Where to Stay in Costa Rica (How I’d Choose, as a Local)
- Kajaari Adventures
- Apr 15
- 4 min read
Growing up in Costa Rica, I didn’t think in terms of “where to stay” — I thought in terms of how each place feels.
And when it comes to planning a trip, this is one of the decisions that quietly shapes everything.
This way of thinking about where to stay is especially helpful if it’s your first time visiting Costa Rica — when the number of options can feel overwhelming.
Because in Costa Rica, where you stay doesn’t just determine your hotel — it shapes your pace, your daily experience, and how connected you feel to the place itself.
A simple place to start
If you’re still figuring out which areas might fit your trip, I put together a guide with some of my favorite places — including a few that don’t usually show up in typical itineraries.
Think in experiences, not locations
Costa Rica isn’t a destination where you move between cities.
Instead, each area offers a completely different environment:
rainforest
volcano
cloud forest
coastline
The goal isn’t to see everything — it’s to combine 2–3 experiences that work well together.
That’s what creates a trip that feels easy instead of rushed.
If you want rainforest + movement
La Fortuna
This is one of the most well-known areas, and for good reason.
You’ll find:
waterfalls
hot springs
wildlife
guided experiences
plenty of activity
It works especially well if you:
are visiting for the first time
want a mix of nature and structure
are traveling with family
What matters here: Where you stay makes a difference. Some properties are more remote than they appear, which can impact how easy it is to move around.
If you want something quieter and more immersive
South Pacific (Uvita, Osa Peninsula)
This is one of the areas I personally return to the most.
It feels:
less developed
more spacious
deeply connected to nature
You’ll find:
dense rainforest
wildlife in its natural rhythm
oceanfront jungle landscapes
small, thoughtful lodges
It works best if you:
value privacy
don’t mind longer travel time
want something that feels more intentional and less crowded
Looking for places like this?
I included a few of my favorite areas and stays in my guide — including locations that most travelers don’t usually come across on their own.
If you want beach + easier access (with trade-offs)
Guanacaste (Flamingo, Hermosa, Potrero)
This region is one of the easiest to reach, especially if you’re flying into Liberia, and it works well if your main focus is spending time at the beach.
You’ll find:
dry, sunny weather (especially in dry season)
good beach access
a wide range of accommodations
It works best if you:
want a more relaxed, beach-focused trip
are traveling for a shorter amount of time
prefer simpler logistics within the region
What to keep in mind:
Guanacaste can feel more built up and, in some areas, a bit more Americanized compared to other parts of the country.
And more importantly — it’s not as centrally located as it might seem.
I’ve seen travelers base themselves here thinking they’ll easily visit places like La Fortuna or Río Celeste, but in reality, those turn into very long travel days.
If your goal is to explore waterfalls, rainforest, or multiple regions, this may not be the best base.
If you want a mix of rainforest + beach (with some trade-offs)
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is often seen as a place where you get both rainforest and beach in one stop — and in many ways, that’s true.
You’ll find:
wildlife
lush jungle
access to one of the most beautiful national parks in the country
It works well if you:
want a mix of nature and beach
prefer easier logistics
are visiting for the first time
What to keep in mind:
This is one of the most common misconceptions I see — most hotels in Manuel Antonio are not directly on the beach.
The area is built along a hillside, and while many properties have beautiful views, getting to the beach usually involves a drive or walk down.
The only place truly right on the beach is inside the national park.
There are a couple of properties with direct beach access, though these tend to sit at a higher price point.
It’s also one of the more popular areas, so it can feel busier compared to other regions.
A simple way to structure your trip
For most travelers, I tend to recommend something along the lines of:
3–4 nights in La Fortuna
4–5 nights in a coastal or quieter region
This creates:
variety
a natural rhythm
and enough time to actually enjoy each place
Final thoughts
Choosing where to stay in Costa Rica isn’t about picking the “best” location.
It’s about choosing what fits:
your pace
your interests
your idea of what a great trip feels like
That’s what makes everything come together.
Still deciding?
If you’re feeling unsure about which areas make sense for your trip, that’s completely normal — this is usually where most travelers get stuck.
I break it down in a simple, practical way in my guide:
Want help putting it all together?
If you’d like help choosing locations, accommodations, and building a trip that flows well from start to finish, I’d be happy to help you design it.
A note from me, as someone who grew up in Costa Rica:
About the Author
I’m Ariana, a Costa Rican–born travel advisor and founder of Kajaari Adventures. Having grown up in Costa Rica and continuing to travel there often, I bring both local insight and current, on-the-ground perspective to every trip I plan.
I care deeply about helping travelers experience Costa Rica in a way that feels thoughtful, well-paced, and genuinely connected to the destination.
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