Our favorite hotels and eco-lodges around San Isidro, Costa Rica

<h2>Best Places to Stay in San Isidro of El General</h2>&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1660170904/alta_gracia_san_isidro_perez_zeledon_misty_landscape_a315e8598c.jpg" alt="Forests and farmlands in the morning light, San Isidro de El General" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1660170904/thumbnail_alta_gracia_san_isidro_perez_zeledon_misty_landscape_a315e8598c.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1660170905/small_alta_gracia_san_isidro_perez_zeledon_misty_landscape_a315e8598c.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1660170905/medium_alta_gracia_san_isidro_perez_zeledon_misty_landscape_a315e8598c.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1660170905/large_alta_gracia_san_isidro_perez_zeledon_misty_landscape_a315e8598c.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;San Isidro of El General is a charming agricultural town in southern Costa Rica. It sits on a valley surrounded by forests, farmlands, and the mountains and hills that protect it. It offers travelers a snapshot of authentic Costa Rican life and culture, with access to breathtaking scenery, hiking, and birdwatching.The valley is nestled between Talamanca, Costa Rica’s biggest mountain range, and Fila Brunqueña, a minor mountain range parallel to Talamanca that leads to the Pacific coast. This gives San Isidro a privileged location, close both to mountains and beaches. San Isidro is characterized by its agricultural activities and is often used as a pit-stop for many travelers either traveling further south to the <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/osa-peninsula/">Osa Peninsula</a> or further west to <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/dominical/">Dominical Beach</a> and <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/uvita/">Uvita</a>.Staying in the San Isidro area allows you to disconnect from the bustling everyday life. There are various accommodation options in San Isidro, from rustic lodges and cabins, locally-famous and decades-old hotels, to a couple of luxury options. <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/san-isidro/stay/hacienda-alta-gracia/">Hacienda AltaGracia</a> is the most luxurious by far, focused on experiencing rural Costa Rica with the highest standards of modern hospitality. In addition to the intimacy and privacy it provides due to its location, horse lovers in particular will enjoy this hotel. It has some of the best stables in the country and it’s a paradise for equine enthusiasts.<h2>No Mountain High Enough, No Valley Low Enough</h2>One of the main reasons local and international travelers come to San Isidro is to have a homebase for extreme hiking. <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/chirripo/">Mount Chirripó</a> is the highest peak in Costa Rica at 12,536 feet (3,821 meters), and its best access point is in the San Isidro area. An iconic sight of the valley is Los Crestones (the Crests). The Crests are a rocky formation that, when the day is clear, you can see from San Isidro. A prized achievement of climbing Mount Chirripó is to visit The Crests and photograph them.<h3>Exploring San Isidro’s Natural Showstoppers: The Best of Both Worlds</h3>&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648170193/nauyaca_waterfalls_tourist_swimming_spot_manuel_antonio_ef1fbfd5f7.jpg" alt="Visitors enjoying the natural pools at Nauyaca Waterfalls" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648170194/thumbnail_nauyaca_waterfalls_tourist_swimming_spot_manuel_antonio_ef1fbfd5f7.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648170195/small_nauyaca_waterfalls_tourist_swimming_spot_manuel_antonio_ef1fbfd5f7.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648170195/medium_nauyaca_waterfalls_tourist_swimming_spot_manuel_antonio_ef1fbfd5f7.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648170194/large_nauyaca_waterfalls_tourist_swimming_spot_manuel_antonio_ef1fbfd5f7.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;In addition, the San Isidro area offers a lot of rural tourism, focusing on showcasing hidden gems like waterfalls, natural pools, hiking trails, horseback riding, and, above all, birdwatching. The variety of microclimates that you can find in the San Isidro area makes it particularly interesting for nature lovers seeking to admire the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. For example, Los Cusingos is a famous private reserve where students and visitors can learn about the many birds that populate the area, especially the cusingo, a type of small toucan.Through a winding but well-maintained road, San Isidro easily connects to the Pacific coast. In about 30 minutes and through a stunningly scenic route, travelers get from the valley to the beach. On the way to the Pacific Ocean, there’s another famous stop—the <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/things-to-do/waterfalls-guided-hike/">Nauyaca Waterfalls</a>. These are accessible after a short hike and very worth your while if you want to experience a beautiful location just as the locals do.<h2>What to Know about San Isidro Before Visiting</h2>To reach San Isidro from San José, the most common route is to cross Mount Chirripó. The road has incredible landscapes all along, but it is difficult to navigate for people new to it. There are many twists, turns, and chances of sudden fog. The roads from San Isidro to Osa Peninsula and the coast are similarly full of beautiful vistas but tricky roads and idiosyncratic signposts.Because of all this, we recommend having an experienced driver for this trip. During the rainy season, unpredictable weather can come about quickly, causing poor visibility or landslides as well. Be mindful of this if you plan to cross the Chirripó to San Isidro. The trip also takes a lot of time (usually around 3 hours), so make sure you are ready for the journey ahead. It is very rewarding and beautiful for those who make it.

