Where to Stay in Costa Rica: 10 Best Areas & Hotels for Every Traveler (2026)

I hope you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we embark on this guide on where to stay in Costa Rica!

I was lucky enough to live in Costa Rica for a few months and explore many incredible places, which I’ve included below! So read this post to find the top 10 places to stay in Costa and the best hotels in each town, listed from most to least expensive.

I handpicked all the accommodations and included only the ones with amazing reviews, so you’ll easily find your dream spot! I picked these ten areas after months of living in Costa Rica, weighing how close each one is to the top attractions, how easy it is to get around, the quality of the hotels, safety, and overall value.

But fear not, we find 9 more places if that one doesn’t suit you, so make sure you scroll below.

This holiday destination is becoming more popular, so I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance to secure your favorite spot. 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Check out this short list that has the best hotels in Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful areas: 

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Here is a map with all the areas where to stay in Costa Rica that I will be talking about in this post:

Area	Best for	Price / night	Top luxury pick	Why stay here
Tamarindo	First-timers, surfers, couples	US$40 to US$160+	The Coast Beachfront	Walkable beach town, surf, nightlife, no car needed
Arenal & La Fortuna	Families, adventure, nature lovers	US$40 to US$160+	Nayara Gardens	Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, and a national park
Manuel Antonio	Families, wildlife lovers	US$40 to US$160+	Arenas Del Mar	Wildlife-packed national park plus pretty beaches
Monteverde	Hikers, nature and wildlife lovers	US$40 to US$160+	Hotel Belmar	Cloud forest, hanging bridges, and ziplining
Puerto Viejo	Couples, laid-back beach lovers	US$40 to US$160+	Le Cameleon	Caribbean coast, black-sand beaches, jungle vibe

Not sure which of these fits your trip? Here is a quick guide by traveler type, covering all ten areas:

I want…	Best area(s)
My first trip / the easiest base	Tamarindo
Surf, beaches, and nightlife	Tamarindo  ·  Jaco
Wildlife and rainforest	Manuel Antonio  ·  Osa Peninsula
Cloud forest and hiking	Monteverde
Volcano, hot springs, and adventure	Arenal & La Fortuna
A romantic or laid-back escape	Puerto Viejo  ·  Montezuma
A quiet beach with whale watching	Uvita
A central base for a road trip	San Jose

How to Get to Costa Rica and Get Around

Costa Rica has two international airports, and picking the right one can save you hours of driving. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near San Jose is the main gateway and the best choice for the Central Valley, the Caribbean coast, and the central and southern Pacific (Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Uvita, and the Osa Peninsula). Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia is the gateway to Guanacaste and the northern Pacific beaches, and flying here puts you about an hour from Tamarindo instead of the roughly 4 to 5-hour drive from San Jose.

Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, since it lets you reach the volcanoes, beaches, and national parks on your own schedule (a 4WD is worth it for Monteverde and the Osa Peninsula). I book through DiscoverCars, which includes Costa Rica’s mandatory insurance in the price, so there are no surprises at the counter. If you would rather not drive, shared shuttle services connect the main tourist towns and offer an easy car-free option for routes such as San Jose to Manuel Antonio or San Jose to Tamarindo.

Which airport, and do you need a car?

Area	Nearest airport	Approx. drive	Car needed?
Tamarindo & Guanacaste beaches (incl. Montezuma / Nicoya)	Liberia (LIR)	Tamarindo ~1 to 1.5 hrs; Montezuma ~3 hrs	Optional in Tamarindo; recommended elsewhere
San Jose & Central Valley	San Jose (SJO)	~20 to 30 min	No — rent for day trips
Arenal & La Fortuna and Monteverde	Either airport	~3 to 3.5 hrs	Recommended (4WD for Monteverde)
Jaco, Manuel Antonio & Uvita (Central Pacific)	San Jose (SJO)	Jaco ~1.5 hrs; Manuel Antonio & Uvita ~3 hrs	Optional — shuttles and tours available
Puerto Viejo (Caribbean) & Osa Peninsula	San Jose (SJO)	Puerto Viejo ~4.5 hrs; Osa by flight or boat	Puerto Viejo: car or shuttle; Osa: no road access

