Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Samantha Chodyɫa
Available for hire
¡Pura Vida, fellow wanderers!
Embraced by the vast Pacific Ocean and the shimmering Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica stands as a sanctuary of nature's marvels, unique wildlife, and the heartwarming "pura vida" vibe. As I ventured through its rainforests, surfed its azure waves, and danced to its marimba beats, I discovered a country where every corner holds a story and every sunset a promise. Now, I've distilled that wealth of knowledge into this handy guide, designed for you to tailor our suggestions and craft your ideal Costa Rican adventure — without the daunting hours of research.
Benefit from daily tidbits, locals-only deals, and a curated collection of resources, ensuring your journey through Costa Rica is nothing short of spectacular.
¡Vamos a descubrir Costa Rica juntos! (Let's discover Costa Rica together!)
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Cahuita National Park Guide
@samanthachodyla
No entrance fee (donation only by Playa Blanca. Vargas has a $5 fee) - Great for hiking, beach and wildlife. Now has a universal trail that goes directly to the beach - Tour operators do snorkel tours there but only in good conditions - Has some of the longest reef in Costa Rica - Playa Blanca sector open every day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Puerto Vargas sector open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Manuel Antonio National Park Guide
@samanthachodyla
Very popular national park - Has white sand beaches and hiking trails - Great for wildlife, recommended to book a guided tour - Must get there early! Park is limiting amount of visitors - Closed Mondays. Open 7 AM - 4 PM
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Marino Ballena National Park Guide
@samanthachodyla
Very big national park in Uvita - Best place for whale watching, can also do SUP, kayak, snorkel - Open everyday, 7 AM - 4 PM
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Barra Honda National Park
@samanthachodyla
Open everyday 8 AM - 4 PM. Cave tours are 8 AM to 1 PM - Hiking trails and caves. For caves, must book a tour with national park or with a tour operator
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Carara National Park Guide
@samanthachodyla
Open from May to November, every day from 8am to 4pm. From December to April, daily from 7 am to 4 pm. - Excellent park for birding and hiking - Has a universal and handicap trail - Has the largest colony of breeding Scarlet Macaws
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Corcovado National Park Sirena Station
@samanthachodyla
Open every day from 7 a. m. to 4 p. m. Sirena sector is closed In October - 5 different ranger stations in the park open to visitors - Visitors can hike from Leona to Sirena and stay overnight at Sirena - Must purchase tickets before entering park. Sirena requires reservations 30 days prior. Click here for tickets: http://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/ac/acosa/pnc/Pages/default.aspx - Every visitor has to go with a guide - One of the most biodiverse places in Costa Rica
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Volcan Irazu National Park
@samanthachodyla
Irazu Volcano is the highest volcano in Costa Rica - Has five craters, one which has a beautiful lake - Only 1.5 hours from San Jose - Open everyday from 8 AM to 3 PM
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Palo Verde National Park
@samanthachodyla
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 7 AM to 4 PM - Can take guided boat tours with tour operators down the river to see wildlife - Protects tropical dry forest and the Tempisque River, very important for migratory birds - No boat tours or guides available at park entrance, must book a tour with tour company. If you have a car, you can drive and meet the tour company.
