TRAVELRAGS

Costa Rica

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CitiesLa Fortuna7Monteverde6San José6Tortuguero4Cahuita3Alajuela2Arenal2Dominical2
Digest

See. La Fortuna Waterfall Swim in this pristine jungle waterfall, accessible via hiking trails. Curú Wildlife Refuge Spot diverse creatures like scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and baby crocodiles. Volcán Poás Visit the world's largest open volcano with a vibrant greenish-blue volcanic lake. Río Celeste Head north to see the stunning blue waters of this river.

Eat. Escalante's Calle 33 Browse cafés in San José for a local coffee experience. Café Colibrí Enjoy coffee and bird-watching near Monteverde. Gallo pinto Try this traditional breakfast of rice and beans, often with eggs. chifrijo Order fried pork and beans with tomatoes and avocado at most bars.

Stay. Nosara Head here for Pacific surf and beachside yoga retreats. Dominical Another great spot for Pacific surf.

Condé Nast TravelerSep 1, 2026

Asanas at Sea? The Best Places for Yoga Around the World Are Also the Most Unconventional

From a rocky mountainside to the middle of the ocean, explore these singular places to practice your suryanamaskars.

9 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Lonely PlanetAug 18

7 of the best hikes in Costa Rica

What is the best way to explore Costa Rica

18 things in this story
  • Volcán ArenalSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaActive volcano with an exclusion zone around the summit.
  • La Fortuna WaterfallSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaA pristine jungle waterfall.
  • Cahuita National ParkRestaurantCahuita, Costa RicaTrails through coastal rainforests and mangrove swamps.
  • Cavitas TrailTrailCahuita, Costa RicaWheelchair accessible boardwalk through forest and mangroves.
  • Parque Nacional BarbillaTrailSiquirres, Costa RicaChallenging trail through humid lowland forests.
  • Río DantaSightSiquirres, Costa RicaA river that tumbles over two magnificent waterfalls.
  • Camino de Costa RicaTrailSiquirres, Costa RicaA 280km coast-to-coast journey through rural areas.
  • Parque Nacional Volcán ArenalTrailLa Fortuna, Costa RicaTrail through lush valley to mountains with volcano view.
  • Río Caño NegroSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaA lush valley traversed by a trail.
  • Parque Nacional Volcán TenorioTrailBijagua, Costa RicaTrails tracking a river with heavenly blue waters.
  • Río CelesteAttractionBijagua, Costa RicaRiver with heavenly blue waters due to volcanic minerals.
  • Río Celeste WaterfallSightBijagua, Costa RicaA stunning 30m-high waterfall.
  • Playa JacóSightJaco, Costa RicaBeach with an impressive vista from a halfway point.
  • Playa HermosaSightJaco, Costa RicaA scenic black-sand beach south of Jacó.
  • Cataratas NauyacaSightDominical, Costa RicaMagnificent two-tiered waterfalls with a swimming hole.
  • Río BarúHotelDominical, Costa RicaA scenic river followed by a hiking trail.
  • Cerro ChirripóTrailSan Gerardo de Rivas, Costa RicaHike to the country's highest mountain for 360-degree views.
  • Crestones Base CampSightSan Gerardo de Rivas, Costa RicaOvernight stop for the Cerro Chirripó hike.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 18

8 of the best places to drink coffee in Costa Rica

If you like your coffee, you’re going to love Costa Rica. Here are the best places in the country to try it.

16 things in this story
  • Mercado CentralMarketSan José, Costa Ricaoffers informative walking tours
  • La ManchaCaféSan José, Costa Ricaknown for special blend of cold-brewed coffee and cascara
  • EscalanteNeighborhoodSan José, Costa Ricatrendiest neighborhood, buzzing with youthful energy
  • Calle 33NeighborhoodSan José, Costa Ricaline of classy coffee shops
  • Cafeoteca Coffee ShopRestaurantSan José, Costa Ricaoffers tastings, tours, and coffee-making workshops
  • Chepecletas Coffee TourPlaceSan José, Costa Ricawalking tour of city's history, culture, and architecture
  • Modo CaféRestaurantSan José, Costa Ricaowned by a two-time national barista champion
  • Café MonteverdeCaféMonteverde, Costa Ricasample top-notch coffee produced at its farm and roastery
  • Santuario EcológicoPlaceSanta Elena, Costa Ricaoffers sensual coffee rituals and lessons in mindfulness
  • Café ColibríRestaurantSanta Elena, Costa Ricatiny cafeteria with delicious coffee and visiting hummingbirds
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest ReserveSightSanta Elena, Costa Ricanearby hiking destination
  • La Casona del CafetalRestaurantCachí, Costa Ricarestaurant and hotel with outdoor seating and lake views
  • Lago de CachíSightCachí, Costa Ricalakeside setting perfect for a coffee break
  • Red Frog Coffee RoasterRestaurantLa Fortuna, Costa Ricaspecialist coffee shop with fresh-roasted coffee bean aroma
  • Finca Rosa BlancaHotelSanta Barbara de Heredía, Costa Ricaluxury inn in lush surrounds of coffee plantation
  • Feria del CaféFestivalFrailes, Costa Ricacountry's most important celebration of coffee
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 18

