# Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a lush Central American paradise known for its stunning biodiversity, pristine beaches, and eco-friendly approach to tourism. With its 'pura vida' (pure life) philosophy, the country offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, from exploring rainforests and volcanoes to lounging on sun-soaked shores.

**Key facts**

- Currency: CRC
- Languages: Spanish
- Timezone: America/Costa_Rica (GMT-6)
- Best known for: Rainforests, Beaches, Wildlife, Eco-tourism, Coffee, Volcanoes

## Cities

- [El Jobo](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/el-jobo.md) — 1 hotel
- [Fortuna](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/fortuna.md) — 4 hotels
- [Guanacaste](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/guanacaste.md) — 1 hotel
- [Islita](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/islita.md) — 1 hotel
- [Jacó](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/jac-o.md) — 1 hotel
- [Manuel Antonio](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/manuel-antonio.md) — 1 hotel
- [Ojochal](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/ojochal.md) — 1 hotel
- [Papagayo, Guanacaste](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/papagayo-guanacaste.md) — 5 hotels
- [Playa Conchal](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/playa-conchal.md) — 2 hotels
- [Santa Teresa Beach](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/santa-teresa-beach.md) — 1 hotel
- [Tamarindo](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/tamarindo.md) — 1 hotel
- [Toro Amarillo](https://firstrowtravel.com/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/toro-amarillo.md) — 1 hotel