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Poas Volcano National Park
@samanthachodyla
Is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica - Has one of the biggest crater volcanoes in the world - Newly reopened in 2018 - Must purchase tickets in advance online (Click here to get tickets: http://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/ac/accvc/pnvp/Pages/default.aspx) - Open every day 7 AM to 1:20 PM - Not recommended for pregnant woman or those with heart problems - 1.5 hours from San Jose
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La Marta Wildlife Refuge
@samanthachodyla
Wildlife refuge outside Turrialba - Nice hiking trails, has camping area - $10 for foreigners, open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM. Must pre-pay reservations, click here for tickets (https://www.lamarta.org/en) - Has remnants of an old gold mine and rail system
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Tortuguero National Park
@samanthachodyla
Open everyday from 8 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 4 PM - Visitors can hike or book a boat tour through the canals - One of the most important nesting sites for Green Turtles in the world - Only access is via boat and plane
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
@samanthachodyla
The most popular cloud forest park in Monteverde - Open every day from 7 AM to 4 PM - Has hiking trails of varying lengths. One has a viewpoint of the Pacific and Caribbean oceans
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Children’s Eternal Rain Forest
@samanthachodyla
Biggest private reserve in Costa Rica - Has 4 stations. Most easily accessible one is Bajos del Tigre in Monteverde. Pocosol is accessible from La Fortuna - Must make reservations to stay overnight in stations. More information here for reservations: https://www.acmcr.org/content/
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Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
@samanthachodyla
Great reserve for hiking - Higher in elevation (1600 meters or 5250 feet) - Trail Encantado and Cano Negro have a view of Arenal Volcano - This reserve tends to rain more - Open every day from 7 AM to 4 PM
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Volcan Rincon de La Vieja National Park
@samanthachodyla
Las Pailas sector open Tuesday through Sunday 8 AM to 4 PM. Santa Maria sector is open every day. - Has volcano, rivers and waterfalls - Excellent hiking - Highlight are the boiling volcanic mud pots - National park does NOT include the adventure parks like Guachipelin and Buena Vista. Those parks are outside the national parks.
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Ostional Wildlife Refuge
@samanthachodyla
One of the best places in Costa Rica to see turtles - One of seven sites in the world with the "arribada" or mass gathering of nesting turtles - Best time to visit is May - December - Must enter refuge with a guide. You can hire a guide at the guide association office in downtown by the soccer field or book a tour with a tour company.
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Curi-Cancha Reserve
@samanthachodyla
Excellent place for birdwatching, especially to see Resplendant Quetzals - Has nice hiking trails - Reserve offers guided hikes, birdwatching and night walks - Open everyday from 7 AM to 3 PM and 530 PM to 7:30 PM
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Turrialba Volcano National Park
@samanthachodyla
Most active volcano in Costa Rica - National park is closed but visitors can still drive up to entrance - MUST DO
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Guayabo National Monument
@samanthachodyla
Protects remnants and ruins of an ancient civilization with hiking trails - Guided Tour Recommended - Open everyday from 8 AM to 330 PM
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Arenal Volcano National Park
@samanthachodyla
National park with the Arenal Volcano and surrounding rainforest - Open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM - Nice hiking trails with views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal
*Stayed at Arenal Springs and it was magical! 40+ springs, great view of Volcano
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Tenorio Volcano National Park - Rio Celeste
@samanthachodyla
Home to Rio Celeste, the sky blue river - Go on a hike through the park to see the waterfall, blue lagoon, hot springs and union of two rivers - Great day trip from La Fortuna and northern Guanacaste - Open everyday 8 AM to 4 PM
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Miravalles Volcano
@samanthachodyla
Tallest volcano in the Guanacaste Mountain Range - There are several hot spring resorts with hiking trails and activities nearby - Visit as a day trip from Guanacaste
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Parque Nacional Los Quetzales
@samanthachodyla
National Park in the Dota canton, close to San Gerardo de Dota - has 2 hiking trails, about 30 minutes for one, 2 hours for the other - $10 USD per adult - open everyday from 730 AM to 330 PM - No 4wd neceessary
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Buena Vista Adventure Center
@samanthachodyla
Adventure park and lodge with ziplining, horseback riding, mud baths, hot springs and a 450 meter (1476 feet water slide) - Visitors can stay overnight or do a day trip (most popular) - about 50 minute drive from Liberia Airport
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Hacienda Guachipelin
@samanthachodyla
Adventure park and lodge with ziplining, horseback riding, white water river tubing, mud baths, hot springs and waterfalls - You can stay overnight or do a day pass - They also have a nature pass that includes a visit to their butterfly garden, serpentarium and frog exhibit - Also offer mountain biking tours - 30 minute drive from Liberia
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Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful waterfall near Liberia - Open every day at 8 AM - Great stop in between Tamarindo/Coco to La Fortuna or as a day trip - 20 minute drive from Liberia
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Teatro Nacional
@samanthachodyla
The most beautiful building in Costa Rica - In downtown San Jose. - Open 9 AM to 5 PM everyday - Can visit on your own or take a guided tour (Monday to Sunday, every hour from 9 AM to 4 PM
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Doka Estate Coffee Tour
@samanthachodyla
One of the best and most popular coffee plantations - Guided tours available at Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. / 11:00 p.m./13:30 p.m./2:30 p.m./15:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 a.m. / 11:00 p.m./13:30 p.m./2:30 p.m.
