Where to Stay in Costa Rica: Guide to 35 Key Areas & Towns

It’s always hard to shortlist the best destinations in a country, even more so in Costa Rica, one of the most stunning places on earth for its pristine nature.

I have written this guide to where to stay in Costa Rica in two sections. The first part describes the top 10 destinations in detail with all the pros and cons, besides the types of activities that you can experience.

In the second part, I added a handy table with 25 more places to stay in Costa Rica or to explore on a day trip, with all you need to know in just a few words. Super helpful if still unsure of how to organize your vacation time.

But let’s start with a few important key points.

Where to stay in Costa Rica – Key points

Below is a summary table that compares my top 10 destinations to stay in Costa Rica. Click on the area/town name to discover all the pros and cons, a detailed description, and a couple of suggested accommodations.

On a mobile swipe left or right to see all the columns.

Area/Town	Best place in Costa Rica for	Pros	Cons	Accessibility	Restaurants	Families	Nightlife	Character of the Area
Playa Conchal & Brasilito Beach	Couples, All-inclusive seekers	Stunning beaches, Luxury resorts, Fantastic scuba diving	Expensive, Far from San Jose Airport	Close to Liberia Airport	Limited	Good	Limited	Beach, Luxury, Scuba diving
Tamarindo	Families	Great for surfing, Plenty of dining options, Good nightlife	Touristy, Expensive in high season	Close to Liberia Airport	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Surfing, Family-friendly
Santa Teresa & Montezuma	First-time visitors	Bohemian vibe, Great for yoga and wellness, Awesome surfing	Remote, Limited amenities	Remote	Good	Moderate	Moderate	Nature, Surfing, Bohemian
Jaco	Nightlife, Proximity to San Jose	Close to San Jose, Great for surfing, Good restaurants and bars	Busy on weekends, Safety concerns	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate	Excellent	Beach, Nightlife
Dominical & Dominicalito	Nature lovers	Less touristy, Great for surfing, Wildlife spotting	Limited dining options, Remote	Moderate	Limited	Good	Limited	Beach, Rainforest, Wildlife
Uvita	Beach lovers, Nature enthusiasts	Beautiful beaches, Whale watching, Quiet	Expensive, No nightlife, Limited dining	Moderate	Limited	Good	Limited	Beach, Nature, Quiet
Monteverde	Nature lovers, Adventure seekers	Cloud forests, Trekking, Wildlife	Chilly, Limited nightlife	Moderate	Good	Good	Limited	Cloud Forests, Wildlife
La Fortuna & Arenal	Adventure seekers, Thrill-seekers	Hot springs, Volcano views, Adventure activities	Touristy, Expensive	Good	Good	Good	Good	Adventure, Volcano, Hot Springs
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca	Couples, Budget travelers	Caribbean vibe, Cycling, Less busy	Remote, Limited amenities	Remote	Good	Good	Good	Caribbean, Culture, Beach
Tortuguero	Wildlife enthusiasts	Unique ecosystem, Turtle watching, Wildlife	Hard to reach, Limited amenities	Difficult	Limited	Good	None	Wildlife, Unique Ecosystem
San Jose	Practical stays near airport	Urban experience, Cultural spots, Dining	Traffic, Safety concerns	Excellent	Excellent	Fair	Excellent	Urban, Cultural

I included in the table also an 11th destination, San Jose, but not because you necessarily have to stay there for your vacation, but more as a practical place to stay for the first/last night based on your flights schedule.

You can now decide to keep reading the descriptions of these 10 areas or jump down to the other suggested 25 destinations of Costa Rica.

Just my last tip here, rent a car in Costa Rica if you want to optimize your time and experience the most stunning and hidden places of the country, like amazing beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and I could keep going.

I usually hire my vehicles from DiscoverCars, a website that compares local and international rental companies giving the best price with transparent information (attention to these insurance scams in Costa Rica). The $7/day full insurance is just the icing on the cake.

Playa Conchal & Brasilito Beach – Where to stay in Costa Rica all inclusive

Playa Conchal and Brasilito Beach are like the dynamic duo of Costa Rican beaches. They’re next to each other, divided by a rock formation, but so different and with a unique and distinct vibe.

First off, the beaches are nothing short of stunning. Playa Conchal is all about that white sand and crystal-clear water. You will feel straight away so far from your busy life back home. This is a boutique paradise where you can unwind and recharge.

Brasilito Beach, on the other hand, is a bit more rustic but equally charming. It’s less busy and with more of a local vibe with a couple of Sodas (local restaurants) too where you can have family food for a very good price.

