Matthew Houde's Blog, page 3

Santa Teresa or Samara for Teen Surf Lessons & Culture

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common travel questions about Costa Rica. This question is about whether Santa Teresa or Samara would be a better fit for a family with teenagers who want to learn to surf and experience some culture.

Question

“We are planning a spring break trip with our teenage kids ages 15 and 17 to Costa Rica and want to learn to surf, enjoy the culture, see waterfalls, wildlife, etc.

I have a bunch of questions. How is the crime? I hear mixed reviews about Santa Teresa. Everything from very safe to don’t go out at night.

We would like the kids to learn to surf, but don’t want the surf to be too big. Is Santa Teresa/Mal Pais still ok?

Would you suggest going to Samara too, or maybe Samara vs. Santa Teresa? We want the kids to see something other than all-inclusive resorts and enjoy some culture.”

Answer

Both places can be nice if you have enough time (at least a few nights in each spot) and neither really has that resort feel you are trying to avoid.

For surfing, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais have bigger waves for advanced surfers but there are also beaches with smaller waves to learn on. The beginner lessons are often held at Playa Hermosa (one of many beaches named this around the country), which can have less intense waves.

Samara has smaller waves because of a rock/coral formation offshore and because it’s in a cove. But you can still take lessons, and it is a really good spot to learn. We did surf lessons with our oldest son in Samara, and the conditions were perfect for learning and advancing our skills. The waves were medium-sized and fun.

Both towns are very different but offer some culture mixed with tourism.

Santa Teresa is a lot more remote (farther drive) and over the last several years has been developing a lot. It attracts a 20- to 30-year-old crowd, but all ages visit/live there, including lots of families. Overall, though, it has sort of a laid-back party/surf atmosphere.

Santa Teresa doesn‘t have a town center and is basically one long strip of businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The road parallels the beach and there are vacation homes and small hotels in the rainforest-covered hills.

Samara has more of a concentrated downtown near the beach. It is set up for tourism but still has an authentic feel. It’s easier to walk around on the streets and go to different shops and restaurants. There is a nice boardwalk area in the center of the beach. Samara, in our opinion, is more ideal for families with kids or young teenagers, while Santa Teresa would be exciting for older teens and college-age kids.

To answer your question about safety in Santa Teresa, most incidents happen late at night so if you are just going out to dinner and staying out until 9 or 10, you should be fine. If you plan on staying out late for the party scene, it’s just like anywhere in the world, you have to be cautious. Same thing for most beach towns in Costa Rica that have any kind of late-night bar/club scene.

We hope this summary gives you some ideas, and your family has a great time!

Looking for more information about traveling in Costa Rica? Check out these articles:

Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town – Samara is one of our favorite places in Costa Rica’s northwestern region.

Santa Teresa: Costa Rica’s Trending Beach Town – Hip restaurants, shared workspaces, beach parties, and a growing population of young expats make this town feel like the next big trend.

Rental Car Discount – Renting a car is a great option for active families. Use our discount to save and get free extras like a second driver, surf racks, and cooler.

The post Santa Teresa or Samara for Teen Surf Lessons & Culture appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Traveling from La Fortuna, Costa Rica to Nicaragua

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common questions about traveling to Costa Rica. Today we’re talking about ways to travel from La Fortuna, Costa Rica (Arenal area) to the Nicaragua border. We’ll discuss the public bus, private bus line, and a private shuttle option.

Question

“Hi, I need to go to Nicaragua from Costa Rica. I’ll be staying in La Fortuna beforehand. Should I go to Liberia first and then take a bus from there to Nicaragua (I’m going to Granada). Or should I go to San Jose and then take Tica Bus. But for that, will I have to go to San Jose a day before as all the buses travel early in morning? Please give suggestions.”

AnswersPublic Bus

Taking the public bus from La Fortuna to Nicaragua is one option. You would first go from La Fortuna to El Tanque (just east of La Fortuna), then catch the bus that goes to the Peñas Blancas border crossing with Nicaragua. In total, it would be about 6.5 hours with two bus changes. You can see the details of the schedule here: https://www.thebusschedule.com/cr/index.php

On that website, just put in La Fortuna, San Carlos to Peñas Blancas. Also change the date and starting time to 0:00 so you can see the whole schedule. You’ll need to figure out the buses in Nicaragua from there.

Private Bus

Using a private bus like Tica Bus could be easier. Although the Tica Bus starts in San Jose, it also stops for pickups along the way in places like Canas, Liberia, or even at the border at Penas Blancas. Canas or Liberia aren’t too far from La Fortuna so you should be able to take the public bus there.

