Costa Rica packs rainforests, volcanoes and world-class surf into a country you can cross in a few hours — and a well-chosen holiday rental can put you right in the middle of it all. A newly updated round-up from Condé Nast Traveler highlights the Airbnbs worth booking, selected on the strength of Superhost status, guest ratings, amenities and the writer's own stays. She spends at least a month in the country every year, so the picks come with real on-the-ground mileage.
The line-up covers the country's three classic personalities. In Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast, large villas built for indoor-outdoor living sit within walking distance of golden beaches and consistent surf breaks — ideal for groups or anyone planning to spend sunrise to sunset in the water. In Monteverde, snug one-bedroom cabins put you at the edge of the cloud forest, where the wildlife-watching is the main event and mornings start in mist. And near the Arenal volcano, in San Cayetano de Venecia, there's the option to stay on a working dairy farm — a two-bedroom rental friendly to remote workers, set among pastures and pitched at travellers curious about regenerative agriculture.
There are picks for other travel styles too: a seven-bedroom house with a view for big groups, a pampering villa at Playa Hermosa for a luxury splurge, and a contemporary hideaway with a private pool suited to multigenerational trips. Common perks across listings include plunge pools, saunas and hot tubs — welcome after a day of zip-lining or hiking.
The article's practical advice is arguably as useful as the rentals. Costa Rica is one of Central America's most stable and tourist-friendly destinations, and its vacation-rental market is mature, but remote properties often need a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and roads can be checked over before you commit. During the green season (May to November), unpaved roads and river crossings can become tricky fast, so build in weather buffers. Many visitors also underestimate distances: a week is the sensible minimum, and hopping between regions is far easier with a hop-on flight on small carriers like SANSA or Costa Rica Green Airways. Most international arrivals land at Juan Santamaría International near San José, then connect onward. Timing matters too — December to April is the dry season for beach trips, while rainforest lovers can go any month, since showers only add to the atmosphere.
If you're still choosing a region, the round-up points to Nosara and Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula for surf-and-yoga types, the Osa Peninsula for Corcovado National Park and some of the planet's densest biodiversity, and the Central Valley for hot springs and coffee farms. Anyone comfortable booking a rental with recent reviews, a responsive Superhost and travel insurance will find Costa Rica an easy place to do it.
— Source: Condé Nast Traveler
