Costa Rica

There are hotels nearby, but if you are staying in San Jose this is a great day trip since it is only a couple of hours away by bus. Jaco is a big, wide open beach with room for everyone. Even on packed days, it doesn't feel very crowded. It's a pretty famous surf spot in Costa Rica, but even with i...

The beach just outside of Manuel Antonio National Park is called Playa Espadilla and you can camp here for free if you have a tent or hammock. This is a safe place, accustomed to tourists, but be careful with valuables while camping on the beach - always a good idea, anyway. The alternative would be...

With so much to explore in Costa Rica, I suggest you try and make time for Nauyaca Falls . You start by going to a small office on the side of Route 243 between Dominical and San Isidro. There you can purchase your entry ticket ($8) and decide if you want to hike to the falls or take a horseback rid...

Llanos de Cortez is a hidden gem in the northwestern portion of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste region. This region is known for being dry and flat so finding waterfalls out in this area are a nice treat. Accessing this waterfall is relatively easy. The parking lot is pretty close to the waterfall and ...

Poás Volcano was last active briefly in 2014, but most notably in 2009. It's one of the most active volcanos in Costa Rica. The main crater, Laguna Caliente, supports almost no aquatic life due to the incredibly high acidity. There's a $10 entry fee into the park per person. About a quarter mile awa...

Compared to its more famous neighbor Tamarindo, Playa Negra feels worlds away from the tourist crowds and beach hawkers. Due to the lack of tourist infrastructure in the surrounding area, the beach is often deserted except for surfers and guests of Hotel Playa Negra . If you're looking for something...

Concha is the Spanish word for "shell" and as the name states, you will find the whole beach is made up of tiny sea shells. To get to this beach you will have to start at Playa Brasilito and make your way to Hotel Brasilito. When you arrive at the hotel you will continue down the road "Brasilito Bea...

Punta Leona is a peninsula located south west of San Jose and Alajuela. Head west towards Punta Arenas, then south on interstate 34. Entering "Parqueo Punta Leona" in your GPS will take you to the right location. This parking area will take you to Playa Mantas, This is a dark sand beach with many ac...

This was the very first beach I found off the radar about 15 years ago. Every year I travel to Costa Rica, I make a point to return to Barrigona. While there are a few people, mostly locals, that go to this beach, many times I have been the only person here. On several occasions I've found turtle tr...

Catarata del Toro is located in the small town of Bajos del Toro. This waterfall is located on a private reserve in the rain forest that includes nature trails, a hummingbird garden, a restaurant, restrooms, and more. There is a $10 (5000 colones) entrance fee. The beginning of the trail is fairly f...

This place is a must see if you're spending time in Costa Rica. The easy access from different towns via public transportation is very affordable and worth your time and money! There are several different ways to reach this park, the main one being taking a bus from San Jose (the city of Cartago sit...

Surrounded by lush jungle, the swimming hole of El Salto features a Tarzan swing into a deep turquoise pool along the Rio Fortuna river. The swimming hole has formed below two small waterfalls making this a popular hangout for locals and the occasional tourist. El Salto is located a short distance f...

I have been to many beaches in Costa Rica. I have never experienced a beach as beautiful (yet) as this one. The approach to the water is a gradual, barely noticeable ease into the ocean. From my first time here and all the subsequent visits, the beach and ocean floor were completely void of rocks an...

Due to a geothermically heated underground river, the area surrounding Arenal Volcano has an abundance of hot springs. The majority of these hot springs are in expensive resorts that have tapped into the underground river to create a variety of mineral rich soaking pools. One of the areas best kept ...

The drive from Monteverde to La Fortuna/Arenal can be a long one. Fortunately the waterfalls at Viento Fresco are located halfway between these two popular tourist destinations, giving you the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and go for a swim. The waterfalls are on private property and requ...

The walk to Punta Manzanillo from Manzanillo Beach is absolutely beautiful. This is the most southern beach accessible near Puerto Viejo. You can park your car under the palm trees near the beach, just be aware of falling coconuts!! At Manzanillo Beach the jungle grows right to the waters edge and s...