With Tica Bus, you can put in your starting point as San Jose, then select the pick-up point you want in Costa Rica (Liberia, for example). Put the destination as Managua, Nicaragua, but then choose Granada as your drop off point. Then the bus will bring you right there.

Private Shuttle

Another option is to take a private shuttle from La Fortuna to Penas Blancas. This is, of course, a lot more expensive, but cuts the travel time down to only about 3.5-4 hours.

Likewise, you could take a shuttle from La Fortuna to Liberia then catch the Tica Bus from there like we mentioned above.

Looking for more information to help you plan? Check out these posts:

Shuttles in Costa Rica: How They Work and When to Use Them – Private and shared shuttle vans are a popular way to get around Costa Rica. Learn about what to expect with this post.

Transportation Options in Costa Rica: Car, Shuttle, Uber & More – Thinking about taking taxis or using your Uber app in Costa Rica? This article will guide you.

Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Costa Rica – Learn the best ways to get out money and pay for things during your trip.

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Traveling from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo Without a Car

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common Costa Rica travel questions. Today, we’ll talk about how to get from the popular destination of La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast without renting a car. We’ll also include some shuttle resources. 

Question

“I am travelling for 2 weeks in Costa Rica and plan to stay roughly 5 days in La Fortuna/Arenal area. I then want to travel over to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side for the remaining time. I won’t be renting a car. I can find lots of transport options, like shuttles and the bus from San Jose to La Fortuna but what is the best option to get from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo?”

Answer

Yes, getting to La Fortuna from SJO Airport or even downtown San Jose is fairly easy. If you aren’t renting a car, we usually recommend shared or private shuttles.

We once took the public bus from the SJO area to La Fortuna and it was a long and unpleasant ride (very crowded and slow). That’s fine if you have the time and patience, but a private shuttle only takes about 2.5 hours and is well worth it, in our opinion.

The ride from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo would be even longer by bus (maybe a full day!), so we would recommend shuttles for this route too. The shuttle companies go east on Route 4 over to Route 32, without having to go back through San Jose. This makes them much quicker, taking about 5.5 hours total.

There are some shared-shuttle companies that go from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo. They leave at set times, early in the morning (6:00-7:00 a.m.) and are around $60-80 per person. Two options are Interbus and Caribe Shuttle.

Shared service can take a bit longer because they make several stops to pick people up and drop them off. They are great if you are on a budget, though.

For a faster ride, private shuttles are more efficient. These are nice too because you can select the pick up time and the van is all yours. Also, the driver will usually tell you about what you are seeing along the way. They may point out interesting crops growing, wildlife or viewpoints to stop and see, or be able to recommend a good local food restaurant on the route. Since it’s a long ride, some companies even have combined transfer/tour options that break up the drive with a tour in the middle like whitewater rafting.

Resources

We offer private shuttles from La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, or Manzanillo on our site. We also have the SJO/San Jose to La Fortuna shuttles on there as well in case you need it.

Here are the links:

Private Shuttle – La Fortuna to Puerto Viejo

Private Shuttle – SJO Airport to La Fortuna

You can search for other shuttles right on our Shuttle Bookings page as well.

Looking for more articles to help you plan? Check out these posts:

La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – In this post, we share tons of current information about the Arenal Volcano area.

Puerto Viejo: Caribbean Cool in Costa Rica – Learn all about Puerto Viejo, from hotels and restaurants to fun activities and beaches!

Transportation Options in Costa Rica: Car, Shuttle, Uber & More – This post will help you make sense of the major transportation options in Costa Rica and when you might want to use them.

Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Costa Rica – It’s best not to carry around loads of cash. Instead, use your credit card and take out money as needed.

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Visiting Both Coasts: Flights to Liberia or San Jose Airport

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common questions about traveling to Costa Rica. We often hear from travelers who want to visit both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts during their visit. In this post, we’ll explain some ways to do that and which airports make the most sense.

Question

“Hello, we are a family of 5 planning to travel to Costa Rica for two weeks in March. We have noticed some good airline prices and want to book, but our itinerary isn’t set yet.

We’d love to see both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts but not sure if that’s realistic. Would you suggest flying in and out of San Jose (SJO) or is it worthwhile using Liberia (LIR) on one end of the trip to shorten drive times to a key destination? We can easily get international flights to either airport.

Our priorities are seeing wildlife and jungle as well as some beach time. Can you suggest some key destinations you’d prioritize for our family? The kids will be ages 2, 7 and 9. We’d pictured ourselves renting a car.”

