In this blog, I want to share some lovely memories with you and help you choosing which destinations to explore in Costa Rica. I believe Costa Rica is one of those wonderful countries that offer everything. From beautiful beaches that make you feel like you’re in paradise, to majestic mountains and volcanoes for hiking, abundant nature and wildlife, amaaazing food (seriously, I’m obsessed with arroz con frijoles), and of course, the undeniable 'pura vida' vibe. Undoubtedly, it holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite destinations in the world. Just so you know, I’m aware there are plenty of other wonderful places in Costa Rica that I hope to visit one day. However, for now, I’ll focus on writing about the places I’ve actually visited. So, here are my favorite spots in Costa Rica.
Puerto Viejo
We took a bus from San José to Puerto Viejo because it was the cheapest way to get there. If I remember correctly, it took us about 4 hours. If you’re prone to car sickness like me, consider taking a medicine, as the road can get a bit twisty. I personally loved soaking up the Caribbean vibes in Puerto Viejo. Overall, there’s not a ton to do, but who needs a packed schedule if you have sunny beaches and surfer vibes?
Watch the sunrise
Wake up early and catch a breathtaking sunrise at Playa Chiquita. If you’re staying in Casitas Mar y Luz, simply follow the little path across the street, but watch out for spiderwebs because we almost walked into a GIANT one. Despite the spider situation, I thoroughly enjoyed this morning. It was incredibly peaceful to start the day with a morning swim, especially since we had the entire beach to ourselves. You can also take a morning stroll from here to Playa Cocles, where you can watch surfers catching some waves.
Rent a (pink) bike
Please, don’t visit Puerto Viejo without cruising around on a pink bicycle! We randomly rented ours from the first rental store we saw. If you want to spend the day beach-hopping like we did, since Puerto Viejo has some stunning ones, getting around is super easy. If you start from town, head south following the main road and stop wherever you want: Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, etc. Along the way, we also spotted some howler monkeys and sloths, and my friend was lucky enough to see a toucan as well. I was there too, but typically, I didn’t spot it. A little tip: use the app maps.me or download the map on google maps, so you won’t need Wi-Fi to use your GPS.
Cahuita National park
Cahuita National Park has two entrances: Kelly Creek Station, which is the main entrance, and Puerto Vargas. Apparently, you have to pay an entrance fee of €5 if you start the latter. If you go through the main one, you only pay a donation fee. So I guess it doesn't really matter. The park itself is very easy to navigate. You simply follow the path, which is a total of 8 km, and it takes you to stunning beaches, the jungle and amazing wildlife. I saw lots of monkeys, raccoons, sloths, howler monkeys, and even mini stingrays in the lake! By the way, the earlier you get there, the more wildlife you’ll see.
Bribri Waterfalls
The Bri Bri waterfalls are situated in the Bribri Indigenous Reserve, known for its rich culture. A local told us about these waterfalls, so we had to check them out. You can choose to go there with a booked tour, but we decided to hitchhike there. Once again, we had the place to ourselves, which made the experience of the waterfalls a lot more peaceful. Oh, and don’t forget to sip a coconut!
Accommodation
This place is simply amazing. The cabins are super cute and the owner made the most delicious food, is super friendly, and even gave us a quick Spanish lesson. Olé! Price range: €5O-€60.
Foodie finds
La nena, Caribeans Coffee & chocolate, GypSea café
Montezuma
Our initial plan was to take a day trip to Montezuma since it's only a half-hour drive from Santa Teresa. But as soon as we arrived, I fell in love with this adorable little town and its beautiful nature. Watching the last baby turtle making its way to the ocean, with the sky on fire, convinced me that I couldn’t leave yet. So, what was intended to be a one-day trip turned into two weeks of volunteering with lots of turtles.
Bye bye baby turtles
As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a heartwarming experience to witness baby turtles making their way to the ocean. Whether you're in the neighbourhood or not, be sure to visit Montezuma Beach and see it for yourself. The release typically occurs around 4 PM. Make sure to ask the locals to confirm if it’s the season for these little cuties, but I believe you’ll have the best chance from May until November/December.
