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Pacific Coast vs Caribbean Coast
Pacific Coast (Guanacaste, Nicoya, Manuel Antonio): Drier climate, more developed tourism infrastructure, beautiful surf beaches. Easier to get to from San José. Better for first-timers.
Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero): Rainier, wilder, more diverse culture (Afro-Caribbean heritage). Sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero. Completely different atmosphere to the Pacific.
Best Regions for a VRBO in Costa Rica
- Manuel Antonio: The most popular destination — national park with sloths, monkeys and birds, beautiful Pacific beaches, good infrastructure.
- Guanacaste: The driest and sunniest region — Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa. Surf, yoga, beautiful beaches.
- Arenal: Active volcano, hot springs, cloud forest, adventure activities. Central highlands — cool and dramatic.
- Monteverde: Cloud forest reserve — hanging bridges, birdwatching, zip-lining. Cooler temperatures.
Pura Vida — The Costa Rican Philosophy
Pura Vida (pure life) is more than a phrase in Costa Rica — it's a genuine philosophy of living well, slowly and gratefully. A VRBO property in Costa Rica embodies this: morning sloths on the garden trees, howler monkeys at dawn, toucans at the bird feeder, the Pacific visible from the terrace. This is genuinely one of the world's most restorative travel experiences.
Find Costa Rica Holiday Rentals on VRBO
Jungle lodges, Pacific beach houses and rainforest villas across Costa Rica. Filter by region and dates.
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