Pura Vida by Road: A Journey Through Costa Rica’s Most Beautiful Corners
- Shanna Stewart
- 6 minutes ago
- 16 min read
“Travel is the art of turning the unexpected into the unforgettable.”
There’s a special kind of magic in seeing Costa Rica by road — the way the landscape shifts from mist‑wrapped volcanoes to sun‑drenched beaches, how every curve reveals a waterfall, a roadside soda, or a troop of curious monkeys watching from the trees. Driving here isn’t just a way to get around; it’s an immersion into the country’s wild heart, where detours become discoveries and the journey is every bit as memorable as the destination. This road trip stitched together cloud forests, surf towns, hot springs, and hidden jungle lodges into one long, sun‑soaked adventure — the kind that lingers long after the dust settles on your tires.
This epic journey will take place over 10 days:
Day 1-2: San Jose'
Days 3-4: Arenal and La Fortuna
Days 5-6: Monteverde
Days 7-8: Tamarindo
Days 9-10: Manuel Antonio
Day 1 - 2: San Jose, Costa Rica
San José is Costa Rica’s capital and cultural hub, best used as a 1–2 night stop for museums, food tours, and history before heading to the coasts or cloud forests. It’s compact, energetic, and full of surprising gems.
📍 Quick Facts
• Location: Central Valley, surrounded by mountains
• Airport: SJO (actually in Alajuela)
• Population: ~339,000 city / 1.6 million province
• Weather: 75–82°F days, 60–65°F nights year‑round; October is the rainiest month
• Best For: Museums, food tours, architecture, day trips to volcanoes
🧭 Top Things to Do in San José
🏛️ 1. National Museum of Costa Rica
Housed in a former military fortress; the best place to understand Costa Rican history from pre‑Columbian times to today.
🟩 2. Jade Museum
Home to the world’s largest collection of pre‑Columbian jade, with pieces dating back to 500–800 BCE.
🌋 3. Poás Volcano (Day Trip)
Active volcano with a surreal aquamarine crater lake; requires advance online booking due to limited daily visitors.
🍽️ 4. Local Food Tour
One of the top‑rated activities — market tastings, tamales, empanadas, chocolate, and ice cream with a local guide.
🚶 5. Central Avenue
Pedestrian street full of shops, cafés, and local energy — busiest around 4–5 PM.
🌤️ When to Visit
• Best overall: December–April (dry season)
• Rainiest: October (heavy downpours + thunderstorms)
🏨Where to stay:
Dunn Inn
3-Star hotel
Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, the Hotel Dunn Inn is a perfect choice for a memorable stay. Situated in the desirable upscale and convenient historic neighborhood of Barrio Amon, San Jose, you will be steps from restaurants, museums, the National Theater, souvenir shopping, central market, commercial center, banking and the continuous nightlife that is famous to the city.
Hilton San Jose La Sabana
4-Star Hotel
In front of the National Stadium and La Sabana Park, our hotel is in Costa Rica’s tallest building, near embassies and corporations. Within four kilometers are Downtown San Jose, the National Theater, and museums. Enjoy spectacular views from our 31st floor pool, fitness center, and event rooms, or our Sky Lobby and restaurant on the 18th floor.
InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall by IHG
5-Star Hotel
In the vibrant heart of Escazú, where the pulse of San José’s commercial district meets the calm of signature experiences, InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall welcomes you to a stay defined by refinement and discovery. Our address places you moments from Multiplaza, the country’s premier shopping destination, and within easy reach of cultural landmarks, renowned dining, and the spirited energy of the capital.
Explore the charm of nearby coffee estates, visit the galleries and boutiques of Avenida Escazú, or take in mountain views from our urban oasis. Whether here for business, celebration, or leisure, our resort-style retreat invites you to experience the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality woven into every detail.
Five distinct restaurants bring the world to your table, while the spa, among the largest in the region, offers restoration shaped by local traditions and global expertise. Thoughtfully designed guest rooms with views of the mountains, gardens, or city create a sense of place and perspective. With three heated outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and over twenty meeting venues, including a grand ballroom for up to one thousand guests, our hotel is a destination for both serenity and connection. Welcome to a complete InterContinental experience in Costa Rica’s capital of culture and commerce.
