Costa Rica welcomes over 1.7 million tourists every year. If you haven’t visited this rainforested and rugged country yet, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re traversing volcanos or sun tanning on the beach, there’s something to do for everyone (and every budget).

If you’re looking for the best place to vacation in Costa Rica, look no further. Keep reading to find our top picks to make your next holiday a luxurious one.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is the best place to vacation in Costa Rica for surfing and sportfishing. Do you fancy yourself a diver or sun tanner? You’ll love the areas beautiful beaches and its plethora of outdoor activity options.

If you’re coming to Costa Rica to do some turtle spotting, be sure to visit Playa Grande. This beach is a famous nesting area for leatherback turtles. Plan your visit between mid-October and mid-February to watch them lay their eggs.

There are plenty of resorts to choose from in Tamarindo, but we recommend the Puravida House. This luxury villa provides spacious accommodations, massages on-site, and even a private chef.

Arenal

If seeing volcanoes is on your travel bucket list, Arenal would be the best place in Costa Rica to vacation. Located in La Fortuna, the Arenal area is perfect for families, honeymooners, and adventurers.

The main attraction of this area is the Arenal Volcano. This 5,400-foot volcano looms over the hillsides that surround its base. Though it’s in a resting phase at the moment, Arenal was Costa Rica’s most active volcanos until 2010. The hot springs are also a tourist hot spot (pun intended).

There are many incredible and luxurious places to stay in the Arenal region. Whether you’re looking for a romantic adults-only resort or somewhere to hold a wellness retreat, there are options for you.

Santa Teresa

If you’ve always wanted to vacation like a celebrity, you need to add Santa Teresa to your bucket list. White sand beaches and unbeatable surfing make this tiny village the best place to beach vacation in Costa Rica.

Santa Teresa sits on the edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, providing the perfect location for consistent off-shore winds. These winds are a surfer’s dream, creating swells that will appease surfers of any level.

There are plenty of culinary options and resorts to choose from to make a luxurious trip. We recommend staying at Florblanca or Pranamar Villas if you want an unbeatable experience.

Bajos del Toro

If you want to escape the hustle of larger centers, the rural farming village of Bajos del Toro is a must-see. This region is the best place to go in Costa Rica for a vacation away from the tourist hot spots.

Visit stunning waterfalls or hike to the edge of a volcanic crater; the choice is yours in Bajos del Toro. Nature lovers will especially enjoy the unique ecosystem of the region.

Don’t let the ruralness fool you. There are plenty of luxurious resorts to stay at in the area. You’ll love El Silencio Lodge & Spa or Bosque de Paz for their cloud forest setting.

Finding the Best Place to Vacation in Costa Rica

It’s not difficult to find the best place to vacation in Costa Rica. You’re already off to a great start with our above suggestions. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the area and see all the sights before flying home.

Keep reading our Travel blogs to find more tips on planning your next vacation.