This area is very well famous also for scuba diving. In fact, when I booked my scuba day trip in Tamarindo, they actually took me here for the day (a 30-minute drive).

The underwater world is teeming with life. Think colorful coral reefs, schools of exotic fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle or two. It’s like finding Nemo in real life, minus the drama.

If you are looking for where to stay in Costa Rica all inclusive then Playa Conchal may have all you need, with some top-notch options.

We’re talking luxury resorts that pull out all the stops—think infinity pools, spa services, golf courts, and gourmet dining. One of the best places to stay in Costa Rica for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Are you more on a budget? Brasilito Beach is the place for you, still very local and chilled-out with accommodations options that are more basic and rarely with a pool, but lovely otherwise.

Another plus is the proximity to Liberia International Airport. If you’re flying in or out of there, you’re just a short drive away from beachside bliss.

But let’s talk about drawbacks for a second. Playa Conchal can be a bit on the pricey side, especially when it comes to accommodations and dining. But remember, you get what you pay for.

And if you’re flying into San Jose Airport, there is a bit of a drive. But once you arrive, trust me, you’ll see it’s worth every mile.

If you are renting a car in Costa Rica, be aware that the last couple of miles to Playa Conchal may be challenging. Hiring a 4×4 vehicle is going to help a ton, as well as for visiting the Guanacaste region.

This is a fantastic area for couples. The romantic vibes are off the charts. Luxury travelers will also feel right at home with the high-end resorts and amenities. But honestly, anyone who appreciates natural beauty and a bit of comfort will fall in love with Playa Conchal and Brasilito Beach.

Here below 3 of my favorite hotels in Conchal and Brasilito Beach.

Tamarindo – where to stay in Costa Rica with family

On my trip in December, I traveled there with my wife and my 9-year-old kid. We hired a car and took a long trip around the country. We experienced a lot and we had such a great time.

Tamarindo was the destination that we enjoyed the most, and for many reasons. That’s why I have no hesitation in suggesting Tamarindo as one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica with family.

First off, surfing there is the easiest we have found in the country. It’s not only among the best towns for beginner surfers but also an awesome spot for kids to learn riding the first waves, long and forgiving.

I still remember my kid catching his first wave on the surfboard with his face lighting up with pure joy.

There are plenty of schools that are clearly used to teach kids and a surfing shop every second corner to rent your gear. We had such a great time in the water.

Besides surfing, there is also a small soccer beach field, a place where the local children mix with the small travelers for games in the late afternoon.

When it comes to food, Tamarindo has plenty of options. From the inexpensive local Sodas to American, Italian, Asian cuisine and I could keep going forever. Sushi is surprisingly very popular, not to mention the excellent Mexican restaurants.

There are also a couple of ice cream shops along the main road and plenty of bars around for a late drink. My favorite spot is El Mercadito, a food court in a jungle setup with a central cocktail bar in the keel of a boat (you must visit it).

If it’s all about riding, you can also enjoy some time at the skatepark, hidden behind Central Avenue.

If traveling without kids, you should visit El Terreno, another food court with fantastic food and music into the late hours of the night.

Drawbacks of Tamarindo? Well, the town can get very busy, especially during high season and surely around Christmas and NYE. And yes, ‘high season’ also means ‘high prices,’ so be prepared for that.

But honestly, the experience you will have there makes it worth every penny.

Tamarindo has accommodations for any budget and style. My only suggestion is to stay away from the 3 main streets for a quiet night’s sleep. I have actually written a full guide to where to stay in Tamarindo and a video too. Here below my top 4 suggestions.

Are you looking for a great Costa Rica Travel Guide? Here is the best FREE trip handbook dedicated to first-timers.

Santa Teresa & Montezuma – where to stay in Costa Rica first time

I always suggest visiting this country because of its beaches and its nature, its waterfalls and of course its surfing vibe.

The good news is that in Santa Teresa and Montezuma you have them all. And that is why I suggest this area to any first time traveler to Costa Rica.

You will be able to experience the essence of Costa Rica, all within a few miles.

Let’s begin with the very long beach, starting from Playa Carmen, turning into Santa Teresa and finishing in Playa Hermosa, then the amazing beautiful waves and the jungle of palm trees on your back. Pure nature.

Surfing is literally for any level based on where you enter the water, from easygoing waves for beginners and longboards (Playa Hermosa) to challenging and pro waves in Playa Carmen.

