Costa Rica's capital city has much to offer, from culture to nightlife. But if you have an early flight to catch, you may prefer to stay near San José's airport. Also located near the Pan American Highway, car rental agencies, and a train station where you can catch a ride into the city's downtown, these hotels are excellent options for an overnight stay at the start or end of your trip._x000D_
As the capital of Costa Rica, San José is a metropolitan hub with no shortage of incredible dining options. Skip the guesswork with this list of the best places to eat, including fine dining in luxury hotels or farm-to-table eateries like Furca, plus specialty coffee cafes and family-owned spots where you can chow down on gallo pinto—Costa Rica's national dish.
One of the appeals of Monteverde is its dense cloud forest, so you'll find many hotels surrounded by nature and offering a quiet reprieve in the jungle. You'll have your choice of eco-lodges with organic eateries, bungalows surrounded by protected rainforest, and plenty of options allowing you to watch wildlife right from your room.
Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio region packs a lot of activity into one small area. It's a dream location for active travelers and adventure seekers, as you can combine coastal water sports with land-based excursions. Enjoy surfing at Playa Scull, scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling, all in one place. Then, take your adventures inland for activities like whitewater rafting, nature hikes, and horseback riding through the rainforests.
Manuel Antonio is a slice of paradise on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. A short flight (or four-hour drive) south of San José, the national park and surrounding area have rainforest hiking trails and lots of beaches to explore, each with its own character. Learn where to eat, stay, and play with this comprehensive guide. _x000D_
Packed with dense rainforests, national parks, nature preserves, rivers, and rehabilitation centers, Arenal/La Fortuna is an excellent choice for wildlife experiences in Costa Rica. Take advantage of the forests with wildlife hikes and birding excursions—some by day and some by night—plus visit butterfly gardens and wildlife refuges and learn more about local conservation efforts. Enjoy animals on the water, too, with boat and kayaking experiences.
With diverse jungle scenery, long stretches of coast, and traveler-friendly culture, Costa Rica is one of the best cycling destinations in the world. Kimkim offers a number of unique cross-country cycling trips that can accommodate active travelers of all ages and abilities. Interested? Get your questions answered below.
One of the most popular experiences in Costa Rica is observing the mighty sea turtles. For thousands of years, several turtle species have used Costa Rican beaches to safely lay their eggs, with each turtle laying roughly 60 to 100 eggs at a time. About two months later, baby turtles wriggle out of the sand and make their way to the surf. Two of the best places to observe nesting and hatching are Guanacaste and Tortuguero, and kimkim provides details on which tours to choose.
Costa Rica's most common outdoor destinations are so sought-after for a reason: they truly are beautiful landmarks. But, for every popular attraction, there are plenty of lesser-known must-sees that'll treat open-minded explorers to an incredibly fulfilling and memorable adventure.
Arenal/La Fortuna is an ideal location for families. Area activities, such as horseback riding, hiking near the Arenal Volcano, soaking in hot springs, river rafting, and touring coffee plantations, appeal to all ages and let you dive deep into the region’s natural environment and culture. To make your trip to the area even better, check into one of kimkim’s recommended family-friendly hotels.