If you’re trying to decide where to go in Costa Rica, the answer depends on the kind of trip you want. This country offers far more than beautiful beaches. From rainforest adventures and volcano views to luxury resorts and quiet stretches of coastline, each region brings something different to the experience.

Costa Rica is one of my favorite destinations to visit and one of my favorite trips to plan. It has a little bit of everything. You can wake up to views of a volcano, spend the day soaking in hot springs, spot wildlife in the rainforest, and then end your trip on a beautiful beach with a cocktail in hand.

When clients ask me where to go in Costa Rica, my answer is usually the same: don’t choose just one place. A split stay is one of the best ways to experience the country. You’ll see different sides of Costa Rica, enjoy a wider variety of experiences, and leave feeling like you’ve truly explored it.

Hi, and welcome! We’re Bridie Travel. We help travelers plan personalized trips that feel seamless, stress-free, and thoughtfully designed around what matters most to them. Costa Rica is one of my favorite places to visit and one of my favorite trips to plan. In this guide, I’m sharing the regions I love most, where I stayed, and how to create an itinerary that balances adventure and relaxation.

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Why Costa Rica Is One of My Favorite Places to Plan (And Visit)

Costa Rica is easy to love.

The country is known for its incredible scenery, welcoming people, amazing wildlife, and focus on sustainability. Flights from the United States are convenient, tourism infrastructure is excellent, and there are accommodations for nearly every travel style.

What makes it especially appealing for luxury travelers is the variety. You can spend part of your trip surrounded by rainforest and adventure, then move to a beachfront resort where everything slows down.

I also love that no two Costa Rica itineraries look exactly the same. Some travelers want wellness and relaxation. Others want adventure. Many want a little of both.

That’s why planning where to go in Costa Rica is so important. Choosing the right regions can completely shape your experience.

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Why a Split Stay Is the Best Way to Experience Costa Rica

If you’re trying to decide where to go in Costa Rica, I almost always recommend splitting your stay between two regions.

Costa Rica may look small on a map, but each area feels very different. Staying in one destination means missing out on some of the country’s best experiences.

A split stay allows you to:

• Experience both the rainforest and the beach
• Enjoy adventure and relaxation
• See different landscapes and wildlife
• Make the most of your travel time

I recently split my stay between Arenal, where I stayed at Nayara Gardens, and the Papagayo Peninsula, where I ended the trip at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo. The combination was perfection.

It’s also the exact itinerary I recently experienced myself, and I can confidently say it was one of my favorite trips.

The Regions: Where to Go and What Each Offers

Arenal / La Fortuna

When clients ask me where to go in Costa Rica for adventure and scenery, Arenal is always at the top of my list.

Located in the northern part of the country, Arenal is home to the famous Arenal Volcano. The area is known for lush rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

You can spend your days:

• Hiking through rainforest trails
• Visiting waterfalls
• Zip-lining through the jungle
• Relaxing in natural hot springs
• Taking wildlife tours
• Exploring hanging bridges

Even if you’re not a huge adventure traveler, Arenal is worth visiting. The scenery alone is incredible. What surprised me most was how peaceful it felt. Everywhere you look, there’s greenery. The sounds of nature surround you. It feels like a true escape.

Megan’s Pick: Nayara Gardens

If I could stay at one property in Costa Rica over and over again, it would be Nayara Gardens. Honestly, this resort felt like a dream.

From the moment we arrived, everything was thoughtful, beautiful, and effortless. The grounds are stunning, with tropical plants, flowers, and private pathways throughout the property.

The accommodations feel secluded and peaceful. Service is exceptional without feeling formal. Every detail feels intentional.

One of my favorite parts was simply walking around the resort. It feels like you’re tucked away in your own private rainforest.

The hot springs, restaurants, and overall atmosphere make it easy to understand why this property consistently ranks among the best in Costa Rica.

If you’re looking for luxury in Arenal, Nayara Gardens is absolutely worth considering.

