Carate

Travel Guide

A beach with palm trees and a forested hill in the background.
A beach with palm trees and a fallen tree trunk.
A beach with a dark sand shore, palm trees, and a clear sky.
A group of hermit crabs with their shells on a sandy surface.
LagunaVista Villas

LagunaVista Villas

3 out of 5
Playa Carate Puerto Jiménez Puntarenas
$348 nightly
The price is $393 total per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
$393 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach lodge in Puerto Jiménez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Carate Beach and Playa Madrigal are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"The staff was very nice. We did end up having to leave early due to a family emergency but it was a beautiful place."

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

LagunaVista Villas
Luna Lodge

Luna Lodge

3 out of 5
2km NE de la pista de aterrizaje Carate Puerto Jiménez Puntarenas
$202 nightly
The price is $229 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$229 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa lodge in Puerto Jiménez. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Playa Madrigal and Carate ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Beautiful boutique lodge at remote rainforest location. Delicious food and very friendly staff. Location at a hill allowed for beautiful views and birdwatching, with a pair of Scarlet Macaws breeding in a tree right on the property. Access for the last 2 miles after the airstrip requires SUV, but ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

Luna Lodge
La Leona Eco Lodge

La Leona Eco Lodge

2.5 out of 5
Playa Carate Puerto Jiménez Puntarenas
$171 nightly
The price is $193 total per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
$193 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this lodge in Puerto Jiménez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa Madrigal and Carate Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
"Our stay was beyond our expectations! The staff was kind and knowledgeable. The property was absolutely stunning. Our bungalow was perfect, clean and comfortable. We truly enjoyed being disconnected from the outside world and amercing ourselves in nature. The hiking trails, animals and beautiful ..."

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025

La Leona Eco Lodge
See all 300 properties in Carate
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Maze Lodge

Maze Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Sendero de Miramar Puerto Jiménez Puntarenas Province
Stay at this cabin in Puerto Jiménez. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Playa Zapote and Preciosa Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Stayed four nights. Lovely setting in the rain forest. The Cabin (turtle lodge, comfort bungalow) felt private. Sounds of the wildlife, wonderful. Nice deck overlooking the property. The manager Zayro was very friendly (along with the other staff) and helpful organising a tour into the Corcovado ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2026

Maze Lodge
Corcovado Private Villas

Corcovado Private Villas

3.5 out of 5
Calle Griffin, Cañaza Puerto Jiménez Puntarenas
Stay at this villa in Puerto Jiménez. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Blanca Beach and La Tarde Wildlife Area are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
"The views were utterly amazing. We had monkeys right outside the home jumping from tree to tree. We had a lot of bugs every morning dead on the balcony and by the doors"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2026

Corcovado Private Villas
Ocean Front Home Amazing View Air ConditioningLaugh Play Relax at Binya House

Ocean Front Home Amazing View Air ConditioningLaugh Play Relax at Binya House

Drake Bay, Aguijitas Puntarenas
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Drake Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drake Bay Beach and Playa ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"We were underwhelmed with our stay. The property is in need of maintenance and/or upgrades to reach the price paid. Gardens are unattended to, parking is not secure, the bar/store across the street has people drinking and/or passed out on the benches. It was convenient to get ice though! To enter ..."

Reviewed on May 23, 2026

Ocean Front Home Amazing View Air ConditioningLaugh Play Relax at Binya House
See all properties in Carate
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Carate attractions

A beach with a dark sand shore, palm trees, and a clear sky.
Photo by David Vinkenroye
Open Photo by David Vinkenroye

Carate Beach

9.4/10 (11 reviews)
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Carate Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Carate. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
See properties

Things to do

Dance of the Spinner Dolphins

Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Drake Bay as seen on National Geographic

$135
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Drake Bay as seen on National Geographic
Puerto Jimenez Historic Walking Tour

Puerto Jimenez Historic Walking Tour

$30
per adult
Puerto Jimenez Historic Walking Tour
Jungle Hike with Canyoning and Rappelling in Drake Bay

Jungle Hike with Canyoning and Rappelling in Drake Bay

$115
per adult
Jungle Hike with Canyoning and Rappelling in Drake Bay
Drake Bay: Jungle Hiking and Canyoning Adventure with Lunch

Drake Bay: Jungle Hiking and Canyoning Adventure with Lunch

$95
per adult
Drake Bay: Jungle Hiking and Canyoning Adventure with Lunch
corcovado park

Corcovado National Park, Tour with lunch, San pedrillo.

$120
per adult
Corcovado National Park, Tour with lunch, San pedrillo.
Cougar, in Corcovado

One Day Tour To Corcovado From Sierpe

$170
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
One Day Tour To Corcovado From Sierpe
See all activities in Carate

Frequently asked questions

Is Carate worth visiting?
Carate is worth visiting for the natural beauty of its beaches, offering travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Key attractions include Carate Beach and Playa Madrigal, providing scenic spots for a tranquil escape by the ocean.
When is the best time to visit Carate?
The best time to visit Carate is from August through December, when conditions are generally pleasant. For travelers looking for fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of February through May offer a warmer experience.
What is Carate known for?
Carate is known for its scenic coastline, featuring Carate Beach and Playa Madrigal. This city in Costa Rica is also home to the La Leona Park Ranger Station. Travelers visit for the tranquil beach experiences and to access the natural areas around the ranger station.
What is a good itinerary length for Carate?
A good itinerary length for Carate is two to three days to enjoy Carate Beach and Playa Madrigal, and visit La Leona Park Ranger Station. For a more relaxed trip, four to five days allows you to spend more time at the beaches and explore the natural areas around the ranger station.
What are the top things to do in and around Carate?
Carate offers travelers natural beauty, with pristine beaches and park access:

  • Stroll Carate Beach, a beautiful natural beach perfect for relaxation.
  • Relax at Playa Madrigal, another scenic beach known for its natural setting.
  • Visit La Leona Park Ranger Station, a key landmark for exploring the surrounding nature.

How do I plan a trip to Carate?
To plan your trip to Carate, search Expedia for places to stay and book your flights. Consider exploring Carate Beach, Playa Madrigal, and La Leona Park Ranger Station. Book activities and rental cars in advance, and plan outdoor time for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Carate?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Carate by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Carate with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Carate trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Carate?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Carate can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Carate trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Carate trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Carate trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Carate trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Carate?
If it's your first trip to Carate, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Carate hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Carate hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Carate

A kayak on a calm river surrounded by dense mangrove vegetation.

Puerto Jiménez