Answer

Overall, for wildlife viewing, jungle, and visiting both coasts, we would say that SJO Airport would give you the most options. That way, you could visit the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero, Cahuita, or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca) and the central Pacific coast (Jaco or Manuel Antonio) with the least amount of traveling in between.

That being said, if you incorporated Liberia Airport (LIR), it would open up some additional options.

We have a coast-to-coast itinerary, which does this. It visits Tortuguero (remote wildlife viewing destination on northern Caribbean coast), La Fortuna/Arenal, and ends at the beach in Guanacaste (near LIR). It is tailored for the rainy season but can be nice any time of year.

Just keep in mind that the Guanacaste region is typically very hot and dry in March. This is great for beaches but not very good for wildlife viewing.

Another variation would be to fly into SJO and go to Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, and then end in La Fortuna. La Fortuna is about the same distance (2.5 hour drive) from either SJO or LIR. All three locations have amazing wildlife and jungle.

One final idea to limit driving a bit (since you have younger kids) would be to stick to the Pacific coast and inland destinations. From SJO Airport, you could visit Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and then La Fortuna, flying back out of SJO or LIR. The Caribbean coast would have to wait for another trip with this one, though.

We hope this helps narrow down your possibilities for seeing both coasts of Costa Rica!Looking for more information to help you plan your trip? Check out these resources:

Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing Up the Confusion – You might be tempted by online car rentals that are just $1 per day. But be careful, those prices don’t hold up once you arrive in the country. Learn what to look for in a quote and get a discount through our special link.

La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – La Fortuna (Arenal) is incorporated into many itineraries and for good reason. Learn what this region offers for hotels and things to do.

Family Travel – Taking the kids to Costa Rica for the first time? We’re constantly traveling in Costa Rica with our two boys and share lots of insights with these family-focused articles.

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Bringing/Importing Food Into Costa Rica: What’s Restricted & What Can You Buy Locally?

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common Costa Rica travel questions. Today, we’ll talk about bringing snacks and specialty foods with you on the plane to Costa Rica. What’s restricted and what you may be able to buy locally. This should be helpful for those with dietary restrictions (gluten free, lactose free, etc.) or travelers with special dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, etc.).

Question – Snacks & Packaged Goods

“We will be traveling to Costa Rica and our children have severe food sensitivities. Is it possible to bring packaged food items (labels in English), such as Gluten Free & GMO Free & organic items with us, without them being taken at the airport? Dry goods, pasta, rice, nut butters, etc.?”

Answer

Yes, you can bring some foods into Costa Rica for personal use. Over the years, we have successfully brought many things in our luggage like granola bars, crackers, cereal, Cliff bars, peanut butter, maple syrup, candy, and specialty grains (packaged) like organic oats and vital wheat gluten.

Plain nuts and seeds are restricted but if they are incorporated into snacks, it should be fine.

When bringing items through Costa Rica customs, it is always good to mix them in your regular luggage along with your clothes. Don’t have one suitcase stuffed with only the food items. Also, large quantities of the same thing will be alarming to customs agents because they may think you are trying to resell them. Everything is supposed to be for your own personal use, not for commercial purposes.

Question – Meat & Dairy Products

“Is it also possible to bring a cooler with frozen meats and dairy products without the labels being in Spanish? Our food is very expensive and if it all got taken, it would be a major issue.”

Answer

We’ve never attempted to bring meat or any perishable foods into Costa Rica. These can cause problems in customs. We have heard of people’s expensive steaks and other meats being confiscated.

That being said, we have heard of others packing some smoked meats or cheeses into their bags without trouble. Keep in mind that much of it depends on the official working in customs that day and whether they see what you’re trying to bring in.

According to SENASA, a division of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, pasteurized dairy products and cooked or cured beef or poultry products are allowed from the United States (and some other countries) through a traveler’s luggage. The items must be properly packaged, labeled, etc. The list and quantities can be found on this site in Spanish.

Question – Where to Buy Specialty Foods

“Are specialty products like gluten free & GMO free, vegan, and organic items available for us to buy in Costa Rica? We will be staying near the Mal Pais/Santa Teresa area.”

Answer

The availability of specialty foods items in Costa Rica is getting much better. Most bigger grocery stores will have at least a small selection of natural, gluten free, and lactose free foods. You also can usually find basic vegan foods like tofu, plant-based milks, and meat substitutes. Some stores have a decent aisle to choose from.

Non-dairy milk options available at one smaller grocery store in Costa Rica

The best places to shop are Auto Mercado (mostly around San Jose but locations near Tamarindo, Playas del Coco, and Jaco/Herradura), Walmart, Mas X Menos (owned by Walmart), and the BM grocery stores in Quepos/Manuel Antonio and on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.

