What the best place to stay in Costa Rica?

Question

We are booking something for 8 days, where is the best place to stay, we do not want to move around much. What are the things we MUST see?

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Answer 1

I see that you have received replys from experts (ha) and other travelers. Let me tell you I am an american 39 yr old woman that lived there and still owns a home there. (came back to us to give better education) there are many more things to do on the pacific side. I went and stayed at Manuel Antonio, beautiful beach. It is more touristy on that side of the country. The country is not that big, size of west virginia, the thing is the mountains are so big, you have to go up and then down the other side so travelling takes longer. Definitely see San Carlos, near Volano Arenal, and go to Tabacon (a hot spring) which is gorgeous, been there twice. The prettiest beach in all of costa rica is Playa Manzanillo. It is on the carribean side and all the way down. Panama is literally a swim away. It takes a ride to get there but the water is very calm, pool like clean and just the prettiest beach I have ever seen. I have been to many islands in the carribean and I can't say enough about it. I do recommend not renting a car, very expensive, the they do drive crazy there. The only thing I did not get to do there was see Tortuguro, to see the turtles. What ever you do, DO NOT TRAVEL THERE DURING EASTER WEEK, they consider that holy week and everyone is on vacation. The resorts are packed!!! Have fun!

Answer 2

The only way I could answer this for you is if I spoke with you and asked some questions. This process if you will is qualifying you not only in finding you the right area within in a country, but a resort/hotel as well. Because one resort might be perfect for your neighbor, but not at all for you. Everyone has different taste and expectations.

Costa Rica is a pretty big country so for me to just throw out possibilities wouldn't be helpful to you without knowing what you expect and want from this trip.

If you would like feel free to email me and I can send you my contact info. From there I can ask you a few things and figure out what is the best place for you. Even if you prefer in not contacting me, I strongly urge you to contact a good local travel agent who is honest with you. This is so very important to have one who will tell you the truth, because not all will. I wouldn't attempt to do this on your own online. I'm not saying you aren't capable, but online just can't give you the info or resources that an agent can.

Whatever you do NEVER rent a car in Costa Rica! Sounds as if you wouldn't anyhow if you want one good location to remain in.

Hope to hear from you and if not I wish you the best of luck on your Holiday!

Answer 3

despite being a small country, it's not a place to drive at night.

I recommend 3-4 nights on the Pacific coast, 2-4 in Cartago in the central valley, and 1-3 on the Atlantic side.

On the Atlantic, you have the tropical rain forest; there are severla parks and preserves to access it. Some guides services take you out into it, some have an elevated walkway through it, and one or two have aerial trams through the forest canopy (my choice - highly recommended!)

The Atlantic side is more humid, but some say Limon is worth the trip (I haven't been that far east).

In the Central Valley, Cartago, the old capital, is a beautiful, walkable town, full of historic sites. It makes a great hub. San Jose is worth a day trip, and is only a 1/2 hour from Cartago (might be slightly longer by bus). The volcano Irazu is within an hour's drive from Cartago (it hasn't smoked since JFK's visit; you can drive up to the yop. be warned - it's windy and cold! but worth it). There's also some floral gardens and national parks just south of Cartago.

North of San Jose is the Cloud Forest, a quaker community that makes its own cheese, crafts and other items. Haven't been there; I hear it's worth it. (doable as a Cartago day trip, or en route to/from the Pacific from/to Cartago or the airport).

Arenal volcano up north is active; it's beautiful, but you can't get too close. If you're going to the northern Pacific coast, it's along the route.

The Pacific coast is chock-full of coastal attractions ranging from tourist-towns with beaches to natural reserves with giant tortoses.

Answer 4

Hi Lesly,

The answer depends on what you like to do and what time of the year you are visiting. If you are into adventure the area south of the Central Valley, near Turrialba, is a good hub. You can visit Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes, go rafting and kayaking, extreme or leisurely hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, horseback riding...there are many options. From there you can also bike all the way to the South Central Pacific Coast to the town of Manuel Antonio, known for its great national park and beautiful beaches.

If you are more into beach and sun, then head out to the Guanacaste Province. Tamarindo is a good spot is you do not mind to be surrounded by tourists and concrete. From Tamarindo you can do day tours to nearby volcanoes and national parks.

Another good destination is active Arenal Volcano. It is about 2.5 hours from the airport.

Good luck planning your trip.

Carlos
http://www.lava-tours.com

Answer 5

relies upon the place you're going. it quite is not a brilliant us of a yet sufficiently enormous that it truly is a crucial tidbit. In Alajuela I enjoyed inn 1915. on the Arenal I enjoyed staying over in Castillo quite of la Fortuna. At Playas del Coco I enjoyed the Pato Loco. while you are going to the Carribean part there are some very cool treehouses (yet very high priced by Costa Rican standards). there are a number of astonishing options. the only place i chanced on it confusing to locate a beneficial place to stay much less costly replaced into in Jaco. inn Stephan replaced right into a beneficial sufficient selection there nevertheless.

Answer 6

It all depends what you like.
A must is a trip to see the volcanoes...there is Tabacon Hotel, a must....and you can bath in warm water from the volcano....spa...whatever you like, horseback riding...etc.
If you like the beach...there is nothing more beautiful than the pacific ocean...wow.. bring a camara...to catch all the beautiful colors of a late afternoon. also .Playa Blanca . Punta Leona, a movie was filmed here, "Columbus" with Gerard Dipardue ..Manuel Antonio Beach....
The hotels have all of these information for you.
You cant go wrong...
..

Answer 7

Costa Rica, a true paradise to nature-lovers, offers many environments to enjoy. The lush rainforests, the volcanoes, the rivers, the mountains, the beautiful beaches... all witness an unmatched blend of rich biodiversity and friendly culture.
you could fine some good trips in:
http://www.costaricatravelinparadise.com/
http://www.travelinparadisecr.com/
get some ideas about the trip and if you need some info please send email to [e-mail] free of charge.

Answer 8

San Jose, (capital) because it is 2 hour from Pacific Ocean and 2 hors from Atlantic Ocean, it is in the center of the country

Answer 9

PLAYA TAMBOR! BEAUTIFUL PLACE. OF COURSE YOU MIGHT AS WELL SEE THE VOLCANOE WITH THE BIGGEST HOLE IF YOUR GONNA BE IN CR. You should also go to the top of the volcanoe where you can see both the pacific and atlantic ocean at the same time from the top.