An Insider's Guide to Costa Rica
Image courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia
There’s a reason Costa Rica’s national motto is pura vida. The phrase literally translates to “pure life,” and it encompasses the country’s joyful, holistic approach to living. The people are exceptionally warm and welcoming, always eager to share their life stories, and to hear about yours.
There are dense jungles and idyllic coast lines, nature reserves and Mars-like landscapes, mountain ranges and active volcanoes surrounded by hot springs. There really is something for everyone here, whether you’re craving a blissfully relaxed beach vacation or a rugged active adventure — or somewhere in between.
Meni stressed that Costa Rica is not the type of country you visit once. Rather, you'll return again and again.
Need to know
Image courtesy of Nayara Tented Camp
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. Expect elements from the outdoors (bugs, lizards, racoons et. al.) to make their way indoors. It’s all part of the experience.
Costa Rica is one of Central America’s safest countries. It’s democratic, with a strong middle class. Still, be a conscious, smart traveler, just as you would in any country or city.
Currency: The Costa Rican Colón (CRC, ₡) is the official currency; US dollars are widely accepted.
Languages: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas.
Airports: Major entry points include San Jose International Airport (SJO) and Liberia International Airport (LIR).
Transportation: Despite Costa Rica’s small size, it takes a bit of time to traverse from one area to another. To travel from region to region, you’ll need to take a small plane or opt for longer drives. Tell your Fora Advisor what you want to do, pick two or three regions to visit and then plan transportation accordingly.
Best time to visit: Costa Rica is truly a year-round destination. Different regions have different climes (the Caribbean is wettest when the Pacific is driest, and vice versa, for instance). When you go will depend on what you want to do; there’s a perfect time for everything. May, mid-August and the first 10 days of December are especially lovely.
Ideal length of stay: A minimum of 7–10 days is recommended to fully explore the country and at least a couple regions.
Signature dishes: Ceviche, whole-grilled red snapper, olla de carne (beef soup), tres leches cake, Churchill (shaved ice smothered in syrup, condensed milk, powdered milk and ice cream) or refried beans paired with guacamole and patacones (fried plantains).
Key phrases: “Pura Vida” (a catch-all for just about everything), “Gracias” (Thank you), “Tuanis” (an expression of excitement, akin to “Cool” or “Awesome”)
What to wear: Keep it cool and breezy. Linen and sandals are in, and bring ample active gear and hiking shoes you won’t mind getting dirty.
Where to stay
Image courtesy of Río Perdido
Costa Rica’s accommodations span jungle lodges, beach resorts, local gems and beyond. San José, the country’s capital, is a great place to visit for a dynamic food scene, nightlife and an authentic Costa Rican urban experience. It’s located in the country’s Central Valley region, which is also where to go to see Costa Rica’s jungly mountains and active volcanoes. North of San José is where you’ll find the famed Arenal Volcano, its eponymous lake and the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Guanacaste, on the Pacific coast, is home to the Papagayo Peninsula, where you’ll find most of the big-name resorts. Also in Guanacaste is the more off-the-beaten-path Nicoya Peninsula. Here you’ll find local beach towns like Santa Teresa, which is prime surfing territory.
The Caribbean coast is more laid-back and local, with a prominent Afro-Caribbean population. It’s also a bit more difficult to get to, but well worth the trek, especially if you like nature and fewer crowds. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate Costa Rica’s southern region. It’s hot and humid, but blissfully untouched. Go here for ecotourism.
Here are a few of my favorite places to stay in Costa Rica, all located in different regions.
Image courtesy of Hotel Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience
Río Perdido: A luxury, intimate jungle escape near a thermal river. The hotel grows much of its own food, and even makes its own (exceptionally biodiverse) soil to grow its organic crops.
Fora Reserve perks include exclusive spa and adventure rates, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in whenever possible.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection: Go for the legendary spa, and stay for the people. This hideaway in the jungly Talamanca Mountains is worthy of any bucket list. Expect nourishing, organic, locally sourced food; active and cultural experiences; likely the most beautiful spa you’ll ever see; and incredible staff who immediately become friends.
Fora Reserve perks include $100 dining or experience credit and extended check-in/out whenever possible. (All meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included.)
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: A beautifully landscaped hot-springs resort near the active Arenal Volcano, with 20 thermal pools. You'll love the adults-only Rainforest Rooms, which come with giant decks outfitted with a swing and a soaking tub.
Fora Perks include $100 resort credit, daily breakfast (the breakfast spread is delicious), an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal: The ultimate family resort. There’s a game room, animal sanctuary, rock climbing, white-water rafting, an adventure center and so much more.
Fora Perks include $125 spa credit, one complimentary Club Rio Tour for two, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Nayara Tented Camp, Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens: This luxury, stylish trifecta in Arenal Volcano National Park immerses you in the surrounding natural beauty. Each property feels exclusive and private, and each has its own personality.
