Costa Rica Vacations

Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination and offers some great vacation options. I have tried to identify some of the more interesting vacation locations and have done so keeping in mind that there are different kinds of travelers. I think that there is everything from a luxurious packaged vacations to a self-catered condo rental for the independent traveler.

Vacation in the Nicoya Peninsula

Most travelers set their vacation sights on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica because it offers white-sand beaches. There are several large-scale resorts in Tamarindo and nearby Playa Flamingo. There are numerous packaged vacations to this area, but there's also an opportunity package your own vacation. Liberia is a great alternative to San Jose. The airport is small, easy to navigate and less intimidating than the airport in San Jose.

Liberia is a small center with all the necessary services but none of the hassles of a large city. Vacation packages often include the transfer from Liberia to the resort, however, car rentals are easily available at the airport and are reasonably priced. If you are interested in self-catered, some great options for vacations include Nosara and Samara.

Further south, there's Montezuma, Malpais and Santa Teresa. These towns offer great self-catering vacations. However, there are also several resorts offering vacation packages near Montezuma in Tambor.

Vacation on the Central Pacific Coast

The packaged vacation opportunities in coastal areas of the Central Pacific are more abundant in Puntarenas but not so available as one travels further south.

South of Puntarenas, Playa Herradura is a resort development offering a palm-sheltered beach, golf, snorkeling and diving. Americans are able to purchase packages to this resort, while most other international travelers are not.

However, there are some great vacation spots for the intrepid traveler who is willing to put together her own itinerary.

Quepos & Manuel Antonio are magnificent towns where there are many services and a range of accommodation tailored to most budgets. There are some spectacular beaches in Manuel Antonio Park.

Playa Hermosa is located about 5-km (3 mi) from Jaco and is a quiet community offering the opportunity for a quiet low-key vacation.

Vacation on the Peninsula de Osa & Golfo Dulce

Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez in the Osa Penísula appeal mostly to backpackers and laid-back travelers because the accommodation and services can be rustic.

That said, it's changing rapidly. For vacation goers seeking quality services and accommodation, there are plenty available.

There are internal flights with NatureAir and Sansa that will make it easier to reach this off-the-beaten-path spot.

Arenal Volcano National Park & surrounding area

For those who are not looking for a beach vacation, the Arenal route makes a great vacation destination. It's possible to find a lovely hotel, enjoy soothing hot springs, explore the local lake and visit the volcano. Some of the activities that are available include: birding, hiking, relaxing at a spa, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, fishing, canyoning, white water rafting, and shopping.

This charming district "the Arenal route" is easy to access from both Liberia and San Jose.

Other vacation ideas

There are fishing lodges throughout the country that are tranquil and relaxing. Tortuguero National Park offers some fabulous upscale lodges and some fabulous outdoor experiences.

Rio Chirripo Valley is a lovely scenic route and offers plantations, reserves, hot springs, and the highest peak in Costa Rica is Mt. Chirripo. There are some lovely accommodations and charming restaurants along this route.