Exploring Costa Rica
An Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests, picturesque beaches, and vibrant wildlife, but there’s so much more to this Central American gem that many travelers don’t get to experience. For those looking to escape the tourist crowds while still enjoying all that Costa Rica has to offer, myself and a couple friends embarked on a budget-friendly journey to some hidden spots, and let me tell you, it was a trip I’ll never forget. Here’s the story of our off-the-beaten-path adventure in Costa Rica!
Flying Into Liberia and Hitting the Road
We landed in Liberia, a small city on the northern Pacific coast. This trip is definitely do-able if you want to fly into San Jose, but it’s a bit of a logistical nightmare involving a ferry with a very sketchy looking schedule. We opted for the safer plan of flying into Liberia and rented a car from Target Car Rental. (I highly recommend them for their affordable prices and great service!) Having our own wheels was a game changer—this way, we could explore at our own pace and venture into places that weren’t on the typical tourist route. As a side note, if you are planning on visiting the first 2 stops of this trip, I would highly recommend a 4×4 vehicle. We rented a Jimny, and while it’s not the most spacious car it did us right on the backroads of the Nicoya.
Santa Teresa: The Perfect Hostel and a Sunset Horseback Ride
Our first destination was Santa Teresa, a laid-back surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula. This town is definitely off the beaten path, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to get away from the touristy crowds. We stayed at Somos Hostel, easily one of my top three favorite hostels I’ve ever stayed in! It was a budget-friendly choice with a relaxed vibe and an awesome social atmosphere. The place was clean, had great common areas, the staff were super welcoming, and if aesthetics are you vibe this is your place.
While in Santa Teresa, we spent our days walking around the small dirt road town, where you can find local shops, restaurants, and that familiar, rustic Costa Rican charm. One of the highlights of this stop was the horseback riding tour we took with Horizonte Horse Experience. The tour was absolutely magical—we rode along the beach at sunset, galloping through the surf with the sun sinking into the horizon. Along the way, we stopped to crack open fresh coconuts (so refreshing!) and take in the views. Our guide Michelle was an absolute ledgend, and the experience was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that I’ll always cherish.
One point of regret we had about Santa Teresa was not spending an extra day here. We didn’t have time to surf at this spot and we definitely regretted that decision down the road because it had the best waves we saw on the whole trip! Check out the area called Mal Pais if you’re more interested in the waves.
Nosara: Surf, Sunsets, and Hidden Views
After a couple days, we drove up to Nosara, another lesser-known gem on the Pacific coast. Nosara is a peaceful, tranquil spot, famous for its surf and yoga culture. We stayed at Socialtel Nosara, a well-known budget-friendly hostel chain that’s always a great choice for meeting other travelers and getting great value for your stay. It had a fantastic vibe, with hammocks, a pool, and everything you need to unwind after a day in the surf. One of the nights we stayed they even hosted salsa lessons!
Nosara’s beaches are perfect for surfing, so we took the opportunity to grab some boards from a local spot and hit the waves. The surf here was perfect for beginners and intermediates, and it was amazing to be in such a serene, uncrowded spot. There are also many places that offer lessons if you want to learn! The sunsets in Nosara were unreal—each night, we made our way to the beach to watch the sky turn shades of pink, orange, and purple, with the waves crashing in the background.
One of the highlights of Nosara was the drive up the mountain to the only Irish pub in the area. It’s called K-Rae’s, and it’s a must-visit for anyone passing through. The owner, a super friendly local, greeted us with a warm welcome, and we enjoyed a few drinks while taking in the panoramic views of Nosara. The place had a cozy, homey atmosphere, and it was the perfect spot to relax and unwind. They also offer lodging!
For dinner, we splurged for a birthday dinner and found a charming spot called Chirriboca with incredible ocean views of the sunset. We enjoyed fresh seafood and local dishes while soaking in the incredible scenery—definitely a meal to remember!
Tamarindo: The Party Vibe
Our final stop was Tamarindo, a more vibrant and lively beach town with a great mix of relaxation and nightlife. We stayed at La Botella de Leche, a quirky and affordable hostel that became our home for a few days. It was the perfect place to meet other travelers, hang out in the communal spaces, and just relax after a long day of exploring.
Tamarindo has a lot of shops compared to the other places we had been. We surfed at Playa Grande and caught an awesome sunset at Playa Langosta.
We met up with some fellow travelers that we met at the hostel and headed out to Chiquitas, a local bar where we danced the night away. The energy was contagious, and it felt like the whole town was there enjoying the music, drinks, and good vibes. It was one of those nights that you’ll remember for a long time!
Nomad on a Budget 
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