Book with me to unlock $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas: Twenty-one villas with private plunge pools make up this Guanacaste resort. Expect incredible food, the friendliest staff and next-level turn-down service.
Fora Perks include exclusive food / beverage rates, welcome amenities and an upgrade whenever possible.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo: An upscale, green oasis with a mature, hip vibe. Although the Andaz is just as amazing for families as it is for couples. Enjoy the indoor-outdoor gym, aerial yoga, variety of restaurants and array of outdoor activities.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include $100 resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in whenever possible.
Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica: This modern, luxurious resort is very family-friendly, but is also great for couples (an amazing staff will ensure any and all travelers are well taken care of). The beaches are some of the region’s nicest. Head here for a laid-back, blissfully relaxed vacation.
When you book Four Seasons through me, you’ll enjoy Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. I'll be pleased to give you more details
Hotel Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience: Laid-back and breezy, with a homey, welcoming feel and a deep connection to the local community. Stay here to get close to nature, relish barefoot luxury vibes and focus on wellness.
Fora’s VIP partner perks include $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in whenever possible.
W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal: A colorful, Caribbean-inspired resort on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Fora’s Marriott LUMINOUS perks include a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection: This laid-back, conveniently located stay is a short drive from Liberia Airport, and is great for a quick getaway.
Fora’s Marriott LUMINOUS perks include a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
History and culture
Image courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
Costa Rica’s culture is a rich amalgamation, with influences from Indigenous communities, Black Caribbeans, Latin Americans, the Spanish, Italians, the Chinese…It’s dynamic and varied.
In many ways, it’s no surprise so many cultures can peacefully coexist here: Costa Rica is the world’s most densely biodiverse country. (While other countries may have greater biodiversity in aggregate, Costa Rica reigns when evaluated per square unit of land.)
The biodiversity and multiculturalism shows up prominently in the country’s gastronomy. Volcanic soil allows for the most beautiful, nutrient-dense produce to grow. It nourishes you in more ways than one.
Activities and excursions
Image courtesy of Get your Guide
Activities abound in Costa Rica. There is no one best thing to do.
Northern Costa Rica
The country’s northern region is often referred to as the “Costa Rican Amazon.” There’s tons of nature and wildlife here.
Hike the Arenal Volcano, visit the nearby town of La Fortuna and explore the surrounding natural hot springs. Outstanding hikes await, but make sure to enlist a guide to optimize your time.
Explore Tenorio Volcano National Park and its namesake, as well as the nearby Miravalles, another stunning volcano.
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is another beautiful natural area to discover.
Central Costa Rica
Check out the Monteverde Cloud Forest, an exceptionally biodiverse area due in part to the slower rate of evaporation caused by its thick cloud cover. Again, take a guided hike to get the most out of the experience.
Monteverde is also one of the best spots for zip-lining.
Pacific coast
Surfers will love Tamarindo and, further south, Santa Teresa. Both are great local spots with a distinctly friendly, laid-back charm. Santa Teresa, especially, is ideal for wellness enthusiasts.
Explore Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. It’s Costa Rica’s first national park, and is blissfully untouched.
Caribbean coast
Tortuguero National Park, on the northern part of the Caribbean coast, is, true to its name, prime territory for turtle nesting.
Visit Puerto Viejo de Talamanca’s Jaguar Rescue Center, which rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of sloths, monkeys, reptiles, birds and more each year.
Go white-water rafting in the Pacuare River.
Southern Costa Rica
Explore Corcovado National Park, on the Osa Peninsula. There are a few official campsites here, and they all feel off the grid in the best way. A hike from south of the park to its middle is especially beautiful.
Marvel at the whales and dolphins that visit Ballena Marine National Park. Humpback whales arrive from July to October. The park is also brimming with marine life to explore while snorkeling.
Add-on destinations
Cartagena, Colombia
Costa Rica is the type of country you need to come back to again and again. You won’t be able to see all it has to offer in a single trip. As such, you’ll likely be better off staying within its borders during your trip. But if you want to add something on, I’ve included a few travel ideas. As always, I'll help you craft an itinerary that best works for you and your unique travel style.
Panamá (short flight, shorter bus ride): Fly or drive south to Panamá. It has a similar dynamic mix of urban life, beaches and history.
Belize (5-hour flight, usually with a couple stops): Getting to Belize from Costa Rica is a bit of a trek, but if you want to head north, additional nature, snorkeling and adventure await.
Colombia (3-hour flight): Experience the vibrant nightlife, colorful streets and rich history in Cartagena. For additional art, culture and amazing restaurants, Bogotà, Colombia’s capital, beckons.
Guatemala (2-hour flight): Explore the natural beauty and lakeside villages of Lake Atitlán, learn from Indigenous Mayans in Chichicastenango, marvel at the colonial architecture in Antigua and check out the ancient Mayan ruins in Flores and Tikal.