There are also many small specialty natural food shops. These are usually located in larger tourist destinations, especially near Costa Rica’s beaches. In Mal Pais and Santa Teresa, one store that comes to mind is Green World Store.

Farmers markets are also a great place to look or talk with people who might know where to find more options.

Need more help planning your trip to Costa Rica? We’ve been traveling and living in Costa Rica for more than 10 years. Check out these pages for lots more resources!

Practical Travel – Articles about exchanging money, speaking Spanish, airport info, packing lists, and more.

Destinations – In-depth destination guides for all of Costa Rica’s popular and off-the-beaten-path towns. Get local hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations.

Rental Car Discount – Use our special relationship with one of Costa Rica’s best car rental agencies to save 10% and get free extras.

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Heat and Humidity in Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common travel questions. One that we hear often from people are concerns about the heat and humidity in Costa Rica. Today we’ll cover that topic based on our own experiences living in Costa Rica.

Question

“I read your post that discussed the various regions you have lived in and visited. Can you please tell us a bit more about the variations in heat and humidity? I assume that a mountain location you mentioned such as San Isidro del General would be less humid than, say, down on the Pacific coast at Dominical or on the Caribbean coast.

Would you also speak about heat and humidity as it relates not just to location but to season? I know that the amount of breeze/wind is also a factor in keeping things naturally cool and bug free. Thanks so much.”

Answer

Yes, you are definitely right that the humidity is much higher down by the beach. Even just a mile or two inland can make a big difference, and as the elevation increases, it gets a bit less humid. San Jose’s Central Valley, for example, always seems very dry to us. We even need ChapStick!

That being said, it can still be humid in the mountains, especially relative to what you may be used to where you live now. And, while it is very humid near the ocean, the sea breeze can make that a lot more tolerable.

For about five years, we lived in the mountains near Dominical Beach at about 900 ft (274 meters). With jungle all around, it stayed very humid most of the time, but we were close enough to the coast to get a good breeze during the day and then a cooler breeze from the mountains at night. This way, it stayed pretty comfortable.

The seasons also make a big difference. Rainy season is much more humid with all the rain. In dry season, it may only rain a handful of times a month or not at all, depending on your location. Some areas, like Guanacaste, get very arid from January-April with little humidity.

When we lived in Guanacaste one March, it was around 100 ℉ (38 ℃) most days. There was a smell of smoke in the air from all the wildfires and intentionally set fires in the sugar cane fields. Dust is also a problem from dirt roads in some towns during the dry months. If it is hot and dusty, you really need A/C for those conditions.

Dry conditions in Guanacaste, near Rincon de La Vieja Volcano

Other regions that have more rainforest, like the southern Pacific coast, Caribbean coast, and Osa Peninsula, stay humid year-round.

Where we live now, we are sort of in the middle (near Jaco). We have very wet and humid periods, especially in September and October, and dry conditions from January to April. May, June, July, and August vary by year but are always somewhere in between. Those are our favorite months.

Like we said in that Where We’ve Lived post, the climate can vary greatly, even within a few miles. If you are thinking of buying property or renting long-term, we recommend checking out a few different areas at different times of year to find the right balance.

More Information

For much more information about the weather in Costa Rica, we have a detailed post complete with charts and graphs of the different regions. To learn which months are the rainiest and what to expect, see our post, Rainy Season: How Wet Is It?

And for some background on Costa Rica’s different areas, check out our Regional Snapshots.

Need more help? We’ve been traveling and living in Costa Rica for more than 10 years. Check out these pages for lots more resources!

Living in Costa Rica – In this category, we share updates along the way. From getting ready to move, to adjusting to the culture, having kids, buying a house, and celebrating 10 years in the country.

Bugs, Spiders, and Snakes in Costa Rica: What to Expect – It’s the tropics, so you will encounter some critters. How many and how dangerous? This post will explain.

Costa Rica and Mosquitoes: Tips to Prevent Zika, Dengue, and More – In this post, we talk about those pesky biters and tips on how to avoid them.

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How to Get from San Jose to Guanacaste

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common travel questions. Today, we’ll cover different ways you can travel from San Jose or the SJO Airport to Guanacaste. We’ll discuss driving, shuttle options, and small plane flights.

Question

“We fly into San Jose but are staying at the beach in Guanacaste. My concern are the roads from San Jose airport to where we are staying in Guanacaste at Flamingo Beach. We plan on renting a car at the San Jose airport to sightsee along the way. Do you recommend this or just jumping on a commuter flight to Liberia airport or taking a private bus/shuttle? It seems really far! Thank you.”

