Costa Rica Destinations
Our family’s favorite places to travel in Costa Rica — from Caribbean beaches to cloud forests and off-the-beaten-path valleys, with highlights, things to do and where to stay for each.
Puerto Viejo / Cahuita
The largest destination on Costa Rica’s small Caribbean coast — crystal-clear water, national parks, a laid-back beach vibe, a unique Afro-Costa Rican culture and European influence, and bicycles everywhere. You’ll find fewer tourists here than on the Pacific side.
Highlights
Things to do
- Hike Cahuita National Park — 2,711 acres of jungle by the sea (sloths, howler monkeys, coatis) and a protected reef to snorkel.
- Hike the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
- Bean-to-bar chocolate tour & tasting at Caribeans.
- Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center (~4 mi north of Puerto Viejo).
Where to stay: Playa Negra Guest House in Cahuita — cottages with kitchens, a pool, walkable to town and ~15 min from Cahuita National Park. Quaint and family-friendly.
Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica’s most popular beach town, on the Southern Pacific coast — famous for its national park and small boutique hotels. If you want a great beach day and lots of tropical wildlife, this is it.
Highlights
Things to do
- Explore Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio — go early (opens 8am), hire a guide to spot wildlife, mostly flat trails, pack a lunch.
- Sunset catamaran tour with Ocean King.
- Morning snorkel tour with Snorkel Adventure CR.
- Surf lesson (Tropical Surf School) or a paddle-board tour (Paddle9).
Where to stay: Hotel Playa Espadilla — best location, clean, great service, breakfast included, walkable to beach and park. Hotel Villabosque across the street is another great small option.
Monteverde
Off the beaten path and atop the continental divide at 4,662 ft, Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s few cloud forests. The area has two reserves — Monteverde Cloud Forest and Santa Elena — and the small town of Santa Elena: a world of unique ecosystems, wildlife and adventure away from the beaches.
Highlights
Things to do
- Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (a guided morning hike is recommended) and Reserva Santa Elena.
- Zip-lines, hanging bridges and a canopy gondola with Sky Adventures (SkyTrek / SkyWalk / SkyTram combo).
Where to stay: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens — walkable to town, private wildlife trails, a pool, a butterfly sanctuary and an excellent breakfast.
Orosi Valley
The Orosi Valley (Cartago Province) is the road less traveled — breathtaking scenery, quaint and historic, with far fewer visitors. It’s home to the oldest working church in Costa Rica, la iglesia de Orosi.
Highlights
Things to do
- Soak in the thermal springs at Hacienda Orosi.
- Hike Tapantí National Park (one of the rainiest spots — bring rain gear; opens 8am).
- Visit the colonial Orosi church and the Ujarrás ruins (free; the church museum is ~$1).
- Stop at the Orosi and Ujarrás miradores — free, picnic-friendly viewpoints.
Where to stay: Orosi Lodge (cozy central location, great coffee) or Hotel Río Perlas (rainforest grounds, trails and a thermal-springs pool). Tip: rent a car to explore the valley — sights are spread out and ATMs are limited.
Sugar Beach / Playa Pan de Azúcar
On the Northern Pacific coast (Guanacaste) — among the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. If you want a secluded, safe, family-friendly hotel on the beach that is not all-inclusive, try Sugar Beach and its only hotel, Hotel Sugar Beach.
Highlights
Things to do
- Snorkel at Playa Prieta (walkable at low tide).
- Hike the cliff trails at Playa Danta (lunch at Limonada).
- Visit Playa Conchal (crystal water & shells) and Playa Nacascolo (calm, Gulf of Papagayo).
Plan your Costa Rica trip
Don’t speak Spanish? We’ll make the reservations for you for a small fee — contact Leslie.
