Travel to Costa Rica: The Expat's Guide to Visiting, Exploring, and Finding Your Place

Costa Rica attracts more American expats, retirees, and digital nomads than almost any other country in Latin America — and most of them visited first. A trip to Costa Rica is rarely just a vacation. For a growing number of visitors, it's the first step toward a life change.

This guide covers the towns and regions worth visiting across Costa Rica — from the dry sunny beaches of Guanacaste to the lush jungle coast of the Southern Pacific, the cool mountain towns of the Central Valley, and the surf villages of the Nicoya Peninsula. Whether you're here for a week of adventure or a month of serious scouting, you'll find honest information on where to stay, what to do, and what each place actually feels like to live in.

Costa Rica is a small country — roughly the size of West Virginia — but it packs an extraordinary range of landscapes, climates, and communities into that space. The town that feels perfect to one person can feel completely wrong to another. The only way to know which regions suit your lifestyle is to experience them in person.

Scroll down to explore each region, or jump ahead to our Scouting Trip Planner if you're specifically researching a potential move.

Additional Costa Rica Guides:

• Cost of Living in Costa Rica

• Residency & Visas

• Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica

• Moving to Costa Rica

⛰️ Central Valley Base Camp (Days 1-3)

Mountain air, cooler temperatures, and city conveniences.

🏞️ Atenas, Grecia, San Ramón, etc.

The Central Valley is the heart of Costa Rica — home to the capital San José, charming towns like Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia, Grecia, and Atenas, and the country’s major international airport in Alajuela. Expats are drawn to this region for its spring-like climate year-round, access to quality healthcare, modern shopping, and vibrant cultural life. From bustling city living to quiet mountain towns with panoramic valley views, the Central Valley offers something for everyone.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Grano de Oro Hotel (San José) – Boutique luxury in the capital with historic charm and fine dining.

• Studio Hotel (Santa Ana) – Chic boutique hotel with an art-gallery feel, close to shopping and restaurants.

• Alta Hotel (Escazú) – A stylish hillside property with city views and gourmet dining.

• Hotel Bougainvillea (San Jose) – Known for its incredible gardens, quiet atmosphere, and birdwatching.

• Hotel Martino Spa & Resort (Alajuela) – Colonial-style resort with spa and pool near the airport.

• La Luna Vista (Atenas) – Your luxury home offering complete privacy and a 360 degree view of a lush, eco protected valley in one of the most popular expat towns.

🌴 Things to Do

• Explore San José’s museums – including the Gold Museum, Jade Museum, and National Museum.

• Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

• Day trip to Poás Volcano National Park or Irazú Volcano for breathtaking views.

• Tour a coffee plantation in Heredia or Alajuela.

• Wander the artisan town of Sarchí, famous for painted oxcarts.

• Relax in Atenas or Grecia, often cited as having the “best climate in the world.”

• Catch a show at the National Theatre in San José.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• Tin Jo (San José) – Legendary Asian fusion restaurant with decades of history.

• Rosti Avenida (Escazu) –A place where you can eat typical Costa Rican Creole food, with high quality, excellent service and a cozy vibe.

• Vuelta al Mundo (Grecia) – Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, meat lover, or have specific dietary intolerances, there's a satisfying dish for everyone.

• Pasta Pronto Express y Catering (San Jose) – Is celebrated for its inviting and relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by music that complements the dining experience.

• Artisan Brew Pub (Heredia) – Stands out as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

• Restaurant El Jardín De Atenas (Atenas) – Small family run place on top of a mountain with incredible views, great service and food.

Guanacaste Coast (Days 4-7)

Sun, sand, surf, and vibrant beach towns on the north Pacific coast.

🏖️ Playas del Coco

One of the most accessible beach towns in Costa Rica, Coco is known for its expat-friendly vibe, lively beach scene, and fast-growing infrastructure. A great place to start your exploration.

One of Costa Rica’s oldest beach communities, Playas del Coco (often just called “Coco”) has a relaxed, small-town vibe with excellent access to services, grocery stores, restaurants, and nightlife. Its calm waters make it a great spot for swimming, fishing, and boat excursions to nearby islands. It’s also a convenient base for exploring Papagayo Peninsula beaches and national parks in Guanacaste.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Hotel Pura Vista – Located in nearby Playa Ocotal with a beautiful view of the bay.

