If you’re looking for a summer getaway that’s half beachy paradise and half rainforest adventure, look no further than Costa Rica. The country is small but packs a punch when it comes to things to do. It’s known for some of the best surfing in Central America, and the famous Monteverde cloud forests are a natural treasure. Add in wildlife lodges, rainforest hikes to hidden waterfalls, several national parks with rare species like jaguars, and the fact that the country’s volcanoes produce some of the world’s best hot springs, and it’s no surprise that there’s so much demand to visit the gorgeous country.
Photo: Airbnb
9 Airbnbs in Costa Rica for a Tropical Summer Escape
Fortunately, that demand also means there’s a perfect Airbnb in Costa Rica for every type of traveler — and that means every type of traveler. Luxe beachside villas are easy to come by, but so are treehouses tucked into the cloud forest, surf shacks with open-air living rooms, and more creative options made out of shipping containers and bubbles. If you’re looking for a unique Airbnb in Costa Rica to soak up the summer sun, keep reading.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Sunset House
- Closest town: Tamarindo
- Maximum guests: 14
- Bedrooms: 5
- Rates from: $1,290
The Sunset House is an Airbnb Plus property, so while it’s not cheap, it’s certainly luxurious as can be. This Airbnb in Costa Rica exemplifies the best of indoor/outdoor living, with five bedrooms that open to decks with beach views. It comes with a staff of three (a housekeeper, caretaker and property manager) and is just a five-minute walk to Tamarindo Beach. It’s also only a quick 10-minute walk to Tamarindo town, which is known for a lively and young beach-bar type atmosphere.
Split this house a full 14 ways, and it actually ends up being a luxurious stay for a fairly reasonable per-person nightly cost.
Rainforest Tree House with Hot Springs
- Closest town: San Carlos
- Maximum guests: 4
- Bedrooms: 2
- Rates from: $115/night
It’s hard to overlook this unique Airbnb in Costa Rica, especially because it’s just one of three in an eco-resort tucked into the rainforest. It’s part of Bio Thermales Natural Resort, roughly two hours north of San Jose, and guests have access to the natural on-site hot springs. The resort itself is generally not super developed, so the pools are surrounded by lush foliage, and it’s not unusual to see monkeys, sloths, and iguanas wandering by while you’re soaking in the hot and cold pools.
The treehouse itself sleeps four — two on the first floor and two in the lofted area, but given the low price, it’s a great pick for a couple or solo traveler, too. There’s a small kitchenette, a private raised deck, and plenty of shared space around the resort’s pools and outdoor picnic and relaxing areas.
Oceanfront Romantic Suite
- Closest town: Danta Beach
- Maximum guests: 2
- Bedrooms: 1
- Rates from: $523/night
First things first: this is not a full private Airbnb. But it is a luxe suite inside a very small boutique hotel, and guests of this particular room get a gargantuan bathroom and access to the private beach club next door. There’s also a private beachview balcony.
The rest of the space is basically a dreamy traditional villa, and you’ll have access to spaces like a huge kitchen (though breakfast is served daily), a big living room, and tons of outdoor living space. There are only four other rooms, so while you can socialize with your fellow guests, you don’t have to worry about feeling cramped. Danta Beach is about 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport and well known for amazing sunsets. If you’re looking for a romantic Airbnb in Costa Rica, this is it.
Villa Madera
- Closest town: Playa Hermosa
- Maximum guests: 8
- Bedrooms: 3
- Rates from: $1,038/night
If you’re all about the modern Malibu vibes but prefer that style near one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, consider springing for a stay at Villa Madera.Housekeeping is included, and the owners can arrange all of your airport transfers, activities, rentals, and everything else you need. Of particular note is the impressive living room, with a full sliding wall that opens the infinity pool and ocean views beyond.
Playa Hermosa is on the Papagayo Peninsula and is known for a huge sandy stretch of beach and warm, usually gentle water. That makes it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, beginner surfing, and scuba diving. There are also dozens of tiny small towns dotting this stretch of coast, making it a great place to go beach hopping — stopping once or twice for a fish taco at beach bars in between, naturally.
