Costa Rica
Hotel Review: Andaz Papagayo, Costa Rica
Of all the properties we stayed at this year, the Andaz Papagayo was the most overwhelmingly positive surprise — an open-air…
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Costa Rica
Welcome to our Costa Rica travel guide
Beautiful beaches, towering jungles and mangroves extending for miles greet you in this tropical paradise. The incredible diversity in landscapes allows travelers to experience a wide range of activities, no matter their interests. There are volcanoes, hot springs, beaches, jungles and beautiful little towns.
Locals living the Pura Vida lifestyle have nothing but kindness to share with travelers and there is so much to experience from food to coffee culture. Costa Rica has approximately 5% of the world’s species of biodiversity, which creates an incredible environment to explore the natural beauty of the country.
Flying into San Jose is the easiest and cheapest option, but if you’re hoping to explore the north or Papagayo region, it’s best to fly into Liberia or rent a car in San Jose.
Permission to daydream about getting on the next flight to a tropical place 🙌🏻. . . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #floating #isitfridayyet
Wednesday goals: jump off a boat into beautiful, warm water😍. . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #motivation
“Life is a song -sing it. Life is a game- play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a sacrifice- offer it. Life is love- enjoy it”. - Sai Baba 🍍🍍 There’s always new challenges and new opportunities. I want to always remember to leap at the chance to try something new. What will you try this week? . . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #inspiration #mondaymotivation #mondaygoals #costarica
Sometimes you just have to sneak onto a pirate ship and jump 🤷🏼♀️😂. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #pirateship #boatjumping
When life gives you lemons, buy some pineapple 😉 🍍. . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #pineapple #tabacon #pineappledrink
The most beautiful thing in the world, is, of course, the world itself.” – Wallace Stevens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #tabacon #arenal #tabaconhotsprings
Come with me, the world is ours to explore ❤️🌴. . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #coupleslovetravel #couplegoals #exploretheworld #travelmore
Whatever goal you’re thinking about setting for yourself, take the leap! It’s worth it. . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #mondaymotivation #boatlife #mondaygoals
The world is a beautiful and fascinating place. In Costa Rica, volcano heated rivers flowed through waterfalls at 100 degrees. It’s an incredible experience to spend a day in nature’s hot tubs amongst the lush jungle trees and towering volcano right behind you. . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #costarica #tabaconhotsprings #volcano #hotsprings @tabaconresort
Cheers to the weekend! There’s nothing quite like an adventure on a Saturday, is there? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #traveldeeper #travelblogger #travelblog #traveltheworld #traveladdict #travelbug #travellife #femmetravel #bestplacestogo #liveinspired #wanderlust #citizenfemme #ladieswhotravel #girlswhotravel #luxurytravel #luxuryworldtraveler #beachesnresorts #coupleswhotravel #dametraveler #femaletravelbloggers #adventure #elmangroove #autographcollection #costarica #beaches
Things to See and Do in Costa Rica
- We highly recommend you explore Arenal Volcano - stay or spend the day at Tabacon for an epic experience
- Papagayo is Costa Rica’s Hamptons - home to the beautiful Andaz Papagayo and the Four Seasons
- Explore the Guanacaste coast by boat
- Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest and explore the misty treetops by zipline
- Take a coffee making class at your hotel if offered (like at the Andaz Papagayo) to learn more about the incredible coffee culture
- Looking to indulge in that Pura Vida life? Book a yoga retreat, one of the most popular experiences in Costa Rica
What to know
Costa Rica offers endless options in terms of lodging. We personally did not spend much time in San Jose, choosing instead to head straight for what Costa Rica is known for: epic, beautiful eco-conscious resorts. In recent years, high end resorts have popped up all over the country, like the JW Marriott Guanacaste, Four Seasons Papagayo, Andaz Papagayo and several Autograph collection resorts, like El Mangroove.
We stayed at two properties and they both had similar vibes: eco-conscious, down to earth and felt like they fit in so perfectly to their natural surroundings. Prices for 4.5-5 star accommodations will range extensively between low and high season, rates running around $200-400.
While some all-inclusives do exist in Costa Rica, they’re typically the larger 4-star brands like Margaritaville and Barcelo.
Depending on your plans, it may be worth renting a car. There is a lot to explore in the country and one can drive from San Jose to Liberia in about 8 hours. We rented a car for the week for about $300.
