Discover Costa Rica
​Our central location makes it easy to visit some of the best destinations in the country!
Downtown San Jose
​Bus rides into San Jose are the best way to go. There are loads of sports events, museums, and outdoor shopping to enjoy. History buff? This is the place for you!
Doka Coffee Plantation
Since 1940, the Vargas family has been dedicated to growing quality coffee in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Doka is a full production coffee plantation that the Vargas brothers acquired in 1985. The Doka plantation has been awarded, on two consecutive occasions, the SINTERCAFE award as Best Coffee in the World! This place also has beautiful gardens as well as a Butterfly Garden and Bonsai Garden! More info here.
​Poás Volcano
The number one visited volcano in Costa Rica. Combine this with a tour to Frijanes (strawberry fields) and La Paz Waterfall Garden for a full day of touring Costa Rica.  Check out this travel guide!
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Make sure to visit on the weekend when roadside vendors offer delicious roasted pork skewers, roasted corn, and coffee with sweet milk made the original Costa Rica way. Don't miss it.  Check out this travel guide!
El Toledo Coffee Tour, permaculture Coffee plantation
El Toledo Coffee farm is using permaculture design combined with biodynamic farming techniques. No monoculture, no chemicals used on the coffee fruit. Family owned. This place is just awesome especially if you're like us and appreciate small family run 'Mom & Pop Shops'. Being completely organic doesn't hurt either.   More info here.
Starbucks Coffee Farm (Hacienda Alsacia)
Hacienda Alsacia is Starbucks first and only coffee farm. Their tour features a working tree nursery, wet mill, drying patio and roaster. Learn about the past, present and future of coffee as you trace its journey from seedling to cup.  More info here.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica wildlife. TRR works with a model that focuses on conservation, education, and research to ensure a brighter tomorrow for Costa Rica wildlife. We took the 'Slothies & Coffees' tour. This place is a well oiled machine!   More info here.
Plaza Real Shopping Centre
A large, modern mall area built around a multiplex cinema. A vast array of semi open-air, fast-food outlets, restaurants and bars. A large selection of higher-end shops including clothing and shoe stores. Very clean, modern and entertaining. The awesome barber shop may stop you in your tracks and force you to pull your cell phone out for photos.  More info here.
Farmer's Market (Plaza Ferias Alajuela)
This place is our adult 'candy store'. It's massive and delicious all wrapped into one. Prices are really good at most vendors and it's a sight to see! More info here.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
Previously Zoo Ave and now a wonderful sanctuary, its only a short ride away! Make sure to stop at the nurseries nearby to see Costa Rican plants and trees for sale. More info here.
Jaco Beach
This is a lively place that is very popular with tourists during 'High Tourist Season'. Lots of restaurants, bars, shops, ect. In the Jaco Beach area you can also find Carara National Park (scarlet macaws, variety of other birds, wildlife), Hermosa Beach (surfing, waves), Bijagual Waterfall (590-foot waterfall on horseback), Puntarenas (ferry to the islands in the Gulf of Nicoya, fresh seafood), Jaco/Herradura Sportfishing, (Los Suenos Resort)!
Carara National Park
Mentioned in the Jaco Beach attraction, Carara National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular National Parks. This place is a favourite for bird watching, wildlife and hiking trails. The park is the northernmost Pacific coastal rain forest remaining intact in Costa Rica, and is the transition zone into the tropical dry forests of the northwest.
Hotel Buena Vista
Situated down the street just 25 meters east of Casa Costa Rica Boutique B&B, our guests can enjoy a meal & drinks under the sun or shade, poolside at Hotel Buena Vista. If you just wanna chill out, here ya go! Ask us about it.
Juan Santamaria Museum (Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria)
The museum has a little something for everyone. They have collections of natural, cultural, historical and artistic interests. It's a large place and lots to see.
City Mall
This very large indoor mall boasts a wide variety of diverse stores, restaurants, as well as a massive indoor family games facility - City Games Costa Rica (on Facebook) - offering a wide range of arcade games, mechanical rides, virtual reality games & prizes!
