18 Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path Destinations: Hidden Gems

Costa Rica is an amazing Central American country to travel to. However, it is a popular tourist destination and a lot of towns can get very busy. If that is not your vibe, have no fear! There are TONS of off-the-beaten-path places in Costa Rica that you’ll love.

We have lived in Costa Rica since 2016 and we love to travel around the country to explore new places. Although we work in tourism, sometimes we just want to escape the crowds and have unique experiences. We created this list of 18 off-the-beaten-path destinations in Costa Rica based on the places we love to go.

So, let’s get to all the best hidden gem places with details on things to do, places to stay, the best restaurants etc.

Hidden Gems in the Central Region of Costa Rica

The Central Valley area of Costa Rica is home to the San Jose International Airport, San José (the capital city of Costa Rica), rolling mountain views, coffee farms, waterfalls, and volcanoes.

This is not a place most tourists spend a lot of time in, but we live in this area and love all the amazing unique spots to visit here. 

A few of our favorite secret hidden gems are:

1. San Gerardo de Dota

san gerardo de Dota

San Gerardo de Dota is a moody cloud forest village located in the mountains about 1.5 hours south of San Jose. We like to come here when we need a break from the heat and want some cold weather (I know, it’s a tough life). 

I suggest San Gerardo de Dota as an alternative to Monteverde. Both towns are in the cloud forest and Monteverde definitely has more things to do, more restaurants, and more hotels. However, San Gerardo de Dota has way fewer tourists. 

One of the main draws of San Gerardo de Dota is the Resplendent Quetzal. If you are not into bird watching you probably have no idea what I’m talking about. 

quetzal

A Resplendent Quetzal is a beautiful bird pictured above. There are lots of them that make their home in San Gerardo de Dota. So, bird lovers, this is your place! 

Another interesting thing in San Gerardo de Dota is the abundance of trout in the rivers. Every restaurant you go to here will likely have at least one trout dish on its menu.

Just keep in mind that it can get cold here. You will likely want long pants, warm socks, and at least a sweatshirt or fleece if you stay here.

18 Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path Destinations: Hidden Gems

Anyway, we really like this area and highly suggest visiting if you have the chance.

Best Restaurant

For a small village, there are some amazing restaurants here. Plus, the service at the restaurants is basically unmatched for Costa Rica. Our favorite places are: 

Cafe Kahawa

Lauraceas Restaurante Cafeteria

Comidas Tipicas Miriam 

Pizzeria & Restaurante los Calibries

Best Hotels

Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge

Hotel Savegre (they have hiking trails on the property)

Hotel de Montana Suria

Best Things to Do 

Take a birdwatching tour, hike at Los Quetzales National Park, go fishing

How Long to Visit 

I think two nights is enough time to do some hiking and enjoy the vibes.

Check out the guide to San Gerardo de Dota for more info

2. Orosi

orosi costa rica

Orosi is a small town located in the Central Valley near Cartago. This town is known for its sweeping Central Valley views. It is a good place to stay if you want a more relaxed vibe, but want to be somewhat near the San Jose International Airport. 

Just note, that I put Orosi on this list, but all the small towns around Orosi are awesome places to visit. 

Best Restaurant

La Fonda del Alto

Orocay Bistro

Pizza Il Giardino

Best Hotels

Posada Cañaveral

Hotel Quelitales

Finca Queveri

Best Things to Do

Hike at Parque Nacional Tapantí Macizo de la Muerte: A remote national park with three main hiking trails.

Take a Day Trip to Irazu Volcano: The tallest volcano in Costa Rica. It is possible to visit the crater and be above the clouds. 

Visit Mirador de Orosi: This is the most popular spot to visit for the view of the Orosi River.

Visit Turrialba Volcano: This is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica so it is not always possible to visit. However, Orosi is the best place to enjoy the views of the volcano erupting. You can often see billows of ash coming out of the top.

How Long to Visit 

If you would like a peaceful escape you could easily spend several nights here relaxing and exploring the nearby area. 