• Hotel Villa del Sueno – In nearby Playa Hermosa, bayside with free breakfast and an outdoor pool.

• Gorgeous New Ocean View Condo in CoCo Bay Estates – Entire condo with modern finishes and scenic views.

• Impressively Designed 3rd-floor Space Overlooking Pool in Coco – Stylish rental perfect for couples or small families. Steps to the sand and ideal for longer stays.

🌴Things to Do

• Sportfishing charters for marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.

• Snorkeling boat tour to the exotic caves with snorkel from Playas del Coco.

• Sunset catamaran cruises with open bar and snacks.

• Day trip to La Leona Waterfall – A jungle hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Guanacaste.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• Father Rooster’s – Beachfront dining in Playa Ocotal, perfect for sunset meals.

• Pacifico Beach Club – Upscale beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood and cocktails.

• Johann Bistro – An amazing spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The quality of the food, plate presentations, level of service is top notch.

• Soda La Teresita – Across from Coco beach. Great food, reasonable prices. Not fancy but a really local atmosphere.

• Soluna Beach Bistro – In Playa Ocotal, serving fresh, locally inspired dishes right by the water.

🏄 Tamarindo

A lively, well-developed beach town that blends surfing culture with modern conveniences. Tamarindo offers surf schools, international restaurants, boutique shops, and a nightlife that hums year-round. It’s popular with both travelers and digital nomads thanks to its reliable Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and social atmosphere.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel – Upscale, eco-conscious, and right on the sand.

• Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas – Luxury meets privacy in a tropical garden setting.

• Villa Coco Bolo – Chic! Only 150 meters to the beach with cascading pool.

• On the Beach – Casita Del Mar – Private studio for two, highly rated, steps from the water.

• Casita Tuis – Private beachfront studio with easy access to the sand.

• SADHANA_TAMARINDO – Modern condo in an unbeatable location, just steps to Tamarindo Beach.

🌴Things to Do

• Surf lessons for beginners or advanced surfers.

• Sunset sailing cruises with snorkeling and open bar.

• Estuary boat tours to see crocodiles, birds, and mangroves.

• ATV and zipline adventures through the surrounding hills.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• The Roof – A double deck roof top bar with the best view of the sunset in the city.

• Pangas Beach Club – Dining on the sand with ocean views and great seafood.

• Bamboo Sushi – Exceptional sushi and Asian cuisine, showcased in every dish and complemented by the attentive, professional service of an outstanding staff.

• Little Lucha – Mexican street tacos in the heart of Tamarindo with premium tequila and bourbon options. Daily food and beer specials too.

🌊 Central Pacific Coast (Days 8-10)

Stretching along the Pacific coast with both bustling towns and quiet jungle escapes.

🏙️ Jacó

Jacó is the most urban beach town in Costa Rica, located just 1.5–2 hours from San José. It offers paved roads, modern amenities, high-rise condos, and an active nightlife scene. The beach here is long and wide, with consistent waves that attract surfers of all levels. Jacó is ideal for expats and travelers who want to live by the beach without sacrificing convenience — though it’s not the best choice for those seeking total peace and seclusion.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Minimalist Beach Oasis – Gated Community with Pool & Short Walk To Beach.

• Monte Carlo Luxury Condominiums - The top-rated staff and service will ensure you feel welcome and pampered. Aparthotel with free parking, a quick walk to Neo Fauna.

• Magnificent Luxury True Beachfront Condo Unbeatable Commodities - 3 Br / 3.5 B – A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.

🌴Things to Do

• Surf at Playa Jacó or nearby Playa Hermosa.

• Take a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park for wildlife and pristine beaches.

• Explore the rainforest on an ATV or horseback riding tour.

• Visit the nearby Carara National Park for birdwatching, including scarlet macaws.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• Taste of Costa Rica – A traditional food door in Jaco.

• Lemon Zest – Known for fresh seafood and inventive flavors.

• Taco Joint – Méxi-Cali Street food at its finest and fastest.

