Lonely Planet Costa Rica 15th Edition: My Review of Latest Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 16, 2025

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Key Takeaways:

Section	What's Inside?
Review: Section 1 Plan Your Trip	Provides essential logistics, itineraries, and seasonal tips, helping travelers structure their journey with insights on food, culture, and outdoor adventures.
Review: Section 2 The Guide	Breaks down Costa Rica region by region, highlighting must-visit destinations, hidden gems, and practical travel details for a well-rounded experience.
Review: Section 3 Toolkit	Covers crucial travel logistics, including transportation, money, safety, accessibility, and sustainability, ensuring a smooth and responsible trip.
Review: Section 4 Storybook	Explores Costa Rica’s history, culture, and identity through engaging storytelling, historical narratives, and personal insights.

For me, the Lonely Planet Costa Rica Travel Guide turned out to be one of the best travel guidebooks for 2025 , perfect for planning my trip. The Plan Your Trip section lays out essential logistics, itinerary ideas, and seasonal tips, while also diving into Costa Rica’s food scene and outdoor adventures.

It gave me a clear sense of how to structure my journey, whether for wildlife spotting in Tortuguero or surfing in Santa Teresa.

The Guide section is where the book shines, offering in-depth looks at every region, from bustling San José to the remote Osa Peninsula. The Toolkit covers all the practicalities, transportation, money, and responsible travel, while the Storybook adds depth, bringing Costa Rica’s history and culture to life.

Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, this guide blends useful advice with the thrill of discovery.

Review of Section 1: Plan Your Trip

The Plan Your Trip section does a solid job of setting up what to expect while traveling in Costa Rica, covering everything from regional highlights to essential logistics. I liked how it gives clear Costa Rica itineraries for different travel styles, whether you’re after wildlife, adventure, or beach relaxation.

The breakdown of the seasons was useful, explaining not just the best times to visit but also how weather impacts travel. The practical packing tips, cultural insights, and event calendar added extra value, making it easier to plan around festivals or avoid peak tourist crowds.

The food section was a good touch, giving a straightforward overview of what to expect from Costa Rican cuisine, lots of rice, beans, and fresh ingredients, with a nod to the Afro-Caribbean flavors on the east coast.

I also liked the emphasis on outdoor activities, from hiking and wildlife spotting to white-water rafting and volcano treks. Overall, this section provides a well-rounded introduction, mixing inspiration with practical details, though some of the personal travel anecdotes felt a bit unnecessary.

Review of Section 2: The Guide

This section breaks Costa Rica down region by region, making it easy to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of San José to the remote jungles of the Osa Peninsula. It covers each area’s standout experiences, hidden gems, and practical travel details, helping me navigate everything from cloud forests and volcanoes to surf towns and wildlife reserves.

Whether it’s spotting sloths in Tortuguero, hiking Arenal’s lava trails, or finding the best beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula, this section gave me a solid understanding of what to expect in each destination.

San José

San José doesn’t try to charm visitors with postcard-perfect scenery, but this guide makes a solid case for why it’s worth exploring. It acknowledges the city’s chaotic, gritty nature while highlighting its cultural depth, historical significance, and thriving nightlife. From world-class museums and theaters to trendy bars in Barrio Escalante, the guide effectively maps out ways to experience the capital beyond its first impressions.

The structured three-day itinerary is practical, balancing key sights like the Teatro Nacional and Museo del Jade with local experiences like wandering through Mercado Central or catching live music in Barrio California. It also offers solid advice for navigating the city’s confusing layout and dealing with its intense traffic. While the guide doesn’t sugarcoat San José’s challenges, it provides enough compelling reasons, art, history, food, and urban energy, to make it more than just a transit stop.

Central Valley & the Highlands

This section highlights the diversity of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, blending history, small-town charm, and eco-adventures. It successfully captures the region’s mix of colonial legacies, religious landmarks, coffee plantations, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. While places like Alajuela and Cartago may not be major tourist draws, the guide makes a convincing case for their cultural and historical significance.

The itineraries are practical, whether you're looking for a quick stopover or a deeper exploration of hidden valleys and thermal pools. Volcán Poás and La Paz Waterfall Gardens stand out as must-visit destinations, while the inclusion of offbeat spots like Zarcero’s surreal topiary park and Juan Castro Blanco’s remote cloud forests adds a welcome layer of discovery. Overall, this chapter treats the Central Valley not just as a transit hub but as a destination worth lingering in.

Caribbean Coast

This chapter does a fantastic job capturing the vibrant, untamed spirit of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. It embraces the region’s Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous influences, weaving them into a compelling travel narrative that balances cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, and adventure.

The chapter smartly acknowledges the rapid transformation of the Caribbean, highlighting the delicate balance between tourism growth and ecological preservation.

The breakdown of destinations, Tortuguero’s wildlife-rich canals, Limón’s cultural heartbeat, Cahuita’s nostalgic charm, and Puerto Viejo’s lively surf scene, provides a well-rounded perspective.