1. Tamarindo – best place to stay for the first time

Stay in Tamarindo if you want the easiest possible first trip to Costa Rica, with walkable beaches, surf, and nightlife, and no car needed.
Recommended stay: 3 to 4 nights
Best for: first-timers, surfers, couples, travelers without a car

Set on the gorgeous Nicoya Peninsula, in the Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo is a gorgeous town known for its amazing beaches, surfing, and fun nightlife!

Tamarindo is one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica if you’re traveling here for the first time, as it kind of has a bit of everything, from natural beauty, beaches, jungles, and some fab hotels! Plus, it’s also great if you’re looking for a spot to stay in Costa Rica without a car.

This town on the Pacific coast is also surrounded by different parts of the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (map), which means you’ll have lots to do while here!

When you’re not chilling on Tamarindo Beach (map), you can check out the gorgeous viewpoints here! Some of my favorites are Scenic Overlook of Tamarindo (map) and Mirador de Tamarindo 2 (map), both of which are perfect for catching a scenic sunset!

And talking about sunsets, you’ll be happy to know that after the sun goes down, Tamarindo becomes even more alive! That’s right! You’ll find lots of bars here, and even the amazing Tamarindo Moonlight Night Market (map), which takes place every Thursday night and includes live entertainment and stalls with yummy food.

If you want to continue the night, you can head to La Oveja Surf House (map), Ocho Beach Club (map), or just explore around and see what catches your eye!

Now let’s check out the top Guanacaste hotels and some Costa Rica beach resorts:

Other accommodation options in Tamarindo

Things to do in Tamarindo

• Catch a sunset at Scenic Overlook of Tamarindo
• Eat the best food at the Tamarindo Night Market
• Have some drinks at La Oveja Surf House 
• Explore Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
• Explore the Papagayo Peninsula
• Visit the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge and see sea turtles
• Check out the Gulf of Papagayo
• Surf all day on Tamarindo Beach

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2. Puerto Viejo – the best place in Costa Rica for couples

Stay in Puerto Viejo if you want a laid-back Caribbean beach town, the best base in Costa Rica for couples and a slower pace.
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: couples, beach lovers, laid-back and bohemian travelers

Planning a romantic getaway? Then look no further than Puerto Viejo, a town in southeast Costa Rica on the Caribbean coast, among rainforests and black-sand beaches!

This place is so abundant in gorgeous romantic places that you and your partner will love exploring all day long!

Also known as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this area is pretty tranquil and has a laid-back vibe, so you can enjoy its natural beauty with your loved one by taking a long walk along the gorgeous Playa Puerto Viejo (map). 

Make sure you also check out the black sands on Playa Negra (map) and take some iconic pics there at sunset!

NOTE: When you search for Puerto Viejo on maps, write out the whole name “Puerto Viejo de Talamanca” as there’s some other, smaller Puerto Viejo beach in Costa Rica, which shows up when you type in just “Puerto Viejo” without “de Talamanca”.

Since Puerto Viejo has easy access to the jungle, you can take lots of tours, or, if you have a car, just go on your way to explore! There are also some hiking paths like this one (map).

A really cool place to see in the jungle is The Amazing Treehouse and Nature Observatorio (map), which offers some incredible views! And, of course, you definitely have to see the Jaguar Rescue Center, which is one of the biggest attractions in the area! 

