![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Woman-on-a-Beach-in-Costa-Rica.jpg\")
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\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nConsidering Travel Insurance For Your Trip? <\/span><\/h5>\n
<\/p>\n- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.\u00a0 I always buy travel insurance for my trips and was very glad I had insurance when I had my laptop and passport stolen in Ecuador!\u00a0<\/li>\n
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- I chose World Nomads Travel Insurance<\/a> for my recent backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand. \u00a0World Nomads<\/a> offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families and offers cover for more than 150 adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.\u00a0 Get a quote<\/a>, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.<\/li>\n
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\n\t\tGET A NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE<\/span>
\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\nAs an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from\u00a0World Nomads<\/a>\u00a0using this link. I do not represent\u00a0World Nomads<\/a>. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n- I have also used SafetyWing<\/a> which is available for purchase online in 180 countries and you can also buy it while you are already travelling. SafetyWing<\/a> travel medical insurance i<\/span>s charged on a month-by-month basis so a great flexible choice for digital nomads or if you’re not sure of your future plans.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
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\n\t\tLEARN MORE ABOUT SAFETYWING<\/span>
\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\nWhich Airport To Fly Into Costa Rica<\/span><\/h2>\nUnless you\u2019re backpacking through Central America and travelling overland, chances are you will fly into Costa Rica.\u00a0 The two main airports in Costa Rica are the San Jose<\/b> (Juan Santamar\u00eda International Airport) and <\/span>Liberia<\/b> Airport in the Guanacaste region. I landed in San Jose, which is in the centre of the country and close to most of the top attractions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLiberia is northwest of San Jose, in the Guanacaste region. This is the sunny, dry region of Costa Rica with luxurious resorts and popular beach towns like Tamarindo.\u00a0 Although Guanacaste has beautiful beaches, I recommend flying into San Jose, as it\u2019s much closer to Manuel Antonio National Park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Arenal](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Arenal-Volcano.jpg\")
Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica | Credit: Layla\u2019s Lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nGetting Around Costa Rica<\/span><\/h2>\nThe best way to get around Costa Rica is to rent a car<\/a>, so you have the flexibility to visit all of the attractions whenever you\u2019d like. There are public buses that run from San Jose to most regions. But, they take twice as long, and would require you to return to San Jose to take a different bus to the next region. If you\u2019re travelling on a budget or staying in one region, this may be a good option. But for most people, <\/span>I highly recommend renting a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"car](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/car-vehicle-rent-icon-300x284.png\")
\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\nLooking to Hire a Car?<\/span><\/h5>\n
<\/p>\n- Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars<\/a> who compare car rental deals from lots of different companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.\u00a0 I’ve used Discover Cars several times on road trips around the world and I love how easy it is to find cheap car hire!<\/li>\n
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\n\t\tGET A CAR HIRE QUOTE<\/span>
\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\nCar rentals in Costa Rica aren\u2019t necessarily cheap, but they will be cheaper than relying on group tours or private transportation. It\u2019s important to note that car rentals may seem cheap online, because most companies exclude damage insurance from the total price.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhen you pick up your car, however, it\u2019s mandatory to purchase a damage insurance plan ($15-$30\/USD per day). This is a separate fee from the 3rd party insurance that they include on the prices online. I recommend purchasing the full coverage plan, so you don\u2019t have to worry about the rental being damaged throughout the trip \u2013 in my opinion, it\u2019s worth the extra cost for that extra peace of mind!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nI rented an SUV throughout my trip, and it made it extremely convenient to drive around Costa Rica. A 4\u00d74 vehicle is not necessary, as most roads are well-paved in Costa Rica, but certain roads have potholes, and the road leading up to Monteverde is very bumpy. If you rent a sedan, make sure to drive extra slowly over potholes to avoid damaging your rental.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Driving](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Driving-in-Costa-Rica-The-Easiest-Way-to-Get-Around.jpg\")