Check out our guide to Orosi for more details on visiting

3. Braulio Carillo

18 Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path Destinations: Hidden Gems

Braulio Carillo is a national park located on the highway between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast. If you drive to the Caribbean Coast you will most likely pass through it and have no idea.

This park and area are not widely visited. However, if you are looking for a cloud forest destination, this is a good spot to stop. 

Just note that it can be somewhat cool and rainy here.

Best Restaurants

El Fogón de Lola

El Yugo de Mi Tata

Best Hotels

Tapirus Lodge and Reserve is basically your only hotel option nearby. They offer a nice rustic jungle property with private bungalows.

Best Things to Do

Hike at the Braulio Carillo National Park, go zip lining at Rainforest Adventures

How Long to Visit

I think one night is enough time here. I would only suggest staying here if you are heading between San Jose and the Caribbean Coast.

Although it is cool, it’s not a place I would necessarily suggest going out of your way to visit.

You can check out our guide to Braulio Carillo for more info.

4. Chirripó National Park

Cerro Chirripó is the highest mountain peak in Costa Rica. This is not a place most people visit, but if you are a hiking enthusiast you might consider planning a visit here.

It is about 13.5 miles (22 kilometers) to the top of the peak. 

Most people opt to spend a night or two at the chalet at the top of the mountain, but if you are feeling very crazy you could attempt to do the entire hike in one day. 

Just note that you need to pre-book your entry in advance. 

We have not done this hike, so for all the info on planning your visit check out this updated guide.

Off the Beaten Path on the Northern Pacific Coast

The North Pacific Coast of the country is home to the Nicoya Peninsula and Guanacaste Province.

These areas have some of the best weather in the country, great scuba diving opportunities, some of the most popular beaches, surfing, and relaxed vibes. 

The best off-the-beaten-path towns are:

5. Ostional

ostional

Ostional is a beach village located just north of Nosara. It is only accessible by dirt roads that have river crossings. During the rainy season it can be difficult to get here.

The main draw in Ostional is the Arribada. Arribada is the name given to the turtle nesting that occurs here about once a month. Here you can experience thousands of olive ridley sea turtles making their way to shore to lay their eggs.

This is difficult to plan because its is hard to predict when the arribada will occur. Typically the best months to see this are October and November. 

Best Hotel: Boutique Hotel Luna Azul

Best Restaurants

Restaurante y Pizzeria Ostional Beach Lounge

Soda Casa de doña Marta

Isla Tortuga

Best Things to Do

Try to see the sea turtles, walk the beach for miles, take a day trip to Nosara and go surfing

How Long to Visit

If you are only coming to see the turtles and time it right, you really only need one day here. However, if you are looking for a Pacific Coast beach destination and want to be near Nosara without staying in the craziness of Nosara, this is not a bad option.

You can check out our guide to visiting Ostional for more info.

6. Paquera

paquera

Paquera is not exactly off the beaten path, but I guess I would call it more of a hidden gem. This town is where the ferry landing is located on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Every person who is going to Santa Teresa of Montezuma will likely drive through here. However, most people won’t spend the night, but you should! 

Best Restaurants

Kincho’s Pizza – Great place for takeout or just relaxed pizza vibes. They have a wide variety of topping choices. 

Mariscos Grey – Excellent place for seafood. It really does not look like much from the outside, but the food quality and presentation is impressive. 

Best Hotels

There are two hotels I suggest. One hotel is located on an island off of Paquera and from here it is not easy to participate in the fun nearby activities. However, it is totally unique experience and cool to check out. 

Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel – One of the best glamping spots in the country. Isla Chiquita is on its own island, so this is more of a destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. 

Eco Boutique Hotel – A nice hotel with incredible ocean views. We like this place for the amazing property with a nice pool.

Best Things to Do

Hike at Curu Reserve: Curu Reserve is a national wildlife refuge. It is great hiking spot with several trails of varying lengths and difficulty. There is also a nice beach.

We have a Curu Reserve guide for more info.

Go Deep Sea Fishing:

This area is amazing for Roosterfish, but you can also expect to maybe catch Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Jack Crevalle, Needlefish, or Cubera Snapper.