The town develops inside the forest along the main road, with a few small streets/lanes going up in the hills. There are a few surfing shops, ATV rentals, and a good selection of restaurants and bars.

I love the chilled surfing vibe in town, so cool. And certainly, the accommodations immersed in nature help to be part of the environment, and not just a visitor. And this is probably the biggest difference between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, the first more touristy and the second more undeveloped.

Moreover, in 30 minutes from Santa Teresa, you will be in the Bohemian Village of Montezuma, a real local gem, full of colors and a small selection of restaurants and bars along the beach. There is even a bakery.

From the village, you can also hike up the Montezuma Waterfalls, a multilevel wander of nature, with waterholes for a refreshing dive.

Looking for accommodations? Plenty of options. My biggest tip here is to stay 200m away from the main road which can be very dusty, especially in the unpaved section, and possibly noisy with restaurants and bars.

Also in this case I have organised a video and a full guide to where to stay in Santa Teresa and around with a few suggested accommodations for a quiet night. Here below my favorite four.

Jaco – Practical beach place near San Jose

Let me be honest with you, I don’t particularly like to spend time in San Jose, the capital. It’s a busy city, with traffic and noise, certainly not why I like to spend my vacation time in Costa Rica.

Jaco is the perfect alternative. It’s a coastal town around 90 minutes from the San Jose International Airport with all you need for a few fun days.

Let’s start with the beach, in a very long sandy bay, with waves for any skill. Plenty of shops and schools to organize your surfing time. On low tide, the beach becomes massive, and that’s when the kids set up their soccer fields and the adults chill out with a cocktail in hand.

The town develops along the main road, parallel to the beach, with plenty of shopping options, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Probably the best nightlife in Costa Rica, besides San Jose.

It must be said that the character of Jaco is certainly not very captivating. It has grown from village status to town very quickly, with condos scattered here and there in an otherwise beautiful bay. Not much town planning I would say, and it’s an understatement.

However, for a more chilled-out setup, you can always drive down south 5 minutes and you will be in Playa Hermosa, a tiny village by a very long beach.

I always highly suggest renting a car in Costa Rica, even more so if deciding to visit Jaco and the south-west coast, because there are so many things to do and places to see around town, like the ziplines in Playa Hermosa (plus another two around Jaco), the rain forest, a few amazing beaches like Playa Herradura, and I could keep going.

If driving a car, you can also be at the San Jose Airport in less than 90 minutes, thanks to the direct road, partially highway (take some change, just a few dollars worth of Colon, to pay the tolls). But if you don’t have a car, you can easily organize private transportation ($50-$150). So handy.

Being so close to the capital city, Jaco can get very busy with weekend trippers and around Christmas/NYE. Also, avoid walking in any dark lane at night. If unsure grab a taxi or an Uber (a few available) to your accommodation.

There are plenty of accommodation styles in town, for any budget. The choice is very wide and certainly less expensive than San Jose. I have written a full guide to where to stay in Jaco with suggestions on the best areas around, besides a few hotels and condos (my fav 4 below).

I would not certainly stay the entire vacation in Jaco, however, this town is now my favorite place to be for the last couple of nights in the country before heading to the airport.

Dominical & Dominicalito – Where to stay in Costa Rica for beach and rainforest

If you’re looking to capture the essence of Costa Rica—its untouched beaches, lush rainforests, and that laid-back vibe—then look no further than Dominical & Dominicalito. This is one of the best spots to experience the famous Costa Rican Pura Vida, away from the crowds and closer to nature.

Dominical Beach is a surfer’s paradise. I love the wide choice of surfing conditions, with waves of any size and difficulty, from beginner to challenging ones. Dominicalito, just a short drive away, offers a more tranquil setting, perfect for paddleboarding or just soaking in the natural beauty.

The area is literally surrounded by the rainforest. Definitely a great destination for nature lovers. The town itself is small but full of character. There is a sort of bohemian flair, with organic markets, yoga retreats, and a handful of cozy cafes and eateries.

And let’s not forget about the nearby natural wonders. Within a 30-minute drive, you can find yourself hiking through the Nauyaca Waterfalls or exploring the Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its whale tail-shaped sandbar (check down Uvita).

When it comes to drawbacks, it’s worth mentioning that Dominical is quite remote, although not too far away from San Jose. If you are planning an itinerary of the Pacific Coast, then Dominical should be on your bucket list.

Being a small village, you will not find a huge number and range of accommodations. In saying that, I love that most amalgamate so nicely into the local nature, making them almost invisible. Here are 2 great examples that I suggest.

