Guide to Visiting Costa Rica
TravelPlanning on travel to Costa Rica, Santa Teresa or Jaco… read on for travel tips and luxury resorts:
If you’re a surfer, yogi, nature seeker and looking to spend some time in the jungle, you’ve probably heard of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is diverse – you can rough it with a hippie lifestyle, through the dirt roads of Santa Teresa or treat yourself to a few nights of luxury at their resorts.
SANTA TERESA
I originally thought this was going to be Tulum, Mexico. It’s the less-developed version of Tulum, less expensive (but still US prices… don’t expect it to be super cheap… it’s built for tourism) and much larger.
It is a place to Surf and do Yoga and eat Healthy food.
Picture dirt roads, ATVs, bicycles and motorbikes, and lots of dust and dogs (dogs are allowed everywhere). If you don’t want to walk you can rent an ATV at $65/day. If you’re not ready to budget for that, be prepared to walk a lot. It’s one main strip with a ton of restaurants. It runs parallel to the beach and just a block away from the main road.
Airports
Santa Teresa is on the Peninsula of Costa Rica, a two-prop plane ride from San Jose Airport (SJO) International Airport to Tambor. I did some research and was told that Sansa is the best known and longest-standing local airline to use. There are some newer airlines such as Costa Rica Green Air. A number of travelers we spoke to on our trip seem to be using their airlines as well. There are daily domestic plane rides from San Jose to Tambor.
Directions to Domestic Airport: Once you arrive out of San Jose, exit the SJO airport and take a direct left, then a left again and you will see the Domestic Airport. Be careful that you don’t get caught into paying someone to walk you a block and expect a tip for showing you around the corner (I did that 🙂 )
Yoga
Look for yoga studios at the local resorts or hotels. They have schedules posted and drop-in fees for single classes. You can see the class schedules along the roads or google it at the local wi-fis of their coffee shops. A coffee shop that I loved was: Zwart Cafe. The yoga decks are built into the mountains or on the beachs for some beautiful views and very nice. I went to a Yoga Class at the Funky Monkey Lodge of Costa Rica as it was closest to a great AirBNB we were staying at near the Fuego Lodge.
Luxury Resorts
The sunset and Manzu restaurant were great for a drink and appetizers. Staff were extremely friendly. The hotel is known as Nantipa. Beautiful grounds, hammocks right on the beach and the locals said the food at the restaurant was worth the price. Beautiful resort. A must-visit.
Looking for Adventures & Tours
Want Surf Lessons, ATV rides up to a local waterfall or sunset beach horseback riding. Ollies Adventures was great. They offered all tours and were very competitively priced. Go to them for any tours you need! They know Santa Teresa and are the best!
Restaurant
Finally, if you want great food, go to Zula. It is a Mediterranean restaurant. Was the best in town. Hummus and falfel were the best! Vibe was great and reasonably priced.
Hotel Villa Calletas – Jaco, Costa Rica
Onto the premier Luxury Resort of Jaco, Costa Rica. This is my favorite hotel. Our TripAdvisor review of the hotel pretty much sums it up:
“This is a magical place. The atmosphere is amazing, it is reasonably priced for the type of resort and dramatic views of the jungle and private beach all owned by same resort. The infinity pool, hot tub, the yoga deck, the rooms and the sunset view are a once in a lifetime must-visit. Staff are extremely friendly and service oriented. The views of the private villas are phenomenal. You wake up on the top of the jungle. You will see wildlife… macaw’s, all types of birds, iguanas and normally monkeys (although they apparently don’t like the heat and didn’t catch sight of them this time in March, but last time in December they were running around trees at beach). Gift shop has very cute gifts that are reasonably priced and high quality. Prices are just about as competitive as Jacó gift shops but far easier to shop in since it’s at the hotel and a lot cleaner gift shop than Jacó. If you take a hike down to the beach, they make you sign a waiver and you must take a walking stick. There’s a reason as the hike is pretty steep and requires proper shoes so you don’t slip. Morning is best so you don’t overheat.
“They could improve on size of beds and bedding sheets/pillows used. That would be my only comment. Food prices are higher than local restaurants although you pay for the view and food is still good quality. Didn’t eat dinner here. Lunch breakfast and fruit coladas… delicious!”
Visit Hotel Villa Calletas and you will not be disappointed!
Looking for the best Wedding Venue this is a winner.
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