Looking for the perfect winter getaway? Try Costa Rica! These are the trendiest destinations in this Central American paradise right now.
Costa Rica set a new tourism record in 2023 with nearly 2.5 million visitors.
The majority of these visitors are American because Costa Rica is a beautiful destination just a short flight away from many U.S. cities. Costa Rica was also ranked as the number one safest destination in Latin America for travelers.
Here are the trendiest destinations in Costa Rica that are perfect for a winter getaway:
1. Tamarindo
Tamarindo, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, is one of the best places for a beach vacation. It’s a lively beach town with gorgeous beaches, delicious restaurants, great shopping, and fun nightlife.
If you want to try surfing, Tamarindo is also an excellent location, with surf lessons available for all ages and skill levels.
Tamarindo is located less than 1.5 hours from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rico. This airport has nonstop flights from more than a dozen cities in the United States.
2. Nosara
Another one of the trendiest beach destinations in Costa Rica is Nosara. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a rejuvenating, wellness-focused vacation.
Nosara is known for being a major yoga hub, so you can let your stress melt away as you practice yoga on the beach or in one of the town’s many calming retreat centers.
It’s known for being a “Blue Zone” where many local residents live to be 100 years or older thanks to their healthy diets and active lifestyles. You can experience this for yourself in Nosara as you eat delicious, fresh, healthy food and stay active with yoga, surfing, and horseback riding.
Even if you don’t have anyone to travel with, this is a safe and fun destination to visit on your own — Costa Rica is perfect for solo travelers.
3. Jaco
Another hotspot in Costa Rica is Jaco. This Pacific Coast beach destination is located less than 1.5 hours from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Close to a dozen U.S. cities have nonstop flights to San Jose, making Jaco an easy and convenient getaway. The main attraction in Jaco is surfing. Even if you don’t like to surf, you can still enjoy Jaco’s excellent beaches and proximity to nature.
Jaco is also known for its fun nightlife scene. Since it’s such a popular destination with tourists, there’s always a lot going on in this lively beach town.
4. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is further down Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. This is the ultimate beach destination for travelers seeking a connection to nature.
Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity and its commitment to preserving its nature and wildlife habitats. In Manuel Antonio, you’ll find the country’s most visited national park.
Manuel Antonio National Park is home to pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlife. In just one day hanging out on the beach and trails of the national park, I spotted howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, iguanas, and even an adorable sloth hanging out in a tree.
There are tons of great hotels and resorts around Manuel Antonio for an amazing stay in nature.
5. Puerto Viejo
Finally, Puerto Rico is one of the trendiest destinations in Costa Rica right now. Unlike the other beach hotspots on this list, Puerto Viejo is not located on the Pacific Coast.
This laidback beach town is on Costa Rica’s less-developed Caribbean side, which makes it the ideal destination for travelers who are looking for a more chilled-out getaway with days spent biking to the beach and evenings spent enjoying the low-key nightlife.
Puerto Viejo is also one of the best digital nomad destinations in Costa Rica, where Americans can stay for up to 180 days without needing a visa.
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