Costa Rica: A Month of Wildlife, Gorgeous Beaches, and Slower Living
November–December 2023
Why Costa Rica
When we began planning our next destination, Costa Rica checked every box on our list: less than a half-day's travel from the United States, abundant outdoor adventure, affordable experiences, beautiful beaches, and a reputation for extraordinary biodiversity.
What ultimately convinced us was a staggering statistic: despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity.
We spent a month exploring the country's Pacific Coast, dividing our time between the laid-back beach town of Uvita and the more developed destination of Manuel Antonio. While Costa Rica has undoubtedly become more popular—and more expensive—in recent years, we found that with a little research, authentic and affordable travel experiences are still very much possible.
A Gentle Introduction in San José
Jade Museum, Marazan Park, Coffee overlooking Plaza de la Democracia
Rather than rushing directly to the beach, we gave ourselves a few days in San José to adjust to the language, culture, and pace of life.
It turned out to be the perfect decision.
We stayed in an affordable Airbnb across from the Jade Museum, placing us within walking distance of leafy parks, bustling cafés, local restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city felt vibrant yet approachable—a welcome introduction to Costa Rica before heading south.
Transportation throughout our trip was surprisingly simple. We relied entirely on buses and found them both affordable and easy to navigate. From San José, we were able to walk to the nearby bus terminal and continue our journey without renting a car.
For travelers looking to keep costs low while experiencing more of local life, Costa Rica's bus network is an excellent option.
Click Here for more information on the bus system in Costa Rica
Uvita: Wildlife at Your Doorstep, Literally
Ballena Marine National Park, Capuchin Monkey, Airbnb Porch
Of the two destinations we visited, Uvita felt like Costa Rica at its most peaceful.
Known for Marino Ballena National Park—famous for its iconic whale-tail-shaped sandbar—Uvita offers a slower pace than many of the country's better-known beach destinations. It's also one of the best places in Costa Rica for whale watching and wildlife encounters.
We stayed in a small bungalow about a 30-minute walk from the beach. While some travelers might hesitate at the distance, the walk became one of our favorite parts of each day.
Every morning felt like stepping into a nature documentary.
Howler monkeys announced the sunrise from the treetops. Capuchin monkeys darted through the canopy. Toucans, parrots, and countless tropical birds appeared just outside our door.
The wildlife wasn't something we had to seek out—it simply existed all around us.
Beyond its stunning beaches, Uvita offers excellent hiking, waterfalls, and a growing collection of charming restaurants. Yet even as tourism continues to grow, it still manages to maintain a sense of tranquility that's becoming increasingly rare.
For travelers seeking a quieter side of Costa Rica, Uvita is difficult to beat.
Manuel Antonio: Beaches, Wildlife, and Convenience
Espadilla Beach, Manuel Antonioo Bee Farm, Manuel Antonio Bus Station
For the second half of our trip, we relocated to Manuel Antonio.
The area is best known for Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's most visited attractions. Ironically, we never ended up entering the park.
The reason? We were already seeing more wildlife than we could have hoped for simply by spending time on the beaches and around town.
Sloths lounged lazily in nearby trees. Scarlet macaws soared overhead. Capuchin monkeys patrolled the beach looking for unattended snacks and belongings. A word of warning: these monkeys are remarkably intelligent and surprisingly bold.
We rented an Airbnb apartment, allowing us to prepare some meals ourselves while avoiding the busiest tourist areas. One of the biggest advantages of Manuel Antonio was its transportation system. Buses run every few minutes along the main road and cost less than a dollar per ride, making it easy to move between beaches, restaurants, and accommodations.
Compared to Uvita, Manuel Antonio offers more restaurants, shops, and conveniences. It's livelier, busier, and noticeably more developed. While we personally preferred the quieter atmosphere of Uvita, Manuel Antonio provides an excellent balance of nature and accessibility for travelers who want both.
A Hidden Gem Worth Visiting
If there's one experience we recommend above all others, it's the Manuel Antonio Bee Farm.
While many visitors focus exclusively on beaches and wildlife, this small operation offers a fascinating look at Costa Rica's native bees, local ecosystems, and sustainable agriculture.
It was one of the most memorable and unexpectedly educational experiences of our trip.
Sometimes the highlights of travel aren't the attractions everyone talks about—they're the places you discover along the way.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica delivered everything we hoped for and more.
The country offers a rare combination of accessibility, biodiversity, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you're watching monkeys outside your bungalow in Uvita, spotting sloths along the beaches of Manuel Antonio, or simply enjoying a cup of Costa Rican coffee in a local café, nature feels woven into everyday life.
For travelers looking to experience Costa Rica without constantly chasing the next attraction, our advice is simple: slow down.
The magic here has a way of finding you.
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