Jane always knew she wasn't destined for a desk job... She has travelled all over the world and is passionate about noodles, sloths and her hiking boots! When she isn't busy adventuring around the world, you can find her reviewing travel gear and dishing out travel tips to all the places she's visited.
Looking for an Airbnb in Costa Rica? You’re on the right track. Staying at an Airbnb in Costa Rica is the best way to make the most out of your vacation, regardless of what kind of traveler you are.
From epic jungle stays high in the trees to lavish villas right on the beach, the properties around Costa Rica are simply unmatched.
There’s so much variety when it comes to Airbnb in Costa Rica that you can find a stay that’s perfectly suited to you and your specific needs. On a budget? There are stays for you. Looking for a pool? That can happen! Need space for a large group? You betcha.
To make the hunt that much easier, we’ve narrowed things down to our 20 favorite vacation homes, VRBOs, and Airbnbs in Costa Rica to showcase some of the best stays in the area and help you find the most enchanting accommodation for your next trip.Â
Editor’s Note: Please note that Airbnb recently made changes to their program so in this article, we are including links to other options like VRBO or Booking.com which have much lower booking fees.
Check out 20 of our top picks for best Airbnb in Costa Rica. There are so many mind blowing stays here… Take a look at our choices and see the magic for yourself!
Casa Luz
Images courtesy of Airbnb
Type: Entire Home (1BR, 1B)
Location: Santa Juana
Superhost: Yes
Price: $
An absolutely gorgeous Airbnb in Costa Rica for a budget price, Casa Luz is the ultimate vacation pad for couples.
It’s set within a twelve acre gated community with waterfalls, a river and plenty of local flora and fauna to become acquainted with the Costa Rican environment.Â
This stunning house features floor to ceiling glass windows on all sides to take in the glorious jungle views… Keep your eyes out for local visitors like toucans, butterflies and even the odd monkey!
You’ll feel right at home in this space with comfortable lounge furniture, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and air conditioning. When things start to heat up a bit, have a soak in the plunge pool. Â
P.S., This Airbnb’s little sister,Casita Luz is also available to book!
Why We Love It: Jungle home with floor to ceiling glass windows.
This bright villa is such a sweet vacation home in Costa Rica. It’s in a quieter neighborhood between Santa Teresa and Carmen Beach, giving you easy access to all that this seaside paradise has to offer.
This villa is simple but elegant with lots of raw and polished wood to create a warm feel. There’s a large backyard with a covered porch, outdoor dining table, and pool, along with a BBQ and a hammock for swinging the day away.
With three sunny bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, there’s room for your entire group at this Airbnb, and the daily cleaning service is definitely a plus for your inevitably busy schedule.
Inside you’ll find a large sectional for chilled out afternoons and a full kitchen complete with an island and bar seats for chef’s helpers.
Why We Love It: Bright group villa with easy access to Santa Teresa Beach.
Wake up to the cloud forest every day at this amazing historic villa in Monteverde. This vacation home in Costa Rica has a distinct charm that’s hard to find in other parts of the country.
A classic Spanish villa with a few twists, this home has high ceilings, arched doorways, and lots of unique touches throughout the home.
Gather around the fireplace on plush couches or share a group meal at the formal dining table. Stock up on groceries before your stay and use the kitchen to cook your heart out!
The bedrooms are dripping in natural light with French doors leading to the outside world… Step out onto the terrace to soak in the thrilling views of rolling mountains and the jungle below.Â
Why We Love It: Spanish style villa with cloud forest views.
It’s a studio layout with a queen size bed, dining table and kitchenette. The apartment also has air conditioning and a plethora of building amenities to take advantage of.Â
Stay in style at this vacation home in Costa Rica in the trees. Accessed by a swinging bridge, this stunning treehouse is the perfect stay for adventurous travelers.Â
The space is bright and luxurious with two comfortable bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom (with views from the shower!).
There are large living space and a kitchen for cooking meals… Just note that there’s no oven.
However, this is a small sacrifice to make when you see the views from the huge windows. Overlooking the jungle and perched in the trees, soak in the scenery from the teak wood deck, the hanging hammock, or the private plunge pool.
Why We Love It: Jungle treehouse with luxury interiors.
This dreamy treehouse is an ideal upscale stay for couples or a small group of friends. It’s a large space with lots of room to lounge around while taking in the incredible views of the jungle and mountains beyond.Â
There’s a large living space with a super modern kitchen and a bed nestled under the A-Frame roof surrounded by heaps of windows.Â
For some outside time, enjoy the floating jacuzzi, lay back in the hammock, or fire up the grill for a BBQ.Â
Why We Love It: Beautifully designed treehouse with jungle and mountain views.