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Guanacaste / Papagayo Peninsula

After several days in Arenal, we headed to the Papagayo Peninsula, and the contrast was perfect. This region sits along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and is known for beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, sunshine, and easy access from Liberia Airport.

If Arenal is all about nature and adventure, Papagayo is where you come to relax. Days here can be as active or as laid back as you’d like.

You can enjoy:

• Beach time
• Snorkeling
• Boat excursions
• Paddleboarding
• Golf
• Spa treatments
• Sunset dinners

The area is also home to some of Costa Rica’s most impressive luxury resorts.

Megan’s Pick: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

For the beach portion of our trip, we stayed at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo.

What I loved most was the setting.

The resort blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, making it feel connected to nature rather than separate from it. The views are gorgeous, and there are multiple areas where you can relax and enjoy the coastline.

The property feels modern, stylish, and comfortable without being overly formal. I especially loved ending our trip here after Arenal. We had already packed our days with adventure, so having time to slow down by the water felt like the perfect finale.

For travelers wondering where to go in Costa Rica for a luxury beach experience, Papagayo is one of my top recommendations.

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Where to Go in Costa Rica If You Want to Explore More

While Arenal and Papagayo are my favorite pairing, they aren’t the only places worth visiting.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio combines beaches, rainforest, and wildlife. The national park is one of the most popular in the country, and it’s common to spot monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds during your visit.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa has become increasingly popular with travelers looking for a laid-back beach atmosphere. You’ll find surf culture, wellness experiences, boutique hotels, and beautiful sunsets.

Monteverde

Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests. If you love hiking, nature, and unique ecosystems, this region may be worth adding to your itinerary.

Osa Peninsula

For travelers seeking something more remote, the Osa Peninsula offers some of the country’s most untouched natural beauty. It’s ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and travelers looking to get off the beaten path.

How to Structure Your Split Stay: Sample Itinerary

One of my favorite answers to the question of where to go in Costa Rica is this simple combination:

Days 1-4: Arenal

Stay at Nayara Gardens and focus on adventure and nature.

Spend your time:

• Exploring waterfalls
• Visiting hot springs
• Hiking rainforest trails
• Taking wildlife tours
• Enjoying incredible volcano views

Days 5-8: Papagayo Peninsula

Transfer to the coast and settle into a slower pace.

Spend your days:

• Relaxing on the beach
• Enjoying the pool
• Booking a spa treatment
• Taking a sunset catamaran cruise
• Exploring the coastline

Combining Arenal and Papagayo offers a mix of adventure and relaxation that’s hard to beat.

Planning Tips From a Costa Rica Obsessive

If you’re deciding where to go in Costa Rica, here are a few things I always tell clients.

Don’t try to see everything in one vacation. While the country may look small on a map, getting between regions can take longer than many travelers expect.

Instead, focus on quality over quantity. Two well-chosen destinations often create a better experience than trying to fit four or five into one itinerary.

It’s also important to leave room for downtime. There are plenty of adventures to choose from, but some of the best moments happen when you’re soaking in the views, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying a quiet dinner.

Finally, choose hotels that match the experience you’re hoping to have. The right property can completely shape how your vacation feels.

If you’re looking for a combination that’s hard to beat, I’d start with Arenal and the Papagayo Peninsula. Together, they offer adventure, beautiful scenery, luxury accommodations, and plenty of time to unwind. It’s the perfect introduction to everything that makes Costa Rica so special.

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Where to Go in Costa Rica for the Perfect Balance of Adventure and Relaxation

Ready to experience Costa Rica for yourself? Whether you’re dreaming of rainforest adventures, luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, or a little bit of everything, we’ll help you design a trip that fits exactly what you’re looking for. From choosing the right hotels to creating a seamless itinerary, we’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the excitement.

When you’re ready, schedule a call and let’s start planning your Costa Rica escape.