Where to go in Costa Rica?
Both of the answers above are the best places to find a party on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Playa Tamarindo is great for surfing, whereas Manuel Antonio/Quepos is better if you want to do hiking during the day. Both places offer lazy beach days too, though currents can be stronger in the beaches of Manuel Antonio. From Tamarindo you can also get to many other smaller beach towns in Guanacaste. Playa Flamingo is a good fishing place, and isn’t too far from Tamarindo. As for Manuel Antonio, if you are wanting a cheap place to stay, stay in Quepos and take the 10 minute bus ride to Manuel Antonio for stuff to do. If you don’t mind paying a pretty penny for lodging, then definitely stay in Manuel Antonio. If you want to go to both places, you can take a bus from Manuel Antonio/Quepos to Puntarenas, then take a ferry across to Guanacaste, and take another bus up the coast to Tamrindo. Plan for a full day to make the trip. The other option is to go back to San Jose, and take another bu
