Guy Trips to Costa Rica

Often, travelers might think of Costa Rica as a vacation destination for couples and families. This is mostly because couples and families feature in the marketing. But the fact that Costa Rica is one of the best destinations for active outdoor enthusiasts in the world also makes it a prime spot for guys looking for the ultimate getaway with the bros. From mountains and rivers to beaches and parties, Costa Rica has something for every group. With its warm climate and range of things to do, Costa Rica is really perfect for bachelor groups, fishing trips, and vacations with the boys. It'll be a journey to never forget!

Adventurous souls will find plenty to keep their adrenaline pumping. From cloud forest zip-lining to class IV white-water rapids on jungle rivers, Costa Rica offers a host of bonding experiences. Fishing enthusiasts will love packing the beers for a day offshore sports fishing while surfers will find world-class waves on both coasts.

Costa Rica also boasts a number of top-of-the-line golf courses, many set against beautiful tropical backdrops and ocean vistas. And when the sun sets, there's even more action to enjoy in the bars, clubs, and casinos.

Costa Rica's appeal lies in its ability to cater to every aspect of a guys' getaway. So gather your friends and pack your bags—the boys are going on vacation!

So picture the scene. You have a bunch of guys looking for an adventure. Maybe it's a bachelor party. Maybe college buddies or some kind of reunion. Or maybe it's a work thing. Point is, you've read the intro to this article and decided Costa Rica is for you. Congrats lads, you've made a great decision. Now for the “where”.

After all, if Costa Rica is anything, it's varied. There are tons of places to visit and you want destinations that work for what you're looking for. And for most guys' trips, that means adventure, fun, and not being surrounded all the time by couples and families. Below, we outline four of the top destinations in Costa Rica for the boys to let off some steam.

The main draw of Arenal is its status as the Adventure Capital of Costa Rica, as we like to refer to it. That means your guy group will find plenty to do here, including hiking through rainforests and up volcanoes, waterfall rappelling, ATV-ing, zip lining, caving, and more. There's decent freshwater fishing in Lake Arenal, too. If you're coming for a short trip full of outdoor activity followed by a few quiet beers in the evening to relax, then Arenal is your place. Or you can combine a few days in this part of Costa Rica with the beach, to get the best of both worlds and also enjoy some nightlife.

Jacó is a tourist town on the Central Pacific coast and in Costa Rica, is probably ground zero for bachelor parties and guys' trips of any kind. The reason for this is simple—outside the capital of San José, Jacó is where most of the nightlife is. Well, most of the nightlife that a bunch of red-blooded dudes out for a good time is, anyway. The party scene in Jacó is, shall we say, vibrant and some places are not for the prudish. Put it this way, if you're single, it's easy to meet girls here.

For those interested in daytime activities, Jacó is also great for surfing—Playa Hermosa, just south of town, hosts numerous international competitions, and the beaches of Esterillos are also close. Just north of town, in Playa Herradura, there's Los Sueños Resort with its sportfishing marina and golf course. Other activities around Jacó include hiking and zip lining.

Located in the province of Guanacaste within easy access of the Guanacaste International Airport, Tamarindo is arguably the capital of Costa Rica's thriving surf scene. It has amazing beaches for beginners and experts alike, and a lively atmosphere. There's also great fishing available in Tamarindo and a couple of nearby golf courses. The nightlife in Tamarindo is also great, although somewhat tamer than Jacó. Think great bars, restaurants, and a few cool clubs—enough to have a great time after a day's surfing!

Most travelers to Costa Rica swerve San José altogether, rushing out of the capital to get to the rainforests and beaches elsewhere. But if you're on a trip with the guys, especially if you like to party, then it's worth spending a little time in the capital. There's a bunch of decent nightlife to enjoy, from the student areas of San Pedro to hipster Barrio La Cali, both on the east side. Guys looking for "company" can check out city center bars around the infamous "Gringo Gulch" area of the city center, while western San José and Escazú have a wide range of upmarket bars and clubs. There's also an excellent craft beer scene in the capital.

