What part of Costa Rica should I go to?

The 18 best places to visit in Costa Rica for first time travelers include Costa Rica's exciting cities and towns, like San José and Limón, its glorious natural wonders, including Arenal, Tortuguero National Park and Monteverde cloud forest — and far beyond, to exciting one-of-a-kind destinations like Puerto Viejo, ...



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If you go by what the locals say, the Caribbean coast wins. Well-traveled Costa Ricans love to visit the area south of Limon with its most famous beach towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo. It is less crowded, not as expensive, and known for its great food scene.

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Explore the Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
  • Arenal Volcano: Adventure Capital. ...
  • Manuel Antonio National Park. ...
  • Tamarindo Beach: Surf & Sunsets. ...
  • Monteverde: A Birdwatching Paradise. ...
  • Conchal Beach: Shell Beach. ...
  • Tortuguero: A Wildlife Wonder. ...
  • Puerto Viejo: Laid-Back Vibe. ...
  • San Jose: Culture Capital.


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The Papagayo Peninsula — on Costa Rica's Pacific coast — is the best place to stay in Costa Rica if you're looking for an upscale resort experience.

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If you're an adventure seeker and love exploring the great outdoors, Liberia is the choice for you. If you prefer a more cosmopolitan atmosphere with nightlife and urban experiences, San Jose will be your preferred choice.

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If you're wondering “Is Costa Rica expensive?”, the answer is yes and no. Compared to other Central American countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Costa Rica is generally more on the expensive side. It's pretty well-developed and has a thriving tourism industry, so things do cost more.

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Most Beautiful Places in Costa Rica
  • Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Tenorio Volcano National Park.
  • Corcovado National Park.
  • Pacuare River Rafting.
  • Arenal Volcano.
  • Cahuita National Park.
  • Punta Uva Beach.


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We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another.

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The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

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Any talk of the best beaches in Costa Rica inevitably involves Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. With 4 white sand beaches inside the famous national park and 1 outside, you will be left in awe of its beauty. It's clear why Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica!

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Las Catalinas is a unique place, one that espouses a new way of living in Costa Rica. At a glance it is a walkable pedestrian village that exists in harmony with its natural surroundings, and draws its character from a diverse set of influences from across the world.

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The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. When the Kardashians wanted to film their reality show in Costa Rica, it was no accident that they chose The Springs. This sprawling hot-springs resort in Arenal, with prices north of $500 (£380) a night, is the crème de la crème of luxury lodging in Costa Rica.

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Costa Rica Luxury Resorts
  • Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. Show prices. ...
  • Tulemar Resort. Show prices. ...
  • The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort. Show prices. ...
  • Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel. ...
  • Parador Resort & Spa. ...
  • Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica. ...
  • The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa. ...
  • Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica.


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The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is during the green season or rainy season, May to November. As the largest influx of tourists visit Costa Rica during the dry season (December through April), that is the most expensive time to visit. Read more about Costa Rica weather to know what to expect.

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Costa Rica is cheaper than Hawaii. There is more to do and it will cost you less. You can spring for more luxurious accommodations once in a while in Costa Rica and you won't break the bank, but a standard hotel in Hawaii will already be pretty expensive.

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FAQ on Mexico vs Costa Rica Mexico is generally cheaper than Costa Rica in terms of travel costs, accommodation, and food. Although some places in Mexico are getting more expensive (Cancun and Tulum), generally speaking, it is much easier to travel Mexico on a budget.

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Costa Rica is a country without an army; a fact that they are proud of. Because of this, confrontation is not common, especially between local Ticos and foreigners. Thus, you may find yourself brushed aside if someone does not understand you or does not have the answer to a question you have asked.

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