What to eat and drink in Costa Rica

From seafood to tropical fruit and everything in between – here

25 things in this story
  • Fiesta del MaízRestaurantFestival of Corn.
  • Feria Nacional de PejibayeFestivalNational Peach Palm Market.
  • Elsewhere
  • Mercado CentralMarketSan José, Costa RicaGallo pinto served here.
  • Plaza FeriasMarketAlajuela, Costa RicaFarmers market in a mango-growing area.
  • Tamarindo Farmer's MarketMarketTamarindo, Costa RicaBuy fresh guanabana here.
  • Soda El PattyRestaurantPuerto Limón, Costa RicaRustic restaurant famous for its patí.
  • Taylor's Dine & GrillRestaurantPuerto Limón, Costa RicaServes patí and other Caribbean dishes.
  • CocomanRestaurantTortuguero, Costa RicaGreat place to grab a beef patí.
  • Sheriff RusticRestaurantSámara, Costa RicaBeachside view for gallo pinto.
  • Soda TapiaRestaurantSan José, Costa RicaServing traditional dishes since 1965.
  • Soda KaweRestaurantCahuita, Costa RicaReasonably priced gallo pinto and casado.
  • Papaya RestaurantRestaurantPlaya Chuquita, Costa RicaOffers beautifully presented gallo pinto.
  • Santuario EcológicoPlaceMonteverde, Costa RicaOffers hands-on cooking classes.
  • Maxi's By RickyRestaurantSan José, Costa RicaDoes a great rondón soup.
  • Alma de AmónCaféSan José, Costa RicaSells meat- and fish-free rondón vegano.
  • Lizzie 1879RestaurantPuerto Limón, Costa RicaSample rondón on the Caribbean coast.
  • SelvinRestaurantPunta Uva, Costa RicaTop restaurant since 1982.
  • Café LiberiaCaféLiberia, Costa RicaEsteemed for its fresh ceviche.
  • Restaurante OrquideasRestaurantParaíso, Costa RicaServes excellent ceviche and shrimp.
  • SAGE @ Playa 506RestaurantPlaya Cocles, Costa RicaCoastal location for mahi-mahi ceviche.
  • Mr Maxi’s RestaurantRestaurantManzanillo, Costa RicaEnjoy ceviche with a Caribbean view.
  • La VentanitaRestaurantEl Castillo, Costa RicaSells the best chifrijo for miles.
  • El Social SabanaRestaurantSan José, Costa RicaEnjoy quality chifrijo and a relaxed vibe.
  • Casona de LalyRestaurantEscazú, Costa RicaSan José favorite; order chifrijo.
  • Museo de InsectosMuseumSan José, Costa RicaServes mealworms and crickets.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 17

A guide to accessible travel in Costa Rica

Here

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Lonely PlanetAug 16

Costa Rica's Best Surf Spots

If you

17 things in this story
  • Playa TamarindoSightTamarindo, Costa RicaTwo-kilometer beachfront with six named surf breaks.
  • Iguana SurfPlaceTamarindo, Costa RicaOrganizes starter surf lessons right beside the beach.
  • Playa Santa TeresaSightSanta Teresa, Costa RicaTwo miles of beach break offering solid intermediate surf.
  • Zeneidas Surf GardenHotelSanta Teresa, Costa RicaOffers surf packages and early morning water access.
  • Playa HermosaSightHermosa, Costa RicaNearby beach with easier waves for beginners.
  • Playa DominicalSightDominical, Costa RicaFamous for powerful waves near the river mouth.
  • Fuego Brewing CompanyRestaurantDominical, Costa RicaPours crisp hefeweizens and pilsners made with natural spring water.
  • Playa DominicalitoSightDominical, Costa RicaOne bay south, with smaller, easier waves for beginners.
  • Roca BrujaSightSanta Rosa, Costa RicaIconic remote break with rifle-barrel A-frames.
  • Santa Rosa National ParkSightSanta Rosa, Costa RicaNational reserve where Witch's Rock is located.
  • Witch's Rock Surf CampPlaceSanta Rosa, Costa RicaOffers advanced surf tour packages, sometimes including boat trips.
  • Bowie's PointRestaurantJaco, Costa RicaLocal legend with a resident pet pig and sunset view.
  • Playa EsterillosSightEsterillos, Costa RicaUndeveloped surf spot with reefs and A-frame waves.
  • Brett's BoardsPlaceEsterillos, Costa RicaOffers surf lessons and gear rentals.
  • Playa GuionesSightNosara, Costa RicaBeach with a shallow shelf for learners and bigger waves.
  • The NomadicHotelNosara, Costa RicaDiscover The Nomadic Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica – a tranquil haven for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
  • The Gilded IguanaHotelNosara, Costa Rica
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 15