AnswersSmall Planes

Taking a small plane from San Jose to Liberia can save time but you may have a hard time catching one the same day that your international flight arrives. The small plane companies like Sansa don’t operate many flights in the afternoon. Plus, like any flight, you would need to arrive early to check in. There are also luggage weight limits. This wouldn’t be our first choice for getting from SJO to Liberia/Guanacaste.

Driving

The roads from San Jose to Guanacaste are all paved and in good condition (mostly highway) so driving yourself is probably the best option.

Keep in mind, though, that it will be a long drive. From SJO Airport to Playa Flamingo, it is about 4.5 or more likely 5+ hours with some traffic delays and stops for food, restrooms, etc. We don’t recommend driving long distances at night (sunset is around 6:00 p.m.) since road markings aren’t great, the roads can be very dark, and it rains more at night.

If you arrive in Costa Rica in the afternoon, you could get started on the drive and stay somewhere in between. Atenas is close at about 30 minutes west or there are a few options in the small town of San Mateo.

Another option with an afternoon arrival is to just stay overnight near the airport and get started on your drive the next morning. If you need some suggestions, you can read our Best Hotels Near SJO post. We give options for hotels near the airport but in more scenic locations.

For the rental car, we offer a discount with one of the best companies in Costa Rica so be sure to take advantage of that through our Rental Car Discount page. They will deliver the car to airport-area hotels for free.

Driving Directions

The best way to get from SJO Airport to Guanacaste’s beaches (Flamingo, Tamarindo, Conchal, etc.) is to take Highway 1 to Route 27 (connecting to 27 using the Coyol Radial), then Route 23 through Caldera/Puntarenas to Highway 1 again (north). Then take Route 18 west to Route 21 north. In Santa Cruz, you’ll take Route 160 west to Route 909 to Route 155 into the town of Huacas. From here, the road splits to different beach towns (use Waze or GPS).

Note: For those staying in northern Guanacaste (Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, Playas del Coco, Riu Resort, or the Papagayo Peninsula, it is better to stay on Route 1 north (after Puntarenas) and go west through Liberia using Route 21.

Shuttle Vans

A third option would be to take a shuttle van from San Jose to Guanacaste. Shuttle drivers are very experienced so this is also an option for traveling at night.

We offer shuttles on our site and you can browse the route options on our Shuttle Transfers page. For SJO Airport to Flamingo, you can find it here.

If you wanted to rent a car for local excursions, you could have it delivered to you in Flamingo from the rental car company’s Tamarindo/Flamingo/Potrero office.

Public Bus

While it is possible to travel from San Jose to Guanacaste by public bus, we wouldn’t recommend it for first time travelers. If you do take the bus, be sure to select a directo (direct) bus and not a colectivo (collective). The collective bus will make many more stops and make the journey a lot longer.

Need more help planning your trip to Costa Rica? We’ve been traveling and living in Costa Rica for more than 10 years. Check out these pages for lots more resources!

Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go – In this post, we share tips and tricks of the road.

Shuttles in Costa Rica: How They Work & When to Use Them – Learn more about shuttle options in Costa Rica and why you may want to use this type of service.

Transportation Options in Costa Rica: Car, Shuttle, Uber & More – For a broad look at all of Costa Rica’s transportation options, check out this post.

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Highway Tolls in Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common travel questions. Today, we’ll talk about highway tolls in Costa Rica. In Spanish, a toll is called a peaje. We’ll explain how they work, how much they cost, and which roads in Costa Rica have tolls.

Question

“In planning our Costa Rica itinerary, I noticed there are a lot of tolls along the highway going from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. As non-residents are we expected to pay these tolls and how much are they? I know in the US or Canada, if you don’t have a “pass,” you are billed by license plate number. And this is done by camera, so there are no toll booths to go through. Can you enlighten me some on what to expect in Costa Rica?”

Answer

Yes, there are a few tolls you will have to pay on Route 27 from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. They do have an electronic system for this highway called Quick Pass, but rental cars don’t usually have the transponders.

This means you’ll have to stop at the toll booth and go in the lane marked “manual” to pay the fee. Or you can go in the line marked “tarjeta” to tap using your credit card. Just be sure that your card is already working for other purchases in Costa Rica, as the small charge might be flagged as fraud if not.

Tolls are in local colones. You can expect to pay around a dollar or two for each one. You can pay in colones or US dollars (small bills like $1, $5, $10 are best). An attendant will give you change back (in colones) and a receipt. 

For additional money tips, see out Money Matters post. 

More Information – Toll Locations

Costa Rica only has tolls on a few of its highways. We’ll list them below.

