San Carlos

Travel Guide

Stay in San Carlos to discover hiking trails, urban parks, and local shopping that highlight the area's natural beauty.

San Carlos is an ideal destination for outdoor and adventure travelers. You can explore nearby attractions such as Sabana Park, a notable urban park, and Cerro de La Muerte Peak, a popular mountain for hiking. Additionally, Irazu Volcano National Park offers opportunities for stunning natural scenery. For activities, you might visit local venues like the National Stadium of Costa Rica for sports or browse shops at Plaza Real Cariari and Terrazas Lindora Shopping Center. Nearby, Manuel Antonio National Park and Parque Nacional La Cangreja are both recognized for their outdoor adventure tourism.

Spend some time exploring the various nearby areas of San Carlos. San Lorenzo and San Isidro are known for outdoor adventure experiences, making them great spots for those looking to engage with nature. Llano Bonito also offers its own unique outdoor opportunities. Each of these areas presents various experiences that can enhance your visit and provide insight into the local lifestyle.

The best time to visit San Carlos largely depends on rainfall rather than temperature, as the weather remains warm and fairly constant throughout the year. Expect heavier rain from April to December, which can impact outdoor activities. If you prefer drier conditions, planning your visit outside of these months may provide a more enjoyable experience while exploring the area's attractions and activities.

Parador Nature Resort and Spa

Parador Nature Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
Quepos to Manuel Antonio Road Quepos Puntarenas
$268 nightly
The price is $301 total per night from Dec 15 to Dec 16
$301 total
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Quepos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Amazing hotel. Awesome staff. Food was incredible. All the nature including Sloths are right here in the complex. Truly fantastic place."

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

Parador Nature Resort and Spa
La Mariposa Hotel

La Mariposa Hotel

3.5 out of 5
100 meters southeast of Plaza Vista Quepos Puntarenas
$260 nightly
The price is $293 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$293 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Quepos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
La Mariposa Hotel
Hotel Costa Verde

Hotel Costa Verde

4 out of 5
Km 5 Road to Manuel Antonio Quepos Puntarenas
$149 nightly
The price is $168 total per night from Nov 16 to Nov 17
$168 total
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this resort in Quepos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Manuel ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (435 reviews)
"Great experience, the views were extraordinary, the service was great, hotel has been well maintained throughout the years"

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2026

Hotel Costa Verde
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.
Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

3.5 out of 5
East side of Costa Rica Country Club San Rafael
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
Pura Natura Lodge

Pura Natura Lodge

3.5 out of 5
150mts north of Escuela Manuel Antonio Quepos Puntarenas
Stay at this apartment in Quepos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Manuel Antonio Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge ...
Pura Natura Lodge
Los Altos Resort

Los Altos Resort

5 out of 5
Kilometer 4 on main road Quepos Puntarenas
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Quepos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Manuel Antonio Nature Park & Wildlife ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (265 reviews)
"Beautiful property, great staff, spectacular pool area with a view. If your looking a beach day, I would drive 5 minutes to playa Espillida, the private beach on the resort is small and rocky. Barely any sand."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026

Los Altos Resort
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.

Frequently asked questions

What cuisines can you find in San Carlos?
In San Carlos you can find Mediterranean cuisine, offering dishes like hummus, falafel, gyros, and kebabs. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of Asian options, including Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food, as well as Italian, Mexican, and classic North American dishes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in San Carlos?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in San Carlos 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 San Carlos with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your San Carlos 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 San Carlos?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in San Carlos 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 San Carlos trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your San Carlos 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 San Carlos trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your San Carlos 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 San Carlos?
If it's your first trip to San Carlos, 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 San Carlos 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 San Carlos hotel.

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

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