The itineraries are flexible, catering to both adrenaline junkies and laid-back beachgoers. The inclusion of lesser-known experiences, like the Camino de Costa Rica hike or farm visits in Laguna 4, enriches the guide beyond the usual highlights.

The writing is engaging and full of local insight, particularly in sections that detail the complexities of the region’s history, from Afro-Caribbean segregation to the environmental impacts of banana plantations. It also excels at practical advice, from turtle-watching etiquette to navigating remote villages.

Overall, this chapter successfully showcases the Caribbean as a destination of contrasts, wild yet welcoming, historic yet evolving, and undeniably one of Costa Rica’s most captivating regions.

Northwestern Costa Rica

This chapter excels at capturing the adventurous spirit and ecological richness of Northwestern Costa Rica. The blend of volcanic landscapes, misty cloud forests, and sun-drenched savannas creates a dynamic setting that is both diverse and inviting. The writing successfully conveys the raw beauty of this region, making it an essential stop for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

One of the biggest strengths of this chapter is its structure. It highlights well-known destinations like Monteverde and Rincón de la Vieja while also shining a light on lesser-known gems like Río Celeste, Santa Rosa, and the waterfalls around Tilarán.

The descriptions are vivid and immersive, drawing the reader into the landscapes with poetic language, especially in Monteverde, where the cloud forest is brought to life with sensory-rich details. The quetzal-spotting tips, waterfall-hopping recommendations, and community-driven tourism initiatives add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Another highlight is the practical itinerary guidance. The chapter does an excellent job helping travelers plan their days, whether they’re looking for a short getaway, a week-long exploration, or a deep dive into birdwatching and conservation. Itineraries are realistic, balancing adventure and relaxation, and emphasizing sustainability, especially with the emphasis on ecolodges and locally owned businesses.

The food and lodging sections stand out for their specificity. Unique dining experiences, like the San Lucas Dining Experience or the farm-to-table concepts, elevate the guide beyond generic restaurant listings.

The part on Monteverde’s thriving food scene, in particular, highlights how the town has grown into a culinary destination as well as an adventure hub.

Overall, this chapter provides an engaging, well-researched, and inspiring look at Northwestern Costa Rica. It balances adventure, conservation, and cultural immersion, making it a fantastic resource for travelers who want to experience the region in a meaningful way.

Arenal & the Northern Lowlands

The Arenal & Northern Lowlands chapter is a well-balanced guide that captures the region’s mix of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife experiences. It highlights La Fortuna as a bustling hub with activities ranging from ziplining and canyoning to hot springs and sloth-spotting, while also encouraging exploration beyond Arenal.

Destinations like Sarapiquí, Caño Negro, and Boca Tapada offer ecolodges, birdwatching, and remote rainforest experiences. Practical tips on itineraries, wildlife spotting, and local cultural interactions, such as Maleku community visits and farm-to-table tours, make the guide especially useful.

While the chapter does a great job of showcasing the area’s diversity, it could emphasize sustainability more, considering the tourism pressure on Arenal’s ecosystems. Additionally, clearer advice on accessibility for remote locations would help travelers plan better.

Overall, it’s an engaging and informative section that successfully blends must-see attractions with hidden gems, making it valuable for both first-time and seasoned travelers.

Península de Nicoya

The Península de Nicoya chapter effectively captures the region’s blend of stunning beaches, world-class surfing, and laid-back, eclectic communities. It highlights diverse destinations like Tamarindo’s party scene, Santa Teresa’s surf culture, Montezuma’s bohemian charm, and Sámara’s family-friendly vibes.

The guide also details unique natural experiences, from bioluminescence tours and turtle nesting sites to hidden beaches and waterfalls. Practical travel tips, seasonal highlights, and itinerary suggestions help travelers plan, whether they seek adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.

While the chapter successfully conveys the peninsula’s appeal, it could benefit from clearer navigation advice, as road conditions can be challenging. More emphasis on sustainability, particularly in high-tourism areas like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, would also be useful.

Overall, it’s an engaging and informative guide that balances must-visit hotspots with off-the-beaten-path gems, making it a valuable resource for any traveler looking to explore this captivating coastal region.

Central Pacific Coast

The Central Pacific Coast chapter effectively showcases the region’s diverse appeal, from Jacó’s energetic surf and party scene to Dominical’s laid-back bohemian vibe, Uvita’s nature-focused adventures, and Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio’s stunning blend of jungle and beach.

The guide provides well-structured itineraries that cater to surfers, nature lovers, and relaxation seekers, emphasizing key attractions like Nauyaca Waterfalls, Playa Ventanas’ sea caves, and Río Tárcoles’ crocodile-filled waters. The coverage of seasonal highlights, local dining, and hidden gems, such as Ojochal’s fine-dining scene, enhances its practicality for travelers.