For guys looking for fun in Costa Rica, all these destinations offer the best range of outdoor activities, ocean adventures, and nightlife. We recommend mixing the inland locations (Arenal and/or San José) with the beach locations (Jacó and/or Tamarindo) to mix things up and get the best of all worlds.

There are a few different types of guys' trips to Costa Rica. We know that every group is different. As we said already, you could be organizing a bachelor party and seeking something wild, a group of old friends from school or college having a reunion, a bunch of best mates who meet up and travel somewhere every year, or a few work colleagues getting away from things. You might be a large group of ten or more, a handful of dudes, or just two besties. Whatever your dynamics, below we look at a few possible options for you all.

If you're the best man and it's your job to arrange the bachelor party, then Costa Rica is a great option if you can get a bunch of guys together for a few days to a week. You'll have an unforgettable experience with a mix of nightlife, sports, and adventure—the order depends on what you're looking for.

For nightlife, destinations like San José, Jacó, and Tamarindo offer a wide range of bars, clubs, and casinos. San José, as the capital city, has the most diverse range of entertainment options, while Jacó on the Central Pacific coast and Tamarindo in Guanacaste are renowned for their beach and surf party vibes.

When it comes to adventure tours, we already mentioned that Costa Rica is unbeatable, especially the Arenal area. Here, you can take the guys hiking, rafting, mountain biking, rappelling, and more. The options for adrenaline-pumping activities are endless. Jacó and Tamarindo offer surfing, fishing, and golf to enjoy before hitting the bars and clubs once the sun goes down. The best way to do a bachelor party in Costa Rica would be to spend a few days in San José or Arenal before a few more days at the beach.

For accommodations, Costa Rica has a ton of upscale resorts and hotels in all these locations. If you're seeking more privacy and space to let your hair down and party, then consider a rental home instead of a hotel. We can help you with your options.

Overall, hosting a bachelor or stag party in Costa Rica involves a blend of nightlife and outdoor adventures. Whatever your scene, Costa Rica sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration for the groom-to-be and his friends.

Are you rolling solo or in a group with other single guys? If so, you might have different needs from your married friends, and nightlife might be what you’re looking for. Enjoying a rafting trip or going surfing doesn't discriminate on whether you're single or attached, but where to hang out at night certainly can do.

If you're young, free, and single (with emphasis on the young, meaning under 30), then you should consider a few days in San José, hanging out in some of the trendy bars, brewhouses, and clubs around the east side of the city. Here, you'll experience Costa Rica party life to the max and have a good time. Then head over to the beach for places with solid nightlife—the most solid being in the surf communities of Jacó and Tamarindo.

Older dudes can do the same at the beach, but avoid the student areas. There are a bunch of expat bars on the west side of the city to check out if you're a little longer in the tooth and if you're looking for some female company, ask around about the Gringo Gulch bars downtown.

If you are traveling alone, rather than in a group of friends, the same rules all apply, although—and we can't state this enough—be careful when out and about. Costa Rica is safe, but caution is always advised, especially when you're drinking and especially in downtown San José. Also note that if you're interested in any adventure activities, most tours have a minimum of two people, so it might be worth buddying up with a fellow single traveler at your hotel if possible.

You might be traveling to Costa Rica not as a single guy or at an organized bachelor party. Like we said, you could be with your best friends looking for something different and exciting to do on your vacation.

If that's so, everything we've already said still applies. You're going to find the best nightlife in Tamarindo, Jacó, or San José and the best adventure activities in Arenal and Monteverde. It all depends on your priorities and what you guys want from your trip. Beaches in Guanacaste and the Central Pacific are great places to hang out, and if you want to get off the beaten path, the Osa Peninsula is great for nature exploration, and places in the Caribbean like Puerto Viejo are great to get to know a different side of Costa Rica.

Super-active, outdoorsy types will want to get into the rainforest and start hiking or exploring. Dudes looking for other sorts of adventure will want to hit the bars and clubs. What's your thing? And with all that, you can theme your trip around fishing, surfing, scuba diving, golf... whatever you want to do. Costa Rica is your oyster!

