Condé Nast Traveler
At Costa Rican Wellness Resort, Learning About My 'Human Design'
On the brink of a new chapter in her life, writer Jessica Sulima travels to Costa Rica in hopes of quieting her mind and looking inwards.
Condé Nast TravelerSep 8
7 Best Places in Costa Rica for Surfing, Sloth Sightings, and Tico Cuisine
Where the adventures are as various as the flora and fauna
22 things in this story
- La Fortuna WaterfallSighta 200-foot cascade you can swim right up to
- Tabacón Thermal Resort & SpaHoteloriginal hot springs resort with a natural river
- The Springs Resort & SpaHotelEighteen thermal pools terraced into a hillside
- Elsewhere
- Monteverde Cloud Forest ReserveSightMonteverde, Costa RicaNamed after the nearby town of Monteverde and founded in 1972, the Reserve consists of over 10,500 hectares of cloud…
- Hotel BelmarHotelMonteverde, Costa RicaSwiss-style chalet in the middle of the cloud forest
- Playa GuionesSightNosara, Costa Ricaone of the most consistent beach breaks on the planet
- Tierra MagnificaHotelNosara, Costa Ricastunning views and one of the best restaurants
- Sendero NosaraHotelNosara, Costa Ricaquick access to the beach and the heart of town
- Silvestre NosaraHotelNosara, Costa Ricahalf hotel, half condo, featuring luxe rooms
- Manuel Antonio National ParkSightManuel Antonio, Costa Ricadense populations of sloths, monkeys, toucans
- Rico Tico Jungle GrillRestaurantQuepos, Costa Ricaoutdoor deck overlooking the treetops
- Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest ResortHotelManuel Antonio, Costa Ricaluxury, views, and direct beach access
- Makanda by the SeaHotelManuel Antonio, Costa Ricaromantic, adults-only, design-forward, boutique hotel
- Poás VolcanoSightSan José, Costa RicaIt has erupted 40 times since 1828, with a strong eruption in April 2017—causing the evacuation of visitors and…
- Gold MuseumMuseumSan José, Costa Ricaexplore the city's arts and culture
- National TheaterSightSan José, Costa Ricaresplendent 1897 theater
- Hotel Grano De OroHotelSan José, Costa Ricaluxurious converted mansion in the heart of downtown
- InterContinental Costa RicaHotelSan José, Costa Ricaquick access to best restaurants and shopping
- Finca Rosa BlancaHotelSan José, Costa Ricaworking coffee plantation with gorgeous architecture
- Irazú VolcanoSightSan José, Costa Rica
- Santa Elena ReserveTrailMonteverde, Costa Rica
- Curi-Cancha ReserveTrailMonteverde, Costa Rica
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 ArenalSightActive volcano with an exclusion zone around the summit.
- La Fortuna WaterfallSightA pristine jungle waterfall.
- Parque Nacional Volcán ArenalTrailTrail through lush valley to mountains with volcano view.
- Río Caño NegroSightA lush valley traversed by a trail.
- Elsewhere
- 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 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.
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
- Red Frog Coffee RoasterRestaurantspecialist coffee shop with fresh-roasted coffee bean aroma
- Elsewhere
- 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
- 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
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 story
- Sloth Watching TrailAttractionJoin our sloth watching trail in La Fortuna, Costa Rica: guided rainforest walk near Arenal Volcano spotting 4‑6 wild…
- Mistico ParkAttraction
- Elsewhere
- Jaguar Rescue CenterSightPuerto Viejo, Costa RicaThe center is dedicated to the rehabilitation of mistreated, injured, orphaned, and/or confiscated animals.
- La Perica Sloth GardenSightLa Palma, Costa RicaFamily-run reserve for seeing sloths.
- Divine DolphinPlaceDrake Bay, Costa RicaSpecialized tour operator with marine biologist guides.
- Corcovado National ParkSightLa Palma, Costa RicaBest chance to see Baird's tapir on trails.
- Santa Ana National ParksSightSan José, Costa RicaMay see jaguars in lagoons, rainforests, wetlands.
- Centro de Rescate y Santuario Las PumasSightCañas, Costa RicaCares for two jaguars that can't be returned to wild.
- Los Santos areaNeighborhoodSan Gerardo de Dota, Costa RicaQuieter experience for spotting hummingbirds.
- CorcovadoSightLa Palma, Costa RicaMonkeys are ubiquitous in this national park.
