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Caribbean Beach Escape
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Costa Rica itinerary
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Playa Negra is a beautiful beach located in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a town on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The beach is known for its black sand which is a result of the area's volcanic origins, and for its great surf conditions.
Playa Negra is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. It is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and has several restaurants and bars nearby. It's also a great place to catch a stunning sunset.
Playa Punta Uva is a beautiful beach located on the southern Caribbean coast, between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo. The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand, and lush tropical vegetation. It is also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with a coral reef located just offshore.
You can rent snorkeling and scuba gear, as well as kayaks and paddleboards, to explore the reef and nearby areas. There are also several restaurants and bars in the area, serving delicious seafood and tropical cocktails.
Playa Punta Uva is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.
Puerto Viejo is a charming town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. It is known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture. The town is surrounded by lush rainforests, making it a popular destination for ecotourism activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife watching.
In addition, Puerto Viejo is famous for its surfing scene, with many surf spots suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike. The town has a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious beachfront resorts, as well as many restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine.
aWá Beach Hotel is a beautiful beachfront boutique hotel in Puerto Viejo region nestled between the junles and Caribbean. It is an adults-only property, offering stylish rooms with stunning sea or garden view from your terrace.
It also offers gastronomy restaurant service and a spectacular breakfast buffet. The hotel is settled into a Caribbean beach environment, close to the town of Puerto Viejo.
La Prometida is a charming boutique hotel that offers beautifully decorated rooms, each with a unique style.
Enjoy the lush tropical gardens, the refreshing swimming pool, and the relaxing atmosphere that the hotel provides. The restaurant and bar serves delicious cuisine and refreshing cocktails, and the friendly staff is always available to help you with any questions or needs you may have.
Just a short walk away, you can find the stunning beaches of Puerto Viejo and the vibrant town center with its many shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
UMAMI Hotel Garden Spa is a modern boutique hotel located in the heart of Puerto Viejo, just five minutes away from the beach.
The hotel offers a luxurious and comfortable stay with minimalist decor featuring white tones, coral, and wooden finishes. The hotel's exclusive outdoor pool is the perfect place to relax and unwind, and guests can also take advantage of the hotel's spa services for a complete pampering experience.
The hotel's restaurant, Sal & MAR, offers innovative international cuisine and an excellent selection of wines in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. You can also enjoy a light lunch at the pool or savor cocktails on the terrace with a view of the garden.
Overall, UMAMI Hotel Garden Spa is an excellent choice if you are seeking a comfortable and stylish stay in Puerto Viejo.
Finca Chica is a lodge with cabins in a tropical paradise, located on the jungle hills outside of Puerto Viejo. The lodge is ideal for nature lovers who want to experience adventure, fun, or relaxation.
Surrounded by lush jungle, Finca Chica is a perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the presence of amazing species such as the rainbow toucan, wild turkey, spider monkey, or tapir. The lodge is also in close proximity to some of the most impressive tropical beaches with white sand and large coconut palms.
At Finca Chica, you can spend quality time with your family or friends in a comfortable house surrounded by nature. The lodge provides a perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and connect with nature.
Catarata de Toro and Blue Falls are stunningly beautiful natural wonders located nearby. The Catarata de Toro is a massive waterfall that drops from a height of 270 feet into a gorge below. It is surrounded by lush green forests, and the view from the top is breathtaking. The Blue Falls, on the other hand, are a series of smaller cascades that form beautiful natural pools of crystal clear blue water.
“The reserve is also a wildlife heaven featuring a large butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden, and an aviary containing a variety of tropical bird species. There is also a serpentarium, showcasing Costa Rica's diverse snake species, and an animal sanctuary featuring rescued and rehabilitated animals.”
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a privately owned nature reserve in the Central Highlands region of Costa Rica. The reserve covers an area of 70 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including jaguars, pumas, monkeys, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The main attraction of La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the series of five waterfalls, ranging in height from 20 to 120 feet, that can be found within the reserve. You can hike along trails that wind through the lush forest and past the waterfalls, providing numerous photo opportunities and breathtaking views.
The reserve is also a wildlife heaven featuring a large butterfly observatory, a hummingbird garden, and an aviary containing a variety of tropical bird species. There is also a serpentarium, showcasing Costa Rica's diverse snake species, and an animal sanctuary featuring rescued and rehabilitated animals.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens also offers a variety of tours and activities, including guided hikes, birdwatching, and coffee plantation tours. You can also relax in the reserve's hot springs and thermal pools, or indulge in a traditional Costa Rican meal at the on-site restaurant.
Avenida Central is a bustling pedestrian street in the heart of San Jose, offering a lively and colorful introduction to the city's culture and history.
The architecture of the buildings on Avenida Central reflects the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Many of the buildings were constructed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and their ornate facades and wrought-iron balconies add to the street's charm.
In addition to shopping and dining, Avenida Central is also a hub for cultural events and activities. Street performers, musicians, and artists often perform along the avenue, and festivals and parades are held there throughout the year.
Cascada Pozo Azul is a stunning off-the-beaten-path waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation and is accessed via a short hike through the forest. Beware of slippery conditions in the wet season.
