Where to stay in Costa Rica

Backpacker Hostels: Costa Rica has a great backpacker scene. US and German teens flock here on their gap years, along with older people taking years out of their careers. Hostels tend to be relaxed and easy-going, mostly a dormitory affair but many will have private rooms, too, and they will offer excursions and trips. You must be laid-back to stay in a backpacker hostel, but they are great places to meet like-minded travellers and are generally of a high standard.

Cabins: In coastal towns, and in particular on the Nicoya peninsula, you’ll find many beach cabins available. These are for the truly back-to-nature travellers – they will mostly just be a little shack and a bed and there will probably be no lock. Remember to bring a mosquito net to combat the Dengue Fever. This is about as cheap as it gets and is a wonderful state of mind to get into (very back to basics) if you can handle it.

Lodges: To be found up in the mountains near the Nature Reserves, lodges aren’t that cheap but certainly cost less than the giant hotels and give you a chance to get a bit of peace and quiet with nature. Self-catering lodges in particular are wonderful – you can choose how you eat and aren’t tied into huge tourist groups.

Resorts/Retreats: Costa Rica has a wealthy tourism market, and there are plenty of retreat-style resorts in every corner. Furthermore, as the greenest country on the planet, most of these resorts are completely eco-friendly and really lovely places to be. You will be able to find many spa resorts of incredibly high quality situated in the absolute middle of nowhere, and the peace and tranquillity is overwhelming. It’s a great way to do it.

Rural Farmstay: This is popular with the longer-term travellers who want to experience a country’s culture and local life, give a little to the country – and essentially stay somewhere for free. Staying on a farm for a period of upwards of a month can work very well – you will get accommodation free and you will help out on the farm. For those who don’t wish to stay so long and don’t want the hard work, many farms will rent out the rooms, nooks and crannies of their farmhouses for very little money, if you don’t mind a bit of a rustic stay. You can get thoroughly off the beaten path this way.