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Nauyaca Waterfalls
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful waterfalls in Dominical - Great day tour from Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Dominical, Uvita and Ojochal - $8 entrance fee to hike, $75 horseback ride, $25 for tractor ride - 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) one way
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La Fortuna Waterfall
@samanthachodyla
Popular waterfall park in La Fortuna - Open every day 730 AM to 430 PM - Requires over 400 stairs to reach bottom of waterfall
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Sanatorio Duran
@samanthachodyla
Said to be the most haunted building in Costa Rica - Used to be a sanitarium back in the early 1900's - Open for visitors, now has a cafeteria - Great stop on the way back from Irazu Volcano to San Jose
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Cataratas del Toro
@samanthachodyla
Amazing 270 feet (82 meters) tall waterfall in extinct volcano crater - The park also has a cafeteria, rooms and short trails - Don't forget to visit the blue falls, not far from the waterfall
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Rio Celeste
@samanthachodyla
Sky blue river in the Tenorio Volcano National Park - Go on a hike through the park to see the waterfall, blue lagoon, hot springs and union of two rivers - Great day trip from La Fortuna and northern Guanacaste
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Los Chorros Waterfalls
@samanthachodyla
Article: https://mytanfeet.com/activities/los-chorros-waterfalls-grecia/ - The Chorros park is officially closed indefinitely
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Museo Finca 6
@samanthachodyla
UNESCO World Heritage Site - Museum of stone spheres, the mysterious artifacts found in this area of Costa Rica - No one really knows how they were made or their significance
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Catarata uvita
@samanthachodyla
Small waterfall outside Uvita - ~$1.50 entrance fee - Waterfall is a natural slide
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The Sloth Institute - Sloth Walk
@samanthachodyla
Walk through the Tulemar property to find sloths with a sloth expert from the Sloth institute - Exclusive to Tulemar hotel guests
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Lankester Botanical Garden
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful gardens with many orchids in Cartago - Open everyday from 830 AM to 430 PM
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Jaguar Rescue Center
@samanthachodyla
Rescue center in Puerto Viejo - Open Monday to Saturday - Offers public guided tours at 930 AM and 1130 AM for $20 per person
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Cocalito Falls
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful little waterfall that comes from a river running through the forest and empties into the ocean - Entrance via walking on Playa Cocalito or by Hotel Tango Mar - There is a parking lot by Hotel Tango mar and you walk 5 minutes to the waterfall - No facilities
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Territorio de Zaguates
@samanthachodyla
Largest no kill dog shelter in the world - Has been closed the past year, must check their Facebook for up to date information on public info.
