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Forested mountains seen from Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, Costa Rica
Lived there

Costa Rica

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Guides for Costa Rica

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Travel eSIMs

10 GB of data for 30 days, set up before you fly. Prices as listed on each official page on October 26, 2026.

eSIM Price Good to know
Yesim US$25.20 Shown as a discount from US$51.60
Airalo US$34.00 Also sells a version with 100 minutes and 100 SMS for US$36.50
GigSky US$35.99 Shown as 10% off US$39.99
Saily US$36.99 Starts automatically when you arrive, once the eSIM and roaming are on

Airport transfers

Rides from San José airport (SJO), booked before you land.

Option Good to know
intui.travel Private transfers and shared shuttles. The driver meets you with a sign, and the price includes fees and taxes
GetTransfer Enter your route and get offers from drivers

Hotels

Prices depend on your dates. Check the total and the cancellation terms before you book.

Owner’s Recommendations — Hotels I’ve Stayed At

These hotels are recommended based on the site owner’s personal stays. The notes reflect firsthand experiences, including location, comfort, facilities, and what stood out during each visit. Prices, amenities, and availability may change, so check the current details before booking.

Stayed therePersonally stayed • Firsthand experience

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Location: La Fortuna

Tabacón is on the expensive side, and getting a reservation can be difficult, but its thermal pools are truly impressive. There are plenty of pools to enjoy, along with spa facilities. If you love resorts and want to spend time relaxing in natural hot springs, this is a place I’d recommend experiencing at least once.

Stayed therePersonally stayed • Firsthand experience

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort

Location: La Fortuna

A great choice for families, especially if you enjoy spending time in the water. The large heated pools are a highlight, and there’s also a zipline operator on the property. It’s a good option for combining relaxation with a little adventure.

Stayed therePersonally stayed • Firsthand experience

Parador Nature Resort & Spa

Location: Manuel Antonio

I particularly enjoyed the breakfast buffet and the location near the beach. The Monkey Trail is another highlight, with opportunities to see wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and different kinds of birds. It’s a lovely place to stay if you enjoy both the beach and nature.

BYV Select — Hotels Worth Considering

Our BYV Select hotels are chosen for their strong guest ratings, substantial review counts, and convenient locations for getting around. These selections are based on Klook listing information.

Option Good to know
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport (Klook) BYV Select About 1.8 km from Juan Santamaría airport (SJO), around 4 minutes by car
Holiday Inn Express SJO Airport (Klook) BYV Select About 1.7 km from Juan Santamaría airport (SJO), around 4 minutes by car

Car rentals

Online prices often leave out the third-party liability insurance that Costa Rica requires, and the rental company adds it at the counter. Check what your quote includes before you pay. If you plan to use your credit card’s rental car coverage, ask your card company before you travel for a letter that states what it covers for your rental dates.

Option Good to know
Economybookings Compares rental options at San José airport (SJO)
QEEQ Pick-up at SJO, Liberia airport and towns such as La Fortuna, Jacó and Tamarindo
Localrent Local rental companies. You pay part online and the rest when you pick up the car
GetRentacar Cars from local owners. You pay 15% online and 85% to the owner at pick-up, plus a deposit the owner holds

Things to do & tours

Entry tickets, day trips and tours you can book online. Check the meeting point, what is included and the cancellation terms before you book. Details as listed on Klook on October 26, 2026.

Option Good to know
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges (Klook) Entry ticket for a self-guided rainforest walk near La Fortuna, valid on the date you choose. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
Poás Volcano day tour (Klook) Day tour in a small or large group to Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall and a coffee tour, with hotel pick-up in San José, Alajuela or Heredia. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Manuel Antonio sailing cruise (Klook) Four-hour shared cruise on a wooden sailboat from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, morning or sunset, with a meal on board. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Luggage storage

Places to leave your bags for a few hours or a day.

Option Good to know
Radical Storage One location in San José on October 26, 2026: a hotel in La Sabana, open 24 hours, from US$3.90 a day

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Good to know

  • Prices change. Check the total, the insurance and the cancellation terms on the booking page before you pay.
  • We list what each company states. We haven’t tested these services.