Driving in Costa Rica \u2013 The Easiest Way to Get Around<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhere to Stay in Costa Rica as a Solo Traveler<\/span><\/h2>\nBefore arriving in Costa Rica, I wasn\u2019t sure which region to stay in. So, I decided to stay in La Fortuna, Guanacaste, Monteverde, and Quepos. However, I wouldn\u2019t recommend this, as I spent most of my time driving from region to region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nFor a week-long trip, it\u2019s best to stay in 2-3 regions at most. If you\u2019re flying into San Jose, I recommend staying in <\/span>La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Quepos\/Manuel Antonio. These areas have several natural attractions, and tons of fun and unique experiences to offer.<\/span><\/p>\nAs for the type of accommodation, you can choose from all kinds of options from hostels to luxury hotels.\u00a0 Hostels can be a great option for solo travellers, even if you book a private room, so you can meet people more easily and still get a good night\u2019s sleep!<\/p>\n
On the other hand, staying in a small family-owned hotel can be a nice way to meet the local owners.<\/p>\n
La Fortuna<\/span><\/h3>\nLa Fortuna is a lush green rainforest town with waterfalls, natural hot springs, volcano hikes, and more, and is a popular place to stay in Costa Rica.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhere to Stay in La Fortuna<\/span><\/h4>\n$: Pura Vibra Hostel\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\nThis female-owned hostel is in a quiet part of town but still close to everything.\u00a0 There are private rooms and shared dorms to choose from, and guest reviews highlight the cleanliness and friendly staff at the hostel.\u00a0 Cash Only. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n$$ La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\nThis hotel has the advantage of being right in the centre of La Fortuna, but with a shared terrace with views of the volcano.\u00a0 Some bedrooms also have amazing views of the volcano too, check the room details before you book. \u00a0>>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n$$ Caba\u00f1as Sue\u00f1os del Arenal<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\nThese spacious cabins are a short drive outside of town, but the views of Arenal volcano are hard to beat!\u00a0 Cabins have their own kitchen so are a great option if you prefer to make your own meals. \u00a0>>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\nMonteverde, Puntarenas Province<\/span><\/h3>\nMonteverde is a unique cloud forest town in the Tilaran Mountain Range, 3 hours south of La Fortuna.\u00a0 It is surrounded by nature so perfect for solo travellers who want to experience Costa Rica\u2019s incredible biodiversity close up.<\/p>\n
Accommodation in Monteverde<\/span><\/h4>\nThis lovely guest house has spacious, cabin-style rooms with mountain views you can enjoy from your terrace.\u00a0 There are double rooms or apartments to choose from, apartments also have a kitchen to prepare your own meals too. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n$$ Rainbow Valley Lodge<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\nThis lodge is great value with stunning mountain view rooms with balconies.\u00a0 There is a garden and a shared terrace with more stunning views.\u00a0 Some rooms also have a fully equipped kitchenette and there is a tour desk on-site to help you book activities in the area. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n$$$: Chira Glamping Monteverde<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\nThis gorgeous glamping site has luxurious dome pods with a large double, ensuite bathroom and hot tubs where you can relax after a day\u2019s adventuring.\u00a0 While you might be surrounded by couples, booking yourself a massage and lounging in the hot tub is a perfect solo treat in my book!\u00a0 >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Mirador](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mirador-de-Valle-Escondido-Preserve-in-Monteverde.jpg\")
Mirador de Valle Escondido Preserve in Monteverde | Credit: Layla\u2019s Lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nManuel Antonio Park, Quepos<\/span><\/h3>\nQuepos is a small town on the Central Pacific Coast with beautiful beaches and the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhere to Stay in Quepos<\/span><\/h4>\nThis great value guest house is a good option if you\u2019re visiting Costa Rica on a budget.\u00a0 It has clean, simple rooms that also have kitchenettes so you can rustle up your own meals. There is free parking on-site and a shared lounge and garden area to meet other guests. \u00a0>>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\nIf you want to be surrounded by nature, this guesthouse has the choice of bungalows in the garden, or double rooms in the main house with a terrace.\u00a0 Guests love the friendly hosts and the location.\u00a0 Payment is in advance via bank transfer.\u00a0 >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\nSanta Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve is set in a stunning location with panoramic views.