Other accommodation options in Puerto Viejo

Things to do in Puerto Viejo

• Visit the friendly Jaguar Rescue Center
• Go white water rafting on the Pacuare River
• Go on a romantic walk on Playa Puerto Viejo (map)
• Taste some delicious cacao at Talamanca Chocolate (map)
• Relax on the beach of Cahuita National Park (map)
• Hike to the Bribri waterfalls nearby (map)
• Go on a trip to Tortuguero
• Grab a bite at Bread & Chocolate (map)

3. Monteverde – one of the best places to stay for hiking

Stay in Monteverde if you want the cloud forest on your doorstep, the best base for hikers and wildlife lovers.
Recommended stay: 2 nights
Best for: hikers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers

Can’t leave Costa Rica without a visit to this place, so why not make things even more convenient for yourself by staying right in the heart of the cloud forests, where you’ll be just a few minutes away from all the lush greenery!

I loved exploring this area while I was in the country and can say for sure that you’ll like it here, especially if you’re into outdoor adventures!

I’m not going to lie, this area, which is located in the heart of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range, can get pretty crowded as lots of tourists come here to visit the cloud forest (which carries the same name).

Still, there are ways to visit the attractions here, and I cover this in more detail in my post on things to do in Monteverde! One great thing if you do decide to stay here is that you’ll be just minutes away by car from all the attractions, so you’ll definitely get a head start. 

Some of the main things that you should definitely see are the cloud forests, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest, and Children’s Eternal Rainforest. You’ll see so much wildlife in all of these places, and unique flora and fauna.

Honestly, what can be better than spending time admiring Costa Rica’s natural beauty?

Some other fun activities here include walking on the famous hanging bridges, ziplining (which is huge here), and bungee jumping!

As I mentioned, there’s so much wildlife here, and I wanted to see as much of it as I could, so I also went to the Curi Cancha Reserve, where I saw some gorgeous birds, and to the Butterfly Garden.

Below you’ll find the best hotels in Monteverde. You’ll see that most are located in Santa Elena, the main town closest to the Monteverde Cloud Forest (about a 5-minute drive). There are also some scattered on the way from Santa Elena to the Cloud Forest. 

Other accommodation options in Monteverde

Things to do in Monteverde

• Visit the Cheese Factory in Monteverde
• See cute birds in the Curi Cancha Reserve
• Admire the flowers at Monteverde Orchid Garden
• Play with the butterflies in the Butterfly Garden
• Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Try ziplining in Monteverde
• Snap a pic on the hanging bridges

4. San José- where to stay in Costa Rica for history lovers

Stay in San Jose if you want a central, budget-friendly base near both airports, the best hub for road trips and culture.
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 nights
Best for: history lovers, budget travelers, road-trip bases

Welcome to Costa Rica’s capital city, and a great place to stay if you want to dive deeper into Costa Rican culture!

San José is also home to 2 international airports, Tobías Bolaños International Airport and Juan Santamaría International Airport, and it’s most likely that you’ll arrive on one of these 2, depending on where you’re coming from. 

I lived in San José, in the Central Valley, for a few months while exploring the country, and I can say for sure that this is a great place for those of you who want to set base somewhere, rent a car, and explore the country!

That’s what I did, and it was great, as I got to see a lot of places during my trip! 

As I mentioned, the capital city is a great place for those who want to visit some museums and learn about the country’s past! While I was here, I loved exploring the Jade Museum, which holds the largest collection of American jade in the world, and the Costa Rica National Museum,

If you want to eat some goodies, definitely head to the San José Central Market (map), where you can try all sorts of fresh and delicious fruits.

Most of these places are centered around the Downtown area, which is also home to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the National Theater, and the city’s main street, Avenida Central (map).

The nightlife is also pretty amazing in the capital city, and there are a lot of bars where you can grab a drink after a day of visiting attractions, such as Central Pub (map).

San Jose can also be great for budget travelers, with plenty of affordable hotels. 

