More Than Beaches and Volcanoes

When most people think about Costa Rica, they picture lush rainforests, endless beaches, and volcano hikes. But for food lovers, there’s a whole other side of the country that’s just as exciting—its food. Costa Rican cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of local flavor. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a quiet mountain or trying gallo pinto in a small town, food here is part of the experience.

For couples looking to share unique meals and for travelers who care about sustainable choices, Costa Rica offers a mix of tradition and creativity that’s hard to resist. From farmers’ markets to cooking classes and food tours, Costa Rica invites you to taste its culture one plate at a time.

Start with the Basics: What Locals Eat Every Day

A good way to begin your foodie journey is by tasting the meals locals enjoy daily. One of the most iconic dishes is gallo pinto, a mix of rice and beans cooked with onion, pepper, and cilantro. It’s usually served at breakfast with eggs, tortillas, and sometimes fried plantains or fresh cheese. You’ll find it in homes, small restaurants called sodas, and even in hotels.

Another favorite is casado, a lunchtime classic made with rice, beans, a protein (like chicken, beef, pork, or fish), and sides such as salad, plantains, and sometimes spaghetti. It’s filling, affordable, and varies slightly depending on the region.

Don’t miss olla de carne, a traditional beef and vegetable stew perfect for rainy days, or chorreadas, sweet corn pancakes that go great with a bit of sour cream.

Sweet Treats and Fresh Drinks

Costa Rica also has plenty of local sweets and drinks. Try tres leches, a soft sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, or cajetas, candies made from condensed milk or coconut. Fresh fruit is everywhere, so you’ll often see smoothies (called batidos) made with papaya, pineapple, mango, or guanábana.

Coffee lovers are in for a treat too. Costa Rica is known worldwide for its high-quality coffee, and you can enjoy a cup straight from the source in the highland regions. Many coffee farms offer tours where you can learn about the process from bean to cup.

Regional Flavors to Discover

Each part of the country has its own twist on traditional flavors. On the Caribbean coast, the food takes influence from Afro-Caribbean culture. You’ll find rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, served with spicy chicken or fish. In the Nicoya Peninsula, food is often simple and includes corn-based dishes, grilled meats, and hearty soups.

In the Central Valley, near San José, you’ll find a growing number of restaurants offering modern takes on local classics, often using organic and locally grown ingredients. Many chefs are passionate about sustainability and work closely with nearby farms and markets.

Food Tours Costa Rica: Tasting with Purpose

One of the best ways to dive into the local food scene is through guided experiences. Food tours Costa Rica offer more than just a chance to try delicious dishes. They often include stops at markets, visits to local farms, and chances to meet the people who grow, cook, and serve the food.

You might walk through a small town trying fresh tortillas, taste seasonal fruits at a market, or join a cacao tour to learn how traditional chocolate is made. These experiences are perfect for couples who want something more personal and meaningful during their trip.

Cooking classes are another great option. Many are led by local families who open their homes to teach you how to make traditional recipes. You’ll not only eat well but leave with skills and stories to share.

Eat Local, Travel Smart

For travelers who care about sustainability, Costa Rican cuisine is naturally aligned with those values. Meals are often made with fresh, local ingredients. Markets are full of fruits and vegetables grown nearby, and seafood is usually caught in small batches, not industrially. Choosing small, locally-owned restaurants helps support the communities you’re visiting and reduces the environmental impact of your trip.

A Delicious Way to Explore

Eating your way through Costa Rica is a journey full of flavor, tradition, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re sharing a casado with your partner in a mountain soda or sipping coffee while watching the clouds roll by, food becomes a memory tied to place and people. It’s a way to slow down, to connect, and to taste what makes Costa Rica special.

To fully enjoy the country’s culinary stops—hidden roadside spots, mountain cafés, or coastal food shacks—it helps to have your own wheels. Renting a car in Costa Rica with Poas Rent a Car gives you the freedom to find those local places off the beaten path, take your time, and travel at your pace. With great service and reliable vehicles, it’s the best way to discover Costa Rica, one bite at a time.

Why Conservation Matters in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and amazing animals, but there’s something even more special going on here: nature is protected and cared for like nowhere else. If you’re planning a trip and want to travel responsibly, Costa Rica is the perfect place to start.

For years, locals, guides, and even families have worked together to take care of the rainforests, rivers, and wildlife. Many places that tourists visit today were once in danger. Now, thanks to smart choices and love for the land, you can walk through peaceful forests, hear howler monkeys, and maybe even spot a sloth hanging in the trees.

This commitment to Costa Rica conservation makes every visit more meaningful. You’re not just seeing a beautiful country. You’re supporting one that truly protects its natural treasures.

How Costa Rica Protects Its Rainforests

In Costa Rica, protecting nature is a team effort. It involves national parks, local communities, eco-friendly businesses, and yes, travelers like you.

Many areas have been turned into protected parks or wildlife reserves. This means no one can build there or harm the animals and trees. These spaces give wildlife a safe home and allow people to visit without hurting the environment.

Some families and landowners also choose to keep their land forested instead of clearing it. There are even programs that help them take care of the trees and wildlife, making it a good option for both the environment and their communities.

There are also “wildlife corridors” that help animals move safely between forests. This way, they don’t get trapped in small areas and can live more freely.

All these efforts are part of why sustainable tourism is so strong here. Costa Rica wants people to visit, but in a way that’s kind to nature.

What You Can Do as a Traveler

The good news is, helping is easy, and it makes your trip even better.

Choose Eco-Friendly Hotels

Look for hotels or lodges that care about the planet. Many use solar energy, recycle, and serve food made with local ingredients. Some even support nearby conservation projects. Staying at these places means your visit helps protect the area you’re enjoying.

