Where to Stay in Costa Rica?

 

If you take a list of what are the 10 best places and most beautiful travel destinations in the world surely you can see Costa Rica on the list. Such a nature friendly destination home to world’s best rainforest, unique diversity, vibrant beaches and active volcanoes make Costa Rica named as “Best Nature Destination" in the world (by Forbes report of 2026).

 

Exploring Costa Rica is a really incredible thing to an adventure backpacker, especially to nature seekers. But the biggest question that comes to your mind before packing your backpack is Where to Stay in Costa Rica?

To solve your quarry and offer more valuable insights about where to stay in Costa Rica, we came up with an idea of top 5 best places to stay in Costa Rica while you are visiting there.

 

Where to Stay in Costa Rica?

 

1. Arenal Volcano Area

 

Arenal Volcano Area often known as Costa Rica’s adventure hub, where iconic cone volcanoes, regions best natural springs and lush rainforest exist. If you are visiting Costa Rica for adventure activities or indulge in nature, then stay near the Arenal Volcano Area. 

Costa Rica’s most nature friendly attraction, where most outdoor activities like zip lining, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and wildlife (local monkey species and tropical birds) are available to enjoy within this volcano area.

 

We suggest you stay at The Spring Resort & Spa, which allows us to enjoy a perfect view of the Arenal Volcano. However, the resort is home to 15+ hot spring pools and offers adventure activities like horseback riding, tubing and rock climbing. 

Would you like to stay amidst Costa Rica’s lush tropical areas or private adult’s only areas, choose Tabacón Thermal Resort as you’re staying option.

 

2. Monteverde Cloud Forest

 

Looking to stay near where there is unique and abundant biodiversity, a good number of hiking trails and regions where Resplendent Quetzal exists, then better to stay near Monteverde Cloud Forest. 

Monteverde Cloud Forest allows backpackers to spot more than 420 species of orchids, epiphytes and rare moss-laden trees. However, unique species like monkeys, hummingbirds and sloths are roaming around you and you’ll see them so often. Taking birdwatching, multiple hiking trails and canopy tours are more easy and convenient here.

 

Stay at Eco friendly Monteverde Lodge and Garden, where guests can enjoy cozy rooms, restaurants and top notch amenities along with easy access to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This accommodation option helps backpackers experience butterfly green house gardens, hummingbird attractions and night hiking with expert guides.   

 

3. Manuel Antonio

 

Costa Rica is a kind of destination which is welcoming if you’re a solo traveler or traveling with family. Yes, to make your family travel more joyful and fun stay at Manuel Antonio. Your family members can spend more time with regions along stunning white sand beaches, rainforest areas and watch wildlife. Nevertheless, Manuel Antonio National Park located very close to this area features adventurous hiking trails and lovely beaches.

Since Manuel Antonio is a wildlife enthusiastic landmark family travelers can expect activities like zip lining, snorkelling, horseback riding and surfing. 

 

Parador Resort and Spa known for its eco luxury accommodation options with premier comforts. Booking your stay at Parador Resort and Spa allows you to experience breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, easy access to Manuel Antonio National Park and easy to spot local wildlife.

 

4. Tamarindo

 

Staying in Tamarindo has multiple advantages if you love the beach or surfing activities.  Tamarindo is known as a top surf town thanks to friendly and consistent waves. If you love to take surfing or complementary to surfing, wish to learn to stay here. Sunbathing, snorkelling and mangrove boat tours are also eligible for a backpacker.

Despite being just a surfing paradise, Tamarido is home to Costa Rica’s nightlife hub and more than 50 restaurants/cafes. Staying at Tamarindo helps to reach beaches of Costa Rica in a more convenient and walkable distance including Playa Grande. 

 

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort is the most ideal option to choose your accommodation in Tamarindo. This beachfront hotel offers swimming pools, a swim up bar with beautiful spacious rooms. Located in the heart of Tamarindo, it is an easy option to reach shops, nightlifes, and surfing destinations within walking distances. Do not miss enjoying the surrounding ocean views from your rooms. 

 

5. Osa Peninsula

 

Osa Peninsula is a place in Costa Rica where backpackers experience the region's beautiful biological species (covers 2.5% of world biodiversity). Osa is an ideal place if you’re an off the beaten path traveler, since slow travel experience focuses on nature centric things.

Osa Peninsula covers iconic Corcovado National Park, where the country's pristine rainforest exists and is a haven for tapirs, monkeys, macaws and jaguars. If you haven’t done eco-tourism yet then this place is perfect to start your eco-tourism, features like guided night tours, eco-friendly lodges, hiking through rainforest and mangroves kayaking are things will help you.

 

We recommend you to choose Lapa Rios Lodge, a 1,000 acres of beautiful eco lodge located in a remote area of Osa Peninsula. It welcomes visitors from its bungalow accommodations, perfect wildlife views and guided tours for your rainforest hiking and wildfires watching. You can also book your accommodation at another epic eco-friendly lodge, Cabo Rainforest Lodge.

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