Where to base yourself

Which region to explore in Costa Rica

Every region scored for accessibility, value, local feel, and more. Honest trade-offs on each — no superlatives without substance.

AllBudgetLocal feelNightlifeFamiliesWalkabilityMost central

Top pick

Arenal & Monteverde

An active volcano, geothermal hot springs, and cloud forest hanging bridges — the most iconic inland Costa Rica.

Arenal Costa Rica — golden sunset over the Pacific at Marino Ballena National Park, with volcano silhouettes behind

Arenal & Monteverde

Top pick

An active volcano, geothermal hot springs, and cloud forest hanging bridges — the most iconic inland Costa Rica.

5/10

Walk

5/10

Price

6/10

Local

10/10

Central

Costa Rica Caribbean coast — aerial view of a river winding through dense rainforest canopy on the Caribbean side

Caribbean Coast

Top pick

Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae bars, sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero, and Costa Rica's most authentic other half.

7/10

Walk

7/10

Price

9/10

Local

5/10

Central

Manuel Antonio Costa Rica — scarlet macaw perched on Isla Tortuga off the Pacific Central coast

Manuel Antonio & Pacific Central

Top pick

The most visited national park in Central America — monkeys on the beach, surf towns, and accessible wildlife.

5/10

Walk

5/10

Price

5/10

Local

9/10

Central

Guanacaste Costa Rica — aerial view of the Pacific coastline with turquoise water and green hills in dry season

Guanacaste & Pacific North

Good

Costa Rica's dry-season heartland — white sand beaches, calm turquoise water, and the most reliable weather in the country.

5/10

Walk

3/10

Price

4/10

Local

7/10

Central

Osa Peninsula Costa Rica — hanging bridges of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve above the rainforest canopy

Osa Peninsula & South Pacific

Good

Corcovado — Earth's most biologically intense national park — and the best humpback whale watching in the Americas.

3/10

Walk

5/10

Price

8/10

Local

7/10

Central

Not sure when to go?

Find the best time to visit Costa Rica →