Casa del Camino
- Closest town: Santa Teresa
- Maximum guests: 6
- Bedrooms: 3
- Rates from: $328/night
For a super-organic, natural stay with just a touch more creature comforts than a full treehouse, check out this rainforest-inspired, open-air Airbnb in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province. There’s a saltwater pool and a shaded yoga shala, and it’s within walking distance of the town of Santa Teresa. The town is a little more remote than other beach destinations on this coast, but it has a growing population of digital nomads and other laid-back residents who prefer Santa Teresa’s more low-key atmosphere over bigger party towns.
This Airbnb is for the full unit, but you can also rent the top or bottom privately if you don’t need all three bedrooms. Note that the house is tucked away up a dirt road, so make sure to rent an SUV (or an ATV) if you book it.
The Fusion Home
- Closest town: Piedras Blancas de Osa
- Maximum guests: 4
- Bedrooms: 2
- Rates from: $153/night
This cool Airbnb in Costa Rica is off the grid on the owner’s large property, and guests have access to all the hiking trails, swimming holes, and waterfalls they can walk to. Though the whole house is beautiful, one of the coolest parts about it are the multiple decks looking out onto the jungle. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream, and the hosts thoughtfully included binoculars and a birding guide for guest use.
As dreamy as this Airbnb is, there are two considerations to know before booking. First, it’s a 10-to-15 minute walk to the house, since there’s no road access. And second, the pool is shared with the owners who live below. Considering they built this house, they’re probably pretty cool people to hang out with — but it’s not a private plunge pool situation. However, it is an “easy access to wildlife” situation, as it’s close to Piedras Blancas National Park and the wilderness areas around it.
Naturave Tree House
- Closest town: Monteverde
- Maximum guests: 2
- Bedrooms: 1
- Rates from: $167/night
Visitors to the country who want to spend their summer days hiking among some of the most stunning views in Central America should take a pass on the beach for a few days and instead book this dome on a raised platform in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
It’s not a full home, as the “kitchen” is really just a coffee station. However, since it’s just five minutes to Santa Elena, you don’t have to go far for restaurants, bars, or a grocery store. More importantly, however, is the fact that it’s near the famous suspension bridges and Curi Cancha Reserve (a bird-watching haven). So you probably won’t want to return to the dome midday since you’ll be out exploring, anyway.
Coco Art Villa
- Closest town: Uvita
- Maximum guests: 2
- Bedrooms: 1
- Rates from: $153/night
The Coco Art Villas look like they should be on the cover of a design magazine, with a modern style that somehow creates privacy while still making guests feel surrounded by nature. Individual units don’t have kitchens, but the complex has an all-day restaurant and bar.
One thing to note is that these villas are fairly open to nature. There’s a mosquito net above the bed, but if you are absolutely anti-bug, you may want to look elsewhere. Of course, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, so you’ll find bugs everywhere. You’re probably not considering an Airbnb in Costa Rica anyway if you have full-on arachnophobia.
Matador did a full round-up of the Art Villas if you’re curious about the various home types available on site.
The Pipe House
- Closest town: Playa Grande
- Maximum guests: 2
- Bedrooms: 1
- Rates from: $184/night
The Pipe House describes itself as a “premium hostel,” which is partially accurate. But this isn’t a bed in a dorm that sleeps 16 people. These rooms are unique rounded units, with nine total on the property. All rooms include breakfast, and because it’s within Baulas Marine Park, your breakfast will probably be accompanied by the sights and sounds of macaws and other tropical birds. Each room is made from a giant concrete pipe, and there are four shared bathrooms, plus a shared kitchen and yoga area.
Playa Grande is one of the best places to surf in Costa Rica and you can rent surfboards from the Pipe House. But there’s also a really healthy sea turtle population and plenty of areas to see them if you’d prefer to get on the water in a kayak instead.