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Tabacon Hot Springs
@samanthachodyla
Most popular hot springs in La Fortuna Must make reservations during high season (holidays, December - April) ~ $109 day pass with lunch/dinner
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San José Central Market
@samanthachodyla
Oldest and main market in San Jose Open Monday - Saturday 630 AM to 6 PM
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Crocodile Bridge
@samanthachodyla
Bridge over the Tarcoles river to see American crocodiles - A popular stop on the way to Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita and Osa Peninsula
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Catarata Poza Azul
@samanthachodyla
Small waterfall in La Virgen, Sarapiqui - On private property, voluntary donation of 2000 colones per person - Short trail, but steep steps - Can swim in the pool
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Bat Islands
@samanthachodyla
Bat Islands are a popular scuba diving destination - Part of Santa Rosa National Park - Anyone can visit for a day or camp - Isla San Jose only island with access - 1.5 hour boating from Plays del Coco
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Blue Falls of Costa Rica
@samanthachodyla
Two waterfalls with a sky blue color - Requires a 30 minute hike down, must go with a guide - Two options for visiting. They have the short blue falls which goes to the two main waterfalls and one pool, no reservations required and the full falls tour which requires reservations and is all day - Great for hiking lovers, don't need to be in super great shape but must be in decent shape and be able to walk on rocks, down steep steps and across rivers
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Catarata Río Agrio
@samanthachodyla
Short 20 minute waterfall hike - 3000 colones pp (Costa Rican price) entrance fee - Family also owns a property with blue pools (2 minute drive)
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Lago Cote
@samanthachodyla
The largest natural lake in Costa RIca Sight of the only "official" UFO Sighting in Costa Rica! Beautiful stop for sightseeing 4x4/high car required Nothing around so good for a day trip or stop from Guanacaste - La Fortuna drive
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La Fortuna night walk (Jacamar)
@samanthachodyla
Private reserve of Jacamar Naturalist Tours: Guided night walks from 5 PM to 8 PM - 2 hour walk - See frogs, snakes, insects, mammals and more
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Catarata La Leona
@samanthachodyla
Adventurous waterfall hike in Curubande - Blue river, river pools and cave waterfall - About a 30 minute drive from Liberia to the private farm - Hike is about 2-3 hours total. Must be in decent shape but there is an easy trail and an adventurous trail - 4x4/4wd required
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Witch Rock
@samanthachodyla
Surf spot in Santa Rosa National Park - Has A frame waves and 3 main surf breaks - Great for advanced beginners on a small day and gets swells with waves up to 6 feet for the pros - Best way to get there via boat
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Ficus La Raiz
@samanthachodyla
A bridge made up of ficus roots over a river - Free - 5 minute walk - Natural path so be careful!
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Heliconias Rainforest Reserve
@samanthachodyla
Day trip from the Guanacaste beaches like Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito, Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Papagayo Peninsula and Hermosa - Takes place in Bijagua to walk through a private reserve to see primary rainforest - Goes to a second reserve to see sloths - Full day tour, perfect for all ages
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Lake Arenal
@samanthachodyla
There is a public entrance (called Arenal Boat Rental Association) where visitors can pay an entrance fee and rent non motirized equipment as well as a boat and boat driver - Lots of hotels and airbnbs in the small towns along the lake coast - Great place to stop for a night or two if driving between Guanacaste and La Fortuna
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Vandará Explore Costa Rica's Nature
@samanthachodyla
Vandara Explore Costa Rica's Nature is an adventure and eco park - 30 minutes from Guanacaste Airport, 2 hours from Tamarindo - Activities are ziplining, horseback riding, waterslide, cultural experience, hot springs, mud baths, trails, waterfall.
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park
@samanthachodyla
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is 1 hour from San Jose and offer rainforest, trails, waterfalls and animal sanctuary. Park tickets have an option to include a buffet lunch. Open to the public, is also part of the Peace Lodge.