Laguna Fraijanes
Laguna Fraijanes Park is a very cozy natural refuge, located in the province of Alajuela at 1650 meters above sea level, en route to the Poás Volcano; visitors can enjoy some fun in the sun while having a picnic, and hiking the trails. You can also find a natural refuge with species of birds, plants, trees, and a wide variety of flora. Laguna Fraijanes also provides cabin rentals varying in sizes and capacity. It's a very popular place for families!
Jalapeno's Central - Tex-Mex Restaurant
On Facebook - Jalapenos Central Tex-Mex Alajuela. We've visited this place numerous times. It's popular for a reason. This is where Jeff gets his 'Monster Burrito' fix! Norman, the owner, also has a newly opened souvenir shop (La Tienda CR Souvenir) right next door as well as a Colombian restaurant (El Patacon-Colombian) right next door to that!
Mirador del Valle - Restaurant
This is one of a few restaurants located within walking distance of Casa Costa Rica Boutique B&B. Their Burger & Fries is a tourist favourite for sure! They also have an upstairs sports bar. Bring your phones/cameras, the views from up here are photo op worthy to say the least!
El Mirador Restaurant
This is another Mirador restaurant within walking distance of the Casa Costa Rica Boutique B&B. We have been to this location more than any other restaurant establishment in Costa Rica. The food is great, the view is beyond breathtaking and the staff is on point. The Chicken Fajitas, Chef Salad, Spaghetti Carbonara are popular sellers, just to name a few. They offer a large wine selection, fresh juices and the occasional live piano player for some soft entertainment. Bring a big appetite because they provide big servings at this beauty.
Centro de Carnes Pilas - Meat Store
Just a 2 minute walk up the street you'll find our little meat store. Chicken, beef, pork, sausages, fish & shrimp, snacks & treats, pop/soda. They also make Chicharrónes on the daily to serve for lunch. What are Chicharrónes you ask? Great question. Fried, deliciously seasoned pork ...'nuff said.
City Games
As mentioned under the City Mall attractions, City Games is a massive games facility located in City Mall and is loaded up with arcade/virtual reality gaming consoles, mechanical rides including bumper cars, games & prizes!
CineMark
Also located in City Mall, CineMark cinema plays the most recent releases in the movie world. If you don't speak or understand Spanish you'll wanna make sure that they're showing the film in English and/or in English subtitles.
Ziplining @ Canopy La Carpintera
This place was one of our first 'touristy' visits upon our arrival in Costa Rica and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Ziplining, rappelling, and hiking in the Carpintera Hills. 19 different platforms from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and keep your eyes open for birds and other wildlife.
Hooligan's Sports Bar - Plaza Real
Located in the Plaza Real this is a sports-themed bar that offers chicken wings, 'American Styled Food', a wide variety of beers and a ton of TV's to watch the games on! It's a large spot with a huge patio!
Monte Campana (Mountain Hotel Resort)
You don't need to stay at their lodging to enjoy their restaurants, swimming pools, paintball, ziplining & bridges! The paintball was a hoot!
La Zompopa - Pizza!
Only a minute and a half walk up the street from Casa Costa Rica Boutique B&B, this place makes great thin-crust pizza, calzones & garlic bread. They also serve breakfast, along with lunch & dinner!
Blue Falls of Costa Rica
Blue Falls of Costa Rica offers you the most incredible blue waterfall experience in Costa Rica. Discover and explore six blue waterfalls and pools surrounded by lush tropical forests. Swimming is allowed at any spot. Nature is as perfect as it gets!
Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park
Established in 2008, stands as the premier adventure destination in Costa Rica. Offering an array of exhilarating tours and activities, including ziplining, ATV rides, horseback riding, canyoning, chocolate tours, and more! The park promises unforgettable experiences for adventure enthusiasts of all ages. Notably, the park has attained elite certification in sustainable tourism, reflecting its commitment to preserving Costa Rica’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while providing top-notch adventure experiences.
Manuel Antonio Park
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's jewels that you just need to know. An amazing flora & fauna you can discover by visiting the National Park and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The area has a has a unique atmosphere and many activities, so everybody can find what they are looking for!