A scarlet macaw in flight through Costa Rican forest Photo: Geoffrey McCabe

Independent Costa Rica travel guide · since 2011

Costa Rica, explored properly.

Guides to beaches, rainforest, surf and wildlife, plus the hotels and eco-lodges actually worth booking.

Explore by region

GuanacasteDry-forest coast, Tamarindo, Playa NegraNicoya PeninsulaSanta Teresa, Montezuma, NosaraCentral PacificJaco, Manuel Antonio, CararaSouthern PacificDominical, Uvita, Osa, PavonesArenal & MonteverdeVolcano, hot springs, cloud forestCaribbean CoastPuerto Viejo, Cahuita, TortugueroCentral ValleySan José, coffee country, volcanoes
Arenal-Volcano Plan your trip Top ten vacation destinations in Costa Rica From Arenal Volcano to the Caribbean coast: the places first-time visitors should have on their shortlist, and what each one is best for.
Sunset-in-Playa-Samara Surf Most popular surfing beaches in Costa Rica tree frog Wildlife Big Five Animals of Costa Rica kayaking Tours Swamp Life: Mangrove tours in Costa Rica Doka estate coffee tour Tours Best Coffee Tours in Costa Rica

Where to stay

All hotels & lodges →
Nayara Resort, Spa and Gardens Resort & spaArenal Nayara Resort, Spa and Gardens playa negra surf lodge Surf lodgePlaya Negra, Guanacaste Playa Negra Surf Lodge gaia boutique hotel Boutique hotelManuel Antonio Gaia Boutique Hotel & Reserve

Wildlife & nature

baby-turtles-playa Sea Turtle Protection Projects Where to volunteer, and how to watch nesting turtles without disturbing them. National Parks of Costa Rica: Barra Honda National Park National Parks of Costa Rica A region-by-region guide to the parks, reserves and refuges worth the trip. Southern Nicoya Peninsula Surf Guide: intro Southern Nicoya Peninsula Surf Guide Break-by-break notes for Santa Teresa, Mal País and the coast around them.

Popular topics

Surf campsEco-lodgesBeachfront hotelsBed & breakfastsYoga retreatsNational parksBirdsMarine lifeTours