If you`re taking a trip to Costa Rica and flying into the international airport in San Jose (SJO), chances are you need a place to stay that first or last night of your trip. Most tourist destinations are at least a 3+ hour drive from the airport, so if your flight arrives late at night or leaves early in the morning, it`s logistically much easier to spend the night in San Jose to be close to the airport.

Fer and I call Adventure Inn “our home in San Jose.” It is so cozy and the staff is so welcoming that it really does feel like home. Also, they have a few rooms that are pet friendly so we especially love that we have a place to stay where we can bring our dog, Luka.

I really cannot say enough great things about this hotel. To break it down for you why I love it so much, I came up with the 5 main reasons..

1. It`s not just another boring hotel chain. It has Costa Rican character and charm!

I don`t know about you, but when I travel to a foreign country, the last thing I want to do is go to American brand chains like McDonald`s or the Hilton. I want to experience the culture of the country and try something new. This is one of the main reasons I recommend Adventure Inn.

Just check out the wall behind the front desk.  The ENTIRE hotel is covered with tropical paintings.  I love staying here just to admire the artwork everywhere.  Each room is painted differently so every time we go there I get excited to see which painting we`re going to get!

3. They have a FREE shuttle to and from the airport (SJO)!

You would think all hotels close to the airport include this service, but surprisingly, they do not.

Adventure Inn makes getting to and from the airport free and super easy and it`s only about a 10-15 minute drive each way.

4. There`s a pool, a hot tub and a gym!

This is something I super duper appreciate about Adventure Inn.  Many of the hotels close to the airport either don´t have a pool or they just have a pool but no hot tub.  San Jose can be a bit chilly at night, so having the hot tub there really makes a difference when it`s too cold to go swimming. Also, it always feels great to work out before getting on a plane all day. I need to get a quick workout in before a flight, otherwise I find sitting all day a total nightmare!

5. The prices are reasonable and affordable!

You will not find a better value for your money.

One time, Fer and I thought we`d treat ourselves to a “fancy” hotel on one of our trips to San Jose. We looked at different rooms all over, some costing upwards of $400 per night, thinking that they would be super luxurious and worth splurging on. We were wrong! There are several American brand chain hotels that are charging a ton of money (probably just for the name) but their rooms are super outdated, smell musty, they don´t have pools and in general feel like a total scam. We ended up going back to our “home” at Adventure Inn because we honestly find it to be much more comfortable and a way better value than any other hotel we`ve seen.

If you feel like treating yourself, you can upgrade to one of their Jacuzzi suites for just $20 more per night which includes a king-size bed, an in-bath Jacuzzi, microwave, mini-fridge and a nice outdoor sitting area.

We`ve got the hookup for a DISCOUNT on your room!

Since we`ve been there so many times and have developed a personal relationship with the owner, we are authorized to offer our readers a 10% discount on your reservation! Just click the link below to book your room and the 10% discount will automatically be applied!

Located in the south Pacific of Costa Rica, the Nauyaca Waterfall is a place you must visit! We have been to many of the top waterfalls all over Costa Rica, and Nauyaca is my favorite! Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, but it`s also awesome because the because you can swim, jump and climb different parts of it! Truly a memorable place to visit.

Located just about 40 minutes from Manuel Antonio (in Dominical), you can take a day trip there by yourself (and save some money as I noted in How To Travel Costa Rica on a Budget)! Definitely set aside a full day of adventure for going here because you will be pooped at the end!

Of course there are guided tours (about $130 pp), but you really don`t need a guide to hike to the waterfall as the trail is super simple to navigate. Just make sure you go with a buddy of course for safety!

Keep reading this article for all the tips you need to know to go on your own…

Nauyaca is a 2 tier waterfall:

• Upper Falls- 180 foot drop (where you can climb on rocks and feel the mist in your face…totally exhilarating!)
• Lower Falls- 80 foot drop with a huge swimming pool at the bottom (swim, climb, places to jump off…so much fun!)

*Do NOT go if it`s been raining all week- this will make the hike super duper muddy and slippery and just kind of a nightmare. Also, if it`s been super rainy, you will most likely not be able to drive down to the parking lot, thus making your hike an extra mile long.

