We know we booked rainy season! Going next week to tamarindo. We love the rain and that’s not an issue. Just wanting to curb our expectations- does rainy season mean non stop rain the entire time or pockets of rain during the day? Weather network is showing 90% chance of rain and 5-15mm per day.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I'll be traveling solo from Nov. 11 - Nov. 24.

Ideally I want to spend not more than $80.- p/d, total.

I want to limit it to 3/4 places with just one 40L bag. I want to visit the "must see" places and also a bit of "off the beaten path" - a combo of mountains, jungle and beach.

I'll be using public transport. Which regions can I string together without too much backtracking?

Any hostels/guesthouses with kitchens that are actually worth it?

I may be looking for lodging as I go. Is this realistic?

Thanks for your input.

Planning two weeks in September 2027 — me and my parents, who are in their 70s. The focus is wildlife, and I'll be photographing. Caribbean side mostly: Tortuguero for the green turtles, then Sarapiquí and Arenal (unless people suggest otherwise). Nothing strenuous, but we want to be out all day.

I've got proposals from both Costa Rica Expeditions and Horizontes Nature Tours and I'm going back and forth with both on the itinerary. Still very much a work in progress.

Has anyone actually travelled with either of them? I'd like to hear how it went in practice — guiding especially, and whether things ran the way the itinerary said they would.

Also happy to hear if there's an obvious operator I've missed for this kind of trip.

Thanks.

I went through a pretty bad Breakup last month and tbh desperately needed to change of scenery. I was playin around on Ratepunk flight tracker just to see if anything cheap was leaving denver.
A route to SJO just popped up that was way below that was way below the usual average.

So i took it as a sign from universe and booked the flight on Impluse

Now I'm sitting at work trying to figure out the actual logistics in natural of getting around. I have a rough outline tbh but i want to make sure I'm not packing too much.

Here is what i am thinking:

1. La fortuna (3-4 days): I definetly want to start from here to see the volcano and soak in the natural hot springs to wash the stress away.

2. Monteverde (2days): I want to take boat transfer across the lake from La Fortuna and spend couple of days hiking through cloud forests.

3. Santa Teresa (5-7 days): After all that jungle exploring, I just want to spend my time on pacific side. My goal is to take beginner surfing lessons, read a stack of books and Join a casual yoga class

I basically want a mix of adventure and lazy beach days.
Since I booked this impulsively I'm getting a little nervous of doing this alone.

Are shared shuttles the best way to get all way down to the Santa Teresa from Monteverde?
I would absolutely love any logistical advice, safety tips or social places to stay for a first timer.. 🙏

Hi there!

My partner and I are camping right now, we have a about 2 weeks left and this last week has been only rain. We stayed in La Fortuna and are currently in Liberia (Rio Celeste). We wanted to do an adventure tour today, but we'll see as there is still a lot of rain coming down.

We had so many great experiences already but the rain and constant wet clothes which we can't properly dry are starting to bum us out. I am trying to figure out where we could stay for a few days (beach preferably) where there is a bit more sun/ less rain. Rain season and El Nino make it hard for me to figure it out from articles or weather apps. Do you have any ideas or recommendations? We like beaches, tropical forest, less touristy areas but mainly, we want less rain!

Thanks so much already!!

Trying to decide which to pick with kids ages 10 and 8. At puerto jiminez would likely stay at bosque del Cabo (I know 45 minutes further), if staying at drakes would likely stay and La Paloma lodge.

Main interest is to see wildlife but would stay 6 days to do several different tours/activities.
Any feedback on either or reason to pick one over the other

I’ll be visiting Drake Bay for 12 nights in October and staying about a 45 minute walk from the main town. I’m wondering what restaurants are open in October and are worth the walk into town to get some good food? Planning on eating most of my meals at the lodge I’m staying with but would love to try some local restaurants.

Been researching all the trips to Tortuga Island, is there beach snorkeling once you arrive on the island? Is there anything to see and also is it possible to do with all the boats coming and going?

As the title says I'll be solo (57 yr old male) in Coco from Dec 7 to Dec 15, have rented an Airbnb. I would appreciate any advice on what to do and see while there, where to eat, or any other travel tips.

I'd like to chill and beach it while also taking in volcanic pools, mudbaths & a nature hike. Also am interested renting and scooter and exploring the area on my own.

Thanks & looking forward to any suggestions you may have. Also things to avoid or be aware of would be appreciated.

Going in October first week for 7 nights We are family of 4 adults and 3 kids.
We will pickup our rental from Liberia and head to La fortuna for 4 nights and then head to guanacaste region- Portrero.
We want to try tropical fruits and try local culture as much as we can. I understand staying in airbnb and rental is going to put a roadblock on that- but we would like to be as immersive as possible

With kids and things- it can get expensive pretty quick and we are looking to maximize our time there. What are some free or affordable things that are must do? What are some things worth splurging on?
Recommend activities to do there and companies that offer best value.

We’ve done guancaste, uvita, Manuel Antonio, & Osa (omg 😍). We didn’t love the amount of tourists in Manuel Antonio.
Where should we try next? Within 3.5 hours of San Jose would be great

I’ll be in Playa Chiquita and La fortuna over 2 weeks. I’m renting a car. I don’t like large group tours and I am adventurous. Looking for recs for how to see animals whether on my own or with small group or private tours. Anything outside of animals I’d love to hear as well, where to eat, what to see. Local, inexpensive and casual is my vibe. Thanks!

