Your Ultimate Costa Rica Pacific Coast Adventure: A Pura Vida Travel Guide

After eight truly magical days immersed in the vibrant beauty of Costa Rica, returning to the everyday rhythm of Seattle felt a little bittersweet for Thomas and me. We instantly fell head over heels in love with this incredible country – so much so that we haven’t stopped dreaming about finding our very own winter escape there! The thought of trading Washington’s frigid temperatures for warm, sun-kissed beaches is a powerful one. Since our trip, I’ve received a flurry of questions about our itinerary, the towns we explored, the delicious food we savored, and our overall experiences. So, I’m thrilled to compile this comprehensive Costa Rica guide for you, sharing all the highlights and practical tips from our unforgettable journey!

Planning Your Costa Rican Adventure: Mapping Out Your Desires

While we’re by no means Costa Rica experts, we approached our trip with a clear vision: to spend our entire week exploring the Pacific side of the country. This region called to us with its promise of vibrant beach towns, world-class surfing opportunities, incredible culinary experiences, and, of course, absolutely breathtaking beaches. We can only speak to our experiences on this particular coast, but our advice to any traveler is to first determine what kind of experience you’re hoping for. Are you chasing adrenaline-pumping adventures, serene relaxation, a vibrant party scene, or a family-friendly getaway? Once you pinpoint your priorities, extensive research into specific areas will help you find your perfect match.

For me, one of the primary motivations for visiting Costa Rica was the legendary surfing. We were fortunate to have several friends who had spent considerable time there, offering invaluable insights and guidance. I had heard rave reviews about Santa Teresa’s surf culture and knew it was the perfect place to kick off our birthday celebrations.

Our Costa Rican Journey: A Coastal Itinerary Overview

Our adventure began with two delightful days in Santa Teresa. From there, we ventured to Montezuma for a day, but frankly, it didn’t quite capture our interest as much as we’d hoped, leading us to pivot towards Nosara. We spent two enchanting days in Nosara and were completely captivated. It truly felt like home – we connected with new friends, discovered fantastic surfing and skateboarding spots, and reveled in the incredibly laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. Nosara also struck us as particularly family-friendly, adding to its charm. Following our time in Nosara, we headed to Tamarindo, where we found a distinctly younger, more energetic party vibe. After spending a night there and embarking on an unforgettable hike the next day, we made an executive decision: we wanted to spend our final two days back in Nosara. Our hearts were truly stolen by its unique charm and peaceful energy.

First Impressions of Costa Rica: Embracing the Pura Vida Rhythms

Our initial observations of Costa Rica quickly shaped our understanding of the local lifestyle. Here are a few things that stood out:

• The Early Sunsets and Energetic Mornings

  One of the most immediate changes we noticed was how early it gets dark – around 6:30 PM! Coming from Seattle, where summer days stretch past 9 PM, this was a significant adjustment. However, we quickly grew to appreciate the flip side: equally early sunrises. Waking up to the first light of dawn, we were struck by how vibrant and active everyone was. I’d often walk to the beach while Thomas was still sleeping, only to find people already out sunbathing, catching waves, or cycling, all before 7 AM. This early-bird culture truly embodied the energetic “Pura Vida” spirit.

• The Journey is Part of the Adventure: Navigating Costa Rican Roads

  If you’re planning to explore multiple towns along the Pacific coast, be prepared for travel days that take a considerable amount of time. While the distances between towns might not look vast on a map, the condition of the roads – often unpaved, winding, and bumpy – turns every journey into a “snail race.” There were times when the roads truly tested my car sickness, a sensation I’d never experienced before! However, I can wholeheartedly say that every scenic drive, every bumpy stretch, was 100% worth it. Exploring different locations enriched our experience immensely; we definitely would have felt bored had we stayed in just one place.

• A Culinary Revelation: Fruits & Vegetables on Another Level

  No matter what we ate in Costa Rica – from the simplest carrots to exotic fruits, fresh broccoli, or succulent seafood – everything tasted profoundly better. The carrots were incredibly sweet, and the fruits offered an indescribable explosion of flavor that felt like pure heaven. Thomas and I are pretty sure we each consumed an entire avocado every single day! They were absolutely to die for, and unbelievably cheap – no $6 guacamole here, thankfully.

• Embracing the Humidity: A Washintonian’s Challenge

  Coming from the Pacific Northwest, the humidity in Costa Rica was a significant change for me. Thomas, being less sensitive to it, didn’t notice it as much, but I was constantly aware of the tropical air. I recalled my first trip to the East Coast, wondering, “What is this air?!” It’s a similar feeling here. The moment you start hiking, walking for any extended period, or skateboarding, you’re immediately in “sweat central.” Pack light, breathable clothing, and be prepared to embrace the tropical moisture!