\u00a0 Rooms have a kitchen and spacious balcony where you can enjoy the sounds of the forest and spot birds.\u00a0 There are various activities in the area including bird watching, hiking and a waterfall and zipline tour.\u00a0 \u00a0Breakfast and dinner is included in the rates.\u00a0 >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\nTamarindo Beach, Guanacaste<\/span><\/h3>\nGuanacaste is a sunny, dry region on the Northern Pacific Coast with popular beach towns like Tamarindo and luxurious resorts. It\u2019s where most people stay that fly into the Liberia airport, but I wouldn\u2019t recommend staying in Guanacaste on a solo trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe natural attractions in Guanacaste are very spread apart, so you will be spending most of your time driving if you\u2019d like to visit places like Rincon de la Vieja or the famous Rio Celeste waterfall. Guanacaste is best suited for those that want to stay in a beach town like Tamarindo, and be within walking distance to the beach and restaurants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOn the other hand, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio are perfect for solo travel. There are dozens of natural attractions surrounding these regions, and they\u2019re easy to navigate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\nGet Your Free Solo Travel Toolkit by<\/span><\/h2>\n![\"Wanderful](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Wanderful-logo-300x80.png\")
<\/a><\/h2>\nWanderful<\/a> is an amazing global travel community of women who are passionate about travel, and I’ve been a member since 2019.\u00a0 They arrange online events and in-person socials as well as global meetups, and they have a ton of useful resources to help women to travel solo.<\/p>\nWanderful has created a Solo Travel Toolkit that you can get FOR FREE<\/a>\u00a0that is packed full of tips like how to plan your trip, where to stay, what to pack, a guide to women-owned travel companies – and much more!<\/p>\n
\n\t\tGET YOUR FREE SOLO TRAVEL TOOLKIT<\/span>
\n\t<\/a>\n<\/p>\nYou don’t have to be a member of Wanderful to get access to the toolkit, but if you’d like to join then you can get\u00a0a free 1 week trial\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Things To Do in Costa Rica For Solo Travellers<\/span><\/h2>\nHere are some of the most fun and adventurous activities in Costa Rica for solo travellers visiting La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Quepos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTop Things to Do in La Fortuna<\/span><\/h2>\nLa Fortuna Park (Parque de la Fortuna)<\/span><\/h3>\nLa Fortuna Park is a charming park in the centre of town with a church, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and souvenir shops. It\u2019s very walkable, and you\u2019ll have a beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano from the park. This is the perfect place to stop for coffee or a meal between visiting all of <\/span>La Fortuna\u2019s attractions<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"La](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/La-Fortuna-Park.jpg\")
La Fortuna Park \u2013 Costa Rica Solo Travel Guide | Credit: Layla\u2019s Lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLa Fortuna Hot Springs<\/span><\/h3>\nLa Fortuna is home to a variety of <\/span>natural hot springs heated up by Arenal Volcano. These are the perfect places to relax in the evening, and most of them are open till 10pm at night. You can get a day pass at any of the hot springs, which range from $30-$90\/day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nThe Tabacon hot springs are the most popular ($89\/day pass), and they have 20 natural pools, cascading waterfalls, and a lovely view of Arenal Volcano. The cheapest hot springs are at <\/span>Los Lagos Hotel which costs $25\/day pass, and although not as luxurious, they have multiple heated pools of varying temperatures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLas Termalitas<\/a> is another great value option which is more popular with locals than tourists, so it can be a good way to get a taste of hot springs without blowing your budget \u2013 with entry prices starting from $10 per person!<\/p>\nCosta Rica Sloth Tours<\/span><\/h3>\nLa Fortuna is an amazing place to spot sloths in their natural habitat. You can try spotting sloths on your own by hiking the <\/span>Bogarin Trail, or you can <\/span>go on a sloth-watching tour.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Sloth](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Sloth-Watching-Trail-in-La-Fortuna.jpg\")