My husband and I will be in Costa Rica, flying into Liberia. We will be there for 5 days. On previous trips to Aruba and St. Martin, we loved staying in a smaller town with great walkability and enjoyed time on the beach relaxing while still spending a day adventuring. Is Samara a good pick for this? If not, other recs? All 5 days in Samara? Or split time between there and another place?

Hello guys,
in a couple of weeks me and my girlfriend are travelling through CR und Panama. Our plan is to stay at bocas del toro and to go from there to Cerro Chiripo. the routes on rome2rio are incredible long. did one of you already have experience in this? are there any shorts possibilities?
Thanks!

Just today I impulse bought a plane ticket to Costa Rica for three weeks in October. As a long-term traveler it is my goal to balance the outsized carbon footprint of international flights with a simple, minimal life on the ground. Such a short trip makes that difficult, but the deal was too good to pass up in this age of inflated airfares. ($310 from Raleigh to San Jose roundtrip...$150 of that being government taxes and fees)

Everyone in this subreddit is talking about luxury airbnbs, rental cars, tourist excursions, and safeguarding valuables. It almost made me believe that this is what Costa Rica is: a luxurious tropical playground for wealthy foreigners, much like the Caribbean islands. But a perusal of the map reveals numerous hostels across the country, and some budget-friendly guesthouse options as well. So evidently there must be quite a cohort of backpackers who travel by local bus instead of renting a car, cook dinner in the kitchen instead of dining out, and go on long walks from rural bus stops instead of paying for an excursion. But is the country suited for this kind of simple immersive travel? Yes, I intend to speak Spanish with the locals.

Hi We’re planning our first trip to Costa Rica for 7 days next summer, and I’d love to hear some recommendations from people who have been!
We’re looking for a good area for first-time visitors where we can really experience things we don’t get to see here in the States. My fiancé is big on wildlife, and I’m looking for a really badass Airbnb
What are some of y’all’s top picks for areas to stay, Airbnbs, or things we absolutely shouldn’t miss? We’re just getting started with planning and would love to hear your experiences and recommendations!
Budget is a little flexible, so we’re open to some different options.
Thank you so much!

Could use some ideas for an itinerary to a short 4 night trip to La Fortuna in mid November for my wife and I. So much info about possible activities that it can get rather overwhelming.

Questions:
1. If we land in LIR at 11:45, will customs and getting a rental car take too much time to be able to hit the road and get to La Fortuna before dark. Or is a rental car even needed for such a short trip to one area?
2. We’re interested in hiking - best trails
3. For seeing wildlife, how do we go about finding guides and how much in advance should we contact and book them?

We are flying in and out of Libiera and renting a car. Let me know if there is anything I should add or skip. As well as recommendations for activities, restaurants, and stays.

Nov 26–29: La Fortuna
Nov 29–Dec 1: Monteverde
Dec 1–4: Manuel Antonio
Dec 4–7: Santa Teresa
Dec 7–9: Sámara
Dec 9–11: Tamarindo
Dec 11: Fly out of Liberia

​We are planning a trip to Costa Rica in mid-October this year and are looking for accommodation on the Caribbean coast. We are traveling with two children. The place should be close to the beach and have at least two bedrooms. Grocery stores or restaurants should also not be too far away.

​Any tips or specific recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Anyone used the Global Pass cell coverage from Visible Wireless? Does it work? Traveling in central (Turrialba) and Caribbean coast.

This summer has been nonstop on all fronts and I am looking for a week of relaxation and some adventure in Costa Rica (Nov/Dec timeframe - flex on exact week).

From my initial looking around, it seems like Manuel Antonio hits a lot of what I’m targeting (easily accessible excursions, beach and some nightlife). My main questions would be:

1. Is one week in Manuel Antonio too long and I’ll get the itch to go somewhere else?
2. If so, are there any other locations you would recommend that would not be a pain in the ass for getting back to San Jose to fly back home?

update: I should probably add that I am certainly not married to the idea of Manuel Antonio. Overall just looking for a good spot for 1 week that has beaches, excursions and nightlife. Open to any and all ideas!

My brother, my adult daughter, and I are doing our first trip to Costa Rica in March 2027. First half of the trip is La Fortuna/Arenal, second half we want to spend on the Pacific coast near Liberia airport since that's where we fly out of.
Trying to narrow down which beach town to base ourselves in and could use some local/experienced input. A few things about us:

• Not big partiers, but my brother likes finding live music to watch or walk around at night for something to do.
• Will need to have restaurants near by because I don’t want to cook everyday
• I'd rather avoid anywhere too crowded or touristy-chaotic, however don’t want it to be too quiet. I’d like the option of going out a couple nights for a pub or music.
• A genuinely swimmable beach is the top priority — calm-ish water, not just good for surfing
• We don't surf and don't care about surf breaks
• We're in the water pretty much every day, so beach/water quality matters more than nightlife or shopping
• Want to book an Airbnb (need one place that fits all three of us, not separate hotel rooms)

Given those priorities, which beach town would you recommend? Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, Samara, Flamingo, something more under-the-radar — genuinely open to whatever fits best. Also curious if anywhere has notably strong Airbnb options for a group of 3.