<div class="pb-6 md:pb-8"><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/815wdryb9KGS0vcg6i2ot/ed5adcfda8c7447c3fcb63a995602985/rio-hodges-NiNEu6ywR7Y-unsplash.jpeg?w=1200&h=900&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp" srcset="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/815wdryb9KGS0vcg6i2ot/ed5adcfda8c7447c3fcb63a995602985/rio-hodges-NiNEu6ywR7Y-unsplash.jpeg?w=1200&h=900&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 1x, https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/815wdryb9KGS0vcg6i2ot/ed5adcfda8c7447c3fcb63a995602985/rio-hodges-NiNEu6ywR7Y-unsplash.jpeg?w=1200&h=900&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 2x" alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" /></div> <p class="">From San José to Puerto Jimenez, the best places to stay in Costa Rica share a rich, welcoming culture and gorgeous tropical backdrops.</p> <p class="">There is no one best area to stay in Costa Rica. The country boasts upscale resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula, jungle lodges deep in the rainforest, boutique hotels in the city and much more. Read on for the best of the best, for every travel style.</p> <p class="">Ready to travel? <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/book-with-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Book with Fora</a> to unlock expert travel recommendations and killer hotel perks & upgrades.</p> <h2 class="">The 14 best places to stay in Costa Rica</h2> <div class="pb-6 md:pb-8"><img src="data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' version='1.1' width='1200' height='799'/>” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” /><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/5vTvExkaQGFt7ZCuCW9Ru7/863c7fd4319bbde6b5f0bc4958b1f78e/etienne-delorieux-e5sp18O40yA-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp" srcset="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/5vTvExkaQGFt7ZCuCW9Ru7/863c7fd4319bbde6b5f0bc4958b1f78e/etienne-delorieux-e5sp18O40yA-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 1x, https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/5vTvExkaQGFt7ZCuCW9Ru7/863c7fd4319bbde6b5f0bc4958b1f78e/etienne-delorieux-e5sp18O40yA-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 2x" alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" /></div> <p class="">Costa Rica’s best places to stay include bustling urban centers, scenic beaches and much more. Here are 14 of our favorites.</p> <h2 class="">1. The Papagayo Peninsula: the most luxurious place to stay in Costa Rica</h2> <p class="">The Papagayo Peninsula — on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast — is the best place to stay in Costa Rica if you’re looking for an upscale resort experience. Aside from being undeniably beautiful, the Papagayo Peninsula has seen massive development since the 1990s, with luxurious resorts now dotting the picturesque landscape.</p> <p class="">Offshore, the calm waters of the Gulf of Papagayo make it a prime location for relaxed boating and swimming.</p> <p class="">As for dining, Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco have the most to offer. Both beaches boast a wide array of traditional Costa Rican cuisine, as well as upscale international menus.</p> <p class="">Looking for more inspiration on what to do and where to eat in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region? Check out our <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/8GDVKH/fora-favorites-the-ultimate-guanacaste-costa-rica-travel-guide-fora" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fora Favorites: The Ultimate Guanacaste, Costa Rica Travel Guide</a>.</p> <h3 class="">Where to stay on the Papagayo Peninsula</h3> <p class="">There are many great resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula, but a few stand out. The Four Seasons Costa Rica, Andaz Resort and Casa Chameleon in Las Catalinas (one of the <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/best-places-to-stay-in-costa-rica-for-couples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">best places to stay in Costa Rica for couples</a>) all offer breathtaking scenery and top-tier accommodations.</p> <p class=""><b>Fora Perks at Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo:</b></p> <ul> <li> <p class=""><i>When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive </i><a href="https://www.foratravel.com/partners/four-seasons" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Four Seasons Preferred</a><i> Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.</p> <p></i></p> </li> </ul> <p class=""><b>Fora Perks at Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo:</b></p> <ul> <li> <p class="">$100 hotel / resort credit.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Welcome amenity.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Breakfast daily.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.</p> </li> </ul> <p class=""><b>Fora Perks at Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas:</b></p> <ul> <li> <p class="">Food / beverage credit.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Welcome amenities.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Upgrade whenever possible.</p> </li> </ul> <p class=""><a href="https://www.foratravel.com/book-with-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connect with Fora</a> to get matched with the best resort for you, and to plan and book your dream getaway.</p> <h2 class="">2. San José: Costa Rica’s culture & nightlife capital</h2> <p class="">San José is the cultural center of Costa Rica. Here, you’ll find everything the country has to offer, including vibrant <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/costa-rica-nightlife" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Costa Rica nightlife</a>.