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Costa Rica TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

Appropriately enough for a country whose national mantra is pura vida (pure life), ecotourism is the major draw in Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet – home to 6% of the world’s species – this stable, safe, and still affordable Central American democracy boasts dense rainforests, tropical beaches, unique cultural attractions, fresh eats, and growing number of luxury resorts.

Why Go

Whether you’re an eco-tourist, adrenaline junkie, or straight up beach bum, Costa Rica has something for you.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: Deals to Costa Rica | Costa Rica Cities and Regions | Costa Rica Hotels | Things to do in Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tours | Costa Rica National Parks | Costa Rica Itineraries | When to go to Costa Rica | Getting to Costa Rica | Costa Rica Tips | Costa Rica Additional Resources

See Also: Central America

$121/nt+: Fall rates at Costa Rica deluxe resort Occidental Grand Papagayo

$121/nt+: Fall rate at lush Costa Rica resort Occidental Grand Papagayo

$117/nt+: Costa Rica Barcelo hotel with spa, casino Barcelo San Jose Palacio

$67/nt+: Discount Costa Rica hotels near airport Major Providers

$1139+: Costa Rica 8-nt trip w/flight, breakfast LatinDestinations.com

$957+: Costa Rica 8-nt trip with hotels, meals, tours JD Watersports

$1825+: 8-day Costa Rica getaway w/flight from NYC LatinDestinations.com

$885+: Costa Rica 9-nt escape w/all flights, hotels LatinDestinations.com

Up to 40% off: All-inclusive beach weekends Apple Vacations

$1749+: 8-nt Costa Rica w/car, some meals, tours Major Provider

$854+: Panama Canal 10-nt cruise with Costa Rica Cruise.com

$949+: 10-night Royal Caribbean sailing to Panama CruisesOnly

Costa Rica Hotels

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
LUXURY
MODERATE
BUDGET

Alta Hotel
In one of the San José area’s better heeled districts, this gem of a hostelry built into a landscaped hill is...

Flor Blanca
Sumptuous FlorBlanca resort has 10 airy, elegant villas on a lush 7-acre property; accommodations are linked by a footpath,... expensive | smart splurge | beachfront

La Mariposa
One of Manuel Antonio’s most venerable high-end properties, La Mariposa (the butterfly), is the medium-rise affair you...

Sí Como No
Created by another gringo, Jim Damalas, just over a quarter-century ago, one of the area’s most appealing and... family | smart splurge | eco-friendly | spa

Tabacón Hot Springs Resort and Spa
The offshoot of a famous, dozen-year-old hot-springs complex was built in 1998 and quickly became and remains the crema de la... pool | thermal pools | hot springs | spa

Arenal Observatory Lodge
Some 11 miles uphill from La Fortuna, hang a left at Lake Arenal, drive another half-dozen miles along a good but unpaved road...

Beija Flor
Newcomer resort Beija Flor weighs in as a surprising good-value retreat. The 11 guest rooms and one villa are sparsely chic... beach | value | great value

El Grano de Oro
In the Nomosco neighborhood, a bit to the west of central downtown on a leafy street off main drag Paseo de Colón, this...

Casitas Eclipse
Roughly midway down the hill to the sand, beachfront restaurants, and national park, this intimate two-story compound of...