This sleek villa above Playa Flamingo is an alluring place to call home if you’re looking for a vacation rental in Costa Rica. With views of the ocean and coastline as far as the eye can see, a stay here is a true treat when it comes to relaxing and recharging.
Villa Macapa has a large indoor lounge that looks out into the garden, a fully functional kitchen, and trendy accents spread throughout the home.
The king size bedrooms will not disappoint with comfortable mattresses, ensuite bathrooms and their own balconies to lounge on when you need some space from the rest of the group.
While the beach is only a five minute drive away, if you feel like hanging around home, lounge by the pool or tan on the loungers. It’s the best spot around to catch sunset! Also be sure to book the French chef for a fancy night in.
Why We Love It: Upscale villa with an incredible view, pool, and balconies off every room.
This beautiful green home was completely redone in 2010 and still retains the original layout. There are super high ceilings, hand painted decorations, and wide open shutters in every room to let in the breeze.
Here you’ll find three bedrooms, an extremely spacious kitchen, a sprawling front porch, and even a private pool and sauna to enjoy during your stay. The guest house is surrounded by tropical gardens where you’ll have a high chance of spotting some of Costa Rica’s treasured local creatures.Â
During your stay, be sure to take a tour of the farm to learn about the history of the property and the local products they produce!
Why We Love It: Revamped historic home on a coffee farm with a private pool and sauna.
Hoping to eat your heart out in Costa Rica? This vacation home in Jacó is a prime time spot near some of the best restaurants in the area. Spend your days having lazy meals in between laying on the beach, which is only a ten minute walk away.
On days when you feel like skipping the sand, there’s a shared pool with loungers just outside the apartment.
This sweet little loft has an industrial feel to it with high ceilings and exposed brick, concrete and wooden details. There are lots of unique design elements throughout the space like thoughtfully placed outlets, interesting storage options, and saloon doors to the bathroom.
A hip and stylish environment, you’ll feel perfectly at home with the small lounge, kitchenette, and cozy bedroom. Plus the large windows ensure you’ll never miss out on the view.
Why We Love It: Urban style apartment near the beach with a shared pool.
Enjoy an otherworldly stay at this vacation home in Costa Rica. A total oasis high above Tres RÃos, you’ll be blown away by everything from the view to the gorgeous interiors of this space.
This two bedroom ecolodge can sleep up to seven guests and is a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities and beaches of Costa Rica.Â
Both of the bedrooms are chic suites with polished concrete floors, whitewashed walls, and bamboo detailing. With an ensuite bathroom, you’ll never be far from your own personal rain shower.
There are plenty of lounge spaces throughout the home, an open plan kitchen, and a large wrap around deck for taking in the panoramic sea and jungle views.Â
To top it off, have a dip in the cool plunge pool that hangs over the jungle canopy.Â
Why We Love It: Peaceful ecolodge with panoramic views and a plunge pool.
A magnificent home high in the trees, this Costa Rica vacation home is definitely what dreams are made of. Located in Finca Bellavista, this off the grid stay is the ideal place to disconnect and get back to nature.
There are lots of hiking trails accessed from the house that takes you through the forest to waterfalls and local treasures. You’ll find that there’s lots to explore in the area by foot, making it an exciting stay for outdoor lovers.Â
This contemporary paradise is ideal for two couples or a small family, with sun soaked bedrooms, a huge kitchen, and multiple outdoor decks.Â
There’s lots of room to hang around at this Airbnb in Costa Rica, whether it’s outside on the lounge furniture or inside on the massive sectional with a projector for watching movies.
Start off your days or end your evenings in the plunge pool, with your eyes peeled for toucans, parrots and monkeys! There are also greenhouses next to the deck with lots of home grown goodies.Â
Why We Love It: Well located treetop home with lots of natural light and hiking trails.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of this charming apartment is the original graffiti covering the walls made by the local artist Mush. It’s also worth noting that this stay has a killer balcony with a telescope to explore the city from home.
This building has plenty of amenities to enjoy like 24 hour reception, laundry, a gym, pool, library, working area, and a rooftop deck.Â
Nothing quite compares to volcano views and this Costa Rica vacation home is loaded with them! Sitting just ten minutes from La Fortuna Town, this house faces the Arenal Volcano for crazy views your entire stay.
A designer villa with floor to ceiling glass walls, this entire home was built to maximize the view. Whether you’re sitting in the living room, swimming in the pool or waking up in the master bedroom, you’ll be able to see the grand Arenal standing tall above the jungle.
There’s a second bedroom with two queen beds if you’re traveling with family or friends, and a bright kitchen for cooking meals.Â
If you aren’t that great on the stove, you can also book the private chef to come and craft a delectable three course meal… That is, after the couples massage, that’re also available at the property.
Why We Love It: Villa with glass walls and a volcano view!
