r/CostaRicaTravel

Torn between which location as my base. I believe Tamarindo to be more touristy but perhaps more of a wow factor for beauty. Coco on the other hand may have a more local feel with expats as well. I will be a solo female traveler. A fairly young ish 63. Don’t mind a lively scene but also not looking for a commercialized constant party town. Any recommendations from 1st hand experience? Thanks

I rented a car for the first time while solo traveling in Costa Rica, and I drove over 8 hours in total without any problems until I had to make a very tight turn out of a narrow driveway and scraped the car handle and door on a pole. I need to return the car at 11am and am wondering what the best course of action is. Is it better not to say anything, to be upfront, or to be upfront but lie about how the damage happened? Obviously, I assume they don't care how it happened, just that there is damage, but I wanted to see what others think. Luckily, I rented from a reputable company and got the basic CDW, but that was still a $750 deposit on top of $500 already spent, and I'm really hoping I don't end up losing the full deposit over a small mistake.

Hi all. We have the following itinerary
- Uvita -5 nights
- Jaco - 2 nights
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - 3 nights

For our stay in Uvita, how easy is it to make day trips into Corcovado National park? Is it better to go by boat from somewhere more north instead of driving closer?
Any other recommendation for day trips from Uvita (or our other locations)?
Thank you!

Is it permissible to fly a drone recreationally in Tamarindo? If so, where are the designated launch spots? As always, I want to ensure that I am being respectful and professional.

Thinking about visiting Costa Rica next year. What are your recomendations or favorite places to visit?

Also considering a couple of tours, suggestions?

Thanks.

Arrives at SJO & waiting for Immigration - this is F#%^** such a LOOOONG line 😩 (visitor line)

Guys, is this normal? Last I came was few years back & don’t think this was ever the case.

We are traveling as a family (with kids) & have absolutely no idea how many hours this might take - F crazy this is.

Is this what we should have prepared for? Our itin assumed we would be out in 1 hr & have taxi waiting - at this rate it will be couple of hours before we step out!

I’m planning on going to Costa Rica mid December, and I want to stay in Monteverde. Looking for a place that has had amazing food, pool, room ac, and is adults only. Price doesn’t matter.

Hi, we are 4 adults coming in February, is 2 weeks too long to spend in this area? 2 of us came to CR last year and spent way too much time on the road (La fortuna to Santa Theresa to Jaco), so we’re trying to find somewhere we can stay more local this time. Ideally we find a rainforest lodge in the mountains for a couple days, then down to town for beaches and the park. Also seeking any lodging recommendations, thanks!

How to decide- stay or go home on the departure date?

This year I was unsure re coming g back to Tama- I had already gone 13 times and also 4 times to other cities in CR.

I only booked 11 days when usually it has been 15 .

Now here I am- only 6 days left- it took an extra day or 2 to get acclimated- to get over stress from travel, to find new things, to get places I need. Now I am in a rhythm- morn workout, do Spanish homework, know where to eat sort of cheaply or to cook. Happy people around me- and a lovely pool to swim in. I even found a better mosquitoe repellant.

I feel bored. I think I will not stay longer. It is a funny feeling- Ive been here so many times- prices have escalated- some 40% in 2 years.

Planning a family trip to the Guanacaste area, early May 2027. I've read humidity can be oppressive there during certain times of the year. I'm from Virginia where humidity gets really bad from June-September, but May is usually pleasant. Can anyone who's been to the Guanacaste area in early May tell me if humidity will be a problem for three healthy adults.

Before visiting Costa Rica, I had seen so many photos of sloths that I honestly thought they would be everywhere.

Once I got there, I realized it wasn't quite that simple.

They can be surprisingly difficult to spot. They're often high up in the canopy, perfectly camouflaged, and it's amazing how easy it is to walk right past one without noticing.

Ironically, once someone points out the first one, you suddenly start seeing them everywhere.

That first sighting ended up being one of the most memorable moments of my trip.

Now I'm curious...

How long did it take you to spot your first sloth in Costa Rica?

Did you find it on your own, or did someone point it out to you?

https://preview.redd.it/z634lofyabbh1.png?width=1536&format=png&auto=webp&s=a7aa61b27a42e03b855e92b7a3804743d135ce74

https://preview.redd.it/i3lzjvi1cbbh1.png?width=1536&format=png&auto=webp&s=2b84bdfa3a29ecb19cd09453e42c3a033b168304

https://preview.redd.it/p922hxhqcbbh1.png?width=1086&format=png&auto=webp&s=5042550d3be9128572e1f73636bbe93b24063348

https://preview.redd.it/alh1m1r4dbbh1.png?width=1448&format=png&auto=webp&s=5e1355c12034d6c7c965f1219fc6bcd44cf75ecd

Hi I will be staying at the rui hotels in Costa Rica but I am struggling to find a tour that would pick us up from the hotel and to the fortuna, volcano, and hanging bridges or just any two out of the tree

I’m sure I am not the first person to run into this

Can someone guide me up a bit ?

I’ve just started my research on planning a trip to CR in the spring of next year for a couple (probably looking at April/May time frame). We’d like to do a mix of beach and rainforest. I know it’s probably best to do 4 days in one location and 4 days in another. What suggestions does everyone have for a plan of where to go and stay, for a few relaxing beach days and a few days of exploring?

Hi! I'm looking to take my family (my husband, his aunt, our 1 year old son and I) to Costa Rica at the end of October (likely 10/23 - 10/30). We would fly into San Jose (SJO). I was originally looking into all inclusive resorts but read on here people don't recommend that in Costa Rica. My husband and I are experienced travelers, but having our 1 year old (will be 19 months at the time of travel) with us makes both of us a little anxious to travel off resort.

Any other families travel with babies or toddlers? Where did you stay? What did you do?

I LOVE wildlife and really want to see monkeys, sloths, macaws, and snorkel if possible. While my husband and his aunt would love to explore a little, they would like a nice beach to relax.

Sorry that was a lot and thank you all in advance for your help! :)