• Soda Jaco Rústico – Serves authentic Costa Rican cuisine in a traditional setting. Their menu features dishes that capture the essence of the country's rich culinary culture.

🌿 Quepos / Manuel Antonio

Quepos is a charming fishing town on the central Pacific coast, just minutes from the lush rainforests and world-famous beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This area blends a laid-back local vibe with upscale tourist amenities, offering everything from budget hostels to luxury cliffside villas. Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife (including sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds) make it one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Villa Vista Mar in Manuel Antonio – Breathtaking Ocean Vistas, Jungle Bliss, Walk to Eateries & Beach, Fast Internet.

• Parador Resort & Spa – Full-service resort with pools, restaurants, and lush gardens.

• Tulemar Resort – Private villas and bungalows within a rainforest reserve.

• La Mariposa Hotel – Iconic cliffside hotel with spectacular sunsets.

🌴Things to Do

• Explore Manuel Antonio National Park — hike trails, spot monkeys, and relax on white sand beaches.

• Take a sunset catamaran cruise with dolphin and whale watching (seasonal).

• Zip-line through the rainforest or take a guided mangrove kayak tour.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• Café Milagro – Local favorite for breakfast and coffee.

• Emilio’s Café – Great spot for fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.

• Ronny’s Place – Famous for sunsets and Costa Rican comfort food.

• El Avión – Restaurant built inside a converted C-123 airplane with a view.

🐋 Wildcard Region (Days 11-14)

Costa Ballena (Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal)

The Costa Ballena region, stretching along Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast, is made up of three distinct towns: Dominical, known for its laid-back surf culture and rugged beaches; Uvita, home to the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar and Marino Ballena National Park; and Ojochal, a charming culinary hub surrounded by jungle-covered hills. This stretch of coastline is less developed than the northern Pacific beaches, offering a quieter, more nature-focused escape.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

Dominical

• Casa de los Sueños – is a 3 bedroom/2 bath home on 13 very private, quiet and secluded acres nestled beside a rainforest reserve in the Escaleras Mountains. The property offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean..

• Villas Rio Mar – Eco-hotel near the beach with a pool and lush surroundings.

Uvita

• Oxygen Jungle Villas – Luxury glass villas tucked into the jungle with panoramic ocean views.

• Vista Celestial – A Luxury hotel with an infinity pool overlooking Marino Ballena National Park.

• Ballena Paradise Aparta Hotel– Affordable option within walking distance to the Whale’s Tail.

Ojochal

• El Castillo Hotel – Adults-only boutique hotel with stunning ocean views.

• Yaba Chigui Lodge – Chic, modern eco-lodge surrounded by jungle.

🌴 Things to Do

• Visit Marino Ballena National Park.

• Hang ten with a surf lesson in Uvita.

• Go whale watching (seasonal: Aug–Oct, Dec–Apr).

• Take a day trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls for swimming and hiking.

• Explore Ojochal’s gourmet dining scene.

• Snorkel or dive at Caño Island (boat tours from Uvita).

• Go sportfishing & Snorkeling combo - this activity combines two exciting experiences—snorkeling and fishing. It begins with participants arriving at the company’s office in Uvita, located in Bahía Ballena.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

Dominical

• La Junta Dominical – Their specialty is delicious cuisine created with the ingenuity and passion inspired by the fantastic fusion flavors of the world.

• Fuego Brew Co. – They make their craft beer from a natural spring with many exotic fruits. The cuisine is sourced locally.

Uvita

• Sibu Café – Excellent breakfasts and coffee.

• The Flutterby House – Funky eco-hostel with a lively bar and healthy menu.

Ojochal

• Exotica – Fine dining in a romantic jungle setting.

• Citrus – Mediterranean fusion with local ingredients.

Or

🌴 Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa, on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, has transformed from a quiet fishing village into one of Costa Rica’s trendiest beach towns. Known for its world-class surf, bohemian vibe, and wellness retreats, this laid-back town attracts surfers, backpackers, and celebrities alike. Dirt roads, jungle backdrops, and stunning sunsets make it both rustic and chic.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience – Luxury beachfront bungalows with private plunge pools.

• Casa Cecilia Beach Front – This beach location is amazing, with stunning views, easy access, and perfect for swimming, surfing, and relaxation.