You can book your tour with Bahia Rica here. 

Go Bioluminescent Kayaking: This is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Costa Rica and I think it is worth visiting this town for this experience alone. It is possible to see bioluminescence year round, but it is best at a new moon. 

You can arrange your tour with Bahia Rica here

How Long to Visit

I think 2 nights is enough here. That will give you time to enjoy some fun activities and explore a bit. 

Check out our guide to Paquera for more info on visiting

7. Playa Avellana

Playa Avellanas sunset

Playa Avellanas is located just south of Tamarindo down a dirt road. This beachfront village is mostly only popular with surfers. It has a very relaxed surfer vibe to it. 

The northern part of the town is also home to a large resort called JW Marriott Guanacaste.

Best Restaurants

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

Go surfing, take a day trip, and check out the nearby white-sand beaches

How Long to Visit

If you are an experienced surfer you could spend several days here catching waves. 

Check out the Playa Avellanas Guide for More Info

8. Barra Honda

18 Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path Destinations: Hidden Gems

Barra Honda is a national park located just outside of the town of Nicoya. This is a place you might pass by if heading from San Jose to Samara or Nosara, however, most people don’t stop. 

The national park is one of the most unique parks in Costa Rica. It is home to several cave systems including a cave you can go into with an experienced guide. It’s somewhat terrifying, but really cool and unique.

We recently spent two nights nearby and scoped out the scene a bit. There isn’t a whole lot to do in the surrounding area, but the park is definitely worth a visit. 

Best Restaurant

You’ve got to try Bernina Artisan Food near the town of Nicoya. It doesn’t look like much from the road. In fact, you will likely think you are in the wrong place, but keep driving.

This restaurant is a random hidden gem that offers a five-star experience in the middle of nowhere.

Best Nearby Hotels

Hoja Azul Loft Guanacaste is a really nice option within a 30 minute drive of the park.

Alternatively, this house on VRBO is located really close to the park and has good reviews.

How Long to Visit

One night is enough if you want to visit the national park and just spend the evening nearby. 

Check Out the Complete Barra Honda Guide for More Info

9. Playa Coyote

playa coyote

Playa Coyote is a remote beach area on the Nicoya Peninsula.

Most people head to Santa Teresa or Montezuma if they come to the Nicoya Peninsula, but this is a great alternative destination.

There is not a whole lot to do here, but that is definitely the appeal. Also, because it is somewhat remote you can usually stay at really nice hotels for a fraction of the price you would pay in Santa Teresa.

It is also somewhat difficult to get here because a lot of the roads are not paved and there are some river crossings. We suggest a 4×4 if you plan to visit

Best Restaurant

Pizza Tree – This is a place you should definitely check out. It’s basically exactly what its name implies. It’s a pizza restaurant in a tree house.

Bar & Restaurante La Veranera – A great place to enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

Best Hotels

Alouatta Playa Coyote – A unique place with large tents

Down By The Sea, the beachfront Apartment – A beachfront apartment that can sleep up to 3 guests.

Canta La Rana – A beautiful luxury boutique hotel with pool and ocean views.

La Colina Pura Vista – Bungalow-style accommodations on a stunning property with a pool.

Best Things to Do

Go beach hopping. There are a few beaches to check out here. These are Playa Coyote, Playa Caletas, Playa San Miguel, and Playa Bejuco.

How Long to Visit

This is the kind of place you could potentially spend several nights at. There is not a whole lot to do, but I think that is really the appeal.

Off the Beaten Path Central and Southern Pacific Coast

The Central Pacific Coast is known for beautiful white sand beaches, the most popular national park in the country (Manuel Antonio National Park), and is one of the most popular tourism destinations due to its proximity to the San Jose International Airport.

The South Pacific Coast is also referred to as the Osa Peninsula. This area is home to beautiful beach towns and lush rainforest destinations. The main gem here is Corcovado National Park which is one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. 

10. Esterillos

esterillos

Esterillos is a Pacific Ocean beach town located between Jaco and Manuel Antonio in the Central Pacific Region.