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La Fortuna
@samanthachodyla
Tourism hub and main tourist town near Arenal Volcano - Great for adventure, relaxation, nature - Ideal for all travelers (budget, solo, family, couples, seniors) - One of the top tourist destinations in Costa Rica
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Playas del Coco
@samanthachodyla
Small beach town/fishing village in Gulf of Papagayo - Only 20 minutes from Liberia Airport - Great for fishing, snorkeling, beach hopping, scuba diving and surfing Witch's Rock & Ollie's Point
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Tamarindo
@samanthachodyla
Popular surfing beach town - Has great beginner waves - Lots of hotels and restaurants - Touristy and has lots of digital nomads, expats and immigrants - 1 hour from Liberia
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Mal Pais Town
@samanthachodyla
Small fishing village by Santa Teresa - Few hotels, great surfing beaches and fishing
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Puntarenas
@samanthachodyla
A very important fishing town in Costa Rica - Hub for Tortuga Island and Nicoya Peninsula tours and Puntarenas ferry - Very local feel, not really touristy - Beach is not that great though
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Jaco
@samanthachodyla
Only 1.5 hours from San Jose - Most developed and commercial beach town - Great surfing beach for beginners - Excellent food destination - Party town
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San Jose
@samanthachodyla
Capital city of Costa Rica - Close to San Jose Airport (which is actually in Alajuela) - Best place for local life as over 1 million Costa Ricans live and work in this area (out of a population of almost 5 million)
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Zarcero
@samanthachodyla
Cute local town famous for its topiary gardens - Also has a nice church - About 1.5 hours from San Jose driving
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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
@samanthachodyla
Main town and tourism hub of the Caribbean South - Lots of hotels and restaurants - Big party town
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Bijagua
@samanthachodyla
Small mountain town up in Alajuela - Gateway to Tenorio Volcano National Park
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Santa Teresa
@samanthachodyla
Popular surfing beach town in the Nicoya Peninsula - Also includes Playa Carmen, Banana Beach and Playa Hermosa
*stay at the Guilded Iguana!
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Paquera
@samanthachodyla
Very small fishing town by the Paquera ferry dock - Famous for bioluminesnce and fishing - Not touristy, great local feel
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Montezuma
@samanthachodyla
Bohemian beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula - Very small, has restaurants and hotels - Nice beaches, but not great for surfing or swimming. Has lots of tidepools - Famous for its rivers and waterfalls
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Sámara
@samanthachodyla
Very family friendly beach town in Southern Guanacaste - Has lots of hotels, restaurants and tourist amenities - 2 to 2.5 hour drive from Liberia Airport
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Cartago
@samanthachodyla
One of the cities in the Central Valley - Home to the Basilica, the most important Catholic church in Costa Rica
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Uvita
@samanthachodyla
Small beach town in the South Pacific (Costa Ballena) - Host to the yearly world famous Envision festival - Also one of the best places for whale watching
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Drake Bay
@samanthachodyla
Small beach town in the Bay - Boat access is best way. There is a road but not in great conditions. 4x4 required - Excellent location to visit Osa Peninsula
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Osa Peninsula
@samanthachodyla
One of the most biodiverse places in Costa Rica, holding nearly 5% of the world's biodiversity!
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Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
@samanthachodyla
Sarapiqui is the largest canton in Heredia - Famous for sustainability, nature and wildlife - Great destination for eco-conscious travelers
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Guanacaste Province
@samanthachodyla
Guanacaste is one of the seven provinces in Costa Rica - Nicknamed the golden coast due to its plethora of beautiful beaches - Capital city is Liberia, has the second main international airport, LIR (Liberia) - Popular beach destination - Has tropical dry rainforest, several volcanoes and islands
Highly recommend staying in Las Catalinas
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Manuel Antonio
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful area for beaches, rainforest and wildlife - Home to Manuel Antonio National Park - Lots of luxury hotels and fine dining - 3 hours from San Jose
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Bajos del Toro
@samanthachodyla
Small farming town in Alajuela - Surrounded by cloud forest and two national parks with volcanoes - Great for hiking, nature and waterfalls - Off the beaten path destinations, not touristy
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Liberia
@samanthachodyla
Capital city of the Guanacaste province - 15 minutes from Liberia international
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Tortuguero
@samanthachodyla
Small rural village in the North Caribbean - Accessible via plane or boat only - Home to Tortuguero National Park
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Heredia
@samanthachodyla
Part of the Central Valley and Greater Metropolitan Area - Bustling city very close to the San Jose Airport
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Potrero
@samanthachodyla
Small laid back beach community between Flamingo and Las Catalinas. Dark sand beach in Potrero Bay, ideal for a quiet beach vacation, particularly families. - ~ 1 hour from LIR Airport - Dark sand beach, swimmable - Great launch point for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving - Few hotels, many vacation rentals
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San Vito
@samanthachodyla
Small mountain town in the Coto Brus canton, in the South of Costa Rica - Off the beaten path destination - Great for wildlife, nature, birding and adventure
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Curubandé de Liberia
@samanthachodyla
Small rural town in Liberia - At the base of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Rincon de la Vieja National Park - Perfect for rural tourism, adventure and nature - Only a few country lodges in the area, best for a day trip - All the lodges have their own adventure parks for ziplining, horseback riding, etc.