• Vista Del Alma Boutique Resort - Adults Only – Offers a tranquil retreat with a rooftop terrace and lush garden. Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa services or unwind at the outdoor pool with sun loungers.

• PuraPura Santa Teresa – Come live your next adventure in the tranquil luxury apartments in Santa Teresa. Sun, surf, and endless beaches.

• MarAmar Bungalows – This apartment is a 3-minute walk from Santa Teresa Beach and 10 miles from Montezuma Waterfall.

🌴 Things to Do

• Take a surfing lesson in Playa Santa Teresa or Playa Hermosa.

• Watch the sunset from the beach with a cold drink in hand.

• Horseback ride along the shoreline.

• Enjoy a wellness retreat or spa experience.

• Experience a morning inshore fishing off Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula with a private fishing charter.

• Visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve or day trip to Montezuma Waterfalls.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• Koji’s – Excellent sushi with a jungle atmosphere.

• The Bakery – Legendary breakfasts, pastries, and coffee.

• Zula Restaurant – Israeli-Mediterranean favorites in a relaxed setting.

• Katana Asian Cuisine – Stylish restaurant offering Asian fusion dishes.

• Banana Beach Restaurant – Beachfront bar and restaurant with great sunset views..

Or

🌅 Sámara

A charming beach town with a low-key vibe, live music, language schools, and fitness-focused community hubs. A favorite for families and solo travelers alike.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Residencias Sámara – Entire apartment with full kitchen, perfect for extended stays.

• The Hideaway Hotel – A rare beachfront property in the area, offering direct access to the sand and sea.

• Casa Tranquila – Brand-new modern villa with a private pool, ideal for families or groups.

• Casa Buenavista – Adults Only – Bed & Breakfast with personalized service near the beautiful Playa Carrillo.

🌴Things to Do

• Learn to surf on the calm bay waters.

• Go kayaking and Snorkeling to Isla Chora, a small island just offshore with white-sand beaches.

• Take a horseback ride at sunset along the shoreline.

• Explore nearby beaches like Playa Carrillo, known for its pristine beauty and lack of crowds.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• Locanda – Italian favorites and fresh seafood right on the beach.

• El Lagarto – Famous for its wood-fired grill and ocean views.

• Samara Pacific Lodge Restaurant– Just minutes from Samara´s town center, Samara Pacific Lodge´s unique atmosphere and restaurant will make your visit a truly memorable experience.

• Mama Gui – Local favorite for authentic Italian cuisine.

Or

🌋 La Fortuna

La Fortuna, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations. Known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and adventure activities, this small town blends natural beauty with plenty of modern comforts. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on a zip line, soaking in thermal waters, or exploring lush rainforests, La Fortuna delivers an unforgettable Costa Rican experience.

🏨 Top Places to Stay

• Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – Luxury resort with world-famous natural hot springs.

• Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort – Enjoy modern comforts, private terraces, and stunning volcano views from your suite. Explore volcano hikes, waterfalls, zip lines, and wildlife right from your doorstep.

• Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails – Unique stay inside Arenal National Park with hiking trails.

• Hotel Los Lagos – Family-friendly option with hot springs, waterslides, and spacious rooms.

• Hotel El Silencio del Campo – Boutique-style hotel with private cabins, thermal pools, and great volcano views.

🌴 Things to Do

• Hike Arenal Volcano National Park and explore lava fields.

• Soak in natural hot springs (Tabacón, EcoTermales, Baldi, or free riverside hot springs).

• Visit La Fortuna Waterfall – a stunning 70-meter cascade.

• Go white-water rafting on the Balsa River.

• Try zip-lining or a hanging bridge canopy tour.

• Take a day trip to Rio Celeste and see its turquoise waters.

• Explore wildlife at Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

🍽️ Best Places to Eat

• Don Rufino – Upscale dining with Costa Rican and international fusion dishes.

• Beerland – Fun bar and grill atmosphere with craft beer and casual eats.

• Soda & Restaurante Rodríguez – Local favorite for traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

• Anch’io – Popular Italian spot with wood-fired pizzas and pastas.

• Cuenca Restaurante – Great option for vegetarian and health-conscious meals.