The country offers numerous tourist favorites, but the places on our list are ideal for solo travelers.
Approximately 1.7 million tourists visit Costa Rica annually, making it the most visited country in Central America. It is estimated that about 80% of these visitors are eco-tourists drawn to Costa Rica by the country's surreal landscape and weather.
If you're traveling solo to Costa Rica, you can't count on anyone to help you decide your destinations. That's why you have this guide to help you pick a spot in Costa Rica. The country offers numerous tourist favorites, but the places on our list are ideal for solo travelers.
Puerto Viejo
Located in the southeastern portion of Costa Rica, this beach town has a unique Caribbean feel and is one of those magical places where you find yourself lingering longer than you had intended.
Puerto Viejo's vibrant nightlife is a big draw for visitors. There are many bars open late, and some of them are even scattered along the shore. Every night of the week, you may find some event, like live music, taking place somewhere in Puerto Viejo.
Tortuguero
Tortuguero, a little town on the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, got its name after the famous sea turtles that flocked to the area to nest, drawing tourists from around the world.
It is connected to the national park, and the beach is not a good place to go swimming due to sharks in the brackish waters and caimans and alligators in the inland waterways. Tortuguero Beach is one reason why you should ask yourself: "why should I have life insurance?" One should always have travel insurance when away from home, just in case something unfortunate happens.
Although danger lurks in certain isolated areas in Tortuguero Beach, it remains the best national park in Costa Rica for wildlife observation owing to its diverse ecosystem of rainforests and lagoons.
Manuel Antonio National Park
If you're in Costa Rica, you can't miss Manuel Antonio National Park, often regarded as the country's most spectacular destination. Visitors travel to Manuel Antonio for the lovely beaches and the variety of wildlife they are sure to see. In addition, the lush jungle that borders these beaches makes them among the country's best.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's most scenic and modern beach towns. There is a wide variety of outdoor recreation in the area. You can spend almost any time of the year lounging on the beach and enjoying the clear blue ocean and fine white sand.
It has over a hundred restaurants, including some of the best in Costa Rica. In addition, there are many lovely cafes and sandwich shops in the area, perfect for a quick snack while you stroll in the beach town.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste is a frequently traveled location in Costa Rica. It's the perfect destination to spend a week away from home owing to the abundance of luxurious hotels and resorts, the accessibility to the beach, and the availability of outdoor activities.
There's something for everyone in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, located in the country's northwest. The laid-back, passionate "Pura Vida" philosophy gives tourists an unforgettable experience. Living Pura Vida means focusing on the positive aspects of one's life rather than fretting over the things one lacks.
Dominical
Dominical, one of Costa Rica's most popular tourist destinations, is a beach and jungle getaway surrounded by verdant mountains and magnificent natural wonders. It is a four-kilometer-long beach with a rocky shore and murky water. Nevertheless, the waves at Dominical are world-famous, and surfers travel from all over to enjoy them.
The best thing about Dominical is the high humidity of its tropical rainforest, which ensures the area's vegetation remains green and lush throughout the year.
Santa Teresa
Once a modest fishing community, Santa Teresa has become a bustling beach town and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica because of its world-class surfing, untamed beaches, and thriving yoga scene. Santa Teresa is not widely recognized as a party town, but it does have several drinking spots and a single club. In addition, a weekly jungle party held in town has also created a lot of buzz.
With so many people flocking to Santa Teresa every year, the town has seen a growth of cozy restaurants, lodgings, and yoga studios.
Jaco
The western coast town of Jacó is home to some of the world's top bars and clubs, making it an ideal spot for a bachelor party or other group vacation involving drinking and revelry.
This beach town has fantastic restaurants, first-rate facilities, magnificent waves, and exciting nightlife, making it an ideal destination for vacationers. It is highly recommended for first-time visitors, lone travelers, and couples.
Arenal Volcano
From La Fortuna, a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park, one of Costa Rica's most popular destinations, is a must. The park features several scenic views and routes for hikers. It's also an ideal place to get up close and personal with a rumbling volcano.
Arenal has become the adventure capital of Costa Rica due to its proximity to the rainforests, waterfalls, volcano, and the country's largest lake, as well as its broad selection of hotels.
Final thoughts
When you travel solo, you have no choice but to get out of your comfort zone and interact with new people as you discover and learn about the places you visit. We can't think of a better place to begin your solo travels than Costa Rica, and the places we've included on this list will help you figure out where to go first.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