Other accommodation options in San José

Things to do in San José

• Visit the National Theater
• Learn some history at the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
• Check out the Metropolitan Cathedral (map)
• Walk around Central Park (map) in San José
• Buy some delicious fruits from San Jose’s Mercado Central
• Play with the butterflies at Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
• Take a trip to Tortuguero National Park or Poas Volcano National Park
• Have fun with the family at the Children’s Museum

5. Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna – for nature lovers

Stay in Arenal and La Fortuna if you want volcano views, hot springs, and waterfalls, the best base for families and adventure seekers.
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: families, adventure seekers, hot springs, and nature lovers

Put your hiking shoes on and get ready to walk, walk, and then walk some more!

Arenal is a famous Volcano that’s 1,633 meters tall, located about a 3-hour drive from San Jose and neighboring La Fortuna, and the town and waterfall with the same name.

Everyone who comes here, including myself, visits Arenal and La Fortuna together since they’re close, so that’s why I paired them up. 

This is by far one of the best places to stay if you like being in the middle of all the action and out in nature! If you stay in Arenal and La Fortuna, you’ll just be minutes away from all the hiking trails, national parks, and natural hot springs!

What better way to start your morning than with a cup of coffee in Arenal National Park?

Just like Monteverde, Arenal Volcano, and La Fortuna can get pretty packed with tourists. So my advice is to get an early start and hit the attractions in the morning, when they open.

Some of the main things that you should definitely see while here are the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges and Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can admire the volcano in its full glory and check out La Fortuna Waterfall (and swim at its base!).

These are just the main ones; there are many other fun things to try in Arenal, like relaxing in its many natural hot springs! I just loved soaking in Costa Rica’s natural waters, which are heated by the volcano. Some really great ones are Ecotermales Hot Springs (map) and Rio Chollin (map).

Other accommodation options in Arenal Volcano

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Nayara Springs – Here’s another amazing resort in La Fortuna that offers gorgeous rooms with a balcony and a private pool, 4 restaurants, and a spa.

Things to do in Arenal Volcano

• Admire the volcano in Arenal National Park
• Check out Lake Arenal (map)
• Go ziplining with Sky Adventures
• Chill in the hot springs at Ecotermales Hot Springs
• Go for a swim at La Fortuna Waterfall
• Go rafting with Costa Rica Descents
• Snap a pic on a hanging bridge at Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges

6. Manuel Antonio – best region to stay in Costa Rica for wildlife

Stay in Manuel Antonio if you want wildlife and beaches together, the best base for families and first-time wildlife lovers.
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: families, wildlife lovers, first-timers

Want to spend your holiday relaxing on Costa Rica’s white sand beaches, exploring forest trails, and meeting wild animals in the lush rainforest?

Then Manuel Antonio is for you! Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, this beach town is home to one of the most popular attractions in the country (drum roll please), Manuel Antonio National Park (map).

Home to pristine beaches, hiking trails, and animals (sloths call this place home), the park is so incredible that Forbes named it one of the world’s most beautiful parks.

That’s something, right?

When you’re not exploring the park, you can check out the town area, which is home to lots of restaurants, where you can dine with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean! Oceano Seafood (map) is a great spot!

With so many fun outdoor activities here, especially in Manuel Antonio National Park, this area would be a great place to stay in Costa Rica with family!

PRO TIP: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays, and tickets must be bought in advance online through SINAC (serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr), as they are not sold at the gate. Plan around this so you do not turn up on a closed day. You can only visit the park with a guide, and most accommodations offer tours there, so you can definitely explore it!

PRO TIP: If you are booking super last-minute and there are no good options left in Manuel Antonio, check out Quepos. This town is about 15-20 minutes by car/bus from the park (and most tours include transportation from Quepos).

Getting to the Osa Peninsula takes a little planning: most travelers fly from San Jose to Drake Bay (about a 50-minute flight) or arrive by boat, since there is no easy road access. For Corcovado National Park you will need to book a certified guide in advance, as independent entry is not allowed, and the simplest way is through your lodge, which can also arrange the boat transfers.

