Contents
Editorial: Douglas Stallings, Editorial Director; Margaret Kelly, Jacinta OHalloran, Senior Editors; Kayla Becker, Alexis Kelly, Amanda Sadlowski, Editors; Teddy Minford, Content Editor; Rachael Roth, Content Manager
Design: Tina Malaney, Design and Production Director; Jessica Gonzalez, Production Designer
Photography: Jill Krueger, Senior Photo Editor
Maps: Rebecca Baer, Senior Map Editor; David Lindroth, Mark Stroud (Moon Street Cartography), Cartographers
Production: Jennifer DePrima, Editorial Production Manager; Carrie Parker, Senior Production Editor; Elyse Rozelle, Production Editor
Business & Operations: Chuck Hoover, Chief Marketing Officer; Joy Lai, Vice President and General Manager; Stephen Horowitz, Director of Business Development and Revenue Operations; Tara McCrillis, Director of Publishing Operations
Public Relations and Marketing: Joe Ewaskiw, Manager; Esther Su, Marketing Manager
Writers: Dorothy MacKinnon, Jeffrey Van Fleet, Rachel White
Editor: Teddy Minford
Production Editor: Carrie Parker
Copyright 2019 by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc.
Fodors is a registered trademark of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
ISBN9781640970786
Ebook ISBN9781640970793
ISSN 2639443X
Library of Congress Control Number 2018950371
All details in this book are based on information supplied to us at press time. Always confirm information when it matters, especially if youre making a detour to visit a specific place. Fodors expressly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence of the use of any of the contents of this book.
Photo Credits: Cover: Aldo Pavan/ SIME / eStockphoto; Experience Costa Rica: Nstanev | Dreamstime.com; Biodiversity: Justin_Hubbell, Fodors.com member; San Jose: Peter Guttman; The Central Valley: Gosiqa | Dreamstime.com; Arenal, Monteverde, And The Northern Lowlands: Msoberma, Fodors.com member; Guanacaste And The Nicoya Peninsula: Kjersti Joergensen / Shutterstock; Manuel Antonio And The Central Pacific Coast: GwenMorris, Fodors.com member; The Osa Peninsula And The South Pacific: casadeclark, Fodors.com member; Tortuguero And The Caribbean Coast: Jarno Gonzalez Zarraonandia / Shutterstock.
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Fodors Recommendations
Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations.
Trip Costs
We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.
Hotels
Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, facilities, and deals visit Fodors.com.
Restaurants
Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted. To make restaurant reservations, visit Fodors.com.
Credit Cards
The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.
EUGENE FODOR
Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (190591) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write On the Continent (1936), the first guidebook to receive annual updates and discuss a countrys way of life as well as its sights. Fodor later joined the U.S. Army and worked for the OSS in World War II. After the war, he kept up his intelligence work while expanding his guidebook series. During the Cold War, many guides were written by fellow agents who understood the value of insider information. Todays guides continue Fodors legacy by providing travelers with timely coverage, insider tips, and cultural context.
WELCOME TO COSTA RICA
Costa Rica has it all: nowhere else can you gaze upon a volcano while soaking in a hot spring one day, hike deep into a rain forest the next, and end your trip learning to surf at a luxurious seaside resort. Miles of pristine beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, fabulous national parks with plentiful opportunities for wildlife viewing, and world-renowned eco-lodges have made this one of the hottest destinations around. The welcoming people of Costa Rica, and their mellow pura vida lifestyle, add warmth to every visit.
TOP REASONS TO GO
Active Volcanoes: Five imposing behemoths exude, fume, seethe, and smolder.
Beaches: From pristine secluded hideaways to palm-fringed resort strands.
Coffee: A plantation tour shows you what makes the country tick.
Eco-friendly Hotels: Wilderness lodges set the standard for green tourism with style.
Outdoor Adventure: Ziplining, canopy tours, hiking, and surfing are all top-notch.