Where to see wildlife in Costa Rica

Follow this guide to see the most captivating wildlife in Costa Rica, from endangered tapirs to elusive jaguars.

17 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 15

4 Classic Itineraries for Costa Rica

These four itineraries tap into all of the big things tiny Costa Rica offers, from water sports to beachside yoga retreats to mountain adventures.

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Lonely PlanetAug 14

A Guide to Volcán Arenal

If you

18 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerAug 11

Ever Heard of a Repositioning Cruise? Why Some Travelers Love These Lesser-Known Sailings

Writer Heather Greenwood Davis hops aboard Windstar's Star Seeker in Costa Rica as the ship makes its way from the Caribbean to Alaska.

4 things in this story
  • Curú Wildlife RefugeSightPaquera, Costa RicaExcursion to see scarlet macaws and howler monkeys.
  • Windstar's Star SeekerPlaceSeattle, United StatesShip making its way to Alaska by way of Seattle.
  • Panama CanalSightPanama City, PanamaJourney through the canal.
  • The Yacht ClubRestaurantAlaska, United StatesBright observatory with large, comfortable couches.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerAug 4

Birdwatching Is Only Getting More Popular—Here Are the 11 Best Places to Experience It

Spanning from the hills of Scotland to the jungles of Sri Lanka.

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Condé Nast TravelerJul 22

Sleep Among the Trees at These Idyllic Tree House Airbnbs Around the World

These woodsy gems will bring you closer to nature.

23 things in this story
  • Georgia AquariumAquariumAtlanta, United StatesThe aquarium exhibits hundreds of species and thousands of animals across its seven major galleries, all of which…
  • Atlanta History CenterMuseumAtlanta, United StatesThe Museum was founded in 1926, and has a large campus featuring historic gardens and houses, including Swan House,…
  • El PilonNeighborhoodVieques, Puerto Ricoquiet neighborhood on Vieques island
  • Finca VictoriaHotelVieques, Puerto Ricoprivate extension to this eco-luxe hotel
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest ReserveSightMonteverde, Costa Ricahome to this two-bedroom home
  • Hotel BelmarHotelMonteverde, Costa Ricafive-minute walk to this hotel
  • TourefortSightTournefort, Franceold, quaint village
  • French RivieraSightTournefort, FranceThere is no official boundary, but it is considered to be the coastal area of the Alpes-Maritimes department, extending…
  • BairolsSightTournefort, Francecharming medieval village nearby
  • Kent Downs National LandscapeSightElham, United Kingdomheart of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Elham ValleyTrailElham, United Kingdomhike or cycle
  • Rose and CrownPubElham, United KingdomElham is a delightful Kentish village nestled in the heart of the Elham Valley, a popular destination for walkers and…
  • SpringlakeNeighborhoodAtlanta, United Statesresidential village in Atlanta
  • High Museum of ArtMuseumAtlanta, United StatesLocated in Atlanta, Georgia, the High is 312,000 square feet and a division of the Woodruff Arts Center.
  • Black Sand BeachSightVieques, Puerto Rico
  • Sunbay BeachSightVieques, Puerto Rico
  • EsperanzaSuburbVieques, Puerto Rico
  • Pont de ClansSightTournefort, France
  • Margaret's BaySightElham, United Kingdom
  • FolkestoneSightElham, United Kingdom
  • Elham Valley VineyardSightElham, United Kingdom
  • Kings ArmsPubElham, United Kingdom
  • CanterburySightElham, United Kingdom
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

National GeographicJul 10

This Costa Rican paradise is one of the most underrated summer destinations

Green season turns this region into a tropical showcase of waterfalls, wildlife, and lush landscapes at a fraction of peak-season prices.