Other accommodation options in Manuel Antonio

Things to do in Manuel Antonio

• Relax on the Manuel Antonio Beach (map)
• Play with the howler monkeys at Playa Playitas (map)
• Visit the Kids Saving the Rainforest sanctuary on the Pacific Coast
• Explore the hiking trails in Manuel Antonio National Park
• Go ziplining at Zip Coaster (map)

7. Montezuma – where to stay in Costa Rica for beaches

Stay in Montezuma if you want a quiet, bohemian beach escape, the best base for beach lovers and couples on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: beach lovers, couples, budget and bohemian travelers

We’re continuing this guide with a gorgeous place that all beach lovers will fall in love with!

Located on the southern shore of the country, on the Nicoya Peninsula, Montezuma is filled with beautiful vistas, soft sands, and dreamy waters, making it the perfect place to stay for a beach holiday!

Just imagine waking up, heading for a swim, and drinking some delicious Costa Rican coffee on the beach! Pura vida indeed! 

As the home of lots of artists who come to visit and even live here, Montezuma has a bohemian atmosphere lingering on the streets, which you’ll undoubtedly feel while here.

Montezuma Beach (map) is one of the main attractions, so definitely head there and enjoy lots of swims in the Pacific Ocean. If you get hungry, you’re lucky, as there are plenty of restaurants near the beach, like Cocolores (map).

Like in most areas in Costa Rica, you’ll also get a fair share of hiking spots! Montezuma Waterfalls Trailhead (map) is a great one to get you started while here. 

Once you get to know the area a bit, you can also head to the nearby beaches and spend some time there, as they’re so nice! Playa Las Manchas (map) is a great one, as is Piedra Colorada Beach (map).

Other accommodation options in Montezuma

Things to do in Montezuma

• Chill all day on Montezuma Beach 
• Grab a bite at Cocolores
• Take a trip to Santa Teresa town
• Explore the Montezuma Waterfalls Trailhead
• Go for a swim at Playa Las Manchas

8. Jaco – best place to stay for a well-rounded experience 

Stay in Jaco if you want a well-rounded mix of surf, nightlife, and the easiest beach access from San Jose.
Recommended stay: 1 to 2 nights
Best for: surfers, nightlife seekers, weekenders from San Jose

Amazing surfing conditions, delicious food in fab restaurants, and exciting nightlife!

Yep, Jaco is a small town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, southwest of San Jose, that seems to have it all! 

You definitely won’t get bored while here! What’s great about staying in Jaco is that it combines the perks of a city with being close to the ocean and access to amazing spots for surfing and other water sports! 

The best of both worlds, if you ask me! 

Once you get here, head over to the palm tree-lined Jaco Beach (map), and chill on the shores or have a go at surfing. You’ll also find lots of hotels and bars where you can grab some cocktails after a day in the sun. Koko Gastro Bar (map) is a great place to start the night. 

This beach town off the Pacific Coast is also home to a Shopping Center (map), where you can go for a quick shopping trip and to lots of restaurants, as I mentioned earlier. You’ll find most of them located on Pastor Diaz Avenue! If you’re a fan of burgers, make sure you drop by Ridiculous Burgers (map), a popular spot in town!

Other accommodation options in Jaco

Things to do in Jaco

• Go surfing on Jaco Beach on the Pacific Coast
• Enjoy some drinks at Koko Gastro Bar 
• Grab a burger at Ridiculous Burgers 
• Buy souvenirs from the Jaco Shopping Center
• Admire the views from Mirador Jaco (map)
• Explore the Los Sueños area

9. Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay) – for outdoor adventures

Stay in the Osa Peninsula if you want Costa Rica at its wildest, the best base for serious adventurers and wildlife lovers.
Recommended stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: adventurers, wildlife lovers, off-grid travelers

Are you ready to take by storm one of the most off-the-grid locations in Costa Rica?