Days 3-4: Arenal and La Fortuna
The drive from San Jose is 2.5–3 hours without stops, but it’s packed with waterfalls, wildlife, coffee farms, and volcano viewpoints — making it one of Costa Rica’s most rewarding routes.
🌿 Top Stops on the Drive from San José to La Fortuna
🌋 1. Poás Volcano National Park
One of Costa Rica’s most famous volcanoes with a massive crater and bright turquoise lake.
• Requires advance timed tickets.
• Very close to the San José → La Fortuna route.
💧 2. La Paz Waterfall Gardens (and the Free Waterfall Viewpoint)
A lush private reserve with waterfalls, wildlife exhibits, and cloud‑forest trails.
• Even if you skip the paid park, there’s a free roadside waterfall viewpoint that’s a popular stop.
🐾 3. Wildlife Rescue Centers (Multiple Options)
Along the route you’ll find sanctuaries with sloths, toucans, and rescued wildlife.
• Great for families or animal lovers.
🌧️ 4. Cloud Forest Detours (e.g., Vara Blanca area)
If you take the scenic mountain route, you’ll pass through misty cloud forest zones with cafés, viewpoints, and small local stops.
🌊 5. Catarata del Toro (Optional Detour)
A dramatic 270‑ft waterfall inside an extinct volcanic crater.
• Requires a detour but worth it for waterfall lovers.
🐄 6. Coffee Farms & Local Sodas
The Central Valley is full of small coffee farms and roadside sodas serving casados, empanadas, and fresh fruit drinks.
• Perfect for a mid‑drive lunch stop.
🏞️ 7. Scenic Mountain Viewpoints
The Route 702 corridor has multiple pull‑offs with sweeping views of rolling hills, rivers, and farmland.
🌿 8. Free Waterfall Near La Fortuna
Just before reaching town, there’s a free roadside waterfall that many travelers stop at for photos.
🚗 Route Notes
• Most travelers take Route 1 → Route 702, the most direct and popular route.
• Drive time: ~3 hours, but plan for 4+ hours with stops.
• A 4×4 is not required, but a high‑clearance SUV is more comfortable on steep or curvy sections.
Arenal & La Fortuna
Arenal (the volcano + national park) and La Fortuna (the town) form one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations — a mix of rainforest, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife, and high‑adrenaline adventure. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top places to visit in Costa Rica, thanks to its scenery, accessibility, and huge range of activities.
📍 Location
• Northern Costa Rica, in the Alajuela province
• ~2.5–3 hours from San José
• Near Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest lake
🌟 Top Things to Do in Arenal & La Fortuna
🌋 Arenal Volcano National Park
Trails through old lava fields, rainforest, and viewpoints of the volcano.
💧 La Fortuna Waterfall
A 230‑ft waterfall surrounded by lush jungle — one of the region’s signature sights.
🌉 Mistico Hanging Bridges
Suspended bridges through the rainforest canopy with great wildlife spotting.
🔥 Hot Springs
Arenal is famous for its geothermal waters. Top options include:
• The Springs Resort & Spa — luxury, multiple pools, volcano views
• Paradise Hot Springs — serene, intimate, great design
• Baldi Hot Springs — largest, most family‑friendly
🧗 Adventure Activities
• Ziplining
• Canyoning & waterfall rappelling
• White‑water rafting (Balsa River)
• Safari floats for wildlife
• Venado Caves
🦥 Wildlife Experiences
Sloth trails, night walks, birdwatching, and rainforest reserves.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
• Dry season (Dec–April): Best weather, clear volcano views.
• Green season (May–Nov): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds; expect afternoon showers.
• Rainiest: October.
🏨Where to stay:
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails
3-Star Hotel
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is an eco-lodging and nature reserve located within Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, offering guests unparalleled access to lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Spanning 780 acres, the property features 11 km of self-guided trails, two observation towers (including the 28-meter-high Nest Tower), the Danta Waterfall, hanging bridges, a visitor center museum, and a restaurant serving authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
4-Star Hotel
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only is a luxury, adults-only resort located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, just 4.2 km west of the Catholic Church on the road to Arenal Volcano. Nestled in a peaceful setting with stunning views of Arenal National Park and the volcano, the resort features an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Nayara Tented Camp
5-Star Hotel
Costa Rica’s trio of Nayara resorts are all remarkable in their own ways, but none more so than Nayara Tented Camp, which brings safari-inspired glamping to the lower slopes of the Arenal Volcano National Park. And as in the finest tented camps the world over, the only things less than solid about these accommodations are their tented roofs. They’re more than up to the task of keeping the weather out, of course, and the result is that guests sleep just a little bit closer to nature than they otherwise might.
