Find hotels in Costa Rica from $28

The best areas to stay in Costa Rica depend on your travel goals, with Guanacaste and the Central Pacific Coast being top choices for quality and convenience.For travelers seeking beautiful beaches and convenient access to resorts and activities, Guanacaste, particularly along the Papagayo Peninsula and Tamarindo, is an excellent choice. This region is known for its drier climate, stunning coastline, and a wide array of upscale accommodations. You'll find many properties with direct beach access, high-end dining, and amenities like golf courses and wellness centers. Tamarindo offers a lively beach town experience with surfing opportunities and a variety of shops and restaurants, while the Papagayo Peninsula provides a more secluded, luxurious retreat. This area is ideal for couples looking for a relaxing beach vacation with easy access to excursions like snorkeling and catamaran tours.The Central Pacific Coast, specifically around Manuel Antonio and Jacó, is superb for those who want a blend of wildlife, adventure, and beach access. Manuel Antonio is famous for its national park, where you can easily spot monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds right from your hotel balcony. The area around the park offers accommodations ranging from boutique hotels located in the rainforest to larger resorts with ocean views. Jacó, a bit further north, is known for its surf-friendly beaches and a more energetic atmosphere with many dining and nightlife options.

The best time to go to Costa Rica is during the dry season, which generally runs from mid-December to April. This period offers the most predictable weather for exploring the country's diverse landscapes.During the dry season, you can expect plenty of sunshine, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, especially in the popular Pacific coastal areas like Guanacaste and Puntarenas. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking in national parks, exploring volcanoes, and enjoying the beaches. Travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation or adventurous excursions will find this time perfect.For those interested in seeing the lush rainforests at their greenest and experiencing fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons of May to June and November to mid-December can also be excellent. While there may be more rain during these months, showers often occur in the afternoon, leaving mornings clear for activities.