22 things in this storyRead the full piece at National Geographic →

OutsideMay 28

Why Life Is Just Better In Costa Rica

This tiny Central American country serves up a special blend of wellness, adventure, and nature—and it all adds up to “pura vida” for locals and visitors alike

16 things in this storyRead the full piece at Outside →

Condé Nast TravelerJan 29

27 Adult Spring Break Destinations That Might Surprise You

Off-peak destinations with mild weather and fewer crowds, from Antigua to Holland.

15 sights in this story
  • Vancouver IslandSightVancouver, CanadaThe island is 456 kilometres (283 mi) in length, 100 kilometres (62 mi) in width at its widest point, and 32,100 square…
  • Puerto RicoSightSan Juan, Puerto RicoLocated about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida, between the Dominican…
  • Grand Canyon National ParkSightGrand Canyon Village, United StatesThe park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the…
  • BoliviaSightSucre, BoliviaIts geography primarily consists of an Andean region to the west and tropical lowlands to the east and north.
  • Costa RicaSightSan José, Costa RicaIt borders Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean…
  • BelizeSightBelmopan, BelizeIt is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south.
  • St. ThomasSightCharlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin IslandsAfter a remodel and reopening in 2019, the Ritz-Carlton’s St.
  • Samaná BaySightSamaná, Dominican RepublicThe Yuna River flows into Samaná Bay, and it is located south of the town of Samaná and the Samaná Peninsula.
  • AnguillaSightThe Valley, AnguillaIt is one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, lying east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin…
  • Alentejo RegionSightÉvora, Portugalsampling the finest wines
  • HollandSightAmsterdam, The NetherlandsFrom the 10th to the 16th century, Holland proper was a unified political region within the Holy Roman Empire as a…
  • AntiguaSightSt. John's, Antigua and BarbudaIt is one of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean region and the most populous island of the country of Antigua and…
  • Texas Hill CountrySightAustin, United States
  • Alabama's Gulf CoastSightGulf Shores, United States
  • PugliaSightBari, Italy
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Atlas ObscuraJan 28

Poás Volcano in Alajuela, Costa Rica

Poás Volcano National Park contains the world's largest open volcano, complete with a vibrant greenish-blue to yellow volcanic lake that bubbles and boils. Poás is located within a beautiful and lush Central Conservation Area of central Costa Rica that encompasses 6 National Parks and many protected areas. Birds flutter through the heavily vegetated area, including the rare resplendent quetzal,…

6 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Condé Nast TravelerJan 13

12 Spring Break Villas to Book for Sea, Sun, and Solitude

Whether you’re chasing ocean views, volcano sunsets, or quiet mornings with coffee in hand, there’s a vacation rental that makes relaxation effortless.

7 things in this story
  • Casa VekiHotelAlgarve, PortugalVilla on the Algarve coast with ocean views and a private chef.
  • Arenal VolcanoSightLa Fortuna, Costa RicaLush Costa Rican villa offers volcano peaks visible from the garden.
  • Sun Gardens DubrovnikHotelDubrovnik, CroatiaResort with infinity pool, sun deck, and direct sea access.
  • Puntacana Resort and ClubHotelPunta Cana, Dominican RepublicGated community with a picture-perfect pool and full staff.
  • El Yunque rainforestSightPuerto RicoVilla near rainforest, mountains, beaches, and bioluminescent bay.
  • Chalk SoundSightTurks and Caicos, Turks and Caicos IslandsVilla along turquoise lagoon with oceanfront terraces and game room.
  • Turtle Bay ResortHotelKahuku, United StatesVilla on Oahu's North Shore with ocean views and resort access.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 7, 2025

Expect to See These Hotels All Over Your Feed in 2026

From Venice to Kyoto and Costa Rica, it's going to be an unforgettable year for newcomers and familiar faces alike.

21 hotels in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 5, 2025

Hotels Embracing the "Skillcation" Trend

At these hotels, guests can take part in local lessons from fly fishing and archery to pottery and glassblowing.

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 5, 2025

The 40 Best Resorts in the Caribbean: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

From Antigua to Saint Barths, this year you traveled far and wide for some memorable stays—many at reborn classics.

35 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

The New York TimesOct 29, 2025

Traveling to Costa Rica? Try These Destinations to Save Money

How dupe destinations, off-season timing and ground travel save money in the popular and increasingly expensive Central American country.

5 things in this storyRead the full piece at The New York Times →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 19, 2025

From the Caribbean to Lake Como, More Hotels Are Embracing the Off Season

There's no longer a bad time to experience your favorite destinations and hotels.

4 hotels in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
Ask AI · Costa Rica

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