Tárcoles · Jacó · Esterillos · Quepos
Central Pacific
Jacó and Herradura, Esterillos or Quepos and Manuel Antonio? Choose the coastal base around the outing you most want.
WITH JUSTIN NIELSEN · OVER 20 YEARS HERE
Costa Rica,
from the inside.
The Pacific coast, green inland towns, and the practical side of making Costa Rica part of your life. Explore the places, understand the differences, and see where the next visit could take you.
EXPLORE THE COUNTRY
Choose your setting.
San Ramón · Atenas · Grecia · Sarchí
Western Central Valley
Town mornings, coffee country and Sarchí’s craft tradition. Explore San Ramón, Palmares, Grecia, Sarchí and Atenas at the scale of daily life.
Northern Plains · San Carlos
Arenal & La Fortuna
Forest trails, hot springs and an inland town base. Choose the experience first, then the place you would like to return to.
THE JOURNAL
Read before you go.
A Central Pacific weekend, without the rush
A three-day plan with two clear options: Jacó and Carara, or Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Pick a base, choose one main outing and enjoy the coast.
Read the guideExplore
Which Costa Rica region fits your trip?
Eight starting points, from Pacific surf towns to inland coffee country. Choose the experiences you want, then a base that makes them possible.
Read the guideLife here
Costa Rica in green season: plan around the rain
A region-by-region weather mindset, a better backup plan and the accommodation details that make rainy afternoons enjoyable.
Read the guideMAKE THE CHOICE CLEARER
Which Costa Rica fits your plans?
Compare the coast, inland towns and everyday practicalities. The finder suggests areas to explore; the regional guides explain the tradeoffs.
THE PERSON BEHIND JUST IN COSTA RICA
Hi, I’m Justin.
Costa Rica has been home for over 20 years. My work has taken me into real estate, building and property investment, but there is much more to life here than property.
This is where those interests meet: places to explore, practical context for a longer stay, and the Costa Rica life I share through @justincostarica.
WHEN A PLACE STARTS TO FEEL LIKE HOME
Thinking about a home here?
Explore homes, land and relocation guidance with Justin Nielsen and Evelyn Bulakar at Costa Investing.