Sloth Watching Trail in La Fortuna | Credit: Layla\u2019s Lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Bogarin Trail is a 1.5 mile rainforest hike ($20\/entrance) where you may be able to spot sloths and other animals. I had no luck seeing sloths on the Bogarin Trail, as they\u2019re known to hide far up in the trees \u2013 and a guide will no doubt have more experience with spotting the animals! So, the next day I booked a sloth tour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\nThe three main sloth tours available are at Sloth\u2019s Territory ($45\/person), Sloth Watching Trail ($50\/person), and the Bogarin Trail\u2019s guided tour ($45\/person). I took a tour of the Sloth Watching Trail, and we got to see sloths, owls, birds, lizards, and other fascinating wildlife through a telescope. This was one of the highlights of my trip so I highly recommend skipping the Bogarin trail and going on a guided tour.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nHere are some options you can book in advance through GetYourGuide:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nLa Fortuna Waterfall<\/span><\/h3>\nThe La Fortuna waterfall is a gorgeous 200-ft waterfall that flows into a teal blue natural pool. There are over 500 steps leading down to the waterfall, and a nice wheelchair-accessible viewpoint from the top. At the bottom of the stairs, you can take a refreshing dip in the cold waters underneath the falls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis is an absolute must-visit in La Fortuna and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls I\u2019ve ever seen. Just remember to bring water shoes, as there are large rocks surrounding the pool at the bottom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"La](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/La-Fortuna-Waterfall.jpg\")
La Fortuna Waterfall \u2013 What to do in Costa Rica for Solo Travellers | Credit: Layla\u2019s Lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMistico Hanging Bridges \u2013 Mistico Park, La Fortuna<\/span><\/h3>\nThe Mistico Hanging Bridges is a private nature reserve in the rainforest with six hanging bridges. The main trail of the park is around 2 miles, and it\u2019s one of the best hikes to spot birds, snakes, spiders, and other wildlife on your own. I saw a group of coatis (like Costa Rican racoons) on the road leading up to the park, and many beautiful birds throughout the hike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Mistico](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Mistico-Park-La-Fortuna.jpg\")
Mistico Park near La Fortuna | Credit: Layla\u2019s Lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nArenal Volcano National Park<\/span><\/h3>\nBeyond Mistico Hanging Bridges, <\/span>Arenal Volcano National Park is another excellent place to hike. You can hike the Arenal 1968 trail to see old lava flows and wildlife, and get a great view of both Arenal Lake and Arenal Volcano.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nYou can join a guided tour to hike through the park, or if you prefer to hike alone<\/a> the trails are well-marked.\u00a0 <\/span>Tours such as this one<\/a> usually include a guided hike, lunch and a visit to some hot springs, plus you\u2019ll get extra information on the area, animals and plant life from your guide. >>>FIND MORE VOLCANO TOURS ON GETYOURGUIDE<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Woman-hiking-with-a-view-of-Arenal-Volcano.jpg\")
Hiking with a view of Arenal Volcano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEl Salto (Rope Swing), La Fortuna<\/span><\/h3>\nEl Salto is an amazing natural swimming hole in La Fortuna located under a bridge in the heart of town. It has clear blue waters, cascading waterfalls, and a rope you can swing off of into the water. This is the perfect place to go for a refreshing swim, and it\u2019s completely free (besides a small parking fee).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTo get here, you\u2019ll park alongside the bridge, and it\u2019s a short walk to get to the natural pool. Just remember to bring a few dollars for the parking attendants who will charge you to park by the bridge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"El](\"https:\/\/talesofabackpacker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/El-Salto-La-Fortuna.jpg\")
El Salto at La Fortuna | Credit: Layla\u2019s Lens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nChocolate and Coffee Tours in Costa Rica<\/span><\/h3>\nGoing on a <\/span>coffee tour in Costa Rica is a great way to learn about how some of the world\u2019s highest-quality coffee beans are grown. In La Fortuna and Monteverde there are a variety of coffee and chocolate tours available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nNot only will you get to learn how coffee is made from seed to cup, but you\u2019ll also get to see how chocolate is made from bean to bar. Plus, you\u2019ll get to enjoy many samples of coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruit \u2013 what a great day!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cooking Classes<\/span><\/h3>\nI love doing cooking classes wherever I travel, it\u2019s a great way to meet local people as the cooks are usually from the area, and you can meet fellow travellers who take part in the class.\u00a0 And of course you get to learn how to make traditional dishes and have a fantastic meal when you\u2019ve finished!<\/p>\n
