Costa Rica, located in Central America, is famed for its striking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and friendly locals. As such, it has long been an enticing tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the globe with an array of activities and attractions on offer. However, choosing where to stay can be daunting when faced with so many choices; here, we explore some of the top places for accommodation in Costa Rica as well as their features.
San Jose
San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, serves as the country’s cultural, economic, and political epicenter. Home to over two million people and with an active nightlife scene featuring bars, clubs, and restaurants galore – not forgetting historic buildings, museums, and art galleries that can be explored!
If you are visiting San Jose, there are various neighborhoods to consider when booking your stay. The city center is often preferred as it offers access to many of its attractions and amenities; other popular choices are Barrio Amon, Escazu, and Santa Ana – each offering its own distinct atmosphere as well as accommodations from budget hostels to luxurious hotels.
Central Pacific Coast
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast is one of the country’s top tourist spots, and rightly so. Boasting some of its best beaches – featuring warm waters and soft sand – with incredible surf spots like Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and Dominical being some of the most frequented.
Jaco Beach is a bustling beach town popular with surfers and partygoers, boasting an exciting nightlife scene featuring multiple bars and clubs. Manuel Antonio National Park features wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and iguanas, as well as some of Costa Rica’s most pristine beaches, making it a top beach-lover destination. Dominical is another laidback surf town known for its relaxed vibe and world-class breaks – two places you shouldn’t miss!
The Central Pacific Coast provides visitors with a range of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious resorts. Visitors may stay either near one of the beach towns or in more secluded spots surrounded by nature.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste, situated in the northwest of Costa Rica, is famed for its breathtaking beaches and tropical dry forests. As a tourist destination, it draws visitors from around the globe due to its breathtaking scenery, warm climate, and abundance of activities – with Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Papagayo among the most visited spots.
Tamarindo is a vibrant beach town popular with surfers and partygoers, boasting an energetic nightlife scene filled with bars and clubs to suit all. For a quieter getaway, Playa Flamingo may be ideal, offering beautiful beaches as well as numerous opportunities for watersports activities. Papagayo boasts some of Costa Rica’s most luxurious resorts and hotels for an indulgent escape.
Guanacaste provides visitors with a range of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious resorts, perfect for staying near one of the beach towns or perhaps somewhere more secluded, surrounded by nature.
Arenal
Costa Rica’s northern region is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty. Home to one of Costa Rica’s most beloved landmarks – Arenal Volcano – visitors to Arenal can indulge in activities like hiking, hot springs, and ziplining; popular destinations in Arenal include La Fortuna, Nuevo Arenal, and El Castillo.
La Fortuna, located at the base of Arenal Volcano, is an attractive tourist destination featuring plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. These include restaurants, bars, shops, or simply getting out into nature to take in its breathtaking landscapes. Nuevo Arenal provides a more peaceful option with watersports opportunities and hiking. Lastly, El Castillo provides visitors with a tranquil space near Arenal Volcano that boasts stunning views over its surrounding landscapes.
Arenal provides visitors with a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious resorts. Visitors may opt to stay either in one of the towns or at more remote spots surrounded by nature.
Osa Peninsula
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Home to Corcovado National Park – one of the world’s most biodiverse places – visitors to this corner of Costa Rica can enjoy activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and surfing while staying at some of its popular spots like Puerto Jimenez, Drake Bay, or Cabo Matapalo.
Puerto Jiménez, located on the eastern side of the Osa Peninsula, is the largest town and a popular ecotourism destination. Visitors can explore Puerto Jimenez’s restaurants, bars, and shops or venture out into nature to take in its breathtaking landscapes. Drake Bay, on its western side, provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, snorkeling, and more – an idyllic getaway for nature enthusiasts looking to escape city life! Cabo Matapalo, on its southern tip, also draws surfers, offering some of Costa Rica’s best waves – making up an ecotourism adventure that won’t disappoint!
Osa Peninsula boasts a variety of accommodation options for visitors looking for somewhere comfortable to rest their heads – from budget hostels to luxurious eco-lodges. Visitors may opt to stay either near one of its towns or in more remote spots surrounded by nature.
To Conclude
Costa Rica is an exquisite country that provides visitors with a variety of accommodation options to fit every budget and travel style. From luxurious resorts to budget hostels, there is something suitable for everyone in this beautiful nation. From bustling San Jose to the stunning natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula – each region of Costa Rica has its own attractions and atmosphere that you should consider when selecting where you will stay in Costa Rica. No matter which accommodation option you select, Costa Rica will give you an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget!
