Locals call it Chepe, and once you’ve wandered its colorful streets, you’ll get why. San José might not be the colonial postcard some expect, but what it lacks in old-world architecture, it makes up for in energy, creativity, and pure Costa Rican soul. Think bold murals, music pouring from cafes, and buses so bright they practically deserve their own gallery. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find some serious gems—like the world’s largest collection of jade (yep, really), theaters buzzing with local talent, and museums that make history feel fresh. It’s a little gritty, a little chaotic, and full of character—just how we like it.
La Fortuna is the kind of town where adventure and chill coexist beautifully—tucked beneath the dramatic rise of Arenal Volcano and surrounded by rainforest that hums with life. Just a couple hours from San José, this little hotspot (literally) is your launchpad for thermal springs, lava-strewn hiking trails, and waterfall plunges you’ll still be dreaming about months later. Wander through Arenal Volcano National Park for jaw-dropping views, soak in natural hot springs after a long trek, or kayak across glimmering Lake Arenal with that volcano looming picture-perfect in the background. Coffee and cacao farm tours, sloth sightings, and a waterfall hike that ends in a natural swimming pool? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. And when you’re done adventuring, La Fortuna’s town center has everything you need—great food, strong coffee, and just enough bustle to keep it interesting.
High up in Costa Rica’s cloud-kissed mountains, Santa Elena is a little town with a big backyard. Just minutes from the legendary Monteverde Cloud Forest, it’s the kind of place where hummingbirds flit by your breakfast table and the mist rolls in like it’s got a story to tell. Despite its modest size, the town has everything you need—craft coffee, charming eco-lodges, and that “I could stay a while” vibe. From here, you can trot through the forest on horseback, hike misty trails in search of quetzals, or clip in for a canopy tour that’ll have you flying Tarzan-style through the treetops. Whether you’re into nature walks or cloud-forest thrills, this is where the magic lingers in the air—literally.
Tucked along Costa Rica’s dreamy Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is where jungle meets ocean—and both go all out. This lively little beach town is your home base for exploring the country’s most beloved (and smallest!) national park, just steps away. Inside, it’s pure paradise: rainforests teeming with monkeys, sloths, and technicolor birds, mangroves winding through the trees, coral reefs off the coast, and beaches so perfect they look filtered. One minute you’re spotting toucans on a trail, the next you’re floating in turquoise water. Whether you're hiking, snorkeling, fishing, or flopped on the sand with a cold drink, Manuel Antonio is where wild beauty and barefoot chill live in perfect balance.
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