• The Unseen Companions: Navigating the Local Wildlife (Bugs Edition)

  Given our coastal locations, we definitely encountered a different breed of bugs. They were *everywhere*. While we didn’t come across any venomous animals or particularly creepy crawlies, ants and mosquitoes were constant companions, along with numerous other unidentified insects. It’s a part of being immersed in nature, so having a good insect repellent is always a wise idea.

Santa Teresa: Boho Vibes, Surfing, and Culinary Delights

Santa Teresa immediately charmed us with its beauty and super cute, laid-back atmosphere. The town exuded a distinct boho-chic vibe, with countless stylish restaurants and adorable boutiques that made me want to buy everything in sight! Surf shops dotted the main road every few buildings, highlighting the town’s strong surf culture. What I particularly loved about almost all the restaurants in Costa Rica, and especially in Santa Teresa, was their open-air, outdoor settings (often with coverings for the rainy season). This design truly enhanced the dining experience, making us feel even more connected to the tropical surroundings.

We thoroughly ate our way through Santa Teresa, falling in love with the incredible variety and high quality of the food. Nearly every restaurant offered abundant plant-based and paleo options, and a commitment to organic, locally sourced produce seemed to be a significant priority. Here are a few of our stand-out culinary experiences:

From left to right, starting at the top:

1. El Patio Cafe: This was our go-to spot for a wholesome and delicious breakfast. They boast an impressive menu with both vegan and vegetarian options, emphasizing incredibly fresh ingredients. From classic egg dishes to invigorating superfood smoothies, delectable acai bowls, and truly excellent coffee, El Patio had it all. They even offered sandwiches and salads for later in the day. We highly recommend their Tico breakfast (an authentic Costa Rican experience) and the flavorful veggie omelette, served with a fresh side salad.
2. El Patio Cafe: We simply couldn’t resist this smoothie the moment we spotted it on the menu. While I make similar smoothies at home, there was an inexplicable “magic” in this one, perhaps justifying the $8 price tag! It was a divine blend of banana, peanut butter, and espresso – an absolute must-try for coffee lovers.
3. Happy Bowls (at Eat Street): Happy Bowls is an adorable food stall nestled within Eat Street, a charming outdoor cafeteria-style area featuring several food truck-esque restaurants. Happy Bowls focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients and caters to gluten-free and vegan diners. Their ceviche was arguably the best we’ve ever tasted; we could have happily eaten it every day! It’s typically served with patacones (fried plantain strips). Their diverse menu ranges from Buddha pesto, sushi, or burrito bowls, to refreshing watermelon or Caesar salads, and a delectable satay prawn bowl that Thomas absolutely devoured. Pictured here is their sushi bowl with added greens.
4. Ani’s Bowls: For a quick, beach-friendly meal, Ani’s was the perfect stop. It’s an incredibly cute space with a welcoming vibe. We grabbed one of the best smoothies we’ve ever had from here. I opted for a smoked salmon salad, while Thomas enjoyed a hearty bowl and avocado toast – all perfect for a relaxed beachside lunch.
5. Drift Bar: Our very first stop in Santa Teresa, Drift Bar made a fantastic initial impression. The service was exceptional – so sweet and friendly. Thomas indulged in their veggie fried rice, leaving not a single grain behind! We also tried their ceviche here and were utterly blown away. The menu mentioned it was made with “tiger milk,” and I’m still on a quest to discover the secret to this magical ingredient! Drift Bar also features a tempting dessert bar and offers fresh juices. Their dessert bar even includes vegan options, which we, of course, couldn’t leave without sampling. We savored a mini vegan chocolate cheesecake, a snickers tart, and a pecan tart – a truly delightful spot for a dinner date.
6. The Bakery: We had heard that The Bakery was one of Santa Teresa’s premier breakfast spots. Although we ended up making breakfast ourselves on our second day, I still wish we had made it here for a full meal. They boast an epic display of desserts, an array of homemade bread, and croissants. But for us, the real draw was the coffee – it was so outstanding that we returned three times! Thomas also tried their almond milk and honey matcha, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Honorable Mention – Katana Sushi: For my birthday dinner, we were hoping to find a restaurant right on the beach, but couldn’t quite find a menu that suited our cravings. By chance, we stumbled upon Katana Sushi. I didn’t manage to get any photos as it was quite dark, but this was hands down the best sushi we’ve ever had. A solid 12/10 recommendation for a stop here! They also cater to various dietary needs with vegan and paleo options. We even tried one of their no-rice rolls, beautifully wrapped in cucumber, which was incredibly light and fresh.

