Moon Best of Costa Rica
Make the Most of 5-7 Days
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By Nikki Solano
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- Flexible, strategic itineraries: Choose the best home base for you with regional five-day itinerary options or combine shorter side trips for a week of exploring
- The top adventures: Discover the best wildlife and marine life experiences, waterfalls, beaches, rainforests and cloud forests, ziplines, surf spots, and more
- Authentic can’t-miss experiences: Swim under a waterfall, raft over rapids, and explore mysterious caves. Admire the forest floor from the middle of a hanging bridge, take an aerial tram with incredible views, or snorkel with sea turtles in warm turquoise water. Relax on a pristine beach, soak in a volcanic mineral pool, and watch the sunrise with a cup of flavorful local coffee
- Insight from Cartago local Nikki Solano on how to experience Costa Rica like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the culture
- Helpful charts with travel times from San Jose or Liberia international airports
- Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout
- Background information on Costa Rica's wildlife, landscape, history, and cultural customs, plus travel essentials like a packing list and health and safety information
Planning to stay more than a week? Check out Moon Costa Rica.
About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.
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Excerpt
WELCOME TO COSTA RICA
CHOOSE YOUR BEST WEEK IN COSTA RICA
LA FORTUNA AND MONTEVERDE
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
CARIBBEAN COAST
DAY 1
DAY 2
TAMARINDO
DAY 1
DAY 2
SANTA TERESA AND MONTEZUMA
DAY 1
DAY 2
MANUEL ANTONIO AND COSTA BALLENA
DAY 1
DAY 2
BAHÍA DRAKE
DAY 1
DAY 2
ITINERARY TIPS
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR…
SEASONS OF COSTA RICA
HIGH SEASON
LOW SEASON
NEED TO KNOW
Costa Rica will amaze you. Opportunities for immersion in nature are everywhere, so seize them. Boat safaris wind through rivers, mangroves, and canals teeming with wildlife. Treetop excursions provide panoramic forest, volcano, and ocean views. Nature trails showcase reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. Parks, reserves, and refuges span more than a quarter of the country’s landmass, protecting the immense biodiversity that makes Costa Rica unique.
Prefer to be thrilled? Ride a zip line through the cloud forest, raft over raging rapids, rappel down waterfalls, and surf world-class breaks. To reenergize, pamper yourself with hot springs, mud baths, yoga, and wellness retreats.
Costa Rica’s laid-back pura vida attitude will also change you. Travel mindfully and you’ll reap bountiful rewards from this tiny corner of the world where people greet one another with a smile. In Costa Rica, magic is real—and within arm’s reach.
CHOOSE YOUR BEST WEEK IN COSTA RICA
Costa Rica’s best experiences encompass nature exploration, adventure recreation, wildlife and marine life encounters, cultural immersion, and beach relaxation. Your level of interest in these activities will determine where you go and how much time you spend in each place.
You’ll need at least two days in each region to fit in the very best experiences, plus extra time to travel within and between regions. With five or six days in Costa Rica, combine two of the mini-itineraries that follow to explore two distinct regions. If you have more time, stay longer in each region or combine three regional mini-itineraries to extend your vacation’s reach.
LA FORTUNA AND MONTEVERDE
DAY 1
Immerse yourself in the verdant rain forest on the outskirts of La Fortuna. Ride an aerial tram, go zip-lining, and tour hanging bridges at the Sky Adventures Arenal Park. Afterward, check out the striking Río Fortuna Waterfall, then head to the hot springs for a luxurious soak.
DAY 2
Strap on a harness and spend a few hours rappelling rock walls on a thrilling canyoneering tour. After lunch, make the scenic trip from La Fortuna to Monteverde—blessed with views of Volcán Arenal—by traveling either around or across Lago Arenal.
DAY 3
Hike through clouds on a morning spent exploring the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. In the afternoon, see butterflies, hummingbirds, reptiles, amphibians, and sloths at Selvatura Park.
For five days in La Fortuna and Monteverde.