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As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from\u00a0World Nomads<\/a>\u00a0using this link. I do not represent\u00a0World Nomads<\/a>. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n<\/ul>\n Unless you\u2019re backpacking through Central America and travelling overland, chances are you will fly into Costa Rica.\u00a0 The two main airports in Costa Rica are the San Jose<\/b> (Juan Santamar\u00eda International Airport) and <\/span>Liberia<\/b> Airport in the Guanacaste region. I landed in San Jose, which is in the centre of the country and close to most of the top attractions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Liberia is northwest of San Jose, in the Guanacaste region. This is the sunny, dry region of Costa Rica with luxurious resorts and popular beach towns like Tamarindo.\u00a0 Although Guanacaste has beautiful beaches, I recommend flying into San Jose, as it\u2019s much closer to Manuel Antonio National Park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best way to get around Costa Rica is to rent a car<\/a>, so you have the flexibility to visit all of the attractions whenever you\u2019d like. There are public buses that run from San Jose to most regions. But, they take twice as long, and would require you to return to San Jose to take a different bus to the next region. If you\u2019re travelling on a budget or staying in one region, this may be a good option. But for most people, <\/span>I highly recommend renting a car.<\/p>\n
\n<\/ul>\n Car rentals in Costa Rica aren\u2019t necessarily cheap, but they will be cheaper than relying on group tours or private transportation. It\u2019s important to note that car rentals may seem cheap online, because most companies exclude damage insurance from the total price.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When you pick up your car, however, it\u2019s mandatory to purchase a damage insurance plan ($15-$30\/USD per day). This is a separate fee from the 3rd party insurance that they include on the prices online. I recommend purchasing the full coverage plan, so you don\u2019t have to worry about the rental being damaged throughout the trip \u2013 in my opinion, it\u2019s worth the extra cost for that extra peace of mind!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I rented an SUV throughout my trip, and it made it extremely convenient to drive around Costa Rica. A 4\u00d74 vehicle is not necessary, as most roads are well-paved in Costa Rica, but certain roads have potholes, and the road leading up to Monteverde is very bumpy. If you rent a sedan, make sure to drive extra slowly over potholes to avoid damaging your rental.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Before arriving in Costa Rica, I wasn\u2019t sure which region to stay in. So, I decided to stay in La Fortuna, Guanacaste, Monteverde, and Quepos. However, I wouldn\u2019t recommend this, as I spent most of my time driving from region to region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For a week-long trip, it\u2019s best to stay in 2-3 regions at most. If you\u2019re flying into San Jose, I recommend staying in <\/span>La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Quepos\/Manuel Antonio. These areas have several natural attractions, and tons of fun and unique experiences to offer.<\/span><\/p>\n As for the type of accommodation, you can choose from all kinds of options from hostels to luxury hotels.\u00a0 Hostels can be a great option for solo travellers, even if you book a private room, so you can meet people more easily and still get a good night\u2019s sleep!<\/p>\n On the other hand, staying in a small family-owned hotel can be a nice way to meet the local owners.<\/p>\n La Fortuna is a lush green rainforest town with waterfalls, natural hot springs, volcano hikes, and more, and is a popular place to stay in Costa Rica.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This female-owned hostel is in a quiet part of town but still close to everything.\u00a0 There are private rooms and shared dorms to choose from, and guest reviews highlight the cleanliness and friendly staff at the hostel.\u00a0 Cash Only. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n This hotel has the advantage of being right in the centre of La Fortuna, but with a shared terrace with views of the volcano.\u00a0 Some bedrooms also have amazing views of the volcano too, check the room details before you book. \u00a0>>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n These spacious cabins are a short drive outside of town, but the views of Arenal volcano are hard to beat!\u00a0 Cabins have their own kitchen so are a great option if you prefer to make your own meals. \u00a0>>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n Monteverde is a unique cloud forest town in the Tilaran Mountain Range, 3 hours south of La Fortuna.\u00a0 It is surrounded by nature so perfect for solo travellers who want to experience Costa Rica\u2019s incredible biodiversity close up.<\/p>\n This lovely guest house has spacious, cabin-style rooms with mountain views you can enjoy from your terrace.\u00a0 There are double rooms or apartments to choose from, apartments also have a kitchen to prepare your own meals too. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n This lodge is great value with stunning mountain view rooms with balconies.\u00a0 There is a garden and a shared terrace with more stunning views.\u00a0 Some rooms also have a fully equipped kitchenette and there is a tour desk on-site to help you book activities in the area. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n This gorgeous glamping site has luxurious dome pods with a large double, ensuite bathroom and hot tubs where you can relax after a day\u2019s adventuring.