Best Places to Stay in San Isidro, Costa Rica

Hacienda AltaGracia

San Isidro

Canopy Zip Line

Adrenaline

Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide 

Birdwatching

National Parks

Nature & Wildlife

Hanging Bridges and Rainforest Trail Hike

Hanging Bridges

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Traditional Farm Experience

Culture

Many of the accommodations in San Isidro are family-owned and operated, providing guests with an authentic Costa Rican experience.

San Isidro is a splendid gateway to fresh air and an outdoor lifestyle, from hiking Chirripo to exploring the cloud forests searching for the resplendent quetzal to fishing for trout.

<h2>Experience Authentic Costa Rica in San Isidro</h2>Before visitors even reach the charming city of San Isidro de El General, they'll pass through some of the most spectacular landscapes that Costa Rica has to offer.The PanAmerican Highway from San Jose passes through a stretch of road called the Cerro de la Muerte (the mountain of death). But, despite its fearsome name, travelers needn't fear the Cerro de la Muerte. Instead, they should simply enjoy the spectacular views as they traverse this 11,000-foot pass, from where they can view the Pacific coast and rugged mountains from above the clouds.After descending from the Cerro de la Muerte, travelers will find a lush valley through cloud forests and coffee farms. San Isidro is this valley, a community with a rich history and diverse culture. The local climate around San Isidro is ideal for growing fruit, particularly pineapples, and vendors line the streets. San Isidro is also a major producer of coffee and sugar.The mountains around San Isidro are covered in pristine cloud forests, making them a birdwatcher’s paradise. Many of the most elusive and exotic birds in Costa Rica, including the resplendent quetzal, make their home in the lush forests around the city - there's even a national park close by called Los Quetzales.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adventurous visitors can also use San Isidro as a base for hiking the nearby Cerro Chirripo, Costa Rica's highest mountain, in another nearby national park named after the mountain.&nbsp;Heading back into town, away from the glorious natural surroundings, San Isidro is a quaint agricultural town. There's a fabulous Saturday market to visit, and the city also hosts some significant cultural events throughout the year.If you're passing through to hike Chirripo, check out nature, or visit the southern Pacific beaches, San Isidro is worth a glance. A couple of days add a great differential to any Costa Rican visit. Many of the restaurants in San Isidro serve locally-sourced produce. Fruit vendors can be found in San Isidro’s downtown district at virtually every turn. Visitors will enjoy a variety of Costa Rican staples at many of the city’s eateries.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846329/perez_zeledon_sunrise_mountains_panorama_view_0244406c41.jpg" alt="perez-zeledon-sunrise-mountains-panorama-view.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846330/thumbnail_perez_zeledon_sunrise_mountains_panorama_view_0244406c41.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846331/small_perez_zeledon_sunrise_mountains_panorama_view_0244406c41.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846331/medium_perez_zeledon_sunrise_mountains_panorama_view_0244406c41.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846330/large_perez_zeledon_sunrise_mountains_panorama_view_0244406c41.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Best Time to Travel to San Isidro</h3>Visitors hoping to enjoy the Fiesta Civica should visit in February, while the parade dedicated to San Isidro takes place in May. During the green season months, which run from April to November, temperatures can be pretty cool due to the city’s elevation and location, so most travelers come in the dry season (December to March).<h3>Weather in San Isidro</h3>Temperatures in San Isidro are a little lower than elsewhere in Costa Rica due to the higher elevation of the city. Expect low-to-mid-60s to mid-70s F year-round and high humidity due to the surrounding forests. The heaviest rains fall during September and October.<h3>Is San Isidro Safe?</h3>San Isidro is safe, crime-wise, as a small town where most people know each other, like most rural communities in Costa Rica. Usual precautions apply, of course, but if you're sensible, you'll be fine. Other dangers in the area are mainly getting lost in the surrounding forests or hiking Chirripo without the necessary equipment or level of fitness needed.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846332/perez_zeledon_river_bridge_tourists_ab2952bdc6.jpg" alt="perez-zeledon-river-bridge-tourists.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846333/thumbnail_perez_zeledon_river_bridge_tourists_ab2952bdc6.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846334/small_perez_zeledon_river_bridge_tourists_ab2952bdc6.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846334/medium_perez_zeledon_river_bridge_tourists_ab2952bdc6.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846333/large_perez_zeledon_river_bridge_tourists_ab2952bdc6.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<h2>Top Restaurants in San Isidro</h2>Urban Farm Cafe: This is a healthy option in town focusing on organic and local products. Specialties include salads, burritos, wraps, smoothies, and a good breakfast.&nbsp;Restaurante y Pizza Sabores: An excellent pizza choice. Every city has one - this is San Isidro's.&nbsp;Candombe: A steakhouse with massive and tasty portions. The pizza is excellent here, too.&nbsp;El Cafetín: A coffee and breakfast place with a great line in wraps.&nbsp;<h2>How to Get to San Isidro</h2>San Jose Airport (Airport Code SJO) outside San Jose is the closest international airport to San Isidro.<h3>Distance &amp; Driving Time to San Isidro</h3>From SJO Airport: 95 miles (153 kilometers), about 3 hours.All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport "meet and greet" service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers, which means you're all set when you arrive in-country - just sit back, relax. Our driver will get you to your destination.Those planning to drive to San Isidro from the airport should allow about three hours of driving time, plus an hour or so to arrange your car rental. Make sure you arrive in Costa Rica early enough in the day to not go at night - something we don't recommend, especially on the Cerro de Muerte and high mountain passes on this route.Once you have your car, get onto the PanAmerican Highway and head towards San Jose. Make sure you have Waze on here, as you have to negotiate your way through the southern part of the city, from Sabana Park, which you reach on the airport road, to that left turn at McDonald's and the straight shot through to Curridabat, an eastern suburb of San Jose. From here, look for signs for Tres Rios and Cartago, which will take you onto Ruta 2, part of the PanAmerican. Keep heading east, all the way to Cartago, staying on Ruta 2. Rule of thumb here: Stay on Ruta 2 - this is the road that will take you to the Panamanian border, but before that o San Isidro.After Cartago, the road will stay rising in elevation, and sooner or later, you'll find yourself in high mountains navigating switchbacks amid swirling clouds and thundering trucks. It's a hair-raising drive but a beautiful one. Don't leave the road, and after around 2.5 hours, you'll descend into San Isidro.

