At the end of April, I embarked on an incredible adventure to Costa Rica with a group of eight friends. Six of us stayed together for the entire journey, while two others went on their own trip that intersected with ours. This was our first time in Costa Rica, and for many of us (including myself), it was our first time in Latin America. I wanted to share my thoughts and highlights from our itinerary here, as this Subreddit was an invaluable resource during my research! I’ll give a general overview of my impressions of Costa Rica and share some tips I wish I had known before leaving. We spent nine unforgettable days there.
General Impressions:
Costa Rica is easily one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. Everywhere I turned, I was in awe. Coming from Chicago, where the landscape is mostly flat, I found the mountains and diverse terrain especially stunning. While I’ve seen many mountain ranges—like the Rockies, the Alps, and even the volcanic peaks of Hawaii—Costa Rica still managed to stand out with its remarkable beauty. The biodiversity and the varying climates made each place feel uniquely special.
The food was fantastic, with only one disappointing meal (I’d recommend avoiding a particular spot in La Fortuna, though most places we tried were great). Costa Rican cuisine, along with other dishes we sampled, left a lasting impression. For instance, while I didn’t personally visit it, my friends raved about El Patio in Manuel Antonio. The prices are similar to what you’d find in the States, so I was glad the food was worth it.
Driving in Costa Rica was not as daunting as I anticipated. Monteverde was the most challenging due to steep cliffs and huge potholes, and the drive from Bajos del Toro back to San José had some nerve-wracking inclines that our 4WD SUV barely managed. However, those drives were among the most scenic of the trip. That said, the last mile always seemed the hardest, with every destination feeling both close and far away at the same time.
While Costa Rica offers many relaxing elements, I wouldn’t call it a place for a purely laid-back vacation. There are cheaper options for a beach getaway, and while I highly recommend spending a day or two on the coast, my favorite part of the trip was getting up early and heading out on a hike.
General Tips:
- Know the Public Holidays: We arrived during Labor Day, which meant many places were closed.
- Toilet Paper Alert: In most places, you should not flush toilet paper but rather dispose of it in the trash. I missed this in my research and learned the hard way when a toilet backed up in one of our rooms.
- Sunscreen is Pricey: I didn’t bring sunscreen to save space in my luggage, opting to buy it at a nearby store after we landed. It was expensive! If you can, bring sunscreen from home.
- Avoid Spirit Airlines: If possible, avoid flying with Spirit. The fees add up, and the minimal savings aren’t worth the discomfort and stress.
- Ubers in San José: Expect cancellations when using Uber in San José.
- Hire a Guide for Nature Tours: It’s worth every penny.
- Early to Bed, Early to Rise: The whole country operates on this principle, so expect things to close early.
- Iced Coffee Caution: In most Costa Rican cafes, iced coffee is more like a Frappuccino. If you want the American-style iced coffee, double-check before ordering.
Reviews of Hotels/Activities/Services/Restaurants:
Adobe Rent-a-Car: After much research and a hotel recommendation, we chose Adobe. The rate was fair—around $750 for a week with a 4WD SUV and full insurance. Thankfully, I had insurance because I backed into a tree on the last day and caused a dent. The pickup from the airport was smooth, and even filing the damage report was easy. Highly recommended!
Dominical/Uvita:
- General Opinion: Dominical is a laid-back beach town with a bohemian vibe, while Uvita is a bit more low-key, known for its stunning beaches and whale watching. Both offer a more authentic experience with plenty of outdoor activities.
- TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge: This adults-only retreat in Uvita offers stunning ocean views and luxurious villas. The infinity pool is perfect for relaxation, and breakfast is included. It’s an ideal spot for couples or anyone looking to unwind in nature.
- Tucan Hotel: A more budget-friendly option in Uvita, offering clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a great base for exploring the Marino Ballena National Park.
Esterillos Oeste:
- General Opinion: A small, tranquil beach town with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful, uncrowded beaches. It’s a great spot for those looking to escape the more touristy areas.
- Hotel Pelicano: A charming beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service. The restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, and the beachfront location is ideal for relaxation.
San Gerardo de Dota:
- General Opinion: A beautiful mountain village known for birdwatching, especially quetzals, and its pristine cloud forest. The cooler climate is a refreshing change from the coastal heat.
- Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge: This eco-lodge offers stunning views of the cloud forest, cozy cabins, and excellent birdwatching opportunities right from your room.
Arenal Area/La Fortuna:
- General Opinion: An outdoor lover’s paradise with plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs. La Fortuna is a small town, but there’s no shortage of things to do.
- Tree Houses Hotel: An amazing experience! Staying in a treehouse in the jungle was a highlight of our trip. The newer treehouses are lovely, and the staff’s service was outstanding. Don’t miss the free night tour, where we saw an array of wildlife.
- We run these tours: Partnering with our hotel, we guided some folks on a full-day tour. The tour included:
- Mistico Hanging Bridges: Interesting, though slightly redundant after Monteverde’s bridges.
- Arenal Volcano: A challenging hike, but the views from the 1960s lava flow were worth it.
- La Fortuna Waterfall: A beautiful spot, but be prepared for lots of stairs.
- Tabacón Hot Springs: We ended our tour at these thermal springs—pure bliss after a long day of hiking!
- El Chante Vegano: A fantastic vegan spot in La Fortuna. The food was fresh, flavorful, and inventive.
San José:
- General Opinion: San José often gets a bad rap, but I loved it! The architecture, parks, and dining scene were delightful. While I wouldn’t visit Costa Rica just for San José, I’d definitely spend a few days here on a return trip. Just avoid Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays, when many places are closed.
- Hotel Grano de Oro: A charming boutique hotel with a gorgeous rooftop bar. The safety measures are stringent, with all guests required to check in, but it adds to the sense of security. The location is perfect for exploring the city.
- Museo Nacional de Costa Rica: This museum offers fascinating insights into Costa Rican history and culture, with a beautiful butterfly garden as a bonus.
- Museum of Contemporary Art and Design: While some art museums were closed during our visit, this one was open and showcased impressive local and international art.
- Café Miel: Located near the National Theater, this café is perfect for a quick coffee and pastry. The setting is lovely, with a cozy atmosphere.
- Neon: A chill gay bar in Barrio Escalante with excellent drinks and a laid-back vibe. This would be a regular hangout if I lived in San José.
- Sikwa: Our final dinner in San José, and it was extraordinary! The eight-course tasting menu was an experience in itself, with exquisite flavors, stunning presentations, and stories behind each dish. It was pricey but worth every penny. If you’re short on time or budget, at least stop by for dessert—the chocolate tamale is to die for!
I hope this helps you plan your trip. Costa Rica was absolutely amazing, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!