Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Costa Rica

Costa Rica inspires wanderlust and a spirit for exploration for travelers from all over the world. Visitors flock to the small Central American country to explore everything from ethereal forests, picturesque beaches, incredible wildlife, active volcanoes, and misty jungles.

Have you started planning your tropical adventure in Costa Rica? Surely the first thing that comes to mind is, where is the best place to stay in Costa Rica?

After two lengthy trips to Costa Rica I have narrowed down the top vacation spots for every traveler’s budget and style and plenty of things to do. Costa Rica has every kind of accommodation imaginable and offers a vast range of incredible activities. There’s something for everyone here.

Whether you want to sit on the beach with a pina colada or bungee jump off a cliff, Costa Rica has you covered. Read on for the best places to stay in Costa Rica and learn about the most popular activities are in that area.

Puerto Viejo – Best Beaches in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for the ultimate beach vacation head to Puerto Viejo, a town in southeast Costa Rica along the Caribbean Coast. The stunning turquoise waters, ultra-soft white sand, and palm trees make this place any beach bum’s paradise.

It’s one of the best cities to go to for some much-needed rest and relaxation, bask in nature, and get a glimpse of wildlife. Some of the best surf breaks in the world can be found here. Surfers from all over the world come to Puerto Viejo to try and catch one of the famous Salsa Brava waves. If you’re a young traveler looking to catch some waves and bask in the sun, look no further than Puerto Viejo.

You can camp in your RV or just drive around with a rental car and stay at hotels – or do both (which I actually highly recommend, as it rains a lot on this coast).

While you’re there be sure to taste some of the local food. You will definitely want to eat a dish of Gallo Pinto for breakfast and Casado for lunch or dinner.

Top 3 Activities in Puerto Viejo

1. Go on a chocolate tour
Have you ever wondered how chocolate is made? Take a tour to learn everything about cacao, the history of chocolate, and chocolate making. They grow all of their own cacao and produce their chocolate on-site. Plus, there’s plenty of taste tests involved!

2. Go Whitewater Rafting
Experience catching the wave of a lifetime under the instruction of professionals. You’ll learn all the basics of rafting while gaining a better sense of awareness for your body, health, and the environment. They offer various levels for people of all ages and skill levels.

3. Learn about some incredible animals and their backstories at the Jaguar Rescue Foundation
This center is doing incredible things for wildlife in Costa Rica. It’s an animal rehab/sanctuary for injured wildlife. They nurse wounded animals back to health and release them back into the wild. If you have ever wanted to see a sloth up close, this is your chance. They are extremely common in Puerto Viejo.

Fun Facts About Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo used to be a fishing village.
Many people in the Indigenous community in Puerto Viejo believe only women can make chocolate. (They believe the cacao tree used to be a woman and the god Sibu turned her into a tree.)
September and October are the best months for snorkeling in Puerto Viejo.