Things to Do in Santa Teresa: Embracing the Coastal Lifestyle

• Surfing: Santa Teresa is synonymous with surfing, and it would be a crime not to try it! Surf rentals and lessons are available on almost every corner. The Costa Rican waves were actually the main reason I wanted to visit the country. While I was a little disappointed to wake up to some rather crazy waves on my birthday, preventing a surf session that day, simply being in the bath-tub temperature water was an incredible experience in itself.
• Enjoy the Beaches: The beaches here are simply unreal – stretches of pristine white sand, warm, inviting water, and thankfully, not overly crowded. I could have easily spent forever just lounging (if I could handle the humidity, that is!).
• Rent ATVs: ATVs are a popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike. Even if you’re not trying to get somewhere specific, simply cruising around on an ATV is an absolute blast. Many operators also offer ATV tours and adventure excursions, usually lasting a full day. While we didn’t get to do any, they all sounded incredibly fun and are a great way to explore the surrounding areas.
• Nightlife: While Thomas and I aren’t drinkers, and therefore didn’t actively seek out the nightlife, it’s widely known that Santa Teresa has a vibrant and energetic scene for those looking to party.
• Shopping: Santa Teresa boasts some of the most adorable boutique stores, filled with unique clothing, jewelry, and artisanal crafts. I was utterly tempted to buy everything! Beyond the boutiques, there’s also an excellent organic grocery store called Green World Store. It offers a wide array of organic groceries, health supplements, and a fantastic beauty section with bulk options, which I was particularly thrilled to see.

Nosara: Our Beloved Retreat and the Heart of Pura Vida

Nosara was, without a doubt, our favorite town on the entire trip. The vibes were simply exceptional – it felt incredibly family-oriented, remarkably laid-back, and navigating was a little easier due to a slightly less prominent language barrier. We initially spent two days here, then drove to another town, only to decide we couldn’t resist returning for our final two days. We had truly fallen in love. We’ve even started browsing real estate listings there, hoping that one day we might have our own little winter haven in Nosara!

The food options in Nosara were equally amazing, perfectly aligning with our preferences for healthy, organic, and locally sourced cuisine. There were countless organic restaurants, abundant vegan options, an impressive selection of fresh seafood, and a strong emphasis on organic local produce across many establishments.

Starting at top left:

1. Destiny Cafe: This charming organic spot was perfect for a healthy breakfast or brunch. They offered an impressive array of paleo, vegan, and gluten-free options, making their menu incredibly diverse. The smoothies were truly next-level. Banana coffee is incredibly popular here, so we had to try it – and it was absolutely delicious! (I’m planning to recreate it for you all, but in the meantime, check out one of my favorite coffee recipes). The addition of cacao nibs provided a perfect little touch.
2. Destiny Cafe: Their breakfast was simply outstanding. Thomas enjoyed a breakfast burrito, uniquely served in homemade coconut tortillas that were softer, almost crepe-like, and absolutely massive! I’ve rarely seen him take food home, but he definitely needed a box that day. I opted for their paleo green breakfast bowl, featuring amazing coconut cauliflower rice (a recipe I desperately need to figure out!), sautéed bok choy and broccoli, perfectly poached eggs, and fresh avocado. We both absolutely loved it.
3. LuvBurger: LuvBurger is a fantastic plant-based restaurant with an expansive menu. They offer everything from pizzas and salads to noodle bowls and delightful sweet treats. Thomas tried their Buddha bowl with kelp noodles and grilled veggies. The homemade kimchi was unreal, and the grilled tofu was incredibly delicious.
4. LuvBurger: This salad was wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying. Given the constant heat and humidity during our trip, I found myself frequently drawn to fresh salads like this one, as they felt light and refreshing. This particular salad, with its perfectly balanced ingredients and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce, was a definite winner.
5. LuvBurger: Tiramisu is my absolute favorite dessert. While this wasn’t the best tiramisu we’ve ever had, it certainly hit the spot when we were craving something sweet and satisfied our craving perfectly.
6. Organico: We visited Organico so many times, I’ve lost count! It’s an organic grocery store in town that truly has almost everything you could need. They even stocked refined sugar-free, vegan treats that we eagerly sampled. If you ever go, you absolutely *must* try the maple walnut cookie – it’s life-changing!

Honorable Mentions in Nosara: Mahalo Bowls served up delicious poke, perfect for a quick, fresh meal. Rolling Waves Coffee saw us quite a few times, but on our last day, we discovered Sunrise Cafe, which quickly became our favorite for coffee. La Luna offered incredible Greek cuisine in a stunning beachfront setting, overlooking the ocean – we spent our last night here, and it was absolutely perfect. The Beach Dog Cafe is another organic restaurant option, offering numerous excellent breakfast choices and serving as an easy, satisfying stop for lunch or dinner.