## Hotels in Costa Rica

- [Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/papagayo-guanacaste/secrets-papagayo-all-inclusive-adults-only.md) (5-star, Papagayo, Guanacaste) — Adults-only all-inclusive on Arenilla Beach in Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo, with 202 rooms, four restaurants, five bars, two pools, a private beach, and a full spa — 20 minutes from Liberia Airport.
- [Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/papagayo-guanacaste/nekajui-a-ritz-carlton-reserve.md) (Papagayo, Guanacaste) — Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Papagayo, offers luxurious rooms steps from Playa Pochote, some with sea-view balconies, providing an exclusive coastal retreat in Guanacaste's natural beauty.
- [Hotel Three Sixty](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/ojochal/hotel-three-sixty.md) (4-star, Ojochal) — Hotel Three Sixty offers adults-only luxury in Ojochal, with 12 ocean-view villas, a poolside restaurant, and bar. This 4-star retreat provides easy access to Marino Ballena National Park and Uvita.
- [Alta Las Palomas](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/united-states/san-jose/alta-las-palomas.md) (5-star, San Jose) — Alta Las Palomas, a 5-star retreat in San José, offers panoramic views, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. This elegant hotel combines Costa Rican charm with modern amenities, just 20 minutes from Tobías Bolaños Airport.
- [Los Altos Resort](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/manuel-antonio/los-altos-resort.md) (5-star, Manuel Antonio) — Los Altos Resort, a 5-star retreat in Manuel Antonio, offers luxurious suites with ocean views, a private beach area, and a pool, just minutes from the national park's renowned beaches.
- [Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/santa-teresa-beach/nantipa-a-tico-beach-experience.md) (5-star, Santa Teresa Beach) — Hotel Nantipa offers a luxurious 5-star beachfront experience in Santa Teresa, featuring air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, a restaurant, bar, and 24-hour service, all just steps from the pristine Costa Rican shore.
- [Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/fortuna/tabacon-thermal-resort-and-spa.md) (5-star, Fortuna) — Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: A 5-star oasis near Arenal Volcano, offering luxurious rooms, natural hot springs, gourmet dining, and a world-class spa in Costa Rica's lush rainforest setting.
- [Rio Perdido](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/fortuna/rio-perdido.md) (4-star, Fortuna) — Rio Perdido, a 4-star retreat near Fortuna, offers thermal river hot springs, hiking trails, and canyon views. This spa resort features an award-winning restaurant and easy access to outdoor adventures.
- [El Silencio Lodge & Spa - Relais & Chateaux](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/toro-amarillo/el-silencio-lodge-spa-relais-chateaux.md) (5-star, Toro Amarillo) — El Silencio Lodge & Spa: A 5-star eco-luxury retreat in Costa Rica's Central Volcanic Valley, offering mountain-view suites, spa treatments, and 500 acres of private tropical forest for hiking and meditation.
- [Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/jac-o/los-suenos-marriott-ocean-golf-resort.md) (5-star, Jacó) — Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Jacó offers 5-star luxury with a private beach, golf course, and rainforest views. Enjoy spacious rooms, fine dining, and easy access to Costa Rica's natural wonders.
- [JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/tamarindo/jw-marriott-guanacaste-resort-spa.md) (5-star, Tamarindo) — This oceanfront 5-star JW Marriott in Tamarindo offers luxury hacienda-style accommodations, an infinity pool, spa, and diverse dining options, all set against Costa Rica's stunning natural beauty.
- [Punta Islita, Autograph Collection](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/islita/punta-islita-autograph-collection.md) (5-star, Islita) — This 5-star beachfront resort in Guanacaste offers direct access to Islita Beach, stunning sea views, luxurious spa facilities, and diverse dining options, all set against a backdrop of lush tropical gardens and outdoor adventures.
- [W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/playa-conchal/w-costa-rica-reserva-conchal.md) (5-star, Playa Conchal) — Luxurious 5-star beachfront resort in Playa Conchal, offering chic rooms with private balconies, multiple pools, diverse dining options, and easy access to Costa Rica's natural beauty and outdoor activities.
- [El Mangroove, Autograph Collection](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/papagayo-guanacaste/el-mangroove-autograph-collection.md) (5-star, Papagayo, Guanacaste) — This modern 5-star retreat on Papagayo Bay offers a secluded beachfront escape with luxury rooms, a pool, spa, and easy access to water activities, just 30 minutes from Liberia.
- [Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/united-states/san-jose/costa-rica-marriott-hotel-hacienda-belen.md) (5-star, San Jose) — Set on a 30-acre coffee plantation near San José, this 5-star Marriott offers luxurious rooms, two pools, a golf range, and a coffee-inspired spa, blending hacienda charm with modern amenities.
- [The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/playa-conchal/the-westin-reserva-conchal-an-all-inclusive-golf-resort-spa.md) (5-star, Playa Conchal) — This 5-star all-inclusive resort on Playa Conchal offers luxury amenities, multiple dining options, and a golf course, blending Costa Rican beauty with upscale comfort just 15 minutes from Tamarindo Beach.
- [Nayara Gardens](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/fortuna/nayara-gardens.md) (5-star, Fortuna) — Nayara Gardens, a 5-star retreat in Fortuna, offers luxury bungalows with private plunge pools, nestled in the Costa Rican rainforest with views of Arenal Volcano, blending adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting.
- [Nayara Tented Camp](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/fortuna/nayara-tented-camp.md) (5-star, Fortuna) — Luxurious 5-star tented camp near La Fortuna, Costa Rica, offering spa facilities, infinity pool, and adventure activities amidst lush gardens, with easy access to nearby hot springs and natural attractions.
- [InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/united-states/san-jose/intercontinental-costa-rica-at-multiplaza-mall.md) (5-star, San Jose) — The 5-star InterContinental Costa Rica offers luxurious rooms, four trendy restaurants, and a full-service spa in San José's upscale Escazu area, connected to the prestigious Multiplaza Mall for shopping and dining convenience.
- [Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/el-jobo/dreams-las-mareas-costa-rica.md) (5-star, El Jobo) — Nestled on a pristine private beach in El Jobo, the 5-star Dreams Las Mareas offers luxurious suites with stunning views, multiple pools, a spa, and easy access to adventures in Costa Rica and nearby Nicaragua.
- [Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/papagayo-guanacaste/andaz-costa-rica-resort-at-peninsula-papagayo.md) (5-star, Papagayo, Guanacaste) — Nestled in Costa Rica's lush Papagayo peninsula, this 5-star Hyatt resort offers luxurious rooms with ocean views, multiple pools, a spa, and diverse dining options, just steps from the beach.
- [Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/guanacaste/waldorf-astoria-costa-rica-punta-cacique.md) (5-star, Guanacaste) — Nestled in Guanacaste, the 5-star Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers elegant sea-view rooms, spa facilities, and a year-round pool, perfectly positioned near pristine beaches and just 14 miles from the international airport.
- [Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo](https://firstrowtravel.com/hotels/costa-rica/papagayo-guanacaste/four-seasons-resort-costa-rica-at-peninsula-papagayo.md) (5-star, Papagayo, Guanacaste) — Nestled on Costa Rica's Papagayo Gulf, this 5-star Four Seasons resort boasts private beaches, multiple pools, and luxurious accommodations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and upscale amenities just 35 minutes from the airport.

## Common questions

**What is the capital of Costa Rica?**

The capital of Costa Rica is San José.

**Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?**

Most visitors from North America and Europe don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is required.

**What's the best time to visit Costa Rica?**

The dry season from December to April is the most popular, but the 'green season' (May to November) offers fewer crowds and lush landscapes.

**Is it safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica?**

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban areas, but bottled water is recommended in rural regions.

**What are some must-visit places in Costa Rica?**

Popular destinations include Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the beaches of Guanacaste.

**How is the public transportation in Costa Rica?**

Public buses are inexpensive and cover most of the country, but renting a car gives more flexibility for exploring remote areas.

**What wildlife can I expect to see in Costa Rica?**

Costa Rica is home to diverse wildlife including sloths, monkeys, toucans, quetzals, and sea turtles.

**Is Costa Rica suitable for family travel?**

Yes, Costa Rica is very family-friendly with numerous safe activities like zip-lining, wildlife watching, and beach outings suitable for all ages.

## How to book

- WhatsApp: https://wa.me/19453939299
- Email: advisor@firstrowtravel.com
- Include the hotel page URL and your travel dates; booking through First Row Travel costs the same as booking direct — no booking fees.