While the chapter excels in its detailed breakdown of towns and activities, it could benefit from more insights on budget-friendly transport options beyond rental cars and buses, as well as safety advice for tide-sensitive hikes and remote beaches.

Additionally, while the surfing recommendations are strong, including non-surfing activities in Jacó and Dominical would make the section more well-rounded. Overall, this is a compelling and informative guide that successfully balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration along Costa Rica’s vibrant Central Pacific Coast.

Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

The Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa chapter masterfully captures the region’s untamed wilderness, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural heritage. It presents a compelling mix of ecotourism, adventure, and indigenous experiences, from summiting Cerro Chirripó to snorkeling in Isla del Caño and exploring the Brörán and Boruca communities.

The focus on conservation and sustainability is a standout, particularly in sections about Cloudbridge Nature Reserve and Parque Nacional Corcovado. Additionally, seasonal highlights and local voices add authenticity, helping travelers understand the best times to visit and the importance of indigenous traditions.

While the chapter excels in storytelling and cultural depth, more detailed transportation logistics would improve accessibility for travelers venturing into this remote region. A clearer breakdown of bus schedules, 4WD requirements, and boat routes would be useful, along with expanded sections on eco-friendly accommodations and dining options.

Practical tips for adventure activities, such as gear recommendations and fitness level requirements, would also enhance the guide’s usability. Overall, this chapter is a well-rounded and immersive resource for travelers looking to experience one of Costa Rica’s wildest and most rewarding regions.

Review of Section 3: Toolkit

The Toolkit section is an invaluable resource, covering essential travel logistics, safety, and cultural insights to help visitors navigate Costa Rica with ease. It provides practical guidance on everything from transportation, currency exchange, and accommodations to family-friendly travel, LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and accessible tourism.

Highlights of this section include:

1. Practical Tips: Car rentals, currency, eco-conscious travel.
2. Transport & Accessibility: Public transit, national parks, street food.
3. Sustainability Focus: Supports local communities, conservation, and indigenous culture.

While comprehensive, this section could benefit from more clarity on navigating public transportation, such as a breakdown of major bus routes and schedules. Some sections, like driving conditions and rental car insurance, could be streamlined to avoid redundancy.

Additionally, more insights on lesser-known dining options, including budget-friendly eats and hidden culinary gems, would be a welcome addition.

The LGBTIQ+ and accessible travel sections are strong but could expand on rural inclusivity and transportation challenges. Overall, the Toolkit is a well-rounded, highly informative guide that ensures travelers are well-prepared, safe, and able to make the most of their Costa Rican adventure.

Review of Section 4: Storybook

The Storybook section provides a captivating deep dive into Costa Rica’s history, culture, and unique identity, weaving together historical milestones, personal narratives, and ecological achievements. The segment "A History of Costa Rica in 15 Places" is particularly compelling, using key locations to trace the country’s transformation, from pre-Columbian civilizations and colonial settlements to its groundbreaking decision to abolish the military.

This narrative approach makes history engaging and accessible, highlighting Costa Rica’s resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted commitment to conservation. Meet the Costa Ricans offers an insightful look into the Tico way of life, emphasizing cultural diversity, linguistic nuances, and a strong sense of community.

The section on beach accessibility laws and the abolition of the military reinforces Costa Rica’s progressive values, showcasing how the nation prioritizes peace, education, and environmental preservation over military power.

However, while the Storybook excels in storytelling, some sections could benefit from a more concise structure to maintain engagement. Certain historical entries, such as the Battle of Santa Rosa or Miravalles Geothermal Plant, provide rich details but might be streamlined for readability. The personal perspectives, such as Alejandra Murillo’s account of Tico culture, add authenticity but could be integrated more seamlessly with broader themes.

Additionally, more visual elements, like infographics or historical timelines, could enhance comprehension. Overall, this section is a vivid, well-researched tribute to Costa Rica’s heritage and ethos, making it an essential read for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the country beyond its landscapes and adventure tourism.

Final Thoughts

Lonely Planet’s Costa Rica guidebook has definitely answered many of my questions including the best time to travel to Costa Rica . The guide excels in its comprehensive coverage, blending practical travel tips with engaging storytelling, making it both a useful and immersive resource.

From detailed destination insights in the On the Road section to ecotourism highlights, cultural deep dives, and historical narratives, the book balances functionality and inspiration exceptionally well. The Storybook section, in particular, adds depth to the country’s history and identity, making it more than just a travel guide, it’s a window into Costa Rica’s soul.

However, while the book is meticulously researched, some sections could be more concise, especially when discussing historical events or niche topics. Additionally, more visuals (maps, infographics, or comparison charts) could further enhance usability.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Lonely Planet Costa Rica remains a top-tier guidebook that caters to all types of travelers, from eco-adventurers to history buffs. With its rich details, local insights, and strong focus on sustainable travel, it deserves a solid 4.5 out of 5, a must-have for anyone planning to experience the magic of Costa Rica.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

Author: Susan Bel