Nayara Tented Camp shares a spa and a small and diverse handful of restaurants with its sister properties, located on the same parcel of land at the foot of the volcano. And while the sum of all three is a remarkably complete resort experience, this is a place you’re meant to leave on a daily basis — excursions into Nayara’s spectacular natural surroundings are plentiful, whether by river, by suspension bridge, by zipline, on horseback or on foot.
Days 5-6: Monteverde
🌿 Things to See & Do on the Drive from Arenal → Monteverde
The drive is 3–4.5 hours depending on road conditions. The first half (around Lake Arenal) is smooth and beautiful; the second half (Tilarán → Monteverde) becomes gravel, steep, and slow, but full of viewpoints and local stops.
🏞️ 1. Lake Arenal Scenic Drive
The road around Lake Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful stretches — rolling hills, lake views, and volcano glimpses.
Perfect for photo stops and short pull‑offs.
🐟 2. Arenal Lake Dam (Start of the Taxi‑Boat‑Taxi Route)
A popular viewpoint and the launch point for the boat crossing to Monteverde.
• Great volcano views
• Smooth water, easy photo stop
🧀 3. Viento Fresco Waterfalls (Optional Detour)
A series of dramatic waterfalls in a lush canyon.
• Multiple falls
• Moderate hike
• Quiet, non‑touristy
🐄 4. Tilarán Town (Midway Stop)
A local, authentic Costa Rican town — perfect for:
• Coffee
• Bakeries
• Fuel
• Stretching your legs
This is the last major town before the gravel climb to Monteverde.
🌬️ 5. Wind Turbines Viewpoint (Near Tilarán)
The hills around Tilarán are dotted with wind farms — a striking, photogenic stop with sweeping views of the lake and mountains.
🌳 6. Cloud Forest Scenic Overlooks (Climb to Monteverde)
As you ascend, the landscape shifts dramatically:
• Misty cloud forest
• Mountain ridges
• Valley views
There are several informal pull‑offs for photos.
🦥 7. Wildlife Spotting Along the Road
The forested sections near Monteverde are known for:
• Coatis
• Birds
• Occasional monkeys
Drive slowly — not just for safety, but because wildlife appears unexpectedly.
Monteverde
Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s top eco‑tourism regions, famous for its mist‑shrouded cloud forests, wildlife, hanging bridges, and Quaker heritage. It’s consistently ranked as a must‑see thanks to its biodiversity, cool mountain climate, and adventure offerings.
📍 Quick Facts
• Region: Puntarenas Province (town: Santa Elena)
• Elevation: ~4,600 ft (1,400 m)
• Climate: Cool, misty, breezy; rain possible year‑round
• Best time to visit: Feb–April for driest weather; Sept–Oct rainiest
🧭 Top Things to Do
🌫️ 1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
The region’s signature attraction — misty trails, orchids, wildlife, and the Continental Divide viewpoint.
🌉 2. Hanging Bridges (Selvatura or Sky Adventures)
Suspended walkways through the canopy with incredible photo ops.
🦋 3. Hummingbird & Butterfly Gardens
The free Hummingbird Gallery near the reserve is a traveler favorite.
☕ 4. Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tours
Café Monteverde is the only tour dedicated entirely to coffee.
🌙 5. Night Walks
One of the best places in Costa Rica for spotting nocturnal wildlife.
⚡ 6. Ziplining
Monteverde is known for some of the longest and highest ziplines in the country.
🌤️ Weather Snapshot
• Dry season: Mid‑Dec → early May
• Rainy season: Mid‑May → early Dec
• Even in dry season, expect mist + light rain due to elevation.