Poás Volcano is an active stratovolcano located just outside of San José. It is known for its active crater that produces smoke, gas, and occasional eruptions, which are closely monitored by scientists. The crater is over a mile wide and 984 feet deep, making it one of the largest active craters in the world.
The Poás Volcano National Park features a variety of hiking trails that lead to the crater and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, forests, and the Central Valley. You can also explore the park's diverse flora and fauna, including the Poás Volcano butterfly, which is found only in this region.
Due to its high altitude and frequent eruptions, the park has strict safety measures in place. You are required to wear protective gear, and the park may be closed at times due to volcanic activity. However, for those who are able to visit, Poás Volcano offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
A gastro tour in San José offers an immersive journey through the city's vibrant culinary scene, blending traditional Costa Rican flavors with modern twists.
We suggest starting in the bustling Mercado Central where you can sample classic staples like gallo pinto (a rice and beans dish), chifrijo (a savory mix of beans, rice, and pork), and freshly made tortillas.
Check out Soda Tala and its combo plates with Gallo pinto, egg cakes, and the option of cheese, meat, or sausage with tortillas.
Another gem is a busy ice cream stall that has been delighting customers since 1901 with its mind-blowing vanilla ice cream.
If you are up for a fine dining experience — our favorite restaurant is Sikwa Restaurante, where Chef Pablo Bonilla serves some of the best Costa Rican cuisine cooked using local ingredients.
Also check out some guided food tour options in the links section. They are as always top-rated and expert-vetted, so you can just book and enjoy!
Peace Lodge is a luxury resort located in the cloud forest near the Poas Volcano National Park. The lodge is surrounded by lush gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest.
The rooms and suites are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay, with features such as private balconies, Jacuzzi tubs, and fireplace. The lodge also has a range of amenities, including a spa, a gym, a heated indoor pool, and several dining options.
One of the highlights of staying at Peace Lodge is the opportunity to explore the surrounding cloud forest, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can take guided tours of the forest, go birdwatching, or visit the nearby La Paz Waterfall Gardens, which features a series of impressive waterfalls and a wildlife sanctuary.
Overall, Peace Lodge offers a unique and luxurious experience if you are looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
The Gran Hotel Costa Rica is a historic hotel in the heart of San Jose. The hotel was built in 1930 and has been an iconic landmark ever since. It is situated on the bustling Avenida Central, with rooms elegantly furnished with traditional decor and modern amenities.
The Gran Hotel Costa Rica has a rich history and has played an important role in the country's political and cultural life. It was the first hotel in San Jose to have telephones in every room and has hosted many famous guests over the years, including John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, and Jimmy Carter.
The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's many attractions, including the National Theatre, the Gold Museum, and the Central Market. You can also enjoy a range of dining options, including the hotel's own restaurant, which serves a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine. And last but not least – a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
Grano de Oro is a boutique hotel located in the heart of San Jose. The hotel is housed in a renovated Victorian mansion that dates back to the early 20th century and features elegant architecture and design elements that blend seamlessly with modern amenities.
Grano de Oro offers a range of spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, each with its own unique décor and character. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities while still maintaining their classic charm.
The hotel features a restaurant that serves gourmet international cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant has received numerous awards for its food and wine selection and is a popular dining destination for visitors and locals alike.
Other amenities at Grano de Oro include a rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym, and a spa that offers a range of relaxing treatments.
Ave del Paraíso is a family hotel situated in a quiet residential neighborhood called Los Yoses, which is close to many popular tourist attractions in the city. The hotel offers a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with lush tropical gardens, a swimming pool, and spacious rooms.
The hotel has a restaurant that serves a variety of international and local dishes made with fresh ingredients. You can enjoy their meals in the restaurant or on the terrace, which overlooks the hotel's gardens.
Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, and tour desk services to help you plan your activities in the area. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the National Museum, National Theater, and Central Market.
Hotel Casa 69 is a charming hotel in the heart of San Jose that features elegant and contemporary design with a focus on comfort and personalized service.
The hotel's facilities include a restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, and a fitness center. The hotel's location provides easy access to the city's main attractions, including museums, parks, and shopping centers.
Hotel 1492 is a charming and cozy boutique hotel set in a beautiful colonial-style building and is characterized by its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The hotel features comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms with a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Hotel 1492 also offers a restaurant serving a variety of delicious local and international dishes, as well as a bar where you can relax with a drink.
The hotel is ideally located for exploring the city, with many of San Jose's top attractions located within walking distance, including the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Jade Museum.
Tortuguero is a remote village accessible only by boat or plane. While flight might seem like a faster option, we strongly encourage taking a boat — a safer, cheaper, and much more scenic route.
Boat transfer is often provided by your hotel, so we don't recommend arranging this transfer before you book your stay.
Park your car at La Pavona Harbour for the duration of your stay (~$10/day) and enjoy the nature of Tortuguero National Park. Check the links section for more details.
“Another reason we discourage traveling by plane is a few tragic recent crashes, along with outdated local flight industry regulations in Costa Rica.”
While flight might seem like a faster option, we strongly encourage taking a boat – a safer, cheaper, and much more scenic route.
Another reason we discourage traveling by plane is a few tragic recent crashes, along with outdated local flight industry regulations in Costa Rica.