Costa Rica Backpacker's Beach
Costa RicaThe easy-going nature of young, wandering travellers seems to linger in some destinations more than others. The natural charm of these backpacker beaches is often complemented by artisans peddling their handcrafted wares on the sidewalk, delicious and healthy restaurants around the corner, and the chatter of half a dozen languages over a cup of coffee. Whatever the traveler spirit represents, these communities are appealing to visitors seeking to enjoy natural settings and a bohemian vibe.
Backpacking Costa Rica alone? You'll soon have plenty of new friends. Costa Rica backpacker beaches are notorious for their ability to help you make new friends from around the world. Laugh, learn, and share with others as you discover (or rediscover) that travel is about more than fancy hotels and spa treatments. Leave your footprints in the sand and take a lifetime of memories with you, courtesy of your next vacation.
Costa Rica Highlights
A curated look at the best Costa Rica has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Puerto Viejo de Limon
Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it's surfing, Puerto Viejo de Limon beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side. The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself. A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.
Explore DestinationMal Pais- Santa Teresa
Some things just come in pairs — socks and shoes, milk and cookies, Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica… These twin beach towns are near each other, but offer you a very different vacation experience, balancing your need for excitement, activity, and infrastructure against your desire to enjoy a quiet, calm, uncrowded getaway. Discover why surfing in the dynamic Santa Teresa plus fishing in the charming Mal Paí equal a Costa Rica beach vacation that’s the total experience.
Explore DestinationSamara
The beautiful coastal hamlet of Samara is a paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara radiates wonderful white sand in contrast to the aquamarine water. Tropical plant life and living coral encompass Samara's 3-mile (5 km) coastline, and the beach is a favorite among locals, foreigners, and wealthier Ticos- forming a quintessential beach community.
Explore DestinationDominical
About 27 mi (44 km) south of Quepos is the quaint and growing beach town of Dominical. Along the coast, before arriving in this popular surf town, the cascading cliffs converge with the deep-blue ocean, producing a scenic landscape full of small coves for truly precious views. The laid back beach town is surrounded by plantations, estuaries, mangroves and marshes. Birder beware, you may not want to leave!
Explore DestinationMontezuma
A favorite for young travelers and surfers, the bohemian town of Montezuma is a laidback beach town. While you're here, you can explore some of the mangroves and estuaries, as well as surfing beaches like Playa Grande.
Explore DestinationFeatured Costa Rica Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Costa Rica itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!
Costa Rica Off Season Adventure
We found Costa Rica to be really beautiful. I loved the flowering plants everywhere, but the wildlife is the main reason we went. We didn't see monkeys in every tree or even toucans up close, but we did see them from a distance. We also saw lots of colorful birds in the National Forests that we have never seen before.
Family Annual Adventure
It's a beautiful country and the rainforest, Arenal volcano, rafting safari and catamaran sail were all wonderful. We learned a lot,laughed a lot, and would go back.
Costa Rica Family Adventure Quest
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican family adventure that weaves together rainforest mist, volcanic fire, and Pacific surf, offering a dynamic contrast of nature’s extremes. Your journey moves from the sun‑kissed beaches of Manuel Antonio to Monteverde’s misty hanging bridges, then into Arenal’s volcano and waterfalls, ending with surf lessons in Tamarindo. Friendly local guides and coffee‑farm hosts will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving your family with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and adventurous spirit.
Solo Exclusive Trip
An incredible country which went beyond expectations. Absolutely amazing & so many memorable experiences. The welcome from all the people & the hospitality everywhere is fantastic. I always felt safe
Family Fun in Costa Rica
This trip was perfect for our family of 4! It was full of adventure for EVERYONE! Usually our vacations consists of entertainment for the kids but on this vacation we all got to enjoy so much. We have a 5 and 9 year old and we did zip lining, safari boat tour, coffee/chocolate tour, hot springs, waterfall hike, manual Antonio national park and so much more!! We were here for 11 days (2 of them travel days) and it was just enough time! I can’t wait to come back!
Daughter's 12th Birthday Trip
Arenal especially was amazing - so much to do there and such a cool place to see. Overall the people were very kind - pura vita!
Sisters Adventure Together
Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
