🏖️ 12 Must-Visit Beaches
🌴 Manuel Antonio
White sand paradise with monkeys & sloths in national park.
🏄 Tamarindo
Surf capital with golden sands & vibrant nightlife.
⚫ Santa Teresa
Black sand surf haven with yoga retreats.
🌊 Puerto Viejo
Caribbean turquoise waters & reggae vibes.
🐚 Playa Conchal
Unique shell beach with luxury resorts.
🧘 Nosara
Bohemian yoga & surf destination.
🌊 Jaco Beach
Party beach with big waves & extreme sports.
🌊 Dominical
Powerful surf breaks & nearby waterfalls.
🐠 Cahuita
Coral reef national park & budget-friendly.
🏄 Mal País
World-class surf points & dramatic sunsets.
💎 Punta Uva
Hidden Caribbean snorkeling paradise.
🌅 Playa Flamingo
Pink sand luxury beach in Guanacaste.
🗺️ 12 Main Attractions
🌋 Arenal Volcano
Active volcano with hot springs & waterfalls.
🐒 Manuel Antonio NP
Wildlife-packed national park beaches.
🌫️ Monteverde Cloud Forest
Hanging bridges & extreme biodiversity.
🔵 Rio Celeste
Electric blue river & volcano trails.
🐆 Corcovado NP
Most intense biodiversity on Earth.
🟢 Poás Volcano
Massive crater lake day trip.
🐢 Tortuguero NP
Turtle nesting & jungle canals.
♨️ Rincón de la Vieja
Volcanic hot springs & mud pots.
🟢 Irazú Volcano
Highest volcano with green crater lake.
🏖️ Papagayo Peninsula
Luxury Guanacaste beach resorts.
🌊 La Fortuna Waterfall
Swimmable jungle waterfall paradise.
🐳 Marino Ballena NP
Whale tail sandbar & humpback watching.
🎒 12 Top Tours & Activities
🪂 Arenal Zip-Line
2.5km canopy tour over volcano. $60-80
🌉 Monteverde Canopy
Bridges + zip-lines combo. $70-90
🚣 White Water Rafting
Class III-IV rapids adventure. $65
🐠 Isla del Caño Snorkel
World-class marine life. $100
♨️ Tabacón Hot Springs
Volcano-fed thermal pools. $70+
🏄 Tamarindo Surf Lessons
2hr beginner lessons. $50
🌙 Night Jungle Walk
Nocturnal wildlife spotting. $35-50
⛩️ La Fortuna Canyoneering
Waterfalls rappelling. $85
⛵ Tortuga Island Catamaran
Snorkel + open bar. $95
☕ Coffee Chocolate Tour
Hacienda farm experience. $45
🐒 Sloth Sanctuary
Rescue center tour. $35
🦋 Butterfly Garden
Monteverde rainforest experience. $25
📋 Essential Travel Briefings
🍽️ Restaurants
Sodas (local): $6-12 | Fine dining: $25-50
Gallo pinto, casado, ceviche. 10-20% tip standard.
🚗 Car Rentals
$45-85/day. 4x4 required. $25/day insurance.
Adobe, Vamos Rent-A-Car best value.
🏨 Lodging
Hostels $15-35 | Boutique $90-180 | Resorts $250+
Green season 50% discounts.
🚌 Transportation
Buses $1-15 | Shuttles $45-65 | Flights $60-120
Uber San José/Liberia only.
🏥 Hospitals/Clinics
Hospitals: CIMA (Escazú), Clínica Bíblica (San José)
Clinics: Hospital Metropolitano, CIMA Liberia
English-speaking doctors. Travel insurance essential.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Caribbean: Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero
Adventure: Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja
Mid-range: $3,000-4,500
Luxury: $6,000+
(excl. flights)
May-Nov (Green): 50% cheaper, lush, afternoon rain
Best: Apr/May or Oct/Nov shoulders
Passport 3+ months validity. Onward ticket sometimes checked.
Petty theft main concern. Tourist areas very safe.
Google Flights + Skyscanner alerts.
Book online. Rent car for flexibility ($50+/day).
Hidden: Jaco (party), Punta Uva (snorkel), Bijagua waterfalls, Santa Teresa surf