🏨Where to stay:
Way to Heaven
Glamping
Welcome to Way To Heaven, Monteverde's premier glamping destination, where luxury meets nature's untouched beauty. Nestled in the heart of a primary cloud forest, our exclusive retreat spans 8.6 acres of lush greenery, sitting at the mid-level of the tree's canopy. It's a sanctuary for vibrant, colorful birds and a haven of tranquility just for adults.
At Way To Heaven, we blend rustic charm with modern conveniences. Each tent is equipped with a fridge and essential cookware, ideal for preparing light snacks like fresh, local fruit. Enjoy the freedom of our dedicated parking area and a designated smoking zone, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay.
Cloud Forest Lodge
4-Star Hotel
Few places in the world boast the biodiversity, charm, natural beauty, abundance of adventure opportunities, and the chance to experience transformative moments like Monteverde. Now, imagine enjoying this magnificent destination from one of Costa Rica’s finest luxury ecolodges, dedicated to sustainable practices and world-class service, nestled right where the clouds embrace the forest canopy, between the renowned Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves.
Koora Hotel by Sandglass
5-Star Hotel
Koora Hotel Monteverde transports you into the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Surrounded by the lush vegetation and wildlife of Monteverde in the heart of the Cloud Forest Reserve, this lodge is in the middle of the country’s most internationally recognized ecotourism destination. Overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya, Koora offers a warm atmosphere with its comfortable rooms which include daily maid service and cleaning, a delicious daily menu that includes fresh local ingredients, and a variety of nature activities in the area.
Days 7-8: Tamarindo
🌿 Top Things to See & Do on the Drive from Monteverde → Tamarindo
The direct drive is ~3 hrs 50 mins in normal traffic (97.6 miles / 157 km) — but there are great stops if you want to turn it into a half‑day adventure.
🏞️ 1. Scenic Mountain + Countryside Drive
The route from Monteverde down toward the lowlands is full of:
• Rolling hills
• Farmland
• Wind turbines near Tilarán
• Lake views (if you detour toward Arenal)
Even without formal attractions, it’s one of the prettiest drives in Costa Rica.
🐎 2. Black Stallion Eco Ranch (Near Tamarindo)
As you get close to Tamarindo, this is a standout stop for:
• Horseback riding
• Ziplining
• BBQ experiences
Rated 4.9 with 440+ reviews.
🌴 3. Diamante Eco Adventure Park (Near RIU Guanacaste)
If you want a major adventure park before reaching Tamarindo:
• Ziplines over the forest canopy
• Wildlife sanctuary (jaguars, sloths, butterflies)
• Ocean views
Rated 4.6 with 1,000+ reviews.
🏖️ 4. Tamarindo Beach (Arrival)
Once you arrive, Tamarindo Beach is one of the top attractions:
• Surfing
• Sunset walks
• Beach bars
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns, known for surfing, nightlife, restaurants, and easy access from Liberia Airport. Once a small fishing village, it’s now the tourism hub of Guanacaste, drawing surfers, families, solo travelers, and resort‑seekers alike.
📍 Quick Facts
- Location: Pacific Coast, Guanacaste Province
- Airport: ~75–90 minutes from Liberia (LIR)
- Vibe: Surf town + beach bars + boutique resorts
- Population: Under 7,000, but heavily visited
- Best for: Surfing, sunsets, nightlife, easy beach day
Top Things to Do in Tamarindo
🏄 1. Surfing
One of Costa Rica’s most famous surf towns.
- Spots: Playa Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, Playa Negra, Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point
- Lessons + rentals widely available
🐢 2. Las Baulas National Marine Park
Largest Pacific nesting site for leatherback turtles in the Americas.
- Nesting: Oct–Mar
- Hatchlings: April
🏖️ 3. Tamarindo Beach
Classic long, golden beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and sunset walks.
🚣 4. Estuary Tours (Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge)
Mangrove ecosystem with howler monkeys, crocodiles, birds.
🌮 5. Food + Nightlife
Tamarindo is packed with restaurants, breweries, cafés, and bars — one of the most robust dining scenes in Guanacaste.
🌊 6. Rafting or Tubing (Day Trips)
Tenorio River (Class III/IV) or Corobicí River (Class I/II).