What To Pack

• comfortable shoes for hiking (that you don`t mind getting dirty)
• insect repellent
• sunblock
• swim suit
• water shoes (optional)
• towel
• ziploc bag for your phone / wallet
• water
• snacks
• camera

I hope you have an awesome time exploring Nauyaca Waterfalls! If you need help arranging your roundtrip transportation there, or if you`d feel more comfortable going on a guided tour, contact us.

Need help planning your trip to Costa Rica? Check out our travel planning services and / or stay with us!

To make packing easier, use the following guidelines:

• Pack for practicality, not a fashion show.
• Lightweight, quick dry clothes are best.
• Think casual dress code.

• swim suit(s)
• sunglasses
• sunblock
• insect repellent
• flip flops
• Columbia Drainmaker Trail Shoes*
• socks (breathable)
• quick dry hiking pants
• tank tops / tee shirts (light weight, non-clingy)
• shorts or skirts
• beach cover up
• casual dresses
• “nice dinner” outfit (only if you feel like it)
• lightweight rain jacket*
• pajamas
• long sleeved shirt (1 is enough)
• sports bras
• yoga pants
• laptop or tablet (to watch Netflix if your hotel doesn`t have a TV)
• hammock(s)*
• passport holder / travel wallet
• backpack (use for both hiking or your beach bag)
• water bottle
• toiletries (keep it simple, just bring the basics)
• hat
• GoPro (optional)*

Here`s some extra notes about some of the things listed above:

*Columbia Drainmaker Trail Shoes: These are my absolute favorite shoes to wear hiking, zip lining, waterfalling, etc. You can walk through water or even go swimming with them on and they drain the water super fast plus dry pretty quickly. Much better than a flimsy water shoe!

*Rain Jacket: Depending on where and what time of year you are traveling, you may or may not need a rain jacket. If you are traveling to places like Monteverde or Arenal, you should bring one. If you are only going to a beach destination (like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Nosara, etc) you only need to bring one if you are visiting during rainy season (May- November).

*Hammock(s): These hammocks are super easy to pop up anywhere in about 30 seconds. So much more comfortable than laying on a towel on the beach or paying to rent beach chairs. Plus they are small enough to pack in your suitcase.

*GoPro: This is the best camera we`ve found that you can take with you anywhere (even in water!). Really fun for getting video footage swimming in the ocean, jumping off a catamaran, zip lining, waterfall adventures, snorkeling, etc.

For those of you that prefer a visual list, here are links to the products that I personally love and recommend that you bring on your trip

What NOT to Pack

Obviously. But here`s a couple tips you may not have thought about…

To prepare for your trip, double check the current entry requirements with the Costa Rica Embassy just to make sure you`re able to get in the country!

I also recommend making a photo copy or taking a picture on your phone (the photo and information page) of your passport to carry with you so you can leave your actual passport in your hotel room. It is unlikely that anyone will stop you and ask for it, but just in case it`s always best to have this info on you

The local currency is called Colones, however USD (US Dollars) are accepted pretty much everywhere.

You do NOT need to exchange money if you are bringing USD with you.  If you want to anyways for some reason, NEVER exchange money at the airport, they have the worst exchange rate!  The banks usually are the best place to do this.  When you pay with USD you will most likely get Colones back in change. 

There are ATMs readily available in the main tourist destinations, but if you are going somewhere super remote, bring enough cash with you to hold you over. 

Many places accept credit cards, but having cash on you in Costa Rica will make your trip a lot easier (souvenir shops, beach vendors selling coconuts, etc).  Also, it is recommended to tip restaurant servers, taxi drivers and tour guides in cash!

Always be sure to tell your bank that you will be traveling in Costa Rica so that you don`t have any problems using your card or getting money from the ATM. 

This beach is in a bay, so the water is usually very calm making it a great swimming beach. Also, there`s beach chairs & umbrellas, kayaks, SUPs and snorkel gear for rent and even guys selling beer & cocktails.

Travel Tips:

• If you are up for some exercise, you can also hike between Playa Biesanz and Playa Espadilla (the main beach in Manuel Antonio)…it only takes about 40 minutes! Otherwise just drive there or take a taxi and then it`s just a 5 minute walk through the jungle to get to this hidden gem.
• After the beach, you can go to Shana Hotel (just a couple minutes walk from the entrance of Biesanz) and swim in their beautiful pool if you consume something at the restaurant or pool bar. And then if you`re too tired to walk home, just ask the reception desk to call you a taxi!