1. Check out Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast and book a hammock at Rockin J's. By far the best hostel there and no need to get a room or a tent, the hammocks are super comfortable and cheap ($4 per night in off season, $6 or$7 per night in high season). While your there head to the southern beaches, the first one is about a 10 min walk from Rockin J's. A couple good bars, but honestly I had the best times just partyin at J's. (Note: buy booze across the street at the market, way cheaper)
2. Manuel Antonio: probably my favorite place in Costa Rica. Great beach town and the best national park that I went to was there. Saw a ton of animals!! Monkeys EVERYWHERE!! Stay at Costa Linda Backpackers. It is another great hostel, and the only one down at the beach ($10 per night no matter what room). Even if you don't stay there, go there for breakfast!! Approx $3 and you get enough food to last you the whole day. Then head to the beach. Best bars are in Quepos, but it's also fun just to drink at the hostel with your new friends (that you are bound to meet cause this hostel is awesome).
3. Jaco: If you're going there just to party then stay in Jaco... great nightlife there, but otherwise head 5 minutes south to Playa Hermosa... more of a surfers town, super small... but great hostels and a much better beach. Plus at night go swimming in the ocean, there are minuscule jelly fish that light up when you disturb the water. Looks like your sparkling when you swim and they don't sting you! Coolest thing ever! Trust!
4. Definitely check out Montezuma. Another beach town, but has a million great beaches. The best one is a 45 minute walk (Playa Grande)... as the name suggests, it is HUGE!! Also trek to the waterfalls and find someone that knows where the upper waterfall is and have them take you to it... where the rope swing is (you have to climb a hill so wear decent shoes... I did it in sandals and didn't work too well, but is do-able). Also this is a good beach to build a bonfire with your hostel friends and just drink and chill on the beach. (Note: the national park there is crap... my friends went and didn't see one animal, don't waste your time or money).
5. La Fortuna is the best place for jungly stuff. Arenal is an awesome volcano, the best hot springs in the country are there and a beautiful lake. Stay at Arenal Backpackers ($13 per night)... one of the nicest hostels in Costa Rica. Resorty even. Has a great pool, restaurant, bar (happy hour is like all night... 2 for 1 drinks and their menu is huge). Get your excursion packages at the hostel... great prices! $40 for a jungle hike to a waterfall around the volcano, then go to volcano view point and watch the sunset over the lake and then see the lava, then head to the hot springs where a great buffet dinner is included then enjoy the hot springs until 10 or 11 pm (ps. it's like $22 entrance to the hot springs alone so this is a great deal), plus transportation is included. Also if you have a free day, find a local or someone who knows where the water hole is and check it out. It has a rope swing and is a great spot for a swim.
6. Monteverde: Best spot for the canopy tours and cloud forest tours.
7. Tamarindo area is cool, but extremely developed. Wasn't my fav spot, kinda reminded me of San Diego.
8. If you are there for 2 weeks or more... I strongly suggest that you head to panama for a couple days and check out Bocas Del Torro. My best week was spent there.... great people, best party scene, great beaches.... and super cheap. Girls drink basically for free. Stay at the Gran Kahuna. Plus some of the best snorkeling... the water is super freaking clear!!!
9. Lastly if you have to spend some nights in San Jose stay at either Pangea or Costa Rica Backpackers. Def the two best hostels there. Pangea has a bar on the roof with an amazing view, but Costa Rica backpackers has a great garden and pool area with two bars and full restaurant. I personally likes Costa Rica Backpackers better, but that is just my preference.
10. One more thing... San Jose party scene is at El Pueblo. Get in a cab and just tell them El Pueblo... it is like a theme park of bars. hahaha. It's a gated area that is filled with tons of bars... kinda of like a mall, but for bars and some all night food stands. It has a bar for every scene.
So yeah... enjoy your trip!!
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