🌤️ When to Visit
- Dry season: Dec–April (sunny, busiest)
- Green season: May–Nov (lush, afternoon showers; fewer crowds)
- Peak crowds: Dec–March — locals call it “Tamagringo” during this time due to tourism surges.
🏨Where to stay:
Ocho Artisan Bungalows - Adults only
3-Star Hotel
Ocho Artisan Bungalows is an adults-only, beachfront boutique hotel in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, offering a serene retreat with private bungalows and casitas nestled in lush tropical surroundings just steps from the ocean. The property features refined comfort blended with natural textures, with options like the Presidential Ocean View Bungalow, Jungle View Bungalow, and the spacious Casa Amor del mar villa.
Jardín del Edén Boutique Hotel - Adults Only
4-Star Hotel
Jardín del Edén Boutique Hotel is an adults-only, 4-star boutique hotel located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, nestled along a private beachfront with lush tropical gardens and ocean views. It offers stylish accommodations, a serene spa and wellness center, an outdoor pool, and a beachfront restaurant serving a mix of Asian, Mediterranean, and Central American cuisine.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
5-Star Hotel
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas is a luxury beachfront retreat located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, nestled within lush tropical gardens just steps from Langosta Beach. The property features free-standing villas and suites with private pools, an outdoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, and a restaurant offering Mediterranean and fusion cuisine.
Days 9-10: Manuel Antonio
🌴 Top Things to See & Do on the Drive from Tamarindo → Manuel Antonio
The direct route follows the Interamericana Highway + Costanera Sur, with optional detours to beaches and adventure parks.
🏖️ 1. Playa Conchal (Early Stop)
One of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica — crushed‑shell sand + turquoise water.
• Great for swimming and snorkeling
• Easy stop just 20–25 minutes from Tamarindo
🐚 2. Playa Flamingo & Marina Flamingo
A polished, upscale beach area with a new marina, dining, and deep‑sea fishing.
• Smooth sand, calm water
• Good for a coffee or brunch stop
🌊 3. Playa Samara (Optional Detour)
A charming horseshoe‑shaped beach town with a relaxed vibe.
• Family‑friendly waves
• Great for a swim or lunch
• One of the top stops on the Tamarindo → Manuel Antonio route
🐊 4. Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge
A classic Costa Rica roadside stop.
• Dozens of massive wild crocodiles visible from the bridge
• Quick, free, and right on the route
🌅 5. Jacó Beach
A lively surf town and one of the biggest hubs on the Pacific coast.
• Beachfront restaurants
• Souvenir shopping
• Good mid‑drive stretch stop
🦋 6. Carara National Park (Near Jacó)
A great wildlife stop if you want a short nature walk.
• Scarlet macaws are common
• Flat, easy trails
🏞️ 7. Río Tárcoles Mangrove Tours (If you want wildlife)
Boat tours through mangroves with crocodiles, birds, and monkeys.
• Easy to add between Jacó and Manuel Antonio
🐒 8. Quepos (Gateway to Manuel Antonio)
Just before reaching Manuel Antonio, Quepos offers:
• Marina Pez Vela (restaurants, shops, sunset views)
• Fishing charters
• Coffee shops + bakeries
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, combining white‑sand beaches, rainforest wildlife, and a compact national park that delivers some of the country’s easiest animal sightings. It’s touristy, yes — but for good reason.
📍 Quick Facts
• Location: Central Pacific Coast, near Quepos
• Distance from SJO: ~3–3.5 hours via Route 27 → Route 34 (smooth, scenic drive)
• Why it’s famous: High wildlife density, beautiful beaches, accessible national park
• Best for: First‑timers, families, wildlife lovers, beach‑and‑jungle combos
🧭 Top Things to Do at Manuel Antonio:
🏞️ 1. Manuel Antonio National Park
• 1,983 hectares with 109 mammal species + 184 bird species.
• Tickets must be purchased online and sell out in peak season.
• Closed Tuesdays; open 7am–4pm.
• Guided tours: $55–95 depending on group/private.
🏖️ 2. Beaches
• Playa Manuel Antonio — white sand, calm water.
• Playa Espadilla — long, wide, great for sunsets + surf.
Both remain beautiful despite crowds.
