Costa Rica Leisure
It's time to rediscover the art of leisure! Vacation adventures are great, but let's face it, they can be downright exhausting. Shuffling from one adrenaline activity to the next so that you return with bragging rights and great stories may sound good on paper, until you return from your 'holiday' as worn out as you were when you left. A little Costa Rica leisure is just what you need to return from your vacation well-rested and relaxed.
Odds are that between your professional life and personal life, you don't have much time for sipping tropical drinks in the sunshine. So, why would you deprive yourself of that opportunity on your very own vacation? Let Anywhere help you book the Costa Rica vacation of your dreams — complete with a good night's sleep...one of the perks of not having to rush off in the morning.
If you want a little bit of adventure, don’t worry. Anywhere’s expert Travel Consultants can help you make the most of your getaway by balancing a small handful of can't miss adventures with lots of Costa Rica leisure activities, for a one of a kind vacation.
The best places to visit in Costa Rica Leisure
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
The charming and welcoming town of La Fortuna is a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends. The only requisite is that you love outdoor adventure! So if you can’t wait to spend your vacation in the fresh air, biking, kayaking, hiking, and more, then discover why the Arenal region is just what you need. Best of all, you can enjoy luxe accommodations that boast volcanic views, and pamper yourself with a luxurious soak in a hot spring. Nature is waiting for you, and she’s easy to find when you book your Arenal adventure with Anywhere.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoilt beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone whether you have young children or college-bound teens. See a variety of Costa Rica’s animals when you peek into tide pools and hike through forests; experience the subtle thrill of birding when you cross a variety of species off of your ‘seen’ list. The best part? This is just the beginning of all of the beauty, excitement, and adventure awaiting you in Manuel Antonio.
Tamarindo
Once a quiet surf beach and fishing hamlet, Tamarindo is now a beach town with the infrastructure Western travelers have come to expect. Located on the Central West Coast of Guanacaste, Tamarindo still boasts unspoilt beaches and incredible biodiversity — despite the town’s recent and ongoing development. Come for fun in the sun and stay for the laid back vibe that is so characteristic of the region.
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.
Nosara Costa Rica
Nosara's beach town of Guiones is a tucked-away delight with lucrative real estate, vibrant flora, and a world-class white sand beach. The town, which has a sizeable population of ex-pats, presents no shortage of accommodations. Many of these accommodations are private, luxurious, and immersed in natural beauty.
Playa Herradura
Playa Herradura is a small beach located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, about 3.5 miles (6km) north of the town Jaco. It's Spanish name means "horseshoe", which refers to the shape of the bay of this particular beach. Playa Herradura has different types of hotels, cabins, camping sites and restaurants.
Playa Hermosa Guanacaste
Hermosa, which means "beautiful" in Spanish, is an aptly named gray-sand beach that perches between two mountains. In fact there are two Playas Hermosa, the other being in the Central Pacific Coast near Jaco while Guanacaste's Playa Hermosa is situated between Playa del Coco and Playa Panama, Hermosa is seldom as crowded as its neighbors. It is a fabulous getaway for those seeking quality relaxation.
Playa Potrero
Playa Potrero is a wonderfully tranquil place for passing the day, lying on warm sand, bathing in the sun and reading in the shade of palm trees. On the beach's north end, the small fishing village of Potrero looks to Playa Potrero and its bay. Toward the southern end, sits the chic beach community of Playa Flamingo.
Playa Flamingo
This mile-long, crescent-shaped beach, also known as Playa Blanca (White Beach), is as beautiful as any of the famed beaches in Costa Rica. Among the first of Costa Rica's beaches to receive international attention, Flamingo Beach has evolved into one of the country's most lavish areas.
Playa Ocotal
Playa Ocotal is a wonderfully peaceful place to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun. Scenic hills and cliffs hem in the beach, and the Catalina Islands sit just offshore. The quaint village of Playa Ocotal is located a few minutes south of the popular beach town of Playas del Coco, where visitors can find numerous restaurants and nightlife options.
Costa Rica Leisure itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Costa Rica Leisure itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Pura Vida Adventure Together
We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.
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Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart
Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.
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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.
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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.
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Costa Rica Two Family Journey
Lovely, relaxing country. Lots of activities, everything from lounging to adventure and more. Friendly people, tasty food, family-friendly.
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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!
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Family Time in Costa Rica
Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.
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Family Adventure Through Costa Rica
Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.
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More Costa Rica Leisure
There's always more to discover in Costa Rica. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these costa rica leisure are worth adding to your itinerary.
Playa Conchal
At Playa Conchal, the sand is composed of millions of tiny crushed shells that rustle beneath your feet. The mesmerizing beach is surrounded by turquoise waters, and it sits in a bay next to Playa Brasilito. The clear waters of Playa Conchal make it a wonderful place for swimming or snorkeling with an array of tropical fish.
Destination
Playa Del Coco
Coco Beach (Playa del Coco) is well known for its popularity with Costa Rica's youth. Seeking fun in the sun, many people pack the beach from end to end on weekends. Although the town is only a small fishing village, Coco has built great tourism infrastructure, and it is one of the most frequently visited locations in the country with plenty of tours and activities to do. Its white-grey sands sit in a horseshoe-bay and stretch three kilometers to Centinela Point.
Destination
Tambor
The small fishing hamlet of Tambor sits not far from Curu National Wildlife Refuge. As a laid back, mixed-community of locals and foreign retirees, Tambor is nestled in an open volcanic valley, surrounded by forested hills. Its beach, Playa Tambor, is an exceptional location for swimming. The surf is calm, and the sea is a gleaming aquamarine. Golf, tennis, and other activities are available in and around the town of Tambor, making this a favorite destination for those seeking developed tourism facilities within a quiet town. Day trips to nearby Cabo Blanco Reserve or the Guayabo and Negritos Islands give visitors great opportunities to experience the Nicoya's remarkable wildlife.