Family Time

Adventure

Honeymoon

Boutique

Group Travel

Relaxation

Spring Break

#ResponsibleLuxury: San Isidro and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

#ResponsibleLuxury

Beach Fun

Countryside

A series of eco-lodges are dotting the landscape here, there's someting to suit everyone's budget. 

Drake Bay provides a range of family-friendly activities. From hiking to snorkeling or diving, there are plenty of activities to choose from.

Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Drake Bay

Rainforest

Beach

Romance

Couples

Fishing

Holidays

Adults-Only

Above and Beyond: San Isidro and Papagayo Peninsula

Above and Beyond

Relaxing

There are five-star hotels such as the Four Seasons, Andaz Hotel, Ritz Carlton, and more to come. Also, top-of-the-line homes can be found. These villas are perfect for large families or groups of friends. 

If you're interested in getting in touch with the ocean, down at the marina, plenty of boats and yachts can be found. There are also many beach access points to enjoy a nice swim in the calm waters. 

Papagayo

Sailfish

Yellowfin Tuna

Christmas

Teen-friendly

Snapper

Inshore Fishing

Rooster

Wahoo

classic Nature Getaway: San Isidro and Uvita

Classic Nature Getaway

Uvita has several places to stay. They are smaller, with more boutique options, and a strong sense of eco-awareness.

The visiting humpbacks from northern and southern waters are probably the highlight of any trip to Uvita. 

Uvita

National Park

Surfing

Costa Rica Cool: La Paz Cloud Forest and San Isidro

Costa Rica Cool

Waterfalls

The Peace Lodge and La Paz Waterfall Gardens often merge, but they're separate. 

There's no doubt about it - the trails and stairwells that follow the Rio La Paz and its waterfalls are a major highlight.

La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest

La Paz

Cloud Forest

Costa Rica Highlands: Bajos del Toro and San Isidro

Costa Rica Highlands

Renowned as one of the best eco-hotels globally, El Silencio Lodge mixes nature and wellness in a unique way. It's our only recommendation for this area, but you won't regret it!

They say that the Catarata del Toro, a massive waterfall tumbling into an ancient, extinct volcano is the most spectacular in Costa Rica. But there are tons of impressive waterfalls in this area.

Bajos del Toro and Catarata del Toro

Bajos del Toro

Luxury

Infinity Pools... And Beyond! San Isidro and Las Catalinas

Infinity Pools... And Beyond!

Las Catalinas has plenty of accommodations. From larger homes to mid-sized townhouses and smaller apartments. Also, high-end, beautiful boutique hotel options.

There are great beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and boogie-boarding. Plus, some thrilling adventures to try.

Las Catalinas

Inland Costa Rica: Highlights | Arenal Volcano and San Isidro

Inland Costa Rica: Highlights

From luxurious five-star options with fantastic volcano views to the more cozy three-star boutique options. There are no all-inclusive resorts, but the service is generally excellent!

There is so much to do in the Arenal area! Hot springs, hikes, nature reserves, hanging bridges, waterfalls, etc.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

Volcano

Freshwater Fishing

Fly Fishing

Sustainable

Island Adventure: Isla Chiquita and San Isidro

Island Adventure

Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is really the only place to stay on the island. And we can't complain!

The whole point of Isla Chiquita is to lose yourself in nature on a tropical island in Costa Rica. 

Isla Chiquita

Island

Islands in the Sky: Monteverde and San Isidro

Islands in the Sky

The Monteverde area offers a mix of accommodation, from hostels and B&Bs, to unique eco-resorts. We recommend booking in advance.

Monteverde is known for great zip lines, hanging bridges, rich biodiversity, photography, birdwatching and so much more. 