Pick Responsible Tours

A good guide will respect the animals and the land. Choose tours that keep groups small and follow safe paths. Whether you’re walking through the rainforest or kayaking down a river, try to support guides and companies that care about sustainability.

Keep Nature Clean and Safe

Don’t touch wild animals or get too close. It might seem fun, but it can stress them out. Stick to the trails, take your trash with you, and avoid using plastic whenever possible. Bring a reusable water bottle, and you’ll help more than you think.

Support Local Businesses

Eat at small restaurants, buy handmade souvenirs, and hire local guides. This helps the people who live in these areas and gives them more reasons to protect their surroundings.

Why It Makes Your Trip Better

Traveling in a way that supports Costa Rica conservation doesn’t mean giving up fun. It actually adds to your experience. You’ll feel more connected to the places you visit and know your trip is doing some good along the way.

Couples especially love this kind of travel. It’s calm, meaningful, and filled with moments you’ll remember, like watching toucans fly overhead or listening to the sounds of the rainforest at night.

And the best part? The locals appreciate visitors who care. You’ll find that people are happy to share their stories and their knowledge of the land with those who respect it.

See More with Poas Rent a Car

To really explore Costa Rica’s rainforests, small towns, and hidden viewpoints, it’s best to have your own transportation. Renting a car in Costa Rica with Poas Rent a Car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop when something catches your eye, and visit places that tours often skip. With great service and comfortable vehicles, it’s the perfect way to make the most of your sustainable trip.

Looking for a couples vacation in Costa Rica that blends nature, privacy, and sustainability? Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or just time away together, Costa Rica has the ideal settings for reconnecting. With its tropical landscapes, eco-conscious stays, and peaceful beaches, this country offers more than just beauty—it creates unforgettable shared moments. Below, we explore romantic Costa Rica through destinations that are perfect for couples who value both comfort and a mindful approach to travel.

Why Costa Rica is a Top Choice for Couples

Couples from around the world are drawn to Costa Rica for its mix of adventure, serenity, and strong focus on sustainability. The country’s diverse regions allow you to plan a vacation that matches your shared interests—whether it’s soaking in hot springs, walking through cloud forests, or enjoying quiet sunsets by the sea.

Costa Rica’s commitment to protecting its environment means you’ll find many boutique hotels and lodges that follow eco-friendly practices, such as using solar energy, recycling, or sourcing food locally. This makes it a favorite among couples who want a meaningful travel experience with a lower impact.

1. Osa Peninsula – Intimate Rainforest Escapes

Located in the southern Pacific region, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. It’s a haven for couples looking to disconnect from the noise of daily life and immerse themselves in untouched nature.

Eco-lodges here are usually built with sustainability in mind, offering open-air bungalows with views of the ocean or rainforest. Mornings often begin with the sound of howler monkeys or tropical birds. You can hike together through Corcovado National Park, kayak along the Golfo Dulce, or simply enjoy the stillness from a hammock. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and nature takes center stage.

2. La Fortuna & Arenal – Relaxation and Volcano Views

La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano, offers couples the best of both worlds: peaceful moments in natural hot springs and exciting activities like ziplining or waterfall hikes. The area is filled with eco-resorts and wellness retreats designed to help couples unwind.

Imagine soaking in thermal pools surrounded by tropical gardens or enjoying a couple’s massage after a morning hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Many accommodations also have private balconies with views of the volcano, perfect for romantic evenings. The region promotes sustainable tourism through conservation programs and locally owned businesses.

3. Santa Teresa – Beachside Peace and Surf Culture

On the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has become a favorite for couples seeking sun, surf, and slow living. This small beach town is known for its stunning coastline, laid-back atmosphere, and boutique hotels that often run on renewable energy or practice water conservation.

Days here are best spent barefoot—walking along the beach, joining a yoga class, or sharing a sunset ride on horseback. Many restaurants in town offer organic, locally sourced meals. Whether you surf together or simply relax under the palm trees, Santa Teresa offers a calm and romantic rhythm.

4. Monteverde – Misty Forest Walks and Cozy Lodges

If you prefer cooler temperatures and forest views, Monteverde is a romantic retreat in the mountains. Its cloud forest reserve is a unique environment filled with hummingbirds, orchids, and the occasional glimpse of a quetzal.

Couples can book cabins or eco-lodges perched on hillsides, complete with fireplaces and panoramic windows. Daytime walks on hanging bridges or through butterfly gardens are peaceful and memorable. At night, join a guided nature walk to hear the sounds of the forest after dark. Sustainability is a big part of life here, with many accommodations certified by the country’s CST (Sustainable Tourism Certification) program.

5. Puerto Viejo – Color, Culture, and Caribbean Breezes

On the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo combines vibrant culture with natural beauty. This small town has a unique Afro-Caribbean influence, seen in its food, music, and warm local hospitality.

Couples can spend their days biking to nearby beaches like Punta Uva or Playa Cocles, visiting wildlife rescue centers, or snorkeling in Cahuita National Park. Accommodations range from beachfront cabins to jungle bungalows, many of which are built with sustainable materials and a strong connection to the community. It’s a lively yet intimate place to spend quality time together.

Make the Most of Your Couples Vacation in Costa Rica

The beauty of Costa Rica lies in its diversity—there’s a romantic destination for every kind of couple, whether you’re looking for quiet nature, soft sand, or cool mountain air. Choosing eco-conscious places to stay, supporting local businesses, and traveling responsibly adds even more meaning to your time together.

One of the best ways to experience romantic Costa Rica is by road. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach destinations that feel personal and private. To start your journey, rent a car in Costa Rica with Poas Rent a Car. Their reliable vehicles and excellent service make it easy to travel together, wherever love takes you.