Destination
Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is a great escape for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Located in the Central Highlands amid a volcanic mountain range with lush primary forest, the largely undiscovered Bajos del Toro is a great destination for bird enthusiasts and hikers.
Destination
Playa Esterillos
No crowds, chocolate colored beaches, and great surf best describe the beaches of Esterillos. You may never see another person as you stroll down the beaches where palms and almond trees line the forest edge and the clear blue waters invite you to go for a swim. This serene, contiguous stretch of beach is made up of Esterillos Oeste to the west and Esterillos Este to the east, appropriately, where you will find plenty of accommodations laced throughout.
Destination
Playa Panama
Panama Beach (Playa Panama) is located a short distance away from Playa Hermosa, on the southern point of Culebra Bay. Panama's 1-mile (2 km) dark-sand beach is ideal for visitors seeking quality rest and relaxation, and it offers a selection of moderately priced to luxurious lodging. Take a stroll under the swaying brazilwood, sarno, and mesquite trees, or enjoy a swim in Panama's calm surf waters.
Destination
Punta Leona
Set along the extraordinarily beautiful Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Punta Leona is a vitally important, 750-acre (300-hectare) nature reserve. Though widely unknown to the masses, this reserve is remarkably diverse and unique in its attraction, as it helps to protect crucial transitional forests within the country.
Destination
Paquera
Paquera is one of the quaint towns on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. There is a ferry between Puntarenas and Paquera.
Destination
Playa Barrigona
Playa Barrigona is a stunning beach on Costa Rica’s glimmering Nicoya Peninsula. Because it’s not easy to find, the beach has a reputation for gorgeous, tranquil emptiness.
Destination
Bahia Salinas
Bahia Salinas is located in the far northwestern corner of the Guanacaste Province, near the border with Nicaragua. It is a remote and often windswept destination with scenic bay views and charming, untouched beaches. It is a relaxing place to experience rural Costa Rica and nature, and it can be a thrilling location for world-class wind surfing and kite boarding.
Destination
Matapalo
Just off the beaten track, yet possessing all of the natural beauty of the Central Pacific, Matapalo is an escape from the typical tourist destination. Those who enjoy enchanting beaches and great sunsets will be thrilled to divert from the larger tourist crowds and enjoy this pristine area. The town of Matapalo, about 20 miles (32 km) south of Quepos, is where you can find yourself caught in between scenic beaches and striking forests full of mango, palm and coconut trees.
Destination
Culebra Bay
The large arc-shaped Culebra Bay (Bahia Culebra) epitomizes the world-class beaches of northwestern Guanacaste. In the back drop of these pristine aquamarine waters is the majestic Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, just beyond the scrub covered highlands that rises from the warm Pacific.
Destination
Atenas
Many people venture here to relax in total privacy and enjoy waterfalls, coffee plantations, and spectacular views of the Central Valley and surrounding area. Bordering on the southern boundary of the Alajuela Province, this small Costa Rican town promotes hospitality and boasts one of the world's best climates imaginable. The temperate conditions make Atenas the perfect destination for enjoying what makes Costa Rica such a special place.
Destination
Playa Azul
Playa Azul is a stunning beach, named for its mile-long stretch of dark, almost cobalt blue sand and azure sea. As one of Costa Rica's most exclusive gems, this remote Guanacaste beach sits off the beaten track, and it has only recently opened to tourists. It is a tranquil and tropical haven, surrounded by lush, verdant forest, and it is a virtual paradise for those who really want to 'get away from it all.'
Destination
Brasilito Beach
Nestled along parts of Guanacaste's most lovely coastline is Brasilito Beach, a sprawling grey-sand beach and charming town. This hamlet is substantially less developed and visited than the neighboring Conchal and Flamingo Beaches, but is an ideal getaway spot for vacationers seeking a low key destination with plenty of local flair.
Destination
Savegre River
The Savegre River runs through a valley in central Costa Rica. It makes its way through the Las Quetzales National Park toward the Pacific coast, flowing from the humid cloud forest down into the lowland tropical forest.
Destination
Bagaces
Bagaces is a town in Guanacaste, located off the Panamerican highway. It’s between two of the major nature preserves in Guanacaste, El Rincón and Parque Nacional Palo Verde. Although the town is quite small, it is near some striking natural attractions, making it well worth a visit. These attractions are (for now) off the beaten path, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to compete with crowds.
Destination
Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles is a small village on the Atlantic Coast south of Puerto Viejo, Limon in the Caribbean lowland Zone. Strikingly beautiful beaches, lush greenery and a relaxed atmosphere is what you'll experience in this region. This culturally rich area is a unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures living side by side.
Destination
Aguas Zarcas de San Carlos
The small town of Aguas Zarcas is in the province of Alajuela, just to the east of the Aguas Zarcas River. Alajuela is known for its green mountainsides and coffee plantations. Volcanoes feature prominently in the surrounding landscape.
Destination
Playa Real (Royal Beach)
North of Tamarindo and south of Playa Conchal is the smaller but equally impressive getaway of Playa Real. This sandy, sun cloaked hamlet provides the ideal escape for those wishing to explore some immaculate beaches relinquishing shades of white and pink blending into the iridescent aquamarine waters best enjoyed in the shade of a swaying hammock with a cool ocean breeze.
Destination
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.