Things to Do in Nosara: Adventure, Relaxation, and Nature

Nosara offers a fantastic blend of activities, catering to both the adventurous spirit and those seeking relaxation:

• Get Active: The opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless here! You can enjoy invigorating hikes, daring waterfall repelling, picturesque horseback riding along the beach, scenic cycling tours, and tranquil kayaking expeditions. For those who enjoy wheels, a brand new skatepark was built this year, where we happily spent many, many hours. The surfing in Nosara was also amazing – the waves were quite big during our visit, offering a humbling yet incredibly fun experience. Lessons are readily available for all skill levels.
• Beaches: Nosara’s beaches seemed more mellow and less crowded compared to other areas we visited. The atmosphere was definitely more family-friendly and incredibly chill. Everyone we met was wonderfully nice and welcoming.
• Treat Yourself: Nosara is home to some amazing spas, perfect for unwinding and indulging in some well-deserved pampering. The shopping here is also delightful. We stopped by a beautiful outdoor store on our way out of town – I insisted Thomas join me! A stunning tree stands proudly in the center of the store, creating a truly enchanting ambiance. Everything felt lovingly homemade (though I’m not entirely sure it was), and I ended up buying a little front-tie shirt that I’m completely obsessed with.
• Cooking Classes: Cooking classes are widely available throughout Nosara and offer a super fun and interactive way to delve into Costa Rican culinary traditions.
• Yoga: Nosara is renowned as a major yogi destination. You’ll find numerous dedicated yoga hotels and clubs, making it a perfect retreat for practitioners of all levels.
• Check Out the Wildlife: For nature lovers, there are several wildlife sanctuaries you can visit to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity and connect with its natural inhabitants.

Where We Stayed: Embracing the Airbnb Experience (and the Crabs!)

For our entire trip, we opted to stay in various Airbnbs, which offered a mix of experiences – some were fantastic, while others were… well, “ehhh.” One consistent factor was the wildlife, which can be incredibly loud! There were a few nights where our sleep was interrupted by animals making some truly wild noises outside. But, it’s all part of the authentic Costa Rican experience, right?

Staying at the Iluminar Beachfront Suites was a memorable experience, boasting massive rooms and a convenient private trail leading directly to the beach. However, one crucial thing to be aware of when staying near the beach in Costa Rica is the crabs! They were absolutely everywhere. As someone who wears contacts and is almost blind without them, I had a particularly startling encounter on our first night. I got up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and saw something scurry across the floor. My heart nearly stopped, convinced it was some sort of massive, prehistoric spider! Turns out, it was just a little crabby friend. They’d manage to squeeze under the door, so there was no stopping them, but we eventually got used to our nightly visitors.

Tamarindo: A Brief Stop with Big Adventures

We only spent one night in Tamarindo, primarily because we had a hike planned for the following day that was about an hour and a half away. Tamarindo certainly leaned towards a younger, more vibrant party scene, though its beaches were undeniably beautiful and the town itself had a cute, lively atmosphere. Unfortunately, our brief stay didn’t allow us to explore it extensively, but we did notice some charming shops, an organic store with amazing treats, and a clear presence of nightlife.

Things to Do in Tamarindo & Nearby

The main reason for our overnight stay in Tamarindo was to experience the incredible La Leona Waterfall. This stunning waterfall is located about an hour and a half away and offers one of the most unique adventures of our trip. The hike requires a guide because you actually have to swim through captivating caves to reach the main waterfall. It was easily one of our favorite activities! We joined a small group of fellow adventurers who were a blast, but private guides are also an option if you prefer. The experience is incredibly accessible for all ages, and life vests are provided if you’re not entirely comfortable in the water. The deeper sections of the caves and river never felt dangerously deep, though as someone who is 5’3″, there were a few spots where I couldn’t touch the bottom.

As you’re venturing into the jungle, remember to bring bug spray if you’re not fond of insects, though we managed without any significant issues. An interesting fact about the river is that it’s runoff from a volcano, meaning the water contains sulfur, which explains the absence of fish. I actually appreciated this, as sometimes seeing little critters swimming around can give me the creeps! You’ll also pass through some land caves where small, surprisingly cute bats reside, but guides offer alternative routes if you’re claustrophobic. Ropes are installed in the deeper sections of the water, providing assistance if needed.

The final waterfall itself is absolutely stunning and well worth the short, adventurous trek. You can swim right up to it, stand underneath its powerful flow, and capture some incredible photos. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience!

Visit Costa Rica: Experience the Magic of Pura Vida!

I couldn’t recommend a trip to Costa Rica more highly. Before we decided to visit, we spoke with friends who had spent considerable time there, and every single one of them described the country with the same word: “magical!” After experiencing it for ourselves, we wholeheartedly agree. From its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes to its incredible food and warm-hearted people, Costa Rica offers an unparalleled travel experience. If you have any questions about planning your own adventure to this enchanting destination, please don’t hesitate to leave them below!