</p> <p class="">Live music is a mainstay, with dozens of venues, swanky bars and nightclubs hosting both local and international artists.</p> <p class="">A unique blend of American and European influences has contributed to a city that’s decidedly modern, yet architecturally rich. In particular, don’t miss the National Theater of Costa Rica, which hosts a variety of plays, ballets and more.  (And if you’re traveling with kids, check out our <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/5J4H2S/family-friendly-6-day-costa-rica-itinerary-wendy-wallace" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">family-friendly Costa Rica itinerary</a>).</p> <p class="">As for gastronomy, we recommend sampling the <i>sodas</i>, traditional Costa Rican food vendors, in the San José Central Market. San José is also home to many of the country’s top fine dining experiences, like <a href="https://www.restaurantesilvestre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Restaurante Silvestre</a>.</p> <p class="">For all the can’t-miss stops in San José (and A+ hotel perks), <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/travel/destinations/costa-rica#contact-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">connect with Fora</a>. Whether it’s tips for the ultimate <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/costa-rica-girls-trip" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Costa Rica girl’s trip</a> (or even a <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/costa-rica-bachelorette" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Costa Rica bachelorette party</a>), we got you.</p> <h2 class="">3. Monteverde: the best area to stay in Costa Rica for jungle adventures (and the cloud forest)</h2> <div class="pb-6 md:pb-8"><img src="data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' version='1.1' width='1200' height='799'/>” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” /><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/egjS5NuTuUhMXdcKC67uI/3da74b3a5e5da177b47ed4f6507770ff/angela-erick-cWHAW_tjk7Q-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp" srcset="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/egjS5NuTuUhMXdcKC67uI/3da74b3a5e5da177b47ed4f6507770ff/angela-erick-cWHAW_tjk7Q-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 1x, https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/egjS5NuTuUhMXdcKC67uI/3da74b3a5e5da177b47ed4f6507770ff/angela-erick-cWHAW_tjk7Q-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 2x" alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" /></div> <p class="">Lush, green forests shrouded by an ever-present fog make Monteverde an otherworldly starting point for any jungle excursion. Wildlife tours through the “cloud forest,” as it’s called, explore one of the world’s richest areas in terms of biodiversity. But nature isn’t the only appeal here.</p> <p class="">When you’re not ziplining through the rainforest, you can sample delicious food from Monteverde’s array of restaurants and cafés, which source most of their ingredients from the immediate area. Coffee lovers will be particularly happy, as Monteverde farmers are among the most prestigious producers of coffee in the world.</p> <p class="">If you’re a coffee connoisseur looking for the best places to stay in Costa Rica, a few days in Monteverde is an absolute must.</p> <h2 class="">4. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca & Cahuita: the most romantic (and laid-back) places to stay in Costa Rica</h2> <p class="">Found near the southern tip of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo has a chill, beachy vibe. This laid-back setting is one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica for couples looking to relax (or explore at a leisurely pace), but there’s adventure here, too. (Looking for more romantic getaways? Check out the <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/best-greek-islands-for-couples" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">best Greek islands for couples</a>.)</p> <p class="">Just outside the town is an expansive jungle with diverse flora and fauna. The <a href="https://www.jaguarrescue.foundation/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jaguar Rescue Center</a> is a point of interest for many, especially conservationists, but chocolate lovers may be equally enthralled by the area’s cocoa-based tours and attractions. Like Montverde, Puerto Viejo also offers a number of wildlife excursions.</p> <h3 class="">Where to stay in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Hotel Aguas Claras</h3> <p class="">Hotel Aguas Claras offers boutique-style bungalows just steps away from the Caribbean. Sip margaritas to the tune of live reggaeton before exploring Cahuita National Park or snorkeling off the coast.</p> <p class=""><b>Fora Perks at Hotel Aguas Claras:</b></p> <ul> <li> <p class="">$100 hotel / resort credit.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Welcome treat.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.</p> </li> </ul> <p class=""><a href="https://www.foratravel.com/travel/destinations/costa-rica#contact-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connect with Fora</a> to plan and book your stay at Hotel Aguas Claras.