2024 Costa Rica Travel Awards

As 2024 wraps up, we’re reflecting on an incredible year exploring 100+ places across Costa Rica. We uncovered tours that surprised us, meals that left us craving more, and stays that revealed Costa Rica’s magic in entirely new ways.

Now, we’re sharing the best of the best with you…

Here are our 2024 Costa Rica Travel Awards!

This list highlights the destinations and experiences that truly stood out this year—the ones we can’t stop raving about. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply soaking up pura vida vibes, let this be your ultimate guide to the best of Costa Rica right now.

The Best of the Best in Costa Rica

Discover the places, experiences, and stays we’re most excited about for 2025.

1. Best Up-and-Coming Destination

San Gerardo de Dota

A quiet valley that feels like Costa Rica’s best-kept secret—for now. With its cloud forests, world-class birdwatching (hello, resplendent quetzals!), and cozy lodges, San Gerardo de Dota is quickly becoming a must-visit for travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience a unique microclimate. Don’t miss Batsu, one of the area’s most rewarding birdwatching spots. 

2. Hotspot Hotel to Visit in 2025

Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort, Dominical

We’re calling it: this is one of Costa Rica’s hottest boutique hotels for 2025. Recently featured in National Geographic’s Luxury Collection, Lamangata blends all-inclusive luxury with the raw beauty of Costa Rica’s southern coastline. Perched high above the Pacific, it’s a place where you can surf world-class waves, unwind with ocean-view massages, or take in the panoramic ocean and jungle views from the infinity lap pool or your private balcony. Surfing is optional, but visiting before everyone else catches on? Highly recommended.

3. New Hidden Gem Discovery

^{Geckoes Lodge, Puerto Viejo}

Just 10 minutes from downtown Puerto Viejo and its beaches, Geckoes Lodge offers an authentic jungle escape at great rates. The four cozy houses, complete with full kitchens, are surrounded by wildlife-filled grounds—during our stay, we spotted sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, and howler monkeys right outside the door! There’s no AC, but the cool jungle breezes keep things comfortable, making this the perfect affordable getaway for nature lovers.

4. Exceptional Boutique Hotel

^{Koora, Monteverde}

This standout boutique hotel brings you right into the heart of Monteverde’s cloud forest. Spacious bungalows and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, offering stunning views of the misty canopy and its wildlife. With an on-site restaurant serving locally inspired dishes and easy access to Monteverde’s top trails, Koora combines comfort, nature, and convenience—making it an exceptional base for exploring this iconic region.

5. Adventure Tour of the Year

^{Paddle 9 Full-Day Waterfall Tour}

Our favorite adventure in Manuel Antonio—hands down. With gorgeous waterfalls, refreshing swimming holes, and just the right dose of adrenaline, this tour delivers the perfect mix of nature and adventure. The guides are energetic, knowledgeable, and always prioritize safety, making every moment fun and stress-free. It’s been one of our top recommendations for years, and for good reason: the experience is unforgettable.

6. Remarkable Nature Tour Guide

^{Melanie from Jacamar}

Melanie is the guide you hope for on every nature tour. Her deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s wildlife and ecosystems is matched by her sharp eye—she spots birds, sloths, and even the tiniest frogs you’d never find on your own. But what truly sets Melanie apart is her genuine excitement. She makes every discovery feel special, and by the end of your tour, you’ll feel like you’ve spent the day with a passionate friend sharing their favorite place. Plus, EVERY tour from Jacamar is incredible. You truly can’t go wrong! 

7. Spectacular Beach

^{Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa}

Just a 15-minute drive from Santa Teresa’s buzz, Playa Hermosa lives up to its name (“Beautiful Beach”)—and then some. This stretch of pristine coastline offers the perfect escape: world-class waves for surfers of all levels, soft sand perfect for long walks, and just enough amenities to keep you comfortable without losing that peaceful vibe. Whether you’re joining the surf crowd or simply finding your own patch of paradise away from the bustle, it’s everything you love about Santa Teresa, minus the crowds.

8. Mesmerizing Sunset View

^{From the deck of Brisa Elegante}

Watching the sun sink into the Pacific from this 100-foot wooden yacht is unforgettable. As the only traditional Gulet sailing out of Marina Pez Vela, the Brisa Elegante offers a front-row seat to Manuel Antonio’s spectacular sunsets. Standing on deck, drink in hand, with the sky ablaze in color, you’ll feel like you’re witnessing the Pacific at its very best. Plus, the crew and sailing experience is top-notch! 

9. Best In-Route Pit Stop

^{Café Macadamia}

Perfectly positioned between Arenal and Guanacaste (or Monteverde), Café Macadamia is more than just a place to stretch your legs. With lovely views over Lake Arenal, fresh coffee, and homemade treats like their must-try macadamia pie, this pit stop feels like a reward in itself. Whether you’re fueling up for the road ahead or lingering to enjoy the scenery, Café Macadamia turns a quick break into one of the highlights of your drive.

10. Most Instagrammable Location

^{Nayara Tent Camp, Arenal}

Every corner of Nayara Tent Camp is photo-worthy, but it’s the views of the Arenal Volcano from your private plunge pool that steal the show. Luxury safari-style tents surrounded by lush jungle, outdoor showers, and perfectly styled details create a setting that feels straight out of a dream. Whether you’re capturing sunrise over the volcano or a candlelit evening on your deck, Nayara Tent Camp makes it almost impossible to put your camera down.

11. Top Family Destination

^{La Fortuna}

With its epic volcano views, endless adventures, and family-friendly options, La Fortuna is the ultimate spot for families visiting Costa Rica. Little ones will love gentle safari floats and easy hikes, while older kids can take on white-water rafting or waterfall rappelling. Add in spacious family-friendly hotels with kid-friendly pools and volcano views, and you’ve got a destination that makes everyone’s Costa Rica dreams come true.

12. Leading Eco-Friendly Stay

^{SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, Osa Peninsula}

Accessible only by boat and completely off the grid, Corcovado Wilderness Lodge delivers a luxurious yet sustainable escape in one of the world’s last true wildernesses. Powered by renewable resources and surrounded by the pristine beauty of Corcovado National Park (one of the most biodiverse places in the world!) this lodge offers a rare connection to nature. The journey itself—through mangroves and along the dramatic Pacific coastline—sets the tone for an unforgettable stay where comfort and conservation meet in perfect harmony.

13. Wow Moment of the Year

^{Surf & Dive Retreat with AWA and Dive the Americas}

This past year, we partnered with A Week Awake to host our first-ever Surf & Dive Retreat—and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The highlight? Taking first-time divers to explore the underwater magic of Isla del Caño, one of Costa Rica’s most pristine and protected dive sites. Watching these women descend into the blue for the first time was an unforgettable experience. Moments like these, where hesitation turns to awe and confidence grows with every dive, made leading this retreat a standout moment of 2024.

Ready to travel to Costa Rica? Book your trip with Dive the Americas and enjoy VIP hotel perks and upgrades at no extra cost.