Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful regions in Costa Rica, as it blends dense jungle hillsides with the scenic coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Many hotels and resorts use the hillside to offer some of the country’s best scenery overlooking the jungle and ocean. Elevate the beauty by staying in one of kimkim’s recommended luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio.
If you’re staying in Manuel Antonio, you probably already know about the area’s exceptional beaches. Don’t miss a moment in the sand and surf by booking one of kimkim’s recommended hotels with beach access, a surprisingly unique amenity for the area.
Arenal offers several lodges, many featuring iconic views of Arenal Volcano while also sitting within the Costa Rican jungle. Our top picks for accommodation in Arenal maintain an authentic atmosphere while still providing amenities like on-site eateries and hot springs. Enjoy staying in cabins, bungalows, and wooden rooms with warm decor and private outdoor spaces.
Thanks to its array of recreational opportunities, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who prefer active vacations all make their way to Costa Rica's Arenal/La Fortuna region. Enjoy lively excursions with unique twists, such as trekking to aquamarine lagoons, rappelling down waterfalls, hiking along hanging bridges suspended in the air, or standup paddleboarding, biking, and horseback riding at the base of a volcano.
Through hands-on coffee plantation tours, you can learn how Costa Rica's climate and environment are ideal for coffee production—and taste the country's award-winning java. Whether using San José as a hub or visiting Monteverde or Arenal/La Fortuna, you can tour coffee farms, production facilities, and even an ecolodge offering coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tours, plus add wildlife viewing into the mix.
When travelers want to experience an even wilder side of Costa Rica, they come to Tortuguero National Park. This protected area, famous as a nesting ground for sea turtles, is remote, little developed, accessible only by boat and plane—and totally worth the journey. Read on for all the info needed to make the most of your Tortuguero adventure.
Costa Rica's mountainous Monteverde region is a traveler favorite, topping lists for its distinct cloud forest ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and hiking and ziplining options. Head northwest for a long weekend from San José or visit after a few days at Arenal—whatever you choose, this guide has everything you need to plan your time.
Costa Rica certainly lives up to its name (literally 'Rich Coast'), blessed as it is with miles of beaches on both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The country has long recognized the value of preserving its stunning environmental assets, making this relatively diminutive nation a leader in conservation. As one of the happy consequences, Costa Rica's rivers, lakes, and seas provide abundant opportunity for endless outdoor adventures.
Many travelers use San José as an overnight stay when flying in and out of Costa Rica, and nothing more. But you'd be amiss to skip exploring this culturally and historically rich capital, which mixes customs and traditions from across the country. In San José, you can taste regional delicacies and mingle with residents as you peruse markets, visit museums to learn more about the city's origins, enjoy aperitifs with rooftop city views, and more.
Costa Rica's dry season is from November to April. But May signals the beginning of the rainy season, and it's then that the rivers rise—making it the best time for aquatic adventurers of every skill level to hit the country's rivers in search of whitewater.