</p> <h2 class="">5. Tamarindo: one of the best places to stay for surfing & the beach</h2> <p class="">Costa Rica is one of the <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/3BM8BD/luxury-surfing-destinations-around-the-world-arlette-diederiks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most luxurious surfing destinations</a> in the world, partly thanks to Tamarindo, a city on the country’s Papagayo Peninsula. Costa Rica’s first surfing school was founded here, and it remains a great place to ride the waves for beginners and pros alike.</p> <p class="">The turquoise waters are warm all year long, and the white-sand beaches harbor rows of breezy bars and cafés. And although Tamarindo’s beaches are among the most popular on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the vibe is relaxed.</p> <h2 class="">6. Manuel Antonio National Park: the best area to stay in Costa Rica to explore the jungle</h2> <p class="">Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/costa-rica-landmarks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">top landmarks in Costa Rica</a>, is a magical spot if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Costa Rica in the midst of nature. Here, a verdant jungle separates the country’s interior from an incredible coastline teeming with wildlife like sloths, marmosets and adorable tamarins.</p> <p class=""><a href="https://www.foratravel.com/travel/destinations/costa-rica#contact-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connect with Fora</a> to plan and book your stay (plus, score awesome travel perks).</p> <h2 class="">7. Nosara: where to stay in Costa Rica if you want to relax</h2> <div class="pb-6 md:pb-8"><img src="data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' version='1.1' width='1200' height='800'/>” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” /><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/NtYTFR1jw1w2BLwF5JM7b/c1dab42f160c97688506dd38cc98b819/ralph-ravi-kayden-W67Q7YgocTU-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=800&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp" srcset="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/NtYTFR1jw1w2BLwF5JM7b/c1dab42f160c97688506dd38cc98b819/ralph-ravi-kayden-W67Q7YgocTU-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=800&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 1x, https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/NtYTFR1jw1w2BLwF5JM7b/c1dab42f160c97688506dd38cc98b819/ralph-ravi-kayden-W67Q7YgocTU-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=800&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 2x" alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" /></div> <p class="">Nosara is a friendly beach town just a few miles from Nosara Beach on the Papagayo Peninsula. And like much of Costa Rica, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife preserves and lush natural scenery surrounding Nosara.</p> <p class="">Yoga and spa treatments are popular pastimes here (check out the <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/USSNER/the-best-of-nosara-costa-rica-jill-marie" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">best of Nosara</a> for more ideas). If you want a little adventure, you can also learn to surf at the <a href="https://nosaracrsurfschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nosara Surf School</a>, or check out the local market for handmade goods.</p> <h3 class="">Where to stay in Nosara: the Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel</h3> <p class="">The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel sports an upscale surfer theme that provides a relaxing refuge after a full day of exploring. Best of all, the hotel is only a short walk away from miles of undeveloped beach.</p> <h2 class="">8. Drake Bay: the best area to stay in Costa Rica for true adventure</h2> <p class="">Drake Bay is only accessible by plane or boat, but it’s well worth the extra logistics. In fact, Drake Bay is easily one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica for off-the-grid adventure and exploring the outdoors.</p> <p class="">Hiking, camping, scuba diving — with whale sharks if you’re lucky — and so much more are all within reach at Drake Bay. When you’ve had your fill of adventure, a variety of cultural immersion and fine dining experiences await. Read our <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/527CJQ/off-the-grid-in-the-osa-peninsula-kim-walters" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Osa Peninsula nature itinerary</a> for more inspiration.</p> <h2 class="">9. La Fortuna: the gateway to the Arenal Volcano</h2> <p class="">Arenal Volcano is the first stop on our <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/HEC38V/finding-adventure-in-northern-costa-rica-kim-walters" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">adventurous Costa Rica itinerary</a>, with plenty of hiking trails through lush rainforest leading up to the conical summit. Activities for travelers in La Fortuna are almost exclusively geared toward excursions up the mountain, but the town is still worth visiting.</p> <p class="">If you’re looking for a traditional Costa Rican experience, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s top areas to stay.</p> <h3 class="">Where to stay in La Fortuna or Arenal</h3> <p class="">The luxury resorts around Arenal Volcano offer spa-themed oases in which to relax when you’re not adventuring in the surrounding jungle.</p> <p class="">Nayara Springs, Nayara Tented Camp, The Springs Resort and the Rio Perdido Hotel are but a few of the top resorts in the area.</p> <p class=""><b>Fora Perks at Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp:</b></p> <ul> <li> <p class="">$100 food / beverage credit.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Breakfast daily.</p> </li> <li> <p class="">Extended check-in/out whenever possible.