Hi all. My brother, sister and I are taking a week long trip to Costa Rica in December and we want to go somewhere that has a good vibe AND nice beache. We don't want anywhere too tranquil. Is Tamarindo horribly touristy or can you still find that natural feeling there? Please throw out suggestions for me on where to go. Also, suggestions of where to stay in those places, we're hoping to find a bungalow/villa type place that isn't too hotel-like directly on or across the beach. Thanks in advance!!
1
nyc_girl_115
The Caribbean coast!
Cuahuita, Puerto Viejo down to Manzanillo.
You can rent a house, cabin, or hotel/hostel. Very cheap. Festive and fun. Rustic and natural. Not too touristy (not a Pizza Hut or Starbucks in sight...)
2
boomer1
You won't get much choice unless you book fast!. Tamarindo has both vibe and beach but will be mobbed over the hols as Ticos head to the beach in droves. The same will be true of all the resorts. You need to Google for rentals as this is an expanded market although prime beach places will no doubt be booked or astronomically expensive. Look at Protrero (Surfside), Brasalito, Flamingo, Coco, Hermosa.
There are also a lot of new builds within a few miles of Tamarindo (Villareal, Huacas) which are coming onto the rental market. No beach views but possibly available/affordable.
6
tree_house
The Caribbean coast is the best, white sand beaches, jungle and party.
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7
ticotim
There is no white sand beaches in most of CR, and on the caribe coast, zippo....light sand yes, but nothing like the Caribe Islands, Mexico or Thailand...
8
waterlover48l
been to c.r. about 10 times and so far my favorite spot for beaches,babes, and live music, is quepos/manuel antonio,(4x) Was there at xmass last year on a spur of moment trip and like every place , booked solid, ended up staying at the bullfrog in quepos, but like mentioned before on t.t. other places as econmical, but xmass week is golden week and everthing is double, there is the usual price i think 35$ plus 10 for ac. private bath. i like having a pool, close to stores ,theres some live music, in quepos and manual antonio latin and classic rock is big ,will be returning oct and be looking for more like bungalos and same sort of accomadations as you. can reply with more info. also man. ant. park is nice, reported by many of gay community
but did'nt see anything obivious
i find the north pacific (north of samara) very expensive and touristy,very good if you want resort type accomadations, i 've been to tamarindo but did'nt like it pizza hut etc. and all the way up to playa del coco. samara and south to montezumas very laid back . samara/playa carrillo my favorite for just totally chilling. have'nt yet been mal pais, st theresa , from what i here getting closer to natural.
i hate jaco, but stayed at beautiful place like your looking for, about 75$ pool ,kitchen, hammock area, iguana eating mangoes,
i would go back there just to stay at the place to chill. could look up the place if neede, " la estrella" or something.
i could'nt get out of dominical fast enough. dusty , and rocky beach, but wow!! big surf
did,nt care much for puerto veijo ,no real sandy beach in town but petty nice a ways out, very good dinning, quality places very economiclal.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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