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Nosara
@samanthachodyla
Main town of the Nosara area - Home to some of the best surfing beaches (Guiones) - A more expensive beach town with lots of luxury boutique hotels - Need a 4x4/4wd or car with high clearance to get there - Great for yogis, surfers and those into wellness
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San Gerardo de Dota
@samanthachodyla
Small mountain town in the cloud forest - Famous for birdwatching and hiking - Many eco lodges - 2 hours from San Jose
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Hotel Arenal Observatory Lodge
@samanthachodyla
Only hotel IN Arenal Volcano National Park - Closest hotel to Arenal Volcano - Has their own hiking trails, a waterfall and horseback riding tours
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Hotel La Mariposa
@samanthachodyla
Hotel with beautiful view of Manuel Antonio National Park - Has large infinity pool, restaurant, free shuttle to national park - LGBTQ friendly
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The Springs Resort & Spa
@samanthachodyla
Luxury hotel in La Fortuna - Huge property with two hot spring sections and river - Has Club Rio outdoor center with an animal sanctuary, river activities, nature trails - Multiple restaurants and bars and spa
*Bachelor was filmed here
**One of my favorite stays ever
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Tranquilo Lodge
@samanthachodyla
All inclusive hotel in Drake Bay - Modern rooms with air conditioning - Infinity pool, restaurant and bar
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El Silencio Lodge & Spa
@samanthachodyla
Luxury Eco lodge in Bajos del Toro - Has 3 on site waterfalls, adventure park, trails, restaurant and bar - Perfect for older families and couples
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Tamarindo Beach
@samanthachodyla
Popular surfing beach in Guanacaste - Great waves for beginners, lots of surf schools around - Long beach, tan soft sand - Swimmable - Beautiful sunsets
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Playa Hermosa
@samanthachodyla
Quiet dark sand beach 10 minutes from Coco - Few restaurants and hotels on the beach
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Playa Bonita
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful small white sand beach with clear turquoise waters - Can park at top of hill, must walk down - No facilities, is a "lesser known beach"
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Conchal Beach
@samanthachodyla
Shore is made up of white shells - Very popular beach - Clear turquoise waters, some ok snorkeling by the north end - Only access is walking across Brasilito beach - Westin, W and Reserva Conchal have their own exclusive access
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Jaco Beach
@samanthachodyla
Darkish sand beach with rocks - Great surfing waves - Long breaks, several surf spots - Not good for swimming, riptides common
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Esterillos Oeste
@samanthachodyla
Surfing beach - Has a mermaid statue - Very laid back, low key local town
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Playa Grande
@samanthachodyla
Surfing beach - Not very crowded, but lots of surfers when there are swells - Few hotels and surf camps
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Playa Cabuyal
@samanthachodyla
White sand beach - Empty, locals most of the time - No facilities but there is a parking lot, benches and children's playground - Swimmable waves
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Playa Iguanita
@samanthachodyla
4x4 required - Brown sand, blue water beach - In the reserve so no facilities - Pretty empty, mostly locals
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San Juanillo beach
@samanthachodyla
Gorgeous white sand beach - Made up of two beaches coming together as one - Best time is high tide - 4x4 recommended - Small town, not too much around
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Playa Cocles
@samanthachodyla
Surfing beach - Popular beach, very close to Puerto Viejo - Many hotels and restaurants
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Playa Negra
@samanthachodyla
Dark sand beach north of Puerto Viejo - Has some surfing waves - Quiet, only a few vacation rentals and hotels
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Playa Cuevas (Playa los Suecos or Secret beach Santa Teresa)
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful little white sand beach with great snorkeling - Right next to eh Cueva Murcielagos Wildlife Reesrve - Visitors can walk around the rocks and caves
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Playa Carrillo
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful long crescent shaped beach - 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Samara - Few restaurants and hotels
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Pochote