- Manuel Antonio National ParksSightManuel Antonio, Costa Rica
- Tortuguero National ParksSightTortuguero, Costa Rica
- Caño IslandSightPuntarenas, Costa Rica
- Golfo DulceSightPuntarenas, Costa Rica
- La Paz Waterfall GardensSightSan José, Costa Rica
- Miriam's QuetzalsPlaceSan Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica
- Quinta Galeon LodgeHotelSan Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica
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.
17 things in this story
- Volcán ArenalSighthike, bike, or horseback ride on its slopes
- Elsewhere
- Mercado CentralMarketSan José, Costa Ricastart any great day with a traditional breakfast
- Teatro NacionalTheatreSan José, Costa Ricavisit after breakfast at Mercado Central
- La ManchaCaféSan José, Costa Ricastop for a caffeine fix
- Museo del JadeMuseumSan José, Costa Ricalearn about pre-Columbian history
- Barrio EscalanteNeighborhoodSan José, Costa Ricastroll for dinner at a bistro and drinks
- Tortuguero National ParkSightTortuguero, Costa Ricacruise canals in search of sloths, crocs, caimans
- Asociación de Guías de TortugueroPlaceTortuguero, Costa Ricaorganization of certified guides offering tours
- El Salto waterfallSightTilarán, Costa Ricastop for lunch, stretch legs, and take a dip
- Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso MonteverdeSightMonteverde, Costa Ricahome to 425 species of birds
- Finca Modelo EcológicaSightMonteverde, Costa Ricaclimb a giant strangler fig
- Café de MonteverdeRestaurantMonteverde, Costa Ricatour a sustainable coffee farm
- Parque Nacional Manuel AntonioSightManuel Antonio, Costa Ricahike through rainforest to pristine beaches
- Río PacuareTrailPacuare, Costa Ricawild river rafting trip with Class III-IV rapids
- Pacuare LodgeHotelPacuare, Costa Ricafabulous place for an overnight stay
- Parque Nacional CahuitaNature reserveCahuita, Costa Ricamarvel at the vast variety of life
- Playa CoclesSightPuerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Ricabeach for hopping
Lonely PlanetAug 14
A Guide to Volcán Arenal
If you
18 things in this story
- Rio CelesteSightLegendary, gorgeous turquoise blue waters
- Tenorio Volcano National ParkSightThe jewel of the national park is the Tenorio Volcano, from which it derives its name.
- Soda ViquezRestaurantLocal restaurant for authentic Costa Rican food
- Parque Nacional Volcán TenorioSight
- Elsewhere
- Volcán ArenalSightArenal, Costa RicaIconic volcano, 5358ft above rainforest
- El ChoyinSightArenal, Costa RicaFree public hot springs
- TabacónHotelArenal, Costa RicaUpscale resort with romantic hot spring tubs
- Baldi Hot SpringsHotelArenal, Costa RicaKid-friendly resort hot springs
- El SaltoSightArenal, Costa RicaFree rope swing beside a flowing waterfall
- Mistico ParkSightArenal, Costa RicaPark with hanging bridges and waterfalls
- Lake ArenalSightArenal, Costa RicaIt is the largest lake in Costa Rica at 85 square kilometres (33 mi2).
- Blue PassAttractionArenal, Costa RicaOutfitter for boat rides on Lake Arenal
- Arenal Backpackers ResortHotelArenal, Costa RicaLow-budget accommodation with a pool
- Arenal Observatory LodgeHotelArenal, Costa RicaMid-range hotel
- Nayara GardensHotelArenal, Costa RicaStunning hotel
- Arenal Mundo AventuraPlaceArenal, Costa Rica
- Nayara SpringsHotelArenal, Costa Rica
- Nayara Tented CampHotelArenal, Costa Rica
Lonely PlanetJul 14
16 things to know before visiting Costa Rica
Plan your visit to Costa Rica with these essential travel tips.
3 sights in this story
- Arenal VolcanoSightPicture-perfect cone, surrounding national park.
- Lake ArenalSightOffers kayaking and windsurfing.
- Elsewhere
- Playa HermosaSightNicoya Peninsula, Costa RicaCentral America's first World Surfing Reserve.
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
- Arenal VolcanoSightLush Costa Rican villa offers volcano peaks visible from the garden.
- Elsewhere
- Casa VekiHotelAlgarve, PortugalVilla on the Algarve coast with ocean views and a private chef.
- 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.