Sleep in your own jungle geodome at this glamping resort in Miramar! This vacation in Costa Rica is among the most unique as it gives you a totally original way to experience some of the most magical views of the Gulf of Nicoya.Â
The dome is totally secluded with clear walls, a large bed, a private outdoor kitchen, dining area, and bathroom.Â
Just out of the dome’s front door, you’ll find a hanging net for lounging around and enjoying the views suspended high above the treetops… How romantic!
The property also has a crystal clear pool for you to enjoy during your stay and some of the most magical stargazing imaginable once the sun goes down.
Why We Love It: Secluded dome with suspended net lounger, an outdoor kitchen, and a pool.
Built into the side of a cliff, this luxury villa is a top vacation home in Costa Rica due to its impeccable style and flawless design.
With two story glass windows, this home boasts glorious ocean views, and the wrap around infinity pool is a nice touch to soak in the local scenery.Â
The master bedroom is truly remarkable with a king size bed, cliff viewpoint, and a soaking tub with an incredible ocean view. The other two bedrooms feature queen size beds with a shared bathroom and air conditioning.
Other spaces to enjoy in this villa are the full movie theater, teakwood deck, and the large kitchen ready for cooking. There’s also incredible hiking on the property that crosses rivers, waterfalls, and natural pools!
Why We Love It: Cliffside villa with ocean views from every room, an infinity pool, and hiking trails.
This one of a kind vacation home in Costa Rica is an open-air bungalow ideal for yogis, surfers, or wildlife lovers! It’s set just three minutes from the beach, meaning you can spend your days splashing in the waves before settling back into the cozy jungle environment at night.
The bungalow is a decent size with two floors. Up top, you’ll find a double bed nestled under a palapa, and down below is an open air kitchen and a lounge area with a hammock and chairs for enjoying the sunset.Â
Other elements to love here are the outdoor shower, sustainable atmosphere, and inevitable daily wildlife encounters.
Why We Love It: Open air surf bungalow with ocean and jungle views.
An architectural gem in Heredia, this vacation home in Costa Rica offers once in a lifetime stays for adventurous travelers.
Design lovers rejoice as this home is everything and more. The unique structure has an interesting shape and looks almost like a spaceship when lit up at night.
There are two large, angular bedrooms, a funky living space, and more glass than you could ever imagine to soak in the surroundings.
This place is perfect for a romantic getaway as there are two balconies, a BBQ, a fire pit, and a jacuzzi to enjoy time with your loved one.Â
Why We Love It: Interestingly designed home with a fire pit, jacuzzi, and mountain views.
If you’re hoping to come back from your Costa Rican getaway with a fresh tan, this lovely little house right next to the beach is truly one of the best vacation home options around.
It’s a charming two person bungalow with a spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom, stocked kitchen and outdoor dining area. There’s also an outdoor shower for rinsing off after the beach and hammocks for lazy afternoons at the house.
During your stay, enjoy touches of local artwork throughout the home and the mango trees that attract monkeys and lots of different kinds of birds.Â
Why We Love It: Lovely two person bungalow 300 meters from the beach.
Escape in style at this sprawling house in Uvita. Boasting magnificent sea views and some of the best sunsets imaginable, this luxury property is among the best vacation homes in Costa Rica.
With wood ceilings, floors, and paneling on the wall coupled with polished wooden furniture, there’s a warm vibe throughout the entire home that blends well with the open air concept. Move seamlessly from the kitchen, living, and dining rooms to the back patio with an infinity pool and loungers for your enjoyment.
There’s tons of space for a big group here, with a humongous dining table, two kitchen islands, and a whopping seven bedrooms, and 7.5 bathrooms to round the place out.
Other breathtaking features of this Costa Rica vacation rentals include a stand alone stone soaking tub, massive walk in showers, and a separate treehouse with a bed and bathroom just for fun!
Why We Love It: Lavish villa covered with wood with epic sunset views and an infinity pool.
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Looking for things to do in Costa Rica during your time there? These Airbnb experiences are a great way to experience local life firsthand and have an off the beaten path adventure!
Make Artesanal Chocolate, Bean to Bar – Indulge at this experience where you’ll learn the entire chocolate making process from scratch. Of course, there will be plenty of tasting along the way, and a knowledgeable instructor who will educate you about the process.Â
10 Hidden Waterfalls w/ Local Cuisine – Hit the jungle with a local guide who will take you on a guided trek to different waterfalls where you’ll be able to jump from the top or swim in the pools. Afterwards, you’ll get to experience Costa Rican cuisine from a local grandmother… Yum!
ATV Tour Beach and Mountain – If you want to see the best of Costa Rica, this experience is where it’s at. You’ll get to cruise along on ATVs, making your way from the mountains to the beach with lots of photo ops along the way.
Packing for Your Trip
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