Uvita – Where to stay in Costa Rica on the beach

Ah, Uvita. If you’re the kind of traveler who dreams of pristine beaches without the crowds, this is your spot. I always recommend Uvita to anyone who wants to experience Costa Rica’s coastline in all its untouched glory. Something that is becoming very rare these days.

Let’s talk about the beaches first. Picture this: golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see, framed by lush greenery. Visit Uvita in the off-season, or even in the shoulder seasons (November/December and April/May), and you will have it almost on your own, especially if you walk 10-15 minutes away from the gate of the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena.

Uvita is actually becoming increasingly popular because of the shape of its beach, which once in low tide, resembles the tale of a whale (English for “ballena“).

And talking of these massive mammals, if you are in luck, you may actually spot them. There are two seasons, which is unusual, from mid-July to October and then again from December to April. They rarely come near the beach, but plenty of boat tours are offered in town.

But Uvita isn’t just about the beach; it’s a nature lover’s haven. Walk towards the rainforest to discover the Uvita Waterfalls, a series of waterholes where you can dive in from a few natural trampolines.

Or, if you are up for some adrenaline, hike up to the main fall to slide it down through the rocks but be aware that it’s 10 meters high!

It must be said that the average price of the accommodations tends to be higher than usual in Uvita (although still lower than in most of the Western world).

The dining options are also somewhat limited, but what’s available is genuinely good—think fresh seafood and local Costa Rican fare. Of course, no nightlife.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the tranquility and natural beauty of Uvita more than makeup for it.

I have organized a guide to the best places to stay in Uvita with my 4 best areas to book your accommodation and a few tips on hotels and bungalows (see my top 3 recommendations below)

Monteverde – Where to stay in Costa Rica rainforest

If you’re yearning for a slice of Costa Rica that’s more rainforest than “beach bum,” then Monteverde is your haven. I can’t recommend it enough for those who want to dive headfirst into nature, literally above the clouds.

First off, what is a cloud forest? Well, it’s essentially a type of high-altitude rainforest between clouds. Imagine walking through the mist, where every step you take feels like you’re in a dreamy, otherworldly landscape.

The flora and fauna here are unlike anything else. In fact, the cloud forest of Monteverde is considered among the 7 wonders of Costa Rica.

Trekking opportunities? Oh, they’re abundant. You can even organize a few of them directly from Monteverde or Santa Elena town, the main settlement in the area.

Otherwise, join one of the many available tours for a deeper experience. You can find all sorts of trekking levels, from easy walks to more demanding full-day hikes.

An easy walk I suggest is the one at the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, just off Monteverde.

Spotting wildlife will be part of the fun, of course. From the resplendent quetzal to countless species of hummingbirds, your camera is going to be busy.

Are you looking for some adrenaline? You will not be disappointed in Monteverde. Think zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy or walking on hanging bridges suspended above the forest floor.

A little tip here. Monteverde is located around 1,400 m (4,600 ft) above sea level. The weather can be a bit chilly, especially in the evenings. So, pack a light jacket or a cozy sweater.

Monteverde is more about the sounds of nature than the beats of a nightclub. So no do not expect much of a nightlife, although Santa Elena has a couple of places with live music.

But honestly, the sheer beauty and tranquility of Monteverde’s cloud forests make these minor drawbacks seem trivial.

Also in this case I have organized a guide to where to stay in Monteverde, including a comparison with Santa Elena. Here below are 4 of my suggested accommodations in the area.

La Fortuna & Arenal – Where to stay in Costa Rica for adventure

If you’re the type who thinks a vacation isn’t complete without a dash of adrenaline, then you’ve hit the jackpot with La Fortuna and Arenal. I always tell people that if you’re looking for adventure in Costa Rica, you can’t skip La Fortuna and Arenal.

Let’s kick off with the hot springs. Imagine soaking in a natural thermal pool with a view of a volcano in the background. Yes, pretty unique, so unique that even the Kardashians wanted to experience it. Besides, the hot springs will help you relax after a day packed with activities.

Speaking of which, the adventure activities here are off the charts. Let’s start with the most iconic of the experiences, the hike to the Arenal Volcano National Park, just a few minutes off the main town of La Fortuna. It is the kind of natural wonder that you have to see to believe.

Then you can choose between the many activities on offer by the tour operators in town.

You can decide to go zip lining in the rainforest, explore the thrilling hanging bridges, do some white-water rafting, or why not canyoning. The choice is really wide.