This town is not exactly off the beaten path, but it isn’t a common tourist destination. Most people tend to stay in Jaco or Manuel Antonio instead. 

Esterillos is a great place to stay if you have a rental car for fun day trips, but want to be away from the crowds of the popular tourist towns.

Plus, unlike most of the places on this list, it is just off the main road. You don’t need to drive on any crazy roads to get here. 

This is the perfect place because you can still easily get to Manuel Antonio National Park within 30 minutes if you would like to hike and see lots of wildlife. 

Best Restaurants

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

How Long to Visit

I would spend maybe 3 to 4 nights here depending on how much you would like to see nearby.

For More Info Check Out Our Complete Esterillos Visitors Guide

11. Drake Bay

corcovado

Drake Bay is definitely off the beaten path, but it is still a popular destination.

The village is located on the Osa Peninsula and is most easily accessible by boat from Sierpe. 

Drake is known for its beautiful raw beaches and for being a gateway into the Corcovado National Park. 

Best Restaurants

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

You definitely need to visit Corcovado National Park while here. It is possible to visit as a day trip or a multi-day hiking experience. This park is only accessible with a local guide. 

⤷ Arrange Your Corcovado Day Tour

⤷ Arrange Your One-Night Corcovado Experience

Another popular thing to do here is to take a day trip by boat out to Caño Island. Here you can go snorkeling. 

⤷ Arrange Your Cano Island Snorkel Tour 

We also love to take half-day trip down the Agujitas River in an inner tube with a guide. It’s so fun!

⤷  Arrange Your Tubing Adventure

We also like to relax on the unspoiled beaches in this area. Expect a raw tropical beauty here.

How Long to Visit 

You could potentially spend several nights here. There is so much to do, but it is also a peaceful place if you want to just relax.

Check Out the Complete Visitors Guide to Drake Bay for More Info

12. Pavones

Pavones is one of the southernmost towns on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It is located at the mouth of Golfo Dulce.

This town is renowned as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. It is home to one of the longest-left hooks. 

Best Restaurants

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do 

Surf, relax on the beach, take a yoga class, get a massage, go birdwatching

How Long to Visit

If you are a surfer you could easily spend your entire Costa Rican trip here. 

Check Out the Complete Pavones Travel Guide for More Info

13. Golfito

Golfito is a town located on the Golfo Dulce. It is known for its raw tropical beauty and lush jungles. The downtown area of Golfito is a somewhat busy town. We do not suggest staying here.

However, the area around Golfito is really remote and beautiful. There is a ton of wildlife here because there are big stretches of land that are uninhabited.

Best Restaurants

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

Explore the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge, go kayaking, go fishing, relax on the beaches

Off the Beaten Path Caribbean Coast

The Caribbean Coast tends to have a completely different vibe than the Pacific Coast. In general, this area is less popular to visit than the Pacific Coast of the country.

Also, this coast has an opposite rainy season and dry season.

While the Pacific is deep in the rainy season in the autumn, you can expect great weather over on this coast. 

14. Manzanillo

manzanillo Costa Rica

Manzanillo is the southernmost beach village on the Caribbean Coast. This is a more peaceful alternative than visiting Puerto Viejo. 

Best Restaurants

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

Relax on the beach, go surfing, hike at the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, take a day trip to Cahuita National Park, go beach hopping along the coast

How Long to Visit

This is a place you can easily explore in a day or two. However, it is also easy to spend several nights here just relaxing. 

Pro Tip: If you are heading down to Panama after your trip to Costa Rica this is a good spot to spend your last nights in the country. 

For More Info Check Out the Manzanillo Visitors Guide

15. Pacuare River

The Pacuere River is located in the jungle near the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. This river is one of the best whitewater rafting destinations in the world. 

It is possible to visit as a white water rafting day tour from either San Jose or Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast. However, it is also a cool place to spend a few nights.

Best Hotels

Pacuare Outdoor Center

Pacuare River Lodge

Pacuare Lodge by Böëna – This is a resort style property, but it is by far the best and most unique option for visiting this area.