Note: These tolls are all near San Jose or on the way to the Pacific coast from San Jose. There are no tolls in Guanacaste near Liberia’s LIR Airport.

Route 27 from San Jose to Caldera (Pacific coast)

This highway has the most tolls in Costa Rica. They range from around 200-1,000 colones (US 40 cents to $2), but the rates are always fluctuating. For an updated chart of fees, see the Globalvia website.

Route 27 has tolls in:

Escazu (all traffic)

Ciudad Colon (only to enter/exit the highway)

San Rafael (all traffic)

La Guacima (only to enter the highway)

Coyol Radial (only to enter/exit the highway) – This is an important exit to connect with Route 1 to/from the SJO Airport.

Atenas (all traffic)

Pozon/Costanera Sur (all traffic or to enter/exit) – This connects with Route 34 to Pacific beaches like Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, and Uvita.

One of the tolls on Route 27Highway 1 (near San Jose)

There are only two tolls on this highway. They are located in:

Alajuela/Rio Segundo – Located on the eastern side of the airport. Small toll of around 200 colones (US 40 cents). Cash only. Sometimes this toll is left open, meaning that they will wave all cars through without stopping. This is to prevent traffic jams.

Naranjo – Located between Alajuela and San Ramon, a popular route to La Fortuna. Around 500 colones ($1). Cash only.

Highway 2 (Near San Jose)

Florencio del Castillo Toll – Between San Jose and Cartago. Around 250 colones (US 50 cents).

Need more help planning your trip to Costa Rica? We’ve been traveling and living in Costa Rica for more than 10 years. Check out these pages for lots more resources!

Road Conditions of Specific Routes in Costa Rica – When mapping out your route, be sure to consult this post for details about the local road conditions.

Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go – Learn more general information about driving in Costa Rica.

Rental Car Discount – Save 10% or more on a reliable rental car and get free extras like delivery to your hotel, an additional driver, and/or free cooler.

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Costa Rica Bucket List: Top 12 Things to Do

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

Costa Rica may be small but what is lacks in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Its incredible rainforest, misty cloud forest, abundant wildlife, and tropical beaches are quickly turning it into a vacation hotspot. But with all the choices for destinations and things to do, what exactly do you do?

In this post, we’ll help narrow it down. We first put together this Costa Rica bucket list when we moved to Costa Rica more than 10 years ago. We’ve since finetuned it based on our experience living and traveling throughout the country. We hope that it inspires your Costa Rica vacation.

Best Things to Do in Costa Rica1. Become a Part of the Fairytale at the Rio Celeste

Like something out of a storybook, the Rio Celeste Waterfall has striking baby blue water that’s so blue, it doesn’t look quite real. Although those magical sheets of aqua may have you thinking otherwise, the color is indeed natural. It comes from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals in the riverbed.

When hiking to the Rio Celeste through Tenorio Volcano National Park, you can even see the point in the river where the water turns from crystal clear to that stunning blue.

The gorgeous Rio Celeste Waterfall

The closest destination to the Rio Celeste is Bijagua, a small town with an authentic feel. This is a great place to spend a few nights if you’re looking to experience the local culture.

You also can visit the Rio Celeste on a day trip from the popular La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area.

2. Traipse Through the Clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Costa Rica has many different environments, but one of the most unique is the cloud forest. Here, the climate is slightly cooler, the landscape is ultra lush and green, and the clouds come and go with the shifting wind.

In Monteverde, you can traipse through the hazy cloud forest along well-maintained hanging bridges to take in the view. Or adventurous types can soar above the verdant canopy on a zip line. The hanging bridges and zip lines in Monteverde are some of the best in Costa Rica.

Hanging bridge in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde is a popular ecotourism destination with a huge selection of hotels and restaurants. Somehow, though, it still has kept its rustic, charming feel. For more information about visiting, read our post, Monteverde: A Forest in the Clouds.

3. Discover Manuel Antonio’s Amazing Wildlife

Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast is brimming with tropical rainforest and wildlife.

Sloths hang from trees, exotic birds sing from the canopy, and three different kinds of monkeys can be spotted. You’ll see the most at the national park, but don’t be surprised if you spot animals, especially monkeys, hanging around town.

A mother and baby capuchin monkey in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is not only great for wildlife viewing but also has scenic beaches and a huge list of things to do. For more details, read our post, Manuel Antonio Trip Planning.

4. Swim in a Serene Natural Pool at the Nauyaca Waterfalls

If you haven’t swam in a waterfall by the end of your vacation, they might not let you back on the plane.

