One of the biggest appeals of Arenal/La Fortuna is the geothermal hot spring network, heated naturally by Costa Rica’s famous volcano, Volcán Arenal. Although great for day trips, many of the hot springs in the area have overnight lodgings, so you can fully take advantage of your time soaking in the pools. Kimkim has several recommendations for hot spring hotels in La Fortuna, ranging from standard to luxury.
Tortuguero sits on the northeast coast of Costa Rica on a rainforest-covered sandbar. This unique environment combines two of the country's biggest draws: powdery beaches and lush jungles. Tortuguero is also home to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, making it an ideal place to watch turtles nest and hatch. Explore the area's rich history and biodiversity with kayaking, boating, and hiking, all of which offer opportunities to see Tortuguero's famed wildlife.
January kicks off a new year in Costa Rica with wild parties and an epic celebration. It's also a couple months into the high season, when the skies are clear and the glory of nature is on full display. This monthly guide illustrates how best to ring in the new year in Costa Rica.
With incredible culture, hip nightlife, excellent shopping, and trendy haute cuisine, San José has it all, and you can pair your trip with luxury and boutique accommodations. The city has grown in terms of lodging options, with more than ever before, and with so many high-end and unique choices, you can take your pick of style, neighborhood, and amenities. We've made your decision a little easier with our list of the best luxury and boutique hotels in San José.
With 28 national parks, nearly 800 miles of coastline, over 300 beaches, and more than half of its land covered in forests, Costa Rica's nature excursions are its biggest draw. Spend your time trekking through rainforests, hiking along hardened lava flows, finding blue-hued waterfalls deep in the jungle, boating along rivers, snorkeling above reefs, spotting wildlife, and kayaking or canoeing in national parks.
Manuel Antonio perfectly mixes sandy ocean beaches with hilly rainforests, so it’s no surprise that many travelers head to the region for its exceptional views. When staying in the area, make the most out of this perk by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with the best ocean and jungle views.
For most travelers, 12 to 15 days is the right length of time for a trip to Costa Rica, with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Tortuguero. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 8 to 11 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Tamarindo, or Corcovado National Park.
The Arenal/La Fortuna region in Costa Rica offers 12 different thermal pools. Each hot spring has a unique character making it ideal for different travel tastes, from romantic, luxurious, budget-friendly, family-friendly, to adventurous, and more. Whether you're looking for peace and relaxation or hot springs with exciting waterslides, our list has them all.
Set in Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo is a dreamy coastal escape with long white-sand beaches known worldwide for surfing. It's idyllic for relaxing and offers several adventures, including snorkeling or diving in the nearby Catalina Islands, boating through the famed Tamarindo Estuary, and exploring dense wetlands teeming with wildlife. To make your visit a bit more cultural, try visiting a traditional hacienda and learn the secrets behind the region's rum-making techniques.
Nine to 10 days is a great length for a Costa Rica trip with stops in San José, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Sámara. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as a week or eight days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio.