I went to Costa Rice in January of 2022 & it was an absolute DREAM. I heard great things about the beautiful country and happened to find flights that were less than $200 round trip (Avianca Airlines, which was great) and then suddenly I had a trip booked - & that's usually how all my trips happen.
January is said to be the best time to visit Costa Rica due to the amazing weather (dry season) that allows you to partake in both beach and rainforest activities. We flew directly from JFK and it was less than 5 hours & Costa Rica is only an hour behind EST - so no jet lag.
We rented a car and drove to 4 different cities/towns ranging from the capital, a mountain dream, and two beach towns (one calm and one night life). We rented a car from Alamo Car Rental. Everything was very easy and we got the full insurance which totaled to about $1,200 for 7 days. The only issue is the screws on our front license plate were loose and we lost it somewhere along the way which resulted in a not-so-small charge. So my advice - in addition to taking photos of the entire car, make sure you really check everything before leaving the rental lot and starting your journey.
This was my first international road trip and it genuinely made the trip that much more fun. Everything I read told me to rent a car - that it's the best way to get around the country, which is definitely true. We rented a small Toyota but next time I would get a bigger car, as many of the roads are not paved and it would've been very helpful to have an elevated vehicle.
There were a few times where we had to drive through small rivers, or drive over a huge bump in the road, because many roads are not paved and they are the only route you can take. It was adventurous, I must say. We really saw so much of the country and every part of it was beautiful, even the monkeys running across the telephone wires above the trees.
Costa Rica was super safe and there was never a moment where I felt unsafe. This country is full of some of the nicest people I have ever met and they truly live the "pura vida." They say "pura vida" in response to many things - including thank you and goodbye. Pura vida means "pure life" and they really do express that in their way of life. It's so refreshing.
Another shocking thing was Uber prices. To go a few miles, it was about $2 - which would have easily been at least $10 in America. We only took an Uber once, otherwise we walked or drove but you also have the option of a tuktuk. Things were pretty cheap or decently priced all over the country - nothing being very expensive.
As for currency, we didn't end up getting any Costa Rican cash (Colon) because I read that it wasn't super necessary as many places take American dollars or credit card. I usually do get the country's currency when traveling abroad but I decided not to this time & it actually worked out great. I would recommend probably getting at least $20 in cash just to have, but we just used American dollars when cards couldn't be used and received Colon's in return.
In January 2022, you did not need a negative Covid test to get into Costa Rica if you were fully vaccinated. You had to fill out a "vaccine passport" that becomes available a few days before your flight and includes information about you and a photo of your vaccination card.
As for entering back into the US, you needed to provide proof of a negative test no more than 1 day before your flight home - regardless of your vaccination status. Many places around the country do not send results for 2-3 days but I found a test, priced at about $65, near the SJO airport. We signed up for the Antigen Covid test on this website, and received our test results back in less than an hour. It was very easy to find and very easy to complete.
If you need more info, this blog post was very informative.
San Jose:
Stay:
Selina Hostel: I usually opt for hostel stays as they are usually cheaper than airbnbs/hotels and I have never had a bad experience. After staying in a few Selina Hostels (located all around the world), I must say they are some of the best and the San Jose location did not disappoint. The kindest workers, best brunch, and great drinks. We stayed in a Micro room that shared a bathroom between 3 other rooms - which was fine! This hostel was centrally located and had many free events including a free walking tour and a local welcome drink.
A great thing about these hostels is that you can collect points with the money you spend on your stays that turn into discounts on future stays - at any Selina around the world.
Homemade pancakes with fresh fruit: honestly one of the best desserts I have ever had
Scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, & banana bread
Pina colada smoothie
Neighborhood:
Barrio Escalante: A cute little neighborhood full of lots of color and character. Many food places and parks.
Food:
Central Market: A food hall/market located in downtown San Jose. Had many small handmade items and various foods from local venders.
La Sorbetera De Lolo Mora: A local recommended this famous sorbet/ice cream shop that is known for it's one flavor (doesn't really even sell many others). It was easy to know which flavor to get because literally every person sitting at the hightop was eating it. It's a yellowy color that didn't look too appetizing but WOW it was one of the best sorbet's I have ever had. It had a vanilla and cinnamon taste but was extremely unique.
Feria Verde Organica De Aranjuez: A great local farmers marketing open Saturdays from 7:00 am - 1:00 pm. Theres fresh fruits & veggies, yummy foods, and other small business
items being sold.