Taxis are available for quick trips at reasonable prices as well. Most tours do offer hotel pickups and it is included in the cost of the tours.
Costa Rica has it all, from Michelin starred restaurants in San Jose, to local holes-in-the-wall places all over. Historically, Costa Rica was not known for its fine dining, better known for its beans, rice and meat. In the last ten years, international chefs have popped up, putting spins on the traditional and elevating the cuisine. Luxury resorts offer diversity in cuisine, many serving up tapas, fish dishes and a twist on the traditional sautéed meats. Local shops will be on the cheaper side, while the resorts are typically serving up American resort prices.
San Jose and Liberia will have your typical big-box stores. As you get closer to the coastal or mountain towns, you’ll end up finding great local shops with handy-crafts, jewelry and sculptures.
Negotiating is acceptable and expected.
“Pura Vida” defines the culture of Costa Rica. The laid back, friendly attitude of locals is absolutely infectious. The vibrant Spanish colonial influence mixed with the immigrant cultures of China and Jamaica make Costa Rica an incredibly colorful and beautiful culture. Song, laughter and general happiness of the society make it such a fun country to explore.
While not known for its food, you can find a delicious meal at many high end resorts. One of the best meals we had was at the Tapas restaurant at the Andaz Papagayo.
Articles to read
The Best Luxury Volcanic Hot Spring Retreat In Costa Rica
Two hours along winding mountain roads from the capital city of San Jose, lies a jungle oasis at the base of a protruding Volcano. The clouds linger around the top, casting bright rays down across the valley.
Read MoreTypical costs
Costa Rica is a very reasonable country to travel in. Taxis are cheap for short rides, activities cost between $50-100 USD per person and dining out at a casual restaurant will cost around $10 per person pre-alcohol.
Hotels will be the most expensive part of your trip- and trust us, it’s worth it! There are some incredible properties. If you choose to use points for your hotels, there are a number of brands to choose from: Marriott and Hyatt in particular have several stunning properties.
Suggested daily budget – Typical food & beverage costs range depending on how high-end the hotel brand is, but we typically budget $300 per day for food & alcohol, allowing us the flexibility to eat at the resort. Transfers to & from the hotel to the airport range as well, but we typically budget $20-30. Be sure to budget for activities like the Tabacon Hot Springs (we recommend the Day Pass with Lunch for $85).
When to TravelCosta Rica Seasons
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April, the dry season. This is also the most expensive time to visit, so if you don't mind a little rain, visit between May and November when prices are at their lowest. During June and July, rain lets up, bringing beautiful greenery and flowers to the jungle.
Travel Tips
- Car rental – Rent a car to maximize your exploring of the incredible landscape
- Split your time – If you want to visit both the North and South, spend 3 days south and 3 days in the north
- Flight deals – The best flight deals will be in to San Jose - consider where you want to stay before booking
- Use hotel points – The Andaz Papagayo is a great deal at 20,000 Hyatt Points - arguably the best points deal in the country
Luxury Hotel Reviews
Check out some of our favorite Costa Rica resorts and what we like and don’t like about each of them.
How to plan your trip
The vastly diverse landscape and biodiversity sets Costa Rica apart as one of the most incredible natural experiences in the world. Imagine waking up to Howler monkeys at your doorstep, colorful birds chirping as you sip on your Costa Rican coffee and the water softly lapping against the mangroves. Costa Rica’s people welcome you with open arms and greet you consistently with the Pura Vida attitude. It’s no surprise that many people move to Costa Rica for the slower pace of life.
To start planning your trip, be sure to decide where in the country you want to visit. If you plan on staying in the south, book a flight into San Jose. If you plan to visit Papagayo or the Tabacon area, we recommend flying into Liberia.
Next, consider the activities you want to do and base your hotel choice on that. Many hotels offer free pickup for their excursions, as long as you are located in the main tourist zones. There are a lot of big brands that may offer great points deals, like Hyatt and Marriott.
Gallery of Costa Rica
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The Best Luxury Volcanic Hot Spring Retreat in Costa Rica
Two hours along winding mountain roads from San Jose lies Tabacon Thermal Resort, a jungle oasis at the base of Volcano Arenal where naturally warm, crystal clear hot springs flow through lush, forested grounds.
