Welcome to our curated list of recommendations for traveling and dining in Costa Rica. These suggestions have been gathered from our personal networks. While these recommendations are not personally vetted by us, they come highly recommended by those within our network. Please feel free to add your own favourite spots or share any updates in the comments section below. If you come across any information that may have changed, such as closures or updated details, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. Let's build a community-sourced guide to ensure that everyone can enjoy the best of what Costa Rica has to offer.
1. Tour Operators / Travel Agent Recommendations
- Activated Life Experiences
Owned by Steve Jacobus – YPO Gold Wisconsin
T: 1-800-409-4760
E: Steve@activatedlife.com
Apartado 80-5233 ~ Nosara, Nicoya GTE, Costa Rica - Exceptional Villas
Female-owned: Alexandra Baradi - YPO Greater Europe Gold
E: alex@exceptionalvillas.com - Terranova Costa Rica Travel Design
Female-owned: Giovanna Jimenez, YPO Costa Rica GoldT: 888 500 2871 - Nosara Activated Life Experiences
T: (506) 26 820 576
E: info@nosara.com - Natureways Travel
Carlena Torrens
E: info@naturewaystravel.com
WhatsApp: +1-315-427-3489"We take care of all your travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodations, excursions, and more. Our services cater to a wide range of clients, from families, small weddings, YPO chapters and corporate groups."
2. Dining Recommendations
- Poke - Tempo
Plaza Tempo, Escazu Escazú, San José 1250
YPO-owned - Poke To Go.
Pedro, San José Province
YPO-owned - Poke - Urban
Plaza Urban, Lindora, San José 1250
YPO-owned - Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel Costa Rica
Lote 90 sección EE las Huacas Nosara Nicoya, Provincia de Guanacaste 50206
YPO-owned
3. Activities Recommendations
- Check out Nosara and compare it to Santa Teresa. Nosara has been a hidden gem until recently and has a lot going on relative to activities, surfing, hospitality and culinary experiences.
- For beaches I would recommend Papagayo and visit Arenal for rainforest/thermal waters. If u are feeling like crossing the border, Nicaragua is right next door, Guacalito at the beach and Granada would be top of the list. There are quite a few 5 star hotels there to pick anything from Glamping to fully eco-friendly experiences.
4. Accommodation Recommendations
- Andaz Costa Rica Resort
T: +506 2690 1234
E: gscenter.papagayo@andaz.com
Visit their website
“I loved the Andaz. it's near enough the 4seasons to golf if that's your thing.” - Morgan's Rock
T: +505-7833-7600
E: reservations@morgansrock.com
It's an Ecolodge, the accommodations (unique) and the food are great. One must be active to get around the resort, as there are lots of steps due to its being built into the hillside. - Pasha Estate
Santa Teresa Beach Puntaneras, Puntarenas Province MR77865, Costa Rica
YPO-owned - Corcovado Wilderness Lodge
Osa Peninsula Drake Bay, Puntarenas Province , Costa Rica
YPO-owned - Villa Soluna at Papagayo Peninsula
402 Calle Rincón Del Mar Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
YPO-owned - Tierra Magnifica, Nosara
T: +1 800 409 4760
E: reservations@tierramagnifica.com
Owned by a fellow YPOer
Tierra Magnífica is the 2021 Condé Nast award winner for best small exclusive property in Central and South America and we are the highest rated property in Costa Rica on TripAdvisor since 2011. - Casa Chameleon has several properties in Costa Rica and have YPO discounts 😉