It must be said that La Fortuna can get a bit touristy, especially during peak season. The town can get very busy and far from any peaceful heaven that you may have pictured. In fact, there are also a couple of clubs for some late hours, if you feel like it.

And with high demand comes high prices, so be prepared to shell out a bit more for accommodations and activities.

Besides La Fortuna, I described another 4 areas in my guide to where to stay near the Arenal Volcano, one of which was the setup for a Kardashians episode. Here is a quick selection of my suggested accommodations.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – Where to stay in Costa Rica Caribbean side

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca must be on your bucket list if you’re yearning for that laid-back Caribbean vibe without the throngs of tourists.

First off, let’s talk about that Caribbean vibe. Think reggae music, colorful buildings, and a melting pot of cultures. It’s so different from the Pacific side of Costa Rica and so captivating too. You’ll find yourself swaying to the rhythm of the ocean waves and the local music in no time.

A great thing about Puerto Viejo is that you can pedal your way to secluded beaches or hidden eateries that only locals know about. No need for ATVs or motorbikes.

What I also love about Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is that it’s not swarming with tourists. It’s a great spot for romantic couples and budget backpackers because the living cost tends to be lower than in any other coastal town in Costa Rica.

You also get to experience the Caribbean without the commercialization, and that’s a rare find these days.

There are a couple of cons, however. The area is pretty remote, it’s quite a long trip from San Jose, but totally worth it.

Also, you won’t find as many ATMs, there are limited healthcare facilities, and less variety when it comes to dining out. But is this a problem, considering all the pros?

So, if you’re planning your Costa Rican adventure and want a taste of the Caribbean, make sure Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is on your list. You can find below 3 of my suggested places to stay in Puerto Viejo for a quiet night in a chilled-out place.

Tortuguero – Where to stay in Costa Rica for wildlife

I always tell people, that if you want to see Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal, Tortuguero is your golden ticket.

The entire setup of Tortuguero is pretty unique, far from any other town or center, isolated in the northern Caribbean coast, and reachable uniquely by boat or an expensive small regional flight.

You will find a maze of rivers, lagoons, jungle, and the long beach which, unfortunately, you can’t enter due to the strong currents.

Tortuguero is famous for its biodiversity and you may already know that this is a turtle-watching paradise. Depending on the season, you can witness these magnificent creatures laying their eggs or baby turtles making their first journey to the sea.

And it’s not just turtles. It’s so easy to spot monkeys, caimans, and a plethora of bird species. Boat tours are the way to go in Tortuguero. You’ll glide through waterways surrounded by lush greenery, with the chance to spot all kinds of animals in their natural habitat.

But, and it’s a big but, Tortuguero is not the easiest place to get to. You’re looking at a combination of buses and boats or a small and expensive chartered flight.

Plus, amenities are limited. We’re talking basic accommodations (I have suggested 2 of the best below) and not a whole lot of variety in dining options.

Still, if you’re an adventure-seeker who doesn’t mind roughing it a bit for an unforgettable wildlife experience, Tortuguero is absolutely worth the journey.

San Jose – A practical base

Let me be open with you. I have added to this list San Jose, however, I do not suggest staying in San Jose, unless you have an early departure or a late arrival at the San Jose International Airport.

Big tip here. Even if you decide to rent a car to experience Costa Rica, avoid driving it at night because it can be quite dangerous. Roads are poorly lit, there could be wildlife crossing and potholes are everywhere, and I mean big ones too.

If you have an engine problem, an accident, or simply a flat it will be very hard to find help around, especially in the countryside, which is 98% of the country.

And honestly, if you are just looking for a place to stay near the San Jose airport, there is not even the need to spend a night in the capital. I have talked about 5 great areas in my guide to where to stay in San Jose and nearby with a few suggested accommodations (here below are my top 3).

More places to stay and visit in Costa Rica

In this table, I have shortlisted 25 more places to stay in Costa Rica, or possibly to visit on a day trip. This table, as well as this post, is growing and improving with any new trip to Costa Rica.

Do you think I have left out a great destination? Leave a comment, I will add it and possibly visit it on my next Costa Rican adventure.