Costa Rica has many beautiful waterfalls, but some of the best are located along the rainforest-filled southern Pacific coast. One of our favorites in this region is the Nauyaca Waterfall near Dominical. Those two dramatic tiers and oversized pool for swimming get us every time.

The picturesque Nauyaca Waterfall

The Uvita/Dominical area is more off-the-beaten path but has a mix of accommodation, both in the steep hills and down near the beach. It’s also a great destination for foodies.

5. Be Humbled by an Active Volcano

When in the presence of Arenal Volcano, it is hard not to stare and marvel at the sheer power and beauty of nature. Head to La Fortuna to get the closest view of this cone-shaped giant.

In previous years, Arenal used to light up the sky with orange lava flows. Although today it is much quieter with just an occasional puff of smoke, it’s still a sight to see.

To get a closer look, we highly recommend hiking one of the reserves near the base where you can walk the old lava rocks.

Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna/Arenal is a common stop for travelers. Here, you’ll find everything from basic hostels to boutique resorts with luxury amenities. To learn more about visiting the area, read our post, La Fortuna: What to Expect.

6. Soak in Hot Spring Pools Surrounded by Lush Jungle

Arenal Volcano isn’t just nice to look at. It also serves an important purpose: heating the area’s natural hot springs!

You can enjoy the hot springs for free at the river or get a day pass to one of the resorts for an elevated experience.

Tabacon, Ecotermales, and Baldi are all great options. Each has hot spring pools with manicured gardens, swim-up bars, and mini-waterfalls. These hot springs are true to the name, as some are as hot as 50°C (122°F).

Nicely landscaped hot springs at Tabacon7. Sip Coffee from the Source

Coffee is an important part of everyday life in Costa Rica. It is enjoyed throughout the day, and cafecitos often follow meals.

To see how this important crop is grown, do a coffee tour. These are located in areas a little higher in elevation, where coffee grows best.

Some of our favorites are Café Monteverde (known for sustainability), North Fields Café in La Fortuna (a family farm that grows coffee and chocolate), and Café Don Emilio (a very small, family farm in the mountains near Uvita).

8. Sink Your Toes Into Sand Made of Shells at Playa Conchal

Soft granules of ivory, pink, and tan shells make up the sand at Playa Conchal on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast. Take in the view of this calm cove from a beach chair, or dip in the balmy turquoise water when you need to cool off. You also can snorkel on the northern end to see colorful reef fish if conditions are right.

The gorgeous Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is a popular Costa Rica resort destination. Right off the beach, you’ll find the Westin Reserva Conchal and W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal. But you don’t need to be staying at a high-end resort to visit this gorgeous beach. You can easily access it from the town of Brasilito right next door.

9. Experience Raw Nature on the Osa Peninsula

One of the most special areas of Costa Rica is the pristine Osa Peninsula. The Osa is known for its vast protected land, including places like Corcovado National Park and the Rio Nuevo Nature Reserve.

Although getting to the remote Osa takes a bit of work, it will be well worth it.

The Osa is known for its rich biodiversity. An impressive 126 types of mammals, 71 types of reptiles, 46 kinds of amphibians, and over 8,000 insects call the Osa home!

You can enjoy a day hike or even an overnight trek through this dense jungle. Along the way, you’re sure to see some giant 200+ year old trees and could even spot some of Costa Rica’s most elusive wildlife like the Baird’s tapir (a large land mammal).

One of the many old-growth trees on the Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is best accessed from either the village of Drake Bay, on the western side of the peninsula, or Puerto Jimenez, a slightly larger town on the eastern side.

10. Unwind Along the Turquoise Sea of the Caribbean Coast

Much of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is known for surfing, but the beaches along the Caribbean coast are prime for relaxation and beach going.

The southern Caribbean coast boasts lots of fluffy light sand and calmer water. Although conditions vary depending on Mother Nature, you can usually find nice ocean conditions for swimming. On a good day, you can even snorkel right off the shore in places like Cahuita or Playa Punta Uva.

The beach at a nature reserve near Puerto Viejo

Two towns that are great jumping-off points for exploring the southern Caribbean coast are Cahuita and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Both are super laid back. Cahuita is a smaller town, while Puerto Viejo is growing and has more options for accommodations and restaurants.

11. Take in a Glorious Sunset on Guanacaste’s Gold Coast

At around 5:30 p.m. every day in Costa Rica, the sun sinks into the mighty Pacific and people gather along the beaches of Guanacaste to witness the show. Ever-changing shades of orange, pink, and purple fill the sky, and are the perfect end to a perfect day.