@samanthachodyla
Locals love this beach - Dark sand, lots of trees - Has a very nice camping facility with bathrooms (local family charges around $10) - Has Scarlet Macaws
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Playa Avellanas
@samanthachodyla
Known as the "little Hawaii" of Costa Rica for surfing - Some hotels, there is a beachfront restaurant called Lola's - Lots of long surf breaks
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Gulf of Papagayo
@samanthachodyla
Great place for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing - Lots of marine life such as whales, turtles, manta rays and dolphins - Best way to experience the Gulf is a sailing or boating tour
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Playa Chiquita
@samanthachodyla
Small beach with turquoise waters and white sand - Rocky shores, not the best for swimming but has lots of tidepools - Has a beach front hotel
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Playa Hermosa
@samanthachodyla
Beautiful beach only 10 minute drive from Uvita - No services except a couple local coconut stands
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Playa Prieta
@samanthachodyla
Small, local favorite beach - No facilities, nice swimming waves (and skimboarding) - 4wd recommended
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Playa Hermosa
@samanthachodyla
Playa Hermosa is the surfing stadium of Costa Rica. Has few restaurants and hotels, excellent surfing waves. - No 4x4 required - Is a wildlife refuge so no camping, no overnight parking - 10 minute drive from Jaco
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Islas Santa Catalina
@samanthachodyla
Islands off the Pacific coast in Northern Guanacaste, about 30 minute boat ride from Flamingo. - Excellent scuba diving and snorkeling spot - Good diving all year round - Wildlife like white tip reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and more
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Danta Beach
@samanthachodyla
The main beach of Las Catalinas - Easily accessible, 2 minute walk from parking lot - Great for boogie boarding, swimming, families
*this is where my husband and I got married! It has a special place in our heart and Las Catalinas is truly something special
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Dantita Beach
@samanthachodyla
Another one of the beaches in Las Catalinas - You have to hike up the peninsula or walk across the rocks in low tide from Playa Danta - The trail is the same one to go to Playa Danta - .5 mile hot, sweaty and hilly walk - No facilities so bring everything - Great for swimming, sunbathing, tanning
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Sugar Beach
@samanthachodyla
Secluded beach near Las Catalinas - Sugar Beach Hotel has their own beach access, they normally allow non-hotel guests to enter the property to get to the beach - If hotel isn't open, there are two public accesses but off the street - Tan sand beach with good swimming waves, snorkeling, a bit rocky
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Playa Hermosa
@samanthachodyla
One of the beaches in the Santa Teresa area, has a handful of hotels, vacation rentals and just a couple of restaurants. - Recommend to rent a car if staying in Playa Hermosa - Home to a good surf break
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Playa Agujas
@samanthachodyla
Local beach about 20 minutes north of Jaco - Has parking lot, no services - No 4x4 required - Good for surfing and stand up paddle boarding - Very rock shore!!
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Driving to Arenal from Guanacaste – One of the Greenest Drives in the Country
@samanthachodyla
Best routes to take - Driving times - Interesting stops along the way
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SJO Airport (San Jose International Airport)
@samanthachodyla
Biggest international airport in Costa Rica - SJO Airport code - Located in Alajuela, close to San Jose
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Samantha Chodyɫa
Available for hire
Hello, fellow wanderers! With a heart that beats for adventure and a backpack always at the ready, I've roamed across diverse landscapes, absorbing the cultures and stories of countless destinations. My journey with travel isn't just about exploring the world; it's about embracing life's diverse tapestry and uncovering the silver linings in every experience.
By day, I'm the driving force behind Silver Linings Consultancy, where we specialize in crafting vibrant brands and empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age. But when the sun sets and the world becomes my playground, I turn into an intrepid explorer, seeking hidden gems, captivating landscapes, and memorable encounters.
So, whether you're an avid traveler like me or just starting your journey, join me in exploring the world's riches and finding the silver linings along the way.
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