Area/Town	Great for	Traveller type	Pros	Cons	Accessibility	Restaurants	Families	Nightlife	Character of the Area
Nosara (Nicoya Peninsula)	Yoga retreats, surfing	Wellness enthusiasts, surfers	Yoga, Surfing	Expensive	Moderate	Good	Yes	Limited	Relaxed, Wellness-focused
Manuel Antonio (Quepos)	National park, wildlife	Nature lovers, families	Wildlife, Beaches	Crowded	Easy	Excellent	Yes	Limited	Natural, Family-friendly
Papagayo Peninsula (Guanacaste)	Luxury resorts, secluded beaches	Luxury travelers	Luxury, Privacy	Expensive	Moderate	Excellent	Limited	Limited	Exclusive, Luxurious
Cahuita (Limón Province)	Caribbean vibe, less crowded	Budget travelers, couples	Affordable, Beaches	Limited amenities	Moderate	Good	Yes	Limited	Laid-back, Caribbean
Sámara (Nicoya Peninsula)	Laid-back beach town	Families, couples	Beaches, Relaxing	Limited nightlife	Moderate	Good	Yes	Limited	Relaxed, Family-friendly
Playa Flamingo (Guanacaste)	White sand beaches, water sports	Adventure seekers	Water sports, Beaches	Expensive	Moderate	Good	Limited	Limited	Adventurous, Upscale
Playa Hermosa (Puntarenas)	Calm waters, swimming	Families, swimmers	Calm waters	Limited nightlife	Easy	Good	Yes	Limited	Calm, Family-friendly
Drake Bay (Osa Peninsula)	Close to Corcovado National Park	Nature enthusiasts, hikers	Wildlife, Hiking	Remote	Difficult	Limited	Limited	Limited	Remote, Natural
Liberia (Guanacaste)	Gateway to Guanacaste’s beaches	Transit travelers	Convenient	Limited attractions	Easy	Good	Limited	Limited	Practical, Transit-friendly
Playa Grande (Guanacaste)	Turtle nesting, surfing	Wildlife enthusiasts, surfers	Wildlife, Surfing	Limited dining	Moderate	Limited	Limited	Limited	Natural, Adventurous
Playa Avellanas (Guanacaste)	Surfing, less crowded	Surfers, couples	Surfing, Quiet	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Limited	Limited	Quiet, Surf-focused
Playa Negra (Guanacaste)	Surfing, black sand beaches	Surfers, nature lovers	Surfing, Unique beaches	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Limited	Limited	Unique, Natural
Montezuma (Puntarenas)	Bohemian vibe, waterfalls	Solo travelers, couples	Waterfalls, Bohemian	Limited amenities	Difficult	Good	Limited	Good	Bohemian, Natural
Santa Ana (San José Province)	Close to San José, upscale	Business travelers, luxury travelers	Upscale, Convenient	Expensive	Easy	Excellent	Limited	Limited	Upscale, Convenient
Golfito (Puntarenas)	Sport fishing, duty-free zone	Anglers, shoppers	Fishing, Shopping	Remote	Difficult	Good	Limited	Limited	Remote, Sporty
Ojochal (Puntarenas)	Culinary scene, beaches	Foodies, couples	Culinary, Beaches	Limited nightlife	Moderate	Excellent	Limited	Limited	Culinary, Relaxing
Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste)	Quiet beaches, family-friendly	Families, couples	Quiet, Family-friendly	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Yes	Limited	Quiet, Family-friendly
Playa Santa Teresa (Puntarenas)	Surfing, yoga	Surfers, wellness enthusiasts	Surfing, Yoga	Limited amenities	Moderate	Good	Limited	Good	Surf-focused, Wellness
Playa Ocotal (Guanacaste)	Snorkeling, quiet	Couples, snorkelers	Snorkeling, Quiet	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Limited	Limited	Quiet, Snorkeling-focused
Playa Junquillal (Guanacaste)	Turtle nesting, quiet	Nature lovers, couples	Turtles, Quiet	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Limited	Limited	Quiet, Natural
Playa Potrero (Guanacaste)	Quiet, family-friendly	Families, couples	Quiet, Family-friendly	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Yes	Limited	Quiet, Family-friendly
Playa Zancudo (Puntarenas)	Fishing, quiet	Anglers, couples	Fishing, Quiet	Limited amenities	Difficult	Limited	Limited	Limited	Quiet, Fishing-focused
Playa Matapalo (Puntarenas)	Wildlife, quiet	Nature lovers, couples	Wildlife, Quiet	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Limited	Limited	Quiet, Natural
Playa Bejuco (Puntarenas)	Quiet, family-friendly	Families, couples	Quiet, Family-friendly	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Yes	Limited	Quiet, Family-friendly
Playa Esterillos (Puntarenas)	Surfing, quiet	Surfers, couples	Surfing, Quiet	Limited amenities	Moderate	Limited	Limited	Limited	Quiet, Surf-focused

Frequently Asked Questions