Caribe Colombiano - We got a yummy entree called "Arepas Rellenas." Full of chicken, avocado, tomato, onion, mashed beans, and more - with homemade hot sauce. This was absolutely DELICIOUS.
Mandalafruta - Batido Rojo Silvestre Smoothie. Full of strawberries, blackberries, uchuva, goji berry, chia seeds, and coconut water. More liquidy than a smoothie I am used to but very refreshing and flavorful - and pretty big.
Galeria E Food Hall: A cute food hall located in Barrio Escalante. This building also has some little boutiques that are open during the day. We went in the evening for some food and it was very good. The best part was the view from the back patio - the entire city lit up.
Chicken Tacos
Cheeseburger with fries
Chile-Guaro (also know as Chile Water) is a spicy shot using Guaro, a sugar cane-distilled liquor made in Costa Rica. It is very similar to a bloody mary, but with more black pepper flavor. You cannot taste the alcohol but it was absolutely delicious and I had many.
Activities:
City Center: Downtown San Jose is very lively and busy at all hours. We pretty much just shopped since we were only there for a day but I have linked another blog that gives more recommendations on things to see, do, & eat - in addition to what I suggested above.
There is a giant "SJO VIVE" sign that is brightly colored and cute for photos. There is also a Starbucks that has the famous "I've been there" series of mugs - this location having "San Jose" and "Costa Rica" - perfect as a gift or souvenir. Theres also many souvenir shops that have everything you can image.
As we drove to our next destination of Monteverde, we stopped about 1.5 hours in (halfway) in the Puntarenas Province, specifically Espiritu Santo, for a bite to eat at the beach. We stopped in Tabaris, a chill restaurant with beautiful views of the bayside and beachside. They sold fried whole fish which was pretty popular but a bit out of our comfort zone, so we stuck to the basics - especially since we were overheated and tired from our drive.
Pina Colada
Imperial Costa Rican beer
Chicken fried rice
French fries
Monteverde:
Stay:
Selina Hostel: An absolutely beautiful hostel. I have stayed at many hostels in my life, and almost all of them have been awesome, but this one was amazing. We got the standard room - which is pretty big and has an attached private bathroom. This place is bustled in the mountains and definitely gives you that feel. Complete with a few hot tubs, an awesome sunset view, and great common areas (bar included) - this place is a must!
We ate all of our food at this place since you are stuck in the mountains - literally there is not much in Monteverde other than touristy activities and restaurants (but they're far and the roads are rough). The food was honestly amazing. Below is what we had:
Hummus: Local pumpkin, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil & paprika. Served with fresh cucumber, carrots, & homemade bread.
Bacon & jalapeno mac n' cheese: local cheddar and monterico cheese, home style smoked bacon, scallions, and jalapenos.
Chicken burger with french fries and homemade chipotle aioli.
Breakfast Burrito: Flour tortilla filled with gallo pinto, scrambled eggs, ham, and sour cream.
Pinto Gallo: Any style eggs, a mix of rice and beans, sour cream, tortilla, and sweet plantain - A Costa Rican staple.
Strength smoothie: banana, cacao, almond milk, & tahini
Margherita pizza: local mozzarella, tomato, & basil
Grilled caprese sandwich: A mix of mozzarella cheese, basil, and a touch of chili flakes with roasted tomatoes
Omelette with bacon & avocado
Homemade pancakes with fresh fruit
Brownie with local vanilla ice cream & coconut caramel sauce
House Caipirinha: Rum, muddled lime, & mango
Mega Tarzan Swing: Okay so picture bungee jumping but instead of head first, its just a swing - yes, a swing just out into the middle of no where suspended high into the air. FUN. This was about $45 and the adrenaline rush of a lifetime (I still liked skydiving better, but highly recommend). It was an absolute rush and I highly recommend watching the video on the website linked above.
Extremeo picked us up from our hostel and dropped us off after as well. You can also book other activities like ziplining or bungee jumping.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Costa Rica is known for this rainforests and cloud bridges - so it's a must see! This self-guided tour is about $55 a person and you can go as slow or fast as you would like - it took us about an hour. There are 8 sky bridges and they hang through and over the forest, varying in sizes and views. You can even see the zipliners above! Stunning and unique.
They picked us up from our hostel and dropped us off after as well. You can also book other activities like the sloth or butterfly sanctuary.
