Where to Stay in Costa Rica: A Guide to 10 Incredible Destinations

1. Manuel Antonio: Paradise for Nature Lovers

Nestled on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park boasts a stunning blend of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. With over 100,000 annual visitors, it's a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure.

Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio

• El Parador Resort & Spa: A luxurious retreat offering breathtaking ocean views, a private beach, and a world-class spa.
• La Mariposa Hotel: A charming boutique hotel with eco-friendly practices, a tranquil pool, and a delightful restaurant.
• Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort: A family-friendly resort with a private beach, multiple pools, and a kids' club.

2. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Caribbean Vibes

Located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca exudes a laid-back atmosphere, lively nightlife, and a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.

Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo

• Hotel Suizo Loco: A quirky hotel with colorful décor, a bohemian vibe, and an on-site bar.
• Casa Viva: A charming bed and breakfast with a lush garden, a cozy lounge, and a delightful café.
• Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel: A luxurious hotel with a rooftop terrace, a private beach, and an award-winning restaurant.

3. Tortuguero National Park: Home to Green Turtles

A vast wetland sanctuary on the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including thousands of nesting green sea turtles.

Where to Stay in Tortuguero

• Laguna Lodge Tortuguero: A secluded retreat on the banks of a lagoon, offering eco-friendly accommodations and guided nature tours.
• Manatus Hotel: A comfortable hotel with a swimming pool, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a convenient location near the park entrance.
• Evergreen Lodge Tortuguero: A cozy lodge with a lush garden, a spacious lounge, and optional adventure excursions.

4. Monteverde Cloud Forest: A Natural Wonderland

Nestled in the mountains of northwest Costa Rica, Monteverde Cloud Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its misty atmosphere, ancient trees, and rich biodiversity.

Where to Stay in Monteverde

• El Establo Mountain Hotel: A charming hotel with a beautiful garden, a relaxation spa, and panoramic mountain views.
• The Tree House Lodge: A unique lodge with treetop bungalows, a communal lounge, and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Arenal Monteverde Lodge: A secluded retreat with an infinity pool, a cozy fireplace, and a mesmerizing view of the Arenal Volcano.

5. La Fortuna: Gateway to Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna, a quaint town at the foot of the Arenal Volcano, offers a gateway to thrilling adventures, stunning natural beauty, and rejuvenating hot springs.

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

• Arenal Springs Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort with a private hot spring river, a verdant rainforest backdrop, and an award-winning spa.
• Hotel Mountain Paradise: A family-friendly hotel with an array of amenities, including a swimming pool, a playground, and a restaurant.
• Nayara Gardens: An eco-conscious hotel with a lush canopy, a romantic atmosphere, and private plunge pools.

6. Jaco Beach: Surf and Nightlife Destination

Jaco Beach, nestled on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, is a vibrant destination known for its world-class surfing, lively nightlife, and urban amenities.

Where to Stay in Jaco Beach

• Best Western Jaco Beach Resort: A beachfront resort with a sprawling pool, a fitness center, and a convenient location near shops and restaurants.
• Hotel Villa Caletas: A luxurious hotel perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, offering stunning views, a private beach, and an infinity pool.
• Hotel Crocs Jaco Resort: A family-friendly resort with a water park, a kids' club, and a lively atmosphere.

7. Tamarindo Beach: Beach Bum Paradise

Located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Tamarindo Beach is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and enjoying the laid-back beach lifestyle.

Where to Stay in Tamarindo

• Captain Suizo Beachfront Hotel: A beachfront hotel with a charming atmosphere, a cozy pool, and a delightful restaurant.
• Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel: A bohemian-chic hotel with a private garden, a rooftop terrace, and a trendy bar.
• The Coastal Hotel: A sophisticated hotel with a modern design, a rooftop pool, and a convenient location near the beach.

8. Uvita: Gateway to Marino Ballena National Park

Uvita, a coastal town on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, serves as a gateway to Marino Ballena National Park, known for its iconic whale's tail-shaped sandbar.

Where to Stay in Uvita

• Uvita Lodge: A cozy lodge with a secluded location, a lush garden, and private balconies overlooking the rainforest.
• Hotel La Cusinga: A boutique hotel with a swimming pool, a tropical garden, and a charming restaurant.
• Rancho Pacifico: A luxury eco-lodge with a private beach, a sustainability focus, and a renowned restaurant.

9. Drake Bay: Wilderness and Wildlife

Drake Bay, situated on the Osa Peninsula, is a remote destination teeming with biodiversity, offering a chance to encounter whales, dolphins, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Where to Stay in Drake Bay

• Aguila de Osa: A rustic lodge with a stunning location on the beach, a private pier, and a unique open-air restaurant.
• La Paloma Lodge: A charming lodge with a tranquil atmosphere, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
• Corcovado Lodge: A eco-friendly lodge offering a sanctuary in the rainforest, guided wildlife tours, and a chance to witness rare and endangered species.

10. Santa Teresa: Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Santa Teresa, located on the remote Nicoya Peninsula, is a secluded paradise known for its yoga retreats, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Where to Stay in Santa Teresa

• Namasté Retreat Center: A tranquil retreat center with a yoga studio, a meditation hall, and an organic garden.
• The Gilded Iguana: A boutique hotel with a stylish design, a rooftop pool, and a renowned restaurant.
• Hotel Harmony: A charming hotel with a cozy atmosphere, a swimming pool, and a full-service spa.

Tables to Help You Choose the Perfect Place to Stay in Costa Rica