\u00a0 While you might be surrounded by couples, booking yourself a massage and lounging in the hot tub is a perfect solo treat in my book!\u00a0 >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n Quepos is a small town on the Central Pacific Coast with beautiful beaches and the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This great value guest house is a good option if you\u2019re visiting Costa Rica on a budget.\u00a0 It has clean, simple rooms that also have kitchenettes so you can rustle up your own meals. There is free parking on-site and a shared lounge and garden area to meet other guests. \u00a0>>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n If you want to be surrounded by nature, this guesthouse has the choice of bungalows in the garden, or double rooms in the main house with a terrace.\u00a0 Guests love the friendly hosts and the location.\u00a0 Payment is in advance via bank transfer.\u00a0 >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve is set in a stunning location with panoramic views.\u00a0 Rooms have a kitchen and spacious balcony where you can enjoy the sounds of the forest and spot birds.\u00a0 There are various activities in the area including bird watching, hiking and a waterfall and zipline tour.\u00a0 \u00a0Breakfast and dinner is included in the rates.\u00a0 >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY<\/a><\/p>\n Guanacaste is a sunny, dry region on the Northern Pacific Coast with popular beach towns like Tamarindo and luxurious resorts. It\u2019s where most people stay that fly into the Liberia airport, but I wouldn\u2019t recommend staying in Guanacaste on a solo trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The natural attractions in Guanacaste are very spread apart, so you will be spending most of your time driving if you\u2019d like to visit places like Rincon de la Vieja or the famous Rio Celeste waterfall. Guanacaste is best suited for those that want to stay in a beach town like Tamarindo, and be within walking distance to the beach and restaurants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On the other hand, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio are perfect for solo travel. There are dozens of natural attractions surrounding these regions, and they\u2019re easy to navigate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Wanderful<\/a> is an amazing global travel community of women who are passionate about travel, and I’ve been a member since 2019.\u00a0 They arrange online events and in-person socials as well as global meetups, and they have a ton of useful resources to help women to travel solo.<\/p>\n Wanderful has created a Solo Travel Toolkit that you can get FOR FREE<\/a>\u00a0that is packed full of tips like how to plan your trip, where to stay, what to pack, a guide to women-owned travel companies – and much more!<\/p>\n You don’t have to be a member of Wanderful to get access to the toolkit, but if you’d like to join then you can get\u00a0a free 1 week trial\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Here are some of the most fun and adventurous activities in Costa Rica for solo travellers visiting La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Quepos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n La Fortuna Park is a charming park in the centre of town with a church, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and souvenir shops. It\u2019s very walkable, and you\u2019ll have a beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano from the park. This is the perfect place to stop for coffee or a meal between visiting all of <\/span>La Fortuna\u2019s attractions<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n La Fortuna is home to a variety of <\/span>natural hot springs heated up by Arenal Volcano. These are the perfect places to relax in the evening, and most of them are open till 10pm at night. You can get a day pass at any of the hot springs, which range from $30-$90\/day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The Tabacon hot springs are the most popular ($89\/day pass), and they have 20 natural pools, cascading waterfalls, and a lovely view of Arenal Volcano. The cheapest hot springs are at <\/span>Los Lagos Hotel which costs $25\/day pass, and although not as luxurious, they have multiple heated pools of varying temperatures.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Las Termalitas<\/a> is another great value option which is more popular with locals than tourists, so it can be a good way to get a taste of hot springs without blowing your budget \u2013 with entry prices starting from $10 per person!<\/p>\n La Fortuna is an amazing place to spot sloths in their natural habitat. You can try spotting sloths on your own by hiking the <\/span>Bogarin Trail, or you can <\/span>go on a sloth-watching tour.