The best part is all the amenities included. Such as:

Pick-up from San José hotels and transfer to the Pacuare Lodge (and back), a canopy tour, a canyoning tour, bird-watching, an indigenous hike, an ancient trail & hidden waterfall hike, a sustainability tour, daily breakfast, lunch & dinner

Best Things to Do

Go whitewater rafting, go hiking, relax and enjoy the jungle sounds, go birdwatching

How Long to Visit

I think 3 nights is a decent amount of time to get in white water rafting and other activities.

16. Tortuguero

tortuguero

Tortuguero is a somewhat popular place to visit, but I am including it on this list because it is definitely off the beaten path. Getting here is half the adventure of this unique coastal village. 

Best Restaurants

Budda Cafe

Tutti’s

Katonga

Best Hotels

Tortuga Lodge & Garden

Aracari Garden Hostel

Best Things to Do

The main attraction here is the Tortuguero National Park. This park is best explored on an early morning guided wildlife boat ride through the river channels.

Along the way, nature lovers might spot monkeys, birds, sloths, caymans, and more!

The other amazing thing to do here is to take an evening turtle tour. 

How Long to Visit

I think two nights is the perfect amount of time to spend here. 

Check out our complete Tortuguero Guide for more info including transportation

Off-the-Beaten-Path Northern Mountains

The Northern Mountains area of Costa Rica is home to dense tropical rainforests, volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls. 

17. Bijagua

rio celeste river from above

Bijagua is home to Rio Celeste Waterfall located in Tenorio National Park.

This waterfall and river are one of the most unique and popular gems of Costa Rica. Basically, this a river with a waterfall that is the most electric color blue.

It looks like I put a filter on the picture above, but the water at this natural wonder is really this crazy color of blue. 

It is always possible to visit Rio Celeste as a day trip from La Fortuna or from the Guanacaste Province, but spending a night or two here is always nice as well. There are some fun jungle activities nearby.

Best Restaurant

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

Go swimming in Rio Celeste, hike at Tenorio National Park, take a tubing day trip, check out this unique maze 

How Long to Visit

Two nights is usually a good amount of time. However, if you are just looking for a relaxing jungle getaway you could easily stay here for longer. 

Check Out Our Rio Celeste Guide for More Details

18. Bajos del Toro

costa rica catarata del toro

Bajos del Toro is a mountainous jungle area between Alajuela and La Fortuna on the backside of Poas Volcano.

If you like waterfalls, this is the place for you. Everything to do here is basically visiting waterfalls.  

Best Restaurants

Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

How Long to Visit

I think one or two nights is enough time here. You can stop here on your way between the San Jose International Airport and La Fortuna/ Arenal Volcano.

There is a more direct route, but going to Bajos del Toro is a nice detour.

Just keep in mind that the roads here are curvy. I always get car sick on this route. So, load up on this motion sickness pills!

Map of Costa Rica’s Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations

We created a clickable map so you can get a better idea of where every town on this list is located.

Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Rican Hidden Gems

Here are all the things we wish someone told us before visiting these off the beaten path places in Costa Rica.

Travel Insurance

It is always good to purchase travel insurance when visiting Costa Rica. Travel insurance doesn’t just cover you for injury. It also helps provide coverage for delayed flights, lost luggage, stolen items, etc.

We like Heymondo for Costa Rica travel insurance. You can get a travel insurance price quote for your trip here.

Staying Connected

Some of these incredible places are so remote that it can be difficult to stay connected. You might find that you don’t get cell phone service.

I suggest giving someone back home your itinerary with hotel info, just in case. It is always good for someone to know where you are if you end up off the grid for a few days.

Also, download offline Google Maps for Costa Rica. This will help you if you need driving directions and don’t have service. 

Safety Info

In general, Costa Rica is pretty safe. Petty theft is sometimes known to occur though. Never leave your rental car unattended with all of your stuff in it.