CARIBBEAN COAST
DAY 1
Brave the wild rapids of Río Pacuare—Costa Rica’s top river for white-water rafting—on a full-day tour taken from Cahuita or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This unmissable attraction is perfect for thrill seekers, but beginners can join in the fun too.
DAY 2
Rise early to explore the nature trails and beaches inside Cahuita National Park. Spend the rest of the day tasting Caribbean foods at beloved establishments in or around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Order traditional dishes for lunch and dinner and catch the afternoon Caribeans Chocolate Tour between the two meals.
For five days on the Caribbean Coast.
TAMARINDO
DAY 1
Embrace Tamarindo’s vibrant surf culture by hitting the water and riding epic waves. No matter your experience level, there’s a surf site for you. Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point deliver the biggest thrills. Breaks off Playa Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Negra are perfect for developing surf skills.
DAY 2
Swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the view while beach-hopping from Playa Flamingo to Playa Conchal to Playa Puerto Viejo. In the evening, explore Tamarindo’s crowd-pleasing nightlife.
For five days in Tamarindo.
SANTA TERESA AND MONTEZUMA
DAY 1
Nourish your body and mind with a day spent surfing and practicing yoga in serene Santa Teresa. Surf lessons and yoga classes are available. Set aside a few hours to pop over to Playa Los Suecos in nearby Mal País for a soothing soak in the pools that form at low tide.
DAY 2
Ease into a day of relaxation in Montezuma with a morning visit to the Montezuma Waterfalls. Then head to the sleek Playa Las Manchas for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing.
For five days in Santa Teresa and Montezuma.
MANUEL ANTONIO AND COSTA BALLENA
DAY 1
Dedicate a full day to encountering wildlife in in two distinct ecosystems in Manuel Antonio. Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park in the morning. In the afternoon, take a guided boat or kayak tour around the Isla Damas mangroves to see and hear the flora and fauna.
DAY 2
Hop on a horse and head into the forest that envelops the picturesque Nauyaca Waterfalls near Dominical. Spend a few hours swimming in the waterfall’s pool. For the afternoon, trade the forest setting for seaside relaxation at either Playa Espadilla Norte or Playa Ventanas.
For five days in Manuel Antonio and Costa Ballena.
BAHÍA DRAKE
DAY 1
Climb aboard a boat from Bahía Drake and cruise to the biodiverse Corcovado National Park. Spend the day hiking in remote wilderness and searching for wildlife, including rare varieties like jaguars and tapirs, alongside an experienced tour guide.
DAY 2
Embark on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion destined for the pristine Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. Search for whales, sharks, sea turtles, and rays around the island’s protected, sun-kissed waters before returning to Bahía Drake.
For five days in Bahía Drake.
| TRANSPORTATION TIMES | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DESTINATION | DRIVING FROM SAN JOSÉ | FLYING FROM SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT | PUBLIC TRANSIT FROM SAN JOSÉ (LOWEST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT) | DRIVING FROM LIBERIA | FLYING FROM LIBERIA AIRPORT | PUBLIC TRANSIT FROM LIBERIA (LOWEST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT) |
| LA FORTUNA AND MONTEVERDE | ||||||
| La Fortuna | 3 hours | 30 minutes | 4 hours | 2.75 hours | 1 hour and 20 minutes via two flights: Liberia to San José, then San José to La Fortuna | Better to avoid by bus |
| Monteverde | 3 hours | N/A | 4 hours | 2 hours | N/A | Better to avoid by bus |
| CARIBBEAN COAST | ||||||
| Río Pacuare | 2 hours | N/A | No access by bus | 5.25 hours | N/A | No access by bus |
| Cahuita | 4 hours | 45-minute flight to Limón; 45-minute drive to Cahuita | 4 hours | 7 hours | 1 hour and 35 minutes via two flights: Liberia to San José, then San José to Limón; 45-minute drive to Cahuita | Better to avoid by bus |
| Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | 4.25 hours | 45-minute flight to Limón; 1-hour drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | 4.5 hours | 7.25 hours | 1 hour and 35 minutes via two flights: Liberia to San José, then San José to Limón; 1-hour drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | Better to avoid by bus |
| TAMARINDO | ||||||
| Tamarindo | 4.5 hours | 50 minutes | 5.5 hours | 1.25 hours | N/A | 2.5 hours |
| TRANSPORTATION TIMES | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DESTINATION | DRIVING FROM SAN JOSÉ | FLYING FROM SAN JOSÉ AIRPORT | PUBLIC TRANSIT FROM SAN JOSÉ (LOWEST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT) | DRIVING FROM LIBERIA | FLYING FROM LIBERIA AIRPORT | PUBLIC TRANSIT FROM LIBERIA (LOWEST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT) |
| SANTA TERESA AND MONTEZUMA | ||||||
| Santa Teresa | 4.5 hours (includes 1-hour ferry crossing) | 30-minute flight to Tambor; 1-hour drive to Santa Teresa | 6 hours (includes 1-hour ferry crossing) | 4.5 hours | 35-minute flight to Tambor; 1-hour drive to Santa Teresa | Better to avoid by bus |
| Montezuma | 4 hours (includes 1-hour ferry crossing) | 30-minute flight to Tambor; 35-minute drive to Montezuma | 5.5 hours (includes 1-hour ferry crossing) | 4 hours | 35-minute flight to Tambor; 35-minute drive to Montezuma | Better to avoid by bus |
| MANUEL ANTONIO AND COSTA BALLENA | ||||||
| Manuel Antonio | 3 hours | 30-minute flight to Quepos; 25-minute drive to Manuel Antonio | 4 hours | 4 hours | 1 hour and 20 minutes via two flights: Liberia to San José, then San José to Quepos; 25-minute drive to Manuel Antonio | Better to avoid by bus |
| Costa Ballena | 3.5-4 hours | 30-minute flight to Quepos; 30- to 60-minute drive to Costa Ballena | 5-5.75 hours | 4.5-5 hours | 1 hour and 20 minutes via two flights: Liberia to San José, then San José to Quepos; 30- to 60-minute drive to Costa Ballena | Better to avoid by bus |
| BAHÍA DRAKE | ||||||
| Bahía Drake | 5.5 hours (includes 1-hour boat ride) | 50 minutes | 6 hours | 6.5 hours (includes 1-hour boat ride) | 1 hour and 40 minutes via two flights: Liberia to San José, then San José to Bahía Drake; 15-minute drive to Agujitas | No access by bus |
SEASONS OF COSTA RICA
HIGH SEASON
Generally, the high season runs from mid-December to the end of April. It begins no later than January 1 and ends no sooner than Easter. During the season, reservations for hotels, tours, and transportation can be tight, prices are high (notably for accommodations), and crowds are common at popular attractions. High season aligns with Costa Rica’s summer and is also known as the dry season. The biggest draw is favorable weather, including sunny skies, warm temperatures, and little rain. The most expensive time to travel to Costa Rica is during brief peak periods around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter, when accommodation prices are hugely inflated.
TEMPERATURES: 75-85°F
LOW SEASON
The low season runs from the beginning of May to mid-December. Sometimes, it can begin immediately after Easter and last until December 31. The low season offers quiet trails, smaller tour groups, and cheaper prices. Since most tour operators require a minimum of two people to run tours, solo travelers can find it a challenge to travel at this time of year. Some businesses close or undergo renovations between September and November.
Low season aligns with the green season (colloquially referred to as the wet season), which is considered Costa Rica’s winter. Heavy rain, occasional thunderstorms, and whipping winds at high elevations can cause landslides, traffic delays, flooding, road closures (typically only in back-road areas), and last-minute tour cancellations.
TEMPERATURES: 68-78°F
BEST OF THE BEST COSTA RICA
BEST WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
CAÑO NEGRO WILDLIFE REFUGE
ISLA DEL CAÑO BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
BEST WATERFALLS
RÍO FORTUNA WATERFALL
NAUYACA WATERFALLS
RÍO CELESTE WATERFALL
BEST BEACHES
PLAYA CONCHAL
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- On Sale
- Dec 20, 2022
- Page Count
- 296 pages
- Publisher
- Moon Travel
- ISBN-13
- 9781640497337
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