<\/span><\/p>\n The Bogarin Trail is a 1.5 mile rainforest hike ($20\/entrance) where you may be able to spot sloths and other animals. I had no luck seeing sloths on the Bogarin Trail, as they\u2019re known to hide far up in the trees \u2013 and a guide will no doubt have more experience with spotting the animals! So, the next day I booked a sloth tour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The three main sloth tours available are at Sloth\u2019s Territory ($45\/person), Sloth Watching Trail ($50\/person), and the Bogarin Trail\u2019s guided tour ($45\/person). I took a tour of the Sloth Watching Trail, and we got to see sloths, owls, birds, lizards, and other fascinating wildlife through a telescope. This was one of the highlights of my trip so I highly recommend skipping the Bogarin trail and going on a guided tour.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Here are some options you can book in advance through GetYourGuide:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The La Fortuna waterfall is a gorgeous 200-ft waterfall that flows into a teal blue natural pool. There are over 500 steps leading down to the waterfall, and a nice wheelchair-accessible viewpoint from the top. At the bottom of the stairs, you can take a refreshing dip in the cold waters underneath the falls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This is an absolute must-visit in La Fortuna and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls I\u2019ve ever seen. Just remember to bring water shoes, as there are large rocks surrounding the pool at the bottom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Mistico Hanging Bridges is a private nature reserve in the rainforest with six hanging bridges. The main trail of the park is around 2 miles, and it\u2019s one of the best hikes to spot birds, snakes, spiders, and other wildlife on your own. I saw a group of coatis (like Costa Rican racoons) on the road leading up to the park, and many beautiful birds throughout the hike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond Mistico Hanging Bridges, <\/span>Arenal Volcano National Park is another excellent place to hike. You can hike the Arenal 1968 trail to see old lava flows and wildlife, and get a great view of both Arenal Lake and Arenal Volcano.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n You can join a guided tour to hike through the park, or if you prefer to hike alone<\/a> the trails are well-marked.\u00a0 <\/span>Tours such as this one<\/a> usually include a guided hike, lunch and a visit to some hot springs, plus you\u2019ll get extra information on the area, animals and plant life from your guide. >>>FIND MORE VOLCANO TOURS ON GETYOURGUIDE<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n El Salto is an amazing natural swimming hole in La Fortuna located under a bridge in the heart of town. It has clear blue waters, cascading waterfalls, and a rope you can swing off of into the water. This is the perfect place to go for a refreshing swim, and it\u2019s completely free (besides a small parking fee).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To get here, you\u2019ll park alongside the bridge, and it\u2019s a short walk to get to the natural pool. Just remember to bring a few dollars for the parking attendants who will charge you to park by the bridge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Going on a <\/span>coffee tour in Costa Rica is a great way to learn about how some of the world\u2019s highest-quality coffee beans are grown. In La Fortuna and Monteverde there are a variety of coffee and chocolate tours available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Not only will you get to learn how coffee is made from seed to cup, but you\u2019ll also get to see how chocolate is made from bean to bar. Plus, you\u2019ll get to enjoy many samples of coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruit \u2013 what a great day!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n I love doing cooking classes wherever I travel, it\u2019s a great way to meet local people as the cooks are usually from the area, and you can meet fellow travellers who take part in the class.\u00a0 And of course you get to learn how to make traditional dishes and have a fantastic meal when you\u2019ve finished!<\/p>\n
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Getting Around Costa Rica<\/span><\/h2>\n
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La Fortuna<\/span><\/h3>\n
Where to Stay in La Fortuna<\/span><\/h4>\n
$: Pura Vibra Hostel\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n
$$ La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n
$$ Caba\u00f1as Sue\u00f1os del Arenal<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n
Monteverde, Puntarenas Province<\/span><\/h3>\n
Accommodation in Monteverde<\/span><\/h4>\n
$$ Rainbow Valley Lodge<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n
$$$: Chira Glamping Monteverde<\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n
Manuel Antonio Park, Quepos<\/span><\/h3>\n
Where to Stay in Quepos<\/span><\/h4>\n
Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Top Things to Do in La Fortuna<\/span><\/h2>\n
La Fortuna Park (Parque de la Fortuna)<\/span><\/h3>\n
La Fortuna Hot Springs<\/span><\/h3>\n
Costa Rica Sloth Tours<\/span><\/h3>\n
La Fortuna Waterfall<\/span><\/h3>\n
Mistico Hanging Bridges \u2013 Mistico Park, La Fortuna<\/span><\/h3>\n
Arenal Volcano National Park<\/span><\/h3>\n
El Salto (Rope Swing), La Fortuna<\/span><\/h3>\n
Chocolate and Coffee Tours in Costa Rica<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cooking Classes<\/span><\/h3>\n