Towns like Tamarindo, Samara, and Playas del Coco have beach bars/restaurants right on the sand to take in the view. For lots more information about choosing a beach town in Guanacaste, read our Regional Guide.

12. Fall Asleep Under a Palm Tree

Costa Rica’s motto is pura vida (pure life), and the locals take it quite seriously. Life moves a little slower in Costa Rica, and by even just spending a week or two here, you will feel more relaxed and carefree. Embrace the pura vida pace and park yourself in a hammock for the day. You are on vacation, after all.

Conclusion

We hope this list of the best things to do in Costa Rica has helped inspire your vacation planning. If you’re able to fit at least a few of these experiences on your trip, you’re sure to have an amazing time!

Pin It for Later!

Have a question about this Costa Rica bucket list or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below.Looking for more information to plan your trip, check out these posts:

Traveling to Costa Rica: The Basics – Get an overview of essentials like visa and entry requirements, best ways to get around, safety, and lots more.

Costa Rica Itineraries: We’ve been helping people plan their vacations for more than 10 years. Check out our sample itineraries to jumpstart your planning.

Which Costa Rica Airport to Fly Into: Ready to buy plane tickets? Read our article first to make sure you’re flying in and out of the right airport.

The post Costa Rica Bucket List: Top 12 Things to Do appeared first on Two Weeks in Costa Rica.

Closest Beach to La Fortuna (Arenal): Beach Trips from La Fortuna

Two Weeks in Costa Rica |

In this series of posts, we answer common questions about traveling to Costa Rica. Today, we’ll talk about whether you can visit the beach on a day trip from La Fortuna/Arenal and where the closest beaches are located.

Question

“Hello. I landed on La Fortuna only because I originally found Nayara Springs Resort and Spa (the couples-only one) and it seems really nice. My husband and I want a romantic getaway. I was not aware until I stumbled upon your page and found your info on the area that it is not near any coastline. Is it still possible to take a day trip to the coast/beach and which one would be the nicest?”

Answer

Nayara Springs is a beautiful hotel and would be one of our top picks in the country for a romantic getaway. Unfortunately, though, it is quite far from the coast.

The closest scenic beach from La Fortuna is Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, at about 2 hours 45 minutes away. Other options about the same distance are resorts located around the Papagayo Peninsula. Some examples are the Andaz Papagayo, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood Resort, Secrets Papagayo, etc.

Although visiting the beach is technically possible on a day trip from La Fortuna, it would be a very long day. You’d need to leave early and would return late in the day or into the evening.

You would be much better off staying a night or two in the Guanacaste region if you can change your plans in La Fortuna. Or try to pair the beach time with your departure airport and stay over then. Playa Hermosa, for example, is only about 30 minutes from Liberia Airport (LIR). So you could stay at a hotel there instead of near the airport.

If you do try for a day trip, it’s best to avoid driving in the dark on the way back because the road around Lake Arenal is very dark and curvy. Sunset is around 5:45 p.m. and it’s dark by 6:00 p.m. A private shuttle driver might be better in that case, to avoid stress.

More InformationGuanacaste Beaches

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region has the closest beaches to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. Like we mentioned above, it can be convenient to pair a beach destination in Guanacaste with La Fortuna, especially if you are flying in/out of the LIR Guanacaste Airport in Liberia.

Here are some examples of approximate drive times from La Fortuna to popular Guanacaste beaches:

La Fortuna to Playa Hermosa – 2 hours 45 minutes

La Fortuna to Playa Panama – 2 hours 45 minutes 

La Fortuna to Papagayo Resorts (Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood) – 3 hours 

La Fortuna to Samara – 3.5 hours

La Fortuna to Playa Conchal or Playa Flamingo – 3 hours 45 minutes

La Fortuna to Tamarindo or Playa Grande – 3 hours 45 minutes

Central Pacific Beaches

For those flying in or out of SJO Airport near San Jose, a beach destination on the central Pacific coast makes more sense to pair with La Fortuna.

Here are some examples of drive times from La Fortuna to popular central Pacific coast beaches:

La Fortuna to Playa Blanca/Playa Mantas – 3.5 hours 

La Fortuna to Jaco, Herradura, and Los Suenos Marriott – 3 hours 40 minutes

La Fortuna to Esterillos Beaches – 4 hours

La Fortuna to Quepos/Manuel Antonio – 4 hours 45 minutes

Looking for more information to help you plan? Check out these pages:

La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – This is one of our most popular posts. It’s loaded with hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations near Arenal Volcano.

Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go – Driving in any foreign country can be an adventure, learn about what it’s like in CR!

La Fortuna Hotel Guide – For more romantic accommodations, or ones for the entire family, check out this post.

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