</p> </li> </ul> <p class=""> <p><a href="https://www.foratravel.com/book-with-us" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connect with Fora</a> to score top-notch perks at these resorts.</p> <h2 class="">10. Montezuma: a great place to stay for adventurers on a budget</h2> <p class="">Montezuma is a top place to stay in Costa Rica if you want adventure <i>sans</i> crowds. The town doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as Drake Bay or Papagayo, although it’s equally as beautiful.</p> <p class="">Highlights from our <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/TFPS44/4-day-adventure-itinerary-in-montezuma-costa-rica-molly-brown" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Montezuma itinerary</a>: waterfalls at El Chorro and Cabo Blanco National Park. And remember: when you <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/travel/destinations/costa-rica#contact-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">connect with Fora</a>, we’ll personalize your trip to Montezuma and hook you up with VIP hotel perks.</p> <h2 class="">11. Jacó: where to stay in Costa Rica for variety (especially the nightlife)</h2> <div class="pb-6 md:pb-8"><img src="data:;base64,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' version='1.1' width='1200' height='799'/>” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” /><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/2ahgm0UlOsNdUqfVIKL7Kd/590377250d0e52ef3da661d49bb83978/nat-fernandez-9EZGODr8dbE-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp" srcset="https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/2ahgm0UlOsNdUqfVIKL7Kd/590377250d0e52ef3da661d49bb83978/nat-fernandez-9EZGODr8dbE-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 1x, https://images.ctfassets.net/9cxgygtadmvl/2ahgm0UlOsNdUqfVIKL7Kd/590377250d0e52ef3da661d49bb83978/nat-fernandez-9EZGODr8dbE-unsplash.jpg?w=1200&h=799&fit=fill&q=75&fm=webp 2x" alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" /></div> <p class="">There’s a lot to do in Jacó, from enjoying the city’s bars and nightclubs after dark to surfing or sportfishing off the black-sand shores of the Pacific. The small city also has a variety of fine dining options to complement its many food stalls, which mostly feature local seafood.</p> <p class="">Jacó is one of the best areas to stay in Costa Rica if you want a livelier trip, but it also makes for a great day trip from San José. And remember: <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/travel/destinations/costa-rica#contact-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">connect with Fora</a> to level-up your trip to Jacó with A+ hotel perks.</p> <h2 class="">12. Tortuguero: the best place to stay in Costa Rica for viewing sea turtles</h2> <p class="">Tortuguero, like Drake Bay, is only reachable via airplane or sea travel; however, the town is one of Costa Rica’s most-visited areas because of its amazing biodiversity. People from all over Costa Rica and the world come to view sea turtles laying eggs, which typically hatch in October (some of the <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/costa-rica-jungle-resorts" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">top Costa Rica jungle resorts</a> have viewing opportunities).</p> <p class="">Check out our <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/Y76MRV/tortuguero-and-the-caribbean-coast-in-costa-rica-kim-walters" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tortuguero itinerary</a> for more details.</p> <h3 class="">Where to stay in Tortuguero</h3> <p class="">Tortuguero’s best resorts take advantage of the area’s pristine jungle, with numerous opportunities to observe nature. The Tortuga Lodge, Mawamba Lodge and Manatus Hotel are among the best, each offering guests luxe accommodations near turtle nests and vibrant rainforest.</p> <p class=""><a href="https://www.foratravel.com/travel/destinations/costa-rica#contact-advisor" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connect with Fora</a> to plan and book your stay at any one of these dreamy escapes.</p> <h2 class="">13. Conchal Beach: the best area to stay in Costa Rica for snorkeling & scuba diving</h2> <p class="">Conchal Beach is located just south of the Papagayo Gulf on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific Coast. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the big draws here, but you can also jet ski or charter a short cruise.</p> <p class="">Some of Costa Rica’s most luxurious resorts can be found here, but more affordable options exist as well.</p> <h2 class="">14. Puerto Jiménez: one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica for nature</h2> <p class="">The last place to stay in Costa Rica on our list: Puerto Jiménez. This colorful town on the Osa Peninsula (see our <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/guides/8Q85A9/nature-escape-to-costa-ricas-osa-peninsula-carmen-candal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Osa Peninsula itinerary</a>) further cements Costa Rica’s reputation as a wildlife sanctuary, with forays into the jungle and whale-watching tours off the Pacific Coast.</p> <h3 class="">Where to stay near Puerto Jiménez: the Lapa Rios Lodge</h3> <p class="">A true <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/the-11-best-adventure-resorts-around-the-world-from-norway-to-nepal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">adventure resort in Costa Rica</a>, the Lapa Rios Lodge offers guests the rare opportunity to enjoy luxurious accommodations just feet away from the rainforest. Guests stay in villas connected by a boardwalk that’s literally built into the surrounding rainforest — a magical setting.</p>