Montezuma waterfalls
From Montezuma town you can take a ten-minute walk to the entrance of the trail leading to the waterfall. From there, it’s a fun little adventure to reach the waterfalls. You might want to consider wearing water shoes, or you can be like me and brave it in flip-flops. Once you arrive at the main waterfall, you can swim, jump from the rocks, and simply admire its beauty. If you want to extend your adventure, you can hike further and you’ll find smaller waterfalls where it will be more quiet.
Oh, and don’t forget your mosquito repellent!
Isla Tortuga
You can book a day trip to Tortuga island from Montezuma for around €50 to €150, depending on which tour you choose. I booked the cheapest tour and it included snorkeling, lunch on the beach, and time to relax or explore the island. We decided to do a hike, which offered some beautiful views. I honestly think it was a bit overpriced for what it was. Of course, the island was beautiful, but if you don’t have a lot of time in Costa Rica, I wouldn’t really recommend going here.
Dance session in the town square
Sometimes, the whole town gathers to dance to live music on the town square near the beach. Ask around town to find out when to be there, so you can feel the Pura Vida vibes!
Foodie finds
I had the luxury of getting delicious Costa Rican food at my volunteering place, but I’ll never forget the brownies at Sano Banano Restaurant! Oh, and in the evening, they sometimes play live music, super cozy!
Monteverde
As the cheap backpackers we are, we hitchhiked all the way from Santa Teresa to Monteverde. Not only to save money but also for the experience. It was challenging, but we met so many lovely people along the way. However, if you decide to do the same, be cautious and always trust your gut feeling. Of course, you can also take a bus with a stop in San José. Monteverde holds a special place in my heart. After weeks spent at the beaches, being in the mountains felt incredibly refreshing.
Hike, hike, hike
For a free hike with stunning views, head to one of the highest peaks in Monteverde, Cerro Amigos. We trekked for 4 hours over 14 km, with a well-deserved break for some pan con queso.
The Cloud Forest
I truly enjoyed the cloud forest for its mystical atmosphere and rich biodiversity. Don’t forget to bring your raincoat, as the weather can shift from sunny skies to misty clouds in the blink of an eye. While we didn’t opt for a guide, I highly recommend getting one as they’re the best in spotting wildlife. Nevertheless, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a quetzal bird. Bucket list, check! The standard entrance fee for adults ranges from €25 to €35, and students get a discount.
Sunset time
Hitchhike or take a walk to this stunning sunset point, then treat yourself to a delicious pizza you can get a bit further down the street. Bring along some music, or simply enjoy the sounds of nature. Trust me, this place is incredibly dreamy.
Zip-line through the day
Monteverde Extremo Park offers lots of thrilling activities, including zip-lining, bungee jumping, the Tarzan swing, and a high ropes course. They say you haven’t truly experienced Monteverde until you’ve gone zip-lining here, and I agree! I spent a full day zip-lining here, and not only was it incredibly fun, but the views were simply breathtaking. It’s possible that the prices may have changed since my visit, so you might want to check the current price before you go. Typically, the prices for adults range from €45 to €60.
Accommodation
The hostel has such a beautiful view, and if you’re lucky, you can meet some adorable visitors, coatis.
Price range: €20-€100.
Foodie finds
La Fortuna
As there’s no direct public bus from Monteverde to La Fortuna, and we were eager to save time, we opted for a private taxi. However, I later learned that some companies offer shared shuttles, which seems like an interesting option. Anyways, after 4-5 hours we made it to La Fortuna. While our time here was limited, we still managed to explore a few highlights, including:
Arenal Volcano
I just love volcanoes, not only for the incredible views but also because they’re a reminder of nature’s power. If you’re like me and fascinated by volcanoes, you can’t miss the incredible Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna. However, you won’t miss it , as you’ll be able to see it from everywhere in town. Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes. Legend has it that La Fortuna got its name because it lucked out and wasn’t hit by the volcano’s frequent eruptions. Once again, it’s possible that the entrance fee changed since I’ve traveled around here. At the time it was around €15 for adults. There are various trails to explore, offering stunning views of the volcano and the landscape, and of course, you’ll encounter some wildlife along the way. Whether you’re up for an easy hike or a bit more adventure, there’s something for everyone. So, if you’re into nature’s wonders, don’t hesitate to go!