🌅 3. Sunset Sailing
One of the best sunset spots in Costa Rica; dolphins and seasonal whales possible. Tours from $75.
⚡ 4. Ziplining & Canopy Tours
Tree platforms, suspension bridges, and even rappelling down a giant Ceiba tree.
🐟 5. Sport Fishing & Marina Pez Vela (Quepos)
World‑class offshore fishing + whale watching (Aug–Oct).
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
• Dry Season (Jan–Apr): Best beach weather; park reaches capacity daily. Book tickets early.
• Green Season (Aug–Oct): Lush, fewer crowds, prime humpback whale season.
• Year‑round: Always warm; rain possible anytime due to rainforest climate.
Where to stay:
Hotel Plaza Yara
3-Star Hotel
Hotel Plaza Yara is a charming, nature-connected hotel located in Quepos, Costa Rica, just a five-minute drive from Manuel Antonio National Park. It offers comfortable, spacious accommodations with jungle views, a serene pool surrounded by lush greenery, and a convenient location near beaches, restaurants, and adventure tours.
Gaia Hotel And Reserve - Adults Only
4-Star Hotel
Ponce de León put Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast on the map in 1519 — but, too afraid to confront the native Quepoa tribe, he was left to appreciate the evergreen forests and white sand from the safety of his ship. Today, thanks to the establishment of the Manuel Antonio National Park and a number of luxury resorts springing up along the beach, the lush coastal region is quite a bit more tourist-friendly. The poshest hotel of the lot is the Gaia Hotel and Reserve, a sprawling jungle retreat situated atop a mountain and comprising a series of terraced suites and studios in addition to a private villa that looks out over the ocean.
Contemporary amenities and clean tropical-style design — think polished stone and hardwood floors, high ceilings, crisp whites, and gauzy drapery in natural hues — characterize the Gaia’s simple but inviting guest quarters. 500-thread count linens, flat-screen televisions, and internet capability come standard, and many of the rooms also include features like two- or four-person Jacuzzis, separate living rooms, and private balconies or patios. The two-bedroom villa has a rooftop terrace with its own reflecting pool, while the Gaia Suite boasts a garden and a plunge pool.
Due to the no-kids-allowed policy, guests enjoy relative peace at resort attractions like the Terra Spa, the fitness center, and the bi-level swimming pool — actually two pools connected by a waterfall, strategically placed to offer sweeping views of the coastal mountain range. Tapas await at the Amber Lounge, and the popular La Luna restaurant serves Costa Rican specialties made with jumbo shrimp and tropical fruits. Of course the reason for visiting the region in the first place is the spectacular nature reserve and national park surrounding the resort. If you’d rather head into the wilderness with an expert than go it alone, Gaia arranges full and half-day tours in everything from scuba diving and snorkeling to horseback riding, surfing, and dolphin-watching.
Los Altos Resort
5-Star Hotel
High-end sustainability is de rigueur for newer Costa Rican hotels, and Los Altos Resort is no exception. Situated along the Pacific coast on twenty-one acres of rainforest adjacent to the Manuel Antonio National Park, Los Altos is noteworthy for using a relatively small amount of its own property for man-made intrusions. Excepting the hillside perch of the hotel proper, the grounds are untouched rainforest, all the way to the sea. With an expansive spa and ocean-view infinity pool, Los Altos caters to guests who like to venture out, as well as those who’d rather have the peace and serenity brought to them.
Every suite is an airy, apartment-style living space decorated with tropical accents — palm fronds, rattan — that never feel belabored or kitschy. Big floor-to-ceiling windows open onto wide balconies, providing a panoramic view across the treetops to the ocean. The four-bedroom penthouse suites expand upon the standard accommodations’ more-than-ample offerings, with three levels of interior rooms accessed by private elevator, capped off by a personal jacuzzi terrace.
It’s impossible not to work up an appetite exploring the hotel’s extensive hiking trails and swimming at the private beach. Karolos, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, continues the indoor/outdoor design motif and offers plenty of local dishes and refreshing cocktails. And if you somehow manage to experience everything the hotel has to offer, its proximity to the national park means that you’re never far from a fresh set of adventures.
Day 10: Drive back to San Jose' airport (3-3.5 hours)
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