Nosara:
Stay:
Hacienda Nosara Airbnb: Not even kidding - the absolute best airbnb I have ever stayed in. It looked like it was located Bali. We stayed in a treehouse built by the owner that stood overlooking the pool surrounded by endless greenery and plants. The cute thing about Nosara the fact that each house has a name, since there is no address - but it was very easy to find given the directions from the host (who was super kind and welcoming). I will without a doubt be back & could not recommend it more.
Food:
Go Juice: A yummy acai bowl stand located on one of the main shopping/food roads. We got the acai bowl and the acai bowl with homemade peanut butter. The bowl overall was very refreshing but the highlight was definitely the homemade peanut butter. Honestly some of the best tasting pb I have ever had.
El Local: A picturesque lunch/dinner spot near the beach. Very chill and has great farm to table food & craft beer.
Tuna poke bowl with fresh mango
Cheesy mac n' cheese
Fresh lemonade - AMAZING
Lagarta Lodge: An elegant hotel located on a cliff in Nosara - and wow, it is stunning. Although we didn't stay here, we made a reservation (very necessary) for dinner. We sat on the balcony on the top floor, overlooking the ocean at sunset. It was absolutely magical and one of the most beautiful sunsets we have ever seen. The food was good, but we would absolutely be back for the view.
Strawberry daiquiri
Banana daiquiri - honestly so good
Watermelon margarita
Lobster bisque with shrimp - A seaside classic with a tropical coconut milk & thyme twist. Served with a couple of herbed-butter sautéed shrimp.
Heart of palm & mushroom risotto - Served with sautéed mushroom duxelle & crispy malanga root chips.
Chipotle penne with chicken - Pasta in creamy chipotle sauce, with bacon, corn, & savory fresh tomato.
La Luna: A stunning beachside restaurant (reservation needed) that is the exact dinner you would expect to have on a tropical vacation. We went during the evening so we couldn't see the ocean, however we were feet from it and the sound itself was very peaceful. The entire restaurant was very calming and the staff was super friendly. I recommend going during sunset because I bet it would be even more magical. The food & drinks were also amazing - I will definitely be back.
Passionfruit mojito - Fresh passionfruit, dark rum, & mint leaves topped with soda & lime.
Tico Caipirinha - Local Costa Rican Cacique, fresh lime, & simple syrup
Fresh guacamole - very very fresh!!
Calamari
Prosciutto & arugula pizza - a great size and very good!
Le Bistrot Guiones: A hidden little brunch spot located on one of the main roads. Surrounded by nature, this hotspot claims to be where "French food meets the jungle," and I can definitely agree - in the best way possible.
Salmon avocado toast - smashed avocado, lemon, smoked salmon, red onion, & dill.
Choco bowl - cacao, banana, peanut butter, almond milk, homemade superfood granola.
Build your own smoothie - spinach, banana, strawberry, acai
La Bodega Mercado: A local market full of fresh fruits & veggies, a few other packaged and frozen foods, and alcohol (wine and liquor), and a fresh food bar. We ran here a few times for various snacks & meals. They also had patio seating out front.
Homemade basil hummus - absolutely amazing
The Bodega club - chicken breast, bacon, Swiss, tomato, & arugula on ciabatta with homemade mayo.
Tona - Nicaraguan beer
Activities:
CR Secret Spot Snorkeling: We decided we wanted to go snorkeling and this place had great reviews. We paid $100 each via Paypal (for about 3 hours), they emailed us the location, and we pulled up... on the beach. Vibert, the owner & our guide, rode up to us on a bike and asked if we were there for snorkeling and then invited us on to a small boat taxi to get to a bigger boat. While I don't recommend getting onto a random boat, with random men, in a foreign country - I would definitely recommend snorkeling with CR Secret Spot.
We rode out to sea on our private boat, which was so fun. We jumped in and saw a sunken ship, reefs, and even stopped at a small island called "Pink Island" because of its slight pink tint. We swam in the cove which was cool because we got to see everything up close, which is harder in the sea.
I recommend wearing a bit more than a bathing suit, as I got stung by tiny blue jelly fish many times and it stung a lot. Snorkeling was a lot harder than I expected but still very fun. Vibert gave us fresh white pineapple (unbelievably good), watermelon, water, and beer. I recommend putting sunscreen on your entire body.. lots of it.
