Costa Rica solo travel is a great introduction to solo travel in Latin America, with an established tourism infrastructure and plenty of exciting activities. Join a Flash Pack group adventure to swerve the single supplement and benefit from shared accommodation and guided tours.
Try yoga and nature retreats like this one to come away rested and transformed. Or take a volunteering placement with Raleigh International and help protect the rainforest.
Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s most remote and pristine rainforest destination. Dubbed by National Geographic as one of the planet’s most biologically intense places. Fringed by crystalline beaches, the Osa is a place to take it all in—from hiking on jungle trails to snorkeling. Scuba diving in emerald waters and whale watching on the Isla del Cano Marine Reserve.
The main attraction is Corcovado National Park on the west side of the Osa, the largest lowland rainforest in Central America. Covering 164 square miles, the park has 13 major ecosystems and is home to four of the country’s five species of monkey, two sloth species, peccary, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and more.
To get the most out of your trip, stay in a first class rainforest eco-lodge near Drake Bay—the jumping off point for trips to Corcovado National Park and Isla del Cano Biological Reserve. These remote and comfortable lodges allow you to immerse yourself in nature. With meals served in the open air amidst the sounds of birds and monkeys rustling in the trees above.
If you are driving to the Osa from San Jose, be prepared for one of the most challenging drives in the country. Even in dry season, it takes a high clearance 4WD vehicle to make the journey. The roads are mostly unpaved and require river crossings that may be impassable in the rainy season. Talk to a local expert before making the drive so they can help you arrange your car rental and give tips for how to best navigate this wilderness area. It is definitely worth the adventure, though. Just be sure to bring a lot of water, snacks and insect repellent!
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s premier rainforest destination for nature lovers and beachgoers. The Central Pacific region is a hotspot for spotting monkeys. Other animals in their natural habitat, as well as enjoying the beaches and relaxing at the many luxury eco-hotels that have been artfully built into the rainforest overlooking the coast.
The best time to visit Manuel Antonio is from mid-December through April. When the dry season occurs and animal spotting is easy. However, it is a popular destination during Christmas break and Easter, so the park can be quite busy with domestic tourists at those times.
For those who want to do a bit of wildlife spotting but don’t want to hike all day. Consider booking a tour to the Rainmaker Conservation Park. Upon entering the park, you’ll pay the entrance fee (10,000 colones) and then be taken on an expert guided tour of the rainforest trails and mangroves. Here you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife that are harder to see without a guide.
Once the main trail ends, the jungle scenery changes to one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica — Playa Manuel Antonio or Espadilla Sur. If you don’t have a car, the hotel that is located in the heart of Manuel Antonio town. Directly across from the national park entrance, Arenas del Mar, is a great option. They have great rooms and offer a wide variety of eco-friendly activities, including a rainforest nature reserve on the property.
If staying at the Airplane Hotel isn’t within your budget, try dining at El Avion Restaurant in a refurbished 727 Fuselage Home, which has spectacular ocean views and is just up the road from Costa Verde’s Airplane Hotel. For a more luxurious way to experience the natural beauty of the area, go on a sunset cruise to Biesanz Bay and look for marine wildlife as you sail around the coastline.
Santa Juana
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to enjoy a variety of activities that will get your heart racing. The country’s tropical rainforest and mountains are ideal for trekking, hiking, and whitewater rafting. There are also several beautiful beaches to visit, including Playa Hermosa, Playa Carmen, and La Lora.
You can hike in the rainforest, go snorkeling and scuba diving, or simply lounge on the beach. For those looking for a bit of adventure, you can try zip lining and walking along hanging bridges. The country is also a great place to go birdwatching and enjoy the wildlife. You can see hummingbirds, toucans, monkeys, and sloths in the forests and mountains.
Located just an hour inland from Quepos on the Central Pacific coast, Santa Juana Lodge is a rural mountain adventure that will give you a true taste of Costa Rica. The lodge offers five open-air rustic ecolodges with amazing views of the surrounding rainforest and the Pacific ocean. It is also committed to sustainability and community-based tourism. The net proceeds from the hotel’s signature adventure tours go to local communities and environmental based projects.
The accommodations at Santa Juana are built from locally harvested timber. Feature large windows that allow for natural light and beautiful views. They offer both cabins and casitas, each with two bedrooms. You can take a tour of the property to learn how coffee is made or walk along nature trails that lead to a waterfall and swimming hole. The lodge also offers birdwatching and coffee tours.
Solo travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the culture should consider taking a Spanish immersion course. These courses are available at many Costa Rican schools and will help you practice your new language while learning about the local culture. They are also a good way to meet other tourists.
Braulio Carrillo National Park
The Braulio Carrillo National Park is a stunning area that includes pristine rainforest, waterfalls, and rivers. It’s located between the Irazu and Barva volcanoes and hosts 5% of the world’s bird species. It’s a perfect place to experience Costa Rica’s nature without the noise of crowds. There are several ways to explore this beautiful natural treasure. From hiking to taking an aerial tram ride above the treetops of the jungle.
Getting to this national park is easy from anywhere in the country. It’s a short drive from San Jose, Arenal, or the Sarapiqui region. It can easily be combined with a visit to La Selva Biological Station or Guapiles.
It’s bisected by one of the busiest highways in the country, but if you walk a hundred yards on either side you’ll be enveloped in another time. It has hiking trails, waterfalls, and a huge variety of wildlife including over 150 species of mammals. It’s a great place to see howler and white faced capuchin monkeys, tapirs, Deppe’s squirrel, and northern tamandua.
Seeing the colossal rock formation that looks like a whale tail is one of the highlights of this national park. Hundreds of humpback whales gather here every year, and they’re a truly impressive sight. You can also spend some quiet time at Playa Cocles, a relatively undeveloped beach that’s a great spot for snorkeling. It’s important to remember that you can’t take any rocks or plants out of the park. So make sure you leave it as you found it. This national park is an excellent example of how Costa Rica protects its natural beauty. Even if it’s close to a major city.
Nicoya Peninsula
Located on the Pacific coast, the Nicoya Peninsula comprises of two of Costa Rica’s most visited provinces – Guanacaste and Puntarenas. This region is all about beaches and a relaxed hippie vibe, with plenty of options for those wanting to surf.
The beaches of the region are varied in both sand colour and surfing ability, with secluded spots to lay under palm trees. Behind rocks or broad sandy expanses for sunbathing and relaxing. The Nicoya Peninsula is a habitat for a wealth of flora and fauna, with national parks protecting the pristine wetlands and wildlife, while the coastal areas are rich in coral reefs.
A paved highway connects most of the coastline here, but many of the roads that leave this main route are in poor condition and require a four-wheel drive vehicle, especially during the rainy season. In these cases, a tour guide is recommended to help navigate the tricky terrain.
In contrast, some of the smaller towns on the Nicoya Peninsula have retained a decidedly local feel with a distinct backwater flavour. Montezuma, in particular, attracts a young and vibrant crowd from around the world. With a lively party scene and hippy-chic accommodation, it’s one of the best places to travel solo in Costa Rica.
Getting around the area is relatively easy, although learning a little Spanish will be helpful for communicating with locals. Public buses are cheap and plentiful. But a taxi is a safer option as you can avoid the risk of being overcharged by unlicensed drivers. Alternatively, you can join a group solo trip. Swerve the single supplement at the smartest hotels while enjoying the security of a guided tour with like-minded travellers.
