing world), avoid driving in the rain and at night. Roads have no illumination and are very poorly signaled, plus pot holes will surprise you and you don’t want a flat tire in the middle of the night…
If the above sounds too stressful, there are domestic flights and shuttles between most major tourist destinations. For flights and available airports check out flysansa.com. Shuttles and other land transportation between destinations can be easily found on search engines. We will be arranging shuttles to and from Liberia airport and Islita, please fill out this form if you’d like to book one!
Some of the most popular National Parks require that you make a reservation before visiting through sinac.go.cr. Not all of them require this, so make sure to check before you head to a National Park without a reservation.
Always, always, always check the ocean conditions before entering the water. Costa Rica has hundreds of beaches, some which are very swimmable and safe and some that are known for people drowning. Please be safe and if you are unsure ask someone!
DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR AT ANY TIME. Petty theft is common, especially in well-known tourist areas.