In off-the-beaten-path destinations, your safety concerns will probably be more environmentally related rather than crime. A few things to keep in mind are:

  • During rainy season flash floods are known to occur. If you stay in a remote place down a dirt road with river crossings, this might be a concern for you.
  • In very remote locations there are often more creepy crawly animals than you might want. For example, one time we stayed in a rustic lodge in Golfito and we found at least 5 scorpions in our bungalow while we were there for 3 nights. I also ended up with one in my backpack. Yes, I was completely traumatized.

Have You Purchased Travel Insurance Yet?

Don’t let unexpected medical expenses or trip interruptions overshadow your dream Costa Rican vacation.

Heymondo is our favorite travel insurance for Costa Rica. Their comprehensive plans will provide a swift resolution to any travel-related disruptions. 

Click here to secure your worry-free Costa Rican adventure with Heymondo insurance

The Costa Rica Airports

There are two international airports in Costa Rica. These are the San Jose International Airport in the central part of the country and the Liberia International Airport in the northwest corner of the country. If you plan to fly into San Jose you can get to any part of the country semi-easily. 

If you fly into the Liberia International Airport I suggest exploring the northern mountains and Guanacaste Province. If you visit the South Pacific or Caribbean Coast you will have a really long drive. 

How to Get Around

For most of these places, you will need a rental car to visit. A lot of these hidden treasures are not located on main bus and shuttle routes. 

Also, it might be wise to rent a vehicle with 4-wheel-drive for certain places because there are a lot of dirt roads and river crossings in remote parts of the country. 

We always suggest renting a car while in Costa Rica to give you more travel flexibility. Our favorite local rental car company, Adobe, has given us a 10% discount plus other great perks to pass on to you.

Our #1 Car Rental Choice
18 Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path Destinations: Hidden Gems

Adobe Rent-a-Car

  • 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
  • Free second driver
  • 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
  • Excellent customer service
  • New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

The Weather

Although this list is a place off the beaten path destination, a lot of the country becomes less busy if you travel at off-peak times.

The peak season for travel is from December through late April. This is considered the best time to visit because it is dry season and there will be virtually no rain along the Pacific Coast.

Between May and August, you can expect good weather with a daily afternoon rainstorm and somewhat smaller crowds.

Between September and November, tourism goes down a lot and everything is cheaper. However, you might also need to contend with daily rainstorms including occasional washout days. 

You can check out our guide to weather in Costa Rica for a more in-depth explanation.

Pura Vida is the Way of Life

In Costa Rica the phrase “Pura Vida” is used as a greeting, goodbye, or to basically say “all is good.” This phrase is more than an expression, it is a way of life here. Things are often taken in stride and everything is relaxed.

When it comes to tourism, locals typically adopt an attitude like you are used to. Day tours are usually on time and well done.

However, in off-the-beaten-path destinations, you are more likely to see the typical Costa Rican culture out in full force.

I say this because you are going to just need to accept that things may take longer than you are used to and might not be as well organized as you would like.

You’re on vacation, so just relax and embrace the Costa Rica vibes!

Conclusion: Off the Beaten Path Costa Rica

In conclusion, Costa Rica is home to a lot of hidden gem villages, towns, and national parks. This country is small, but you’ll never run out of unique places to explore. 

We hope this guide to the 18 best off-the-beaten-path destinations in Costa Rica helped you plan your trip and find your new favorite place to visit.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!

You Might Also Like:

Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know

🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.

🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?

We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.

🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?

Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.

✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?

Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).

🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?

We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.

🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?

The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.

💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas

📞 What is the best way to stay connected?

An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.

🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.

🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.

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2 Comments

  1. This article is the real gem… So detailed! Thank you. I’ve been to Costa Rica a couple of times and there are still 4 of the places you mention here that I haven’t visited or even heard of. I loved Playa Dantita… do you think too mainstream? Anyways, thanks for the tips!

  2. Awesome spots Sarah! We had a house sit in Cahuita all lined up but had to head back to NJ with family stuff. Plus, the prior 6 weeks we did a house sit DEEP in the jungles around Bribri. Outhouse, no electricity, almost like a hut, the place was intense and even thougah the expat couple owned a nice house in Cahuita we saw enough jungle and green thank you LOL. Needed the height of convenience for a few months.

    Ryan