Tárcoles

Travel Guide

A calm river with a small boat in the center, surrounded by dense green foliage and a clear blue sky.
Wild crocodile in Tárcoles river, Costa Rica
A bridge with a metal railing overlooking a muddy riverbank with crocodiles.
A beach with a rocky foreground, a sandy shore, and a forested hill in the background.
A large cactus with sun shining through its leaves.

Where to stay in Tárcoles

Find the best Tárcoles areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Tárcoles
Learn more about Tárcoles

Sotavento II

Sotavento II might not have many top sights, but Mantas Beach and Playa Blanca are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Hotel Punta Leona

Hotel Punta Leona

3 out of 5
Punta Leona Garabito Tárcoles Puntarenas
$140 nightly
The price is $156 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$156 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Tárcoles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Hotel Punta Leona
Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda, Costa Rica, Autograph Collection®

Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda, Costa Rica, Autograph Collection®

5 out of 5
3 Km South and 600 mts East Carara National Park Tárcoles Puntarenas
$233 nightly
The price is $263 total per night from Oct 25 to Oct 26
$263 total
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Tárcoles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Playa Tárcoles and Carara National Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Staff was amazing! It was during the week so very quiet but regardless it was very peaceful. The food was also really good."

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2026

Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda, Costa Rica, Autograph Collection®
Hotel Villa Caletas

Hotel Villa Caletas

4 out of 5
Central Pacific 5 miles before Jaco Tárcoles Puntarenas
$184 nightly
The price is $208 total per night from Nov 14 to Nov 15
$208 total
Nov 14 - Nov 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Tárcoles. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (730 reviews)
"Beautiful view"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2026

Hotel Villa Caletas
See all 2,370 properties in Tárcoles
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.
Nomad Living CR

Nomad Living CR

3.5 out of 5
Calle La Barca Tárcoles Provincia de Puntarenas
Stay at this aparthotel in Tárcoles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa Tárcoles and Carara National Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (61 reviews)
"El lugar es muy bonito y limpio. La piscina muy rica!"

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

Nomad Living CR
Macaw Paradise

Macaw Paradise

3 out of 5
tarcoles playa la pita Tarcoles Provincia de Puntarenas
Book a stay at this beach villa in Tárcoles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Playa Bochinche and Hacienda las Agujas are ...
Macaw Paradise
New listing! Stunning views. Fifth floor apartment

New listing! Stunning views. Fifth floor apartment

Punta Leona Puntarenas
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Tárcoles. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Marina Los Sueños and Playa Blanca ...
10/10 Exceptional! (43 reviews)
"Unit: Extremely large, which is great for big families. The kitchen is very well stocked with equipment and utensils. Everything works. The laundry machines in the unit work flawlessly. The bedrooms are great. The washrooms are great. The water pressure is decent - as per another review we had issues ..."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026

New listing! Stunning views. Fifth floor apartment
See all properties in Tárcoles
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 Tárcoles attractions

A beach with sand, palm trees, and a forested hill in the background.
Photo by Amberli Denney
Open Photo by Amberli Denney

Mantas Beach

8.0/10 (259 reviews)
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Mantas Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Punta Leona.
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Things to do

Self Guided Nature Hike with Ocean View Photo spots in Jaco

Vista Los Sueños: Self-Guided Hike with Ocean Views

$25
per adult
Vista Los Sueños: Self-Guided Hike with Ocean Views
Waterfall #10

Hike 10 Waterfalls in Jacó

$55
per adult
Hike 10 Waterfalls in Jacó
ATV Tour in Jaco Beach, enjoy Jungle, River, and Beach - No large groups

ATV Tour in Jaco Beach, enjoy Jungle, River, and Beach - No large groups

$68
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
ATV Tour in Jaco Beach, enjoy Jungle, River, and Beach - No large groups
Horseback River Tour in Jaco

Rainforest Magic Horseback Riding Waterfall Tour Private Park Setting

$75
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Rainforest Magic Horseback Riding Waterfall Tour Private Park Setting
Day Tour to Playa Fantasia on Sealounge Catamaran

Snorkeling Tour to Playa Fantasia (Wildlife Reserve)

$159
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Snorkeling Tour to Playa Fantasia (Wildlife Reserve)
Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1 Shore Excursion

Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1 Shore Excursion

$135
per adult
Puntarenas Highlights 6 in 1 Shore Excursion
See all activities in Tárcoles

Frequently asked questions

Is Tárcoles worth visiting?
Tárcoles is worth visiting for its impressive natural attractions, such as the wildlife-rich Carara National Park and the beautiful Playa Agujas. Travelers also get to savor a diverse food scene, offering fresh seafood and a variety of Italian dining options.
When is the best time to visit Tárcoles?
Tárcoles is enjoyable year-round, with consistently warm weather from January through December. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of May through August are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience with pleasant conditions for exploring.
What is Tárcoles known for?
Tárcoles is known for Carara National Park, a significant natural area. Travelers can also explore Playa Agujas, a scenic beach, and the beautiful Bijagual Waterfall. This city in Costa Rica offers diverse natural attractions for those seeking outdoor experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Tárcoles?
A good itinerary length for Tárcoles is two to three days to explore Carara National Park, visit Playa Agujas, and experience an ATV or horseback riding tour. For a longer trip of four to five days, you can also include Bijagual Waterfall and enjoy more relaxed time by the beach. See Tárcoles Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Tárcoles?
Tárcoles offers travelers outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and beautiful natural sights:

  • Go birdwatching in Carara National Park.
  • See Bijagual Waterfall.
  • Enjoy a beach horseback riding and crocodile boat tour.
  • Embark on an ATV river, beach, and jungle adventure.
  • Relax at Playa Agujas.

How do I plan a trip to Tárcoles?
To plan your trip to Tárcoles, book flights, hotels, and a rental car in advance. For outdoor activities like exploring Carara National Park, visiting Playa Agujas, or taking an ATV tour, plan for early morning or late afternoon. You can also book experiences such as a Beach Horseback Riding and Crocodile Boat Tour to discover the area's nature.
What cuisines can you find in Tárcoles?
In Tárcoles, travelers can find fresh seafood, with options like ceviche, grilled fish, and seafood platters. You can also enjoy Italian cuisine, including various pasta dishes, as well as Latin American flavors and steakhouses offering different cuts of meat.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Tárcoles?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Tárcoles 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 Tárcoles with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Tárcoles 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 Tárcoles?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Tárcoles 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 Tárcoles trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Tárcoles 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 Tárcoles trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Tárcoles 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 Tárcoles?
If it's your first trip to Tárcoles, 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 Tárcoles 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 Tárcoles hotel.

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

Cities near Tárcoles

A beach with a rocky foreground, a sandy shore, and a forested hill in the background.

Agujas

A coastal landscape with clear blue waters, rocky shore, and distant mountains.

Jacó

A beach with four sea turtles on the sand and waves crashing onto the shore.

Camaronal

A beach with sand, palm trees, and a forested hill in the background.

Punta Leona

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