Spacio Spa: We got a couples massage from the famous Juan Carlos Saldana (the owner). His reviews online were outstanding so I knew we needed to go. It was $100 a person and completely worth it. He was easy to communicate with through the website if I had questions, and even confirmed my appointment via WhatsApp (a free texting app that everyone uses in other countries. I recommend downloading it as you can even book reservations through a restaurants WhatsApp number, rather than calling). A very great massage, which is a vacation necessity if you ask me.
Bohdi Tree Yoga: We didn't get to go to the yoga class but I have read and heard awesome things about this place. If you get the chance, do it.
Tamarindo:
Stay:
Selina Hostel: We stayed at Selina Hostel which was centrally located with awesome prices. We got the Micro room which is small but exactly what we needed - just a bed. There is a shared bathroom with 3 other rooms, but if you want your own you can easily upgrade. I love Selina hostels and highly recommend as they are cheaper than other alternatives, a great way to meet other people (or ride solo!), and have great food and drinks - and a pool! You can download the app or ask the front desk about the daily activities. We took part in the free welcome drink - a yummy shot!
Lady Jungle: Gin, basil, cucumber, strawberry, sugar and singer syrup
Pina Verde: Cacique, pineapple, fresh basil, simple syrup and lime
Rice & curry
Chicken burger with french fries
Capitan Suizo Hotel: We did not end up staying at this hotel (but definitely will next time!). Its absolutely gorgeous complete with a pool and outside bar. We found this spot through beachside yoga - which was perfect! See below for more details on that activity.
Coconut water with tequila
Imperial beer
Food:
Wabi Sabi: Yummy sushi located in the heart of Tamarindo. I got their Wabi Sabi roll, spicy tuna, and shrimp tempura. I got them to go & ate them on the beach. That's what vacation is all about, right? Another cute little note - their sauces come in little plastic baggies, kinda cute and honestly wasn't as messy as dipping the sushi into the spicy mayo - 5/5.
Costa Juice: An acai bowl shop that was very fresh and had great portions (we got the regular size, as opposed to the large). We took them and went to the beach - as per usual.
Nordico Coffee House: A popular coffee shop that also sells acai bowls/smoothies. They were decent but I really liked my banana chai (it was frozen, not iced). I didn't try their coffee, however I read that it is very good and they are even planning on shipping world wide very soon - which says something!
El Chiringuito: A beach side restaurant near our hostel & we were able to get into without a reservation. It was very relaxing and had good food.
Charcuterie board
Pina colada
Pilsen - Costa Rican Beer
Mahi-Mahi filet overflowing with cajun spice: sweet potato, market vegetables and mango sauce
Breaded chicken fingers
Activities/Shopping:
Iguana Surf: We took private surfing lessons which only cost about $90 per person for 2 hours - definitely worth it! They supplied us with the instructor, board, and surfing outfit. We went out to the beach and spent some time learning about surfing & the technique prior to entering the water. Overall it was very fun & super informative - I am glad we got the private lesson rather than a group. It was definitely harder than I expected but they we're so kind and patient!
Ser Om Shanti beach yoga: Beach yoga located at Capitan Suizo Hotel (you do not need to stay at this hotel to attend). I chose the day I wanted, signed up online, and showed up at the hotel. They showed me where to go and I paypal'ed the instructor (it was about $16). The hour and a half sunset yoga was absolutely perfect. A dream hotel along with the best views while doing yoga - truly perfect.
Tamarindo Night Market: Open every Thursday from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Full of many venders of small businesses selling anything ranging from food to gifts (jewelry, clothing, etc). It was very busy but overall a great experience and you'll find the coolest things. Chris found a necklace that had an engraved Costa Rican coin. Make sure to bring cash (both CRC and American dollars work).
Ali Boutique: A cute boutique that sells various beachy clothing items. I got a bralette top that appears to be handmade and one of a kind. Good prices and super cute!
Bendita: One of my favorite boutiques I have ever been in - I literally wanted everything. I ended up only purchasing a cute small duffle since I didn't have much room in my suitcase and also did not want to spend a significant amount. The vibe of this store reminds me of free people.
Waterfalls:
Unfortunately I didn't get to any waterfalls on this trip but I have linked a list of waterfalls located around Costa Rica. I will definitely be back and Rio Celeste will be first on my list.
Costa Rica was the 21st country I have visited, and it is definitely in my top 5 favorite places. Nosara was our favorite spot, with Tamarindo second - however, we really loved everything about the whole country.
There was just something really special about the pura vida life... something that I will never forget and continuously chase.
Until next time Costa Rica.
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