Where to stay in Costa Rica?

On Avenida 6, in the Catedral district. A hostel a few streets from downtown, with the Central Market and the National Theatre within walking distance.

On Calle 19, in Barrio Aranjuez, in the Carmen district, a few streets from the restaurants of Barrio Escalante. A simple hotel from which you reach the centre and its museums on foot or by taxi.

On Calle El Arbolito, in San Antonio de Belén, outside the city. For a first or last night in a hacienda, with a taxi into downtown.

In Barquero, in the municipality of Santo Domingo de Heredia, on Calle Escuela, far from the San José traffic. For those who prefer gardens and calm to the city centre, with the capital by car or taxi.

On Vía 142, in Los Olivos, on the edge of La Fortuna. A hostel with a pool on the road to the hot springs, with the village within walking distance.

On Calle 468, in the Sinaí area of La Fortuna, in the heart of the village. A simple hotel surrounded by the agencies that run trips to Arenal volcano and the La Fortuna waterfall.

On Calle Palo Verde, in La Palma, in the forest. For those who come for the hotel as much as for Arenal, with the hot springs next door.

On Vía 142, in La Palma, at the foot of the volcano. To sleep beside the best-known hot springs in the region, with access from the hotel.

The Tabacón hot springs, this stop's activity, belong to the hotel; the warm river runs through the garden.

In Monterrey, on Calle Arenal Springs, outside the village, facing Arenal volcano and built around its hot springs. For ending days of hiking in warm water without getting back in the car.

On Calle El Pueblo, in Santa Elena. Simple cabinas in the village, with views of the Gulf of Nicoya on clear days and the centre within walking distance.

On Avenida 1, in Santa Elena, in the middle of the village. A guesthouse well known to backpackers, with the agencies and tour departures a few steps away.

A guesthouse in Santa Elena, on Calle El Pueblo, on the Las Orquídeas side, within walking distance of the village restaurants. For a small budget, with the shuttles to the reserve and its misty trails leaving from the centre.

On Vía 620, in Cerro Plano, on the slope between Santa Elena and the reserve. A large mountain resort, for when you want space and a taxi to the reserve.

On Vía 620, in Monteverde, very close to the reserve entrance, far from the bustle of Santa Elena. For being on the primary forest trails as soon as they open, before the shuttles from the village arrive.

On Calle Playa Playitas, in Manuel Antonio, between forest and beach. To sleep on the beach, with monkeys in the trees and the park a few minutes away.

In Quepos, on Calle Parador, with a wide view over Manuel Antonio bay. For sunsets seen from above, with the park beaches a bus or taxi ride away during the day.