Hot Springs
I promise you, the hot springs are the perfect
place to chill after your hike. These hot springs are natural heated by the volcano, so they'll help you relax your muscles and reduce some stress. :) If you’re looking for something more luxurious, you can find some fancy resorts or spas in the area. However, we opted for a cheap and more natural experience and we went to the river. Our hostel lady was so kind to drop us off here since we had no clue where it was. Before you go, don’t forget to bring candles, snacks, and some beers to make it even more cozy!
El Salto waterfall
Tucked away in the rainforest, El Salto Waterfall is a cozy gem, sending out true jungle vibes. And let me tell you, those jungle vibes are no joke. Let me share a funny story: while my friend and I giggled at a frog’s hilarious dash into the water, our friends in the distance began yelling something we couldn’t quite make out. “We’re just laughing at a frog!”, we laughed, until we spotted a green snake in front of us, its head raised. Well, that explained the frog’s funny escape and our friends’ yelling. Thankfully, locals assured us he was harmless, gently guiding him back to the trees.
Anyways, let’s focus on the fun. Take your time here, soaking up the waterfall’s beauty and the surrounding nature, just keep an eye out when you see fleeing frogs! And if you’re feeling adventurous, give the rope swing a try and plunge into the refreshing pool below.
Parque Central La Fortuna
Enjoy an ice cream at the park among the locals.
Cerro Chato
On our final day, we tackled another volcano: Cerro Chato. We took a taxi to Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa, where our hike began. It’s a beautiful hike through the jungle, with breathtaking views along the way. Despite a few navigation mishaps, and an incident involving a tree and my friend’s eye, we have no regrets about doing this hike! Eventually, we did find the famous lake. I challenge you to navigate the route flawlessly...If you’re also not the best navigator, perhaps consider hiring a tour guide. Oh, and don’t forget your hiking shoes. The trails can get muddy and challenging.
Accommodation
While the hostel itself is nothing fancy, the big kitchen and the sweetest people make it worthwhile. It felt like coming home.
Prica range: €11-€16
Santa Teresa
Prepare yourself because Santa Teresa is quite the tourist hotspot, but I can’t deny, it has a vibe. Everyone’s cruising around in those buggies with their surfboards, and it boasts the most stunning sunsets. However, the downside for me was that it was a bit overcrowded, and the trees and plants next to the road aren’t green anymore, but covered in dust.
Surf's up!
I didn’t surf here but I saw with my own eyes that it’s a paradise for surfers, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. And just for the scenery: surfing with a pink sky, surrounded by jungle and beaches, is simply magical. Soooo, take a surf lesson and try to catch some waves yourself! There are numerous surf shops offering lessons or surfboards.
Sunset at Playa Santa Teresa
Watching the sunset at this beach was such a wholesome moment. Everyone seemed to be fully in the moment, whether they were admiring the breathtaking colors in the sky, playing a game of frisbee, or strumming on the guitar. Ahh, can you feel the vibes already?
Spend the day at Vista de Olas
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, catch a breathtaking sunset from the infinity pool at Hotel Vista de Olas. You can buy a day pass for around €30, which you can spend on drinks and food. It opens at 12:00, and you can only pay with cash. It's a lovely place if you just want to chill and relax.
Accommodation
dorms: €17 - €22
private rooms: €40- €200
Foodie finds
The bakery, Ventura Santa Teresa, Eat Street (a fun concept where you can choose from different food trucks), and Gaucha Norte for the best ice cream.
Conclusion
Just go already!!!
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