Ten Costa Rican Hotspots Favored by Locals

One of the world's most biodiverse areas, Corcovado National Park is home to about 5% of all species. The park is a paradise for nature lovers like Yeison Kim, a travel writer at Mytanfeet, thanks to its picturesque lagoons, marshes, mangroves, rivers, woods, sandy beaches, and paths for hiking. "There’s no better place in Costa Rica for nature and adventure than Corcovado; it feels otherworldly, like Jurassic Park," according to him.

Because of its position, Costa Rica is a popular surfing destination because it gets waves from both the north and the south. Santa Rosa National Park's Playa Naranjo, aka Roca Bruja (Witches Rock), is a popular surfing location for Kim. "Although I wouldn't call myself a pro surfer, I can confidently conquer some midsized waves here," adds Kim, who has spotted sharks, manta rays, and a humpback whale. Popular among surfers for its world-class waves and breathtaking scenery, this bay got its name from an urban legend that a witch's ghost lives in a nearby rock in the park.

The Mercado Central, a popular marketplace that has been there since 1880, is a beloved national icon. Additionally, it is a hub for local culture and cuisine, where people congregate, shop, and dine. Of the almost two hundred stores, stands, and eateries that go by the name "sodas," Kim's go-to is Soda Tala, a neighborhood joint known for its talapinto. Using a tortilla and either a banana leaf or atop it, this variation on the traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish gallo pinto features beans, rice, and a thin omelette. Fried plantains, cheese, and meat are all available as toppings for customers to choose fr

om.

The Mercado Central, a popular marketplace that has been there since 1880, is a beloved national icon. Additionally, it is a hub for local culture and cuisine, where people congregate, shop, and dine. Of the almost two hundred stores, stands, and eateries that go by the name "sodas," Kim's go-to is Soda Tala, a neighborhood joint known for its talapinto. Using a tortilla and either a banana leaf or atop it, this variation on the traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish gallo pinto features beans, rice, and a thin omelette. Fried plantains, cheese, and meat are all available as toppings for customers to choose fr

om.

The Mercado Central, a popular marketplace that has been there since 1880, is a beloved national icon. Additionally, it is a hub for local culture and cuisine, where people congregate, shop, and dine. Of the almost two hundred stores, stands, and eateries that go by the name "sodas," Kim's go-to is Soda Tala, a neighborhood joint known for its talapinto. Using a tortilla and either a banana leaf or atop it, this variation on the traditional Costa Rican breakfast dish gallo pinto features beans, rice, and a thin omelette. Fried plantains, cheese, and meat are all available as toppings for customers to choose fr

om.

Villa Punto de Vista's architect and co-owner, David Konwiser, was born in Costa Rica—his mother's native country—but spent his formative years in California. Twenty years ago, he built his own private paradise adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica after being so captivated by it on a previous trip. "It’s not just the park’s lush rain forests that draw visitors, but also its pristine beaches," according to him. Both Biesanz Beach and Manuel Antonio Beach are favorites of Konwiser's. Biesanz is a picturesque beach with placid waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. However, he warns that these places can become very packed on weekends, so it's best to avoid them if you can. To avoid the crowds, he recommends heading north of the park to Espadilla Norte Beach.

Adrenaline seekers must visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica's adventure capital. According to Konwiser, though, the region's thermal hot springs—at places like Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa—are its crowning glory. "Taking a dip in the various temperature pools naturally heated by the volcano is the perfect way to relax, especially after a day of thrill-seeking," according to him. 

La Fortuna, particularly Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal Hanging Bridges, are also promoted by Paola Bolaños Zumbado, who is the commercial manager at Copey Estate Winery. The treetop canopies at the hanging bridges and wandering along the lava paths in the national park are both energizing, according to Zumbado. "If you visit the bridges in the early morning, you can often see the full volcano without cloud cover," according to her.

Growing beans of superior quality is possible in Costa Rica thanks to the country's high-altitude volcanic soil and environmentally friendly farming methods. In the midst of the stunning Los Santos Zone, a mountainous area around two hours' drive from San José, Zumbado suggests visiting the towns of Dota, Tarrazú, and León Cortés for an authentic coffee experience. Coopedota is a cooperative that provides tastings, excursions, and a cafe where you may sample some excellent Costa Rican coffee. They have over forty different blends to choose from.

Growing beans of superior quality is possible in Costa Rica thanks to the country's high-altitude volcanic soil and environmentally friendly farming methods. In the midst of the stunning Los Santos Zone, a mountainous area around two hours' drive from San José, Zumbado suggests visiting the towns of Dota, Tarrazú, and León Cortés for an authentic coffee experience. Coopedota is a cooperative that provides tastings, excursions, and a cafe where you may sample some excellent Costa Rican coffee. They have over forty different blends to choose from.

"One of the things I love about Costa Rica is the presence of wild waterfalls all over the country," remarks Hans Pfister, co-founder and president of the Cayuga Collection. After settling into Costa Rica in 1999, Pfister still finds that swimming in the natural pools at Nauyaca Waterfalls—a hike he does once a year—makes him feel ten years younger. The waterfalls are located north of Uvita. The 3.7-mile one-way hike on an intermediate terrain, whether on foot or a horse, is worth it to reach these magnificent waterfalls.

The beaches on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast are Pfister's favorite. He says that Playa Chiquita in Limón Province is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica and that "most well-traveled locals spend their vacations" there. In agreement is Sadie Jordan. She just moved to Costa Rica from the United States to run Soul Life Travel, an organization that offers multi-day tours with an Afro-Costa Rican focus. El Sendero Beach Club in Puerto Viejo is Jordan's go-to spot for Afro-Latina culture immersion and breathtaking ocean views. "It’s a locally owned spot right on the beach, where patrons can relax with lively reggae music, delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and strong cocktails."

One of the most picturesque and top rafting rivers in the world, the Pacuare River flows 67 miles from the Cuericí mountains to the Caribbean Sea, with exciting Class II to Class V rapids. Recently, Jordan and her daring aunt Rebecca went on a rafting tour, and Jordan describes it as "a death-defying yet exhilarating experience." Along the 18-mile rafting route through the world-famous Pacuare River Gorge and Valle del Pacuare, guided by Exploradores Outdoors, the two saw a variety of animals, including butterflies, sloths, and toucans.

The sole local ground operator in Costa Rica that focuses on accessible travel is Stephanie Sheehy's Il Viaggio Travel. Playa Panama, on the shore of the Gulf of Papagayo, is one of her favorite beaches in Costa Rica. The waters there are shallow and peaceful, protected by Culebra Bay. Sheehy claims, "It's one of the calmest and most swimmable beaches in Costa Rica." She and her husband Emilio are determined to ensure that every public beach in the country has an accessible option. According to her, the country would become an inclusive destination for all people as a result of these initiatives.