Osa Peninsula is located at the southern end of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and it’s only reachable by plane or boat, which doesn’t make it super accessible to lots of tourists who come to Costa Rica.

NOTE: If you’re coming by plane, you’ll land at Drake Bay Airport (map), which serves only domestic flights.

But this secluded area sure deserves all the trouble of getting there, as it is home to a lush rainforest that hosts Costa Rica’s largest remaining population of jaguars and tapirs, and to some breathtaking mangrove forests that you can explore by boat. 

Its rawness and natural beauty remained mostly untouched over the years, which is why National Geographic called Osa Peninsula the most biologically intense place on earth!

The main attraction here is the Corcovado National Park (map), which covers most of the peninsula. You can only visit the park with a guide, and most accommodations offer tours there, so you can definitely explore it!

While staying here, you’ll get the chance to try all the activities here, like hiking, scuba diving, and even seeing some whale sharks while exploring underwater!

Other accommodation options in the Osa Peninsula

Things to do in Osa Peninsula

• Go on a hike in Corcovado National Park
• Try scuba diving at Drake Bay 
• Chill on Playa San Josecito (map)
• Catch a sunset on Playa Sàndalos
• Visit the King Louis Waterfall (map)

10. Uvita – where to stay for a unique experience 

Stay in Uvita if you want a quiet beach holiday with whale watching, the best base for couples and nature lovers.
Recommended stay: 2 nights
Best for: couples, whale-watchers, quiet-beach seekers

Located a 3h drive from San Jose, Uvita isn’t super touristy, but it’s definitely worth a visit! I’d definitely recommend staying here if you’d prefer a quieter beach holiday, where you just get to relax on Costa Rica’s golden shores and explore around. 

This area is home to the gorgeous Marino Ballena National Park (map) that has a super long beach where you can spot dolphins and whales, lush vegetation, and gorgeous waterfalls in true Costa Rican style!

Punta Uvita (map), the main beach in the Park, is actually pretty popular, as if you look from above during low tide, the stretch of sand looks like a whale’s tail!

There are lots of things to see while you’re in Uvita, like the beautiful Catarata Uvita waterfalls (map), the Aussicht hiking area (map), and these hidden natural pools (map)!

Yep, there are plenty of things to do in Uvita, and if you’d prefer a holiday far from the tourist crowds, then this might be the right spot for you!

Other accommodation options in Uvita

Things to do in Uvita

• See dolphins and whales in Marino Ballena National Park
• Relax on Punta Uvita 
• Snap a pic of the Catarata Uvita waterfalls
• Explore the Aussicht hiking area
• Enjoy a bath in these hidden natural pools

👑 Luxury price:	US$160
💵 Mid-range hotel:	US$80
🛏️ Budget:	US$40
📍 Best area:	Tamarindo
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Coast Beachfront
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Ten North Tamarindo
👛 Best budget hotel:	Hostel La Botella de Leche

FAQs about where to stay in Costa Rica

Final thoughts on where to stay in Costa Rica

Phew, it was a long one, but we definitely had so much to talk about!

I hope this guide on where to stay in Costa Rica, Central America, will help you plan your trip! I loved living in this country and exploring all these towns, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same!

Before we wrap up, I’ll leave you with my top 2 Costa Rica resorts, both located in Tamarindo: 

• The Coast Beachfront – one of the best Costa Rica hotels that offers sea views and a pool 
• Ten North Tamarindo – a stylish boutique hotel with a swimming pool and free parking

I highly recommend booking your hotels, private villas, or whatever you choose for accommodation in advance! Costa Rica’s popularity (and prices) is increasing every year, and places sell out fast. So it’s better to secure your spot early! 

Have fun planning your trip, and don’t forget that you can always drop me a comment below if you’ve got any questions!

Since I’ve lived in Costa Rica for a while, I can surely help out!

Buen viaje mis amigos,

Yulia

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