Curator’s statement
Visiting Costa Rica was the first time my breath was taken away because of nature. I couldn’t believe I had the chance to drift into a beautiful night’s rest with my room facing the jungle, and I felt that I was truly immersed into pure nature but at the same time somehow got luxury treatment on top of it? A pure dream! Exploring off-the-beaten-path jungles and beaches was so rewarding. From sloths waving hello from the treetops to monkeys guarding my purse (yes guarding, not stealing) to hermit crabs popping up to flying out of a garage instead of a full-blown airport to trying starfruit juice, it was a place of pure adventure and a gem in the Americas.
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Things to do in Costa Rica
National Theater of Costa Rica: A very unique tour of a theater. It isn’t just being able to go inside—it’s ghost stories and a collection of very beautiful items on display.
Pre-Colombian Gold Museum: A serious and gorgeous collection.
Manual Antonio National Park: One of the best beaches I’ve ever seen throughout my travels. So much wildlife on the trek to the beach: sloths, birds, snakes, monkeys, etc. The different trees here are also beautiful, unique, and interesting to learn about.
Zip-lining: If you are going to try zip-lining anywhere, do it here! The concept was created here, and it’s a great way to easily see lush rainforests and wildlife—but in a thrilling way.
Just relax! Costa Rica has some of the best resorts with gorgeous pools, jacuzzis, and a variety of beaches—volcanic black or serene white and blue!
Places to eat & drink in Costa Rica
El Avion: A restaurant and bar in an old plane. Some of the nicest people you will ever meet work here.
En Todos: A food truck that’s an old school bus—so cool! Best wrap I’ve ever had in my life.
Restaurant inside Makanda by The Sea hotel: Such a uniquely curated menu.
Restaurant Sikwa: Known for their jungle-to-table menu.
La Luna: Known for their great location and views.
Need to know
If you are going to fly round-trip from San Jose to Quepos, expect a very small airport and seaplane, so almost all luggage is going to have to be checked and might be brought on a separate plane. This is a common practice for remote islands.
Mosquitos are almost everywhere here. I’ve prepped for mosquitos in all continents to do my best to protect from bites amd diseases and have learned some things from locals while traveling, so here’s my bit. (Disclaimer: I am not a medical practitioner and everything I say below is suggested, not guaranteed. If you have allergies, could be or are pregnant, and/or have any existing conditions, please consult a medical practitioner and do independent research.)
If you get Dengue, papaya can help! Drink it, eat it, bathe with it, rub it. Filipinos swear by this method for one week to get rid of it. A vaccine is being worked on in Brazil and Mexico.
If you are worried about malaria, there are many Passport Health locations globally that can prescribe anti-malaria tablets for you. Most common side effects are stomach issues. A nasal vaccine is available in Egypt.
Other protections include covering up fully, mesh nets over your bed and/or yourself, fly tape with small pins, repellent candles, Passport Health spray for clothing (lasts five weeks if not washed, but toxic to domestic pets), Sawyer mosquito lotion and/or spray (make sure it doesn’t interfere with sunscreen), waterproof mosquito bracelets on ankles and wrists, and mosquito repellent stickers on self, walls, furniture, etc.
The yellow fever vaccine is mandated to get into Costa Rica. Passport Health offices do this.
Drink bottled water only!
You must have a local and licensed guide to enter Manual Antonio National Park.
It rains often here! Not exactly tropical rain where it goes away in a few minutes but it rains hard. Floods are often.
What I’ve used against rain: heavy-duty rain coat, a visor/cap against rain for hair, waterproof covers on sneakers, an umbrella and fast-drying umbrella case, a waterproof phone case (which can also hold your passport and money).
Travel Advisor
Leanna Vinokur
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.