Costa Rica is now an excellent destination for golfers, with a number of world-class courses set amidst breathtaking tropical landscapes. It's easy to tailor a golf vacation for you and your buddies.

For avid golfers, the La Iguana Golf Course at Los Sueños Resort offers an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this 18-hole course designed by Ted Robinson provides a tropical ambiance like no other. Los Sueños also has a marina, making it ideal to combine fishing and golf. Add in the proximity to the nightlife and surf of Jacó, and you have the ultimate guys' trip right here in this place!

Another must-play course is the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course at the Four Seasons Resort, Guanacaste, famous for its Pacific Ocean views and impeccable service. Voted one of the top 100 courses outside the US by Golf Digest, it promises a memorable round in paradise. Still in Guanacaste and closer to Tamarindo, the Reserva Conchal Golf Course at the Westin Resort offers 18 holes of championship golf and more ocean views.

In Costa Rica, golfing isn't just a sport—it's an immersive experience that combines the thrill of the game with the beauty of nature, making it the perfect choice for a guys' getaway.

Costa Rica has earned a solid reputation as a top destination for fishing enthusiasts, particularly for sailfish, marlin, and other offshore species. For inshore anglers, rooster and reef fishing provide exciting alternatives. Additionally, freshwater fishing is available in locations like Lake Arenal. What we're saying is that if you're organizing a guys' trip and you want to get out on the water, then there's no better place than Costa Rica.

Los Sueños offers the best range of fishing and its closeness to Jacó's nightlife makes it a no-brainer for most groups. There are also marinas in Quepos, further south, and in Guanacaste for those looking to explore other coastlines. If you're staying in Tamarindo, for example, you're close to the Flamingo Marina.

And you don't even need to fish. It's possible for your group to enjoy sunset cruises out at sea on yachts or catamarans in a party-style setting. This is a great way to start the evening and get the fiesta going before hitting the clubs later on.

Costa Rica offers a plethora of outdoor activities that are perfect for guys' trips, catering to thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Whatever gets the boys in the mood for a bonding experience, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities to choose from.

Zip lining is Costa Rica's "signature activity" that has you soaring through the rainforest or cloud forest treetops, offering breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience. You'll find zip-lining tours all over the country, including in all our recommended spots for guys' trips.

Whitewater rafting is guaranteed to get the juices flowing. With its network of rivers and rapids, Costa Rica offers some of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the world. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rafter, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from scenic floats to challenging rapids.

For those seeking a more vertical thrill, rappelling and canyoning provide exciting opportunities to descend waterfalls and explore rugged landscapes. With professional guides leading the way, you can safely navigate through canyons, rappel down waterfalls, and jump into natural pools below.

In addition to the above, there are plenty of other outdoor adventures to enjoy in Costa Rica. Hiking is a popular activity, offering opportunities to explore the country's diverse landscapes, including rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches. And there are even more. ATV tours, horseback riding, and mountain biking are all available to give the boys something to do and brag about later in the bar.

Costa Rica offers an array of surfing opportunities that are ideal for guys' trips, attracting surfers of all levels. With two tropical coastlines and consistent waves year-round, Costa Rica is now a premier destination for surf vacations, and the sport still plays a pivotal role in shaping tourism and rejuvenating beach communities. Key surf destinations in Costa Rica include:

Known as the epicenter of Costa Rica's surf scene, Guanacaste's northern Pacific coast boasts iconic spots like Tamarindo, one of our key destinations for a guys' vacation.

The Nicoya Peninsula features renowned surf towns like Nosara and Santa Teresa. These communities offer a blend of surfing and wellness, with plenty of surf-oriented accommodations and pristine beaches to explore.

Jacó and Hermosa are popular surf hubs in the central Pacific region, offering diverse waves and vibrant surf culture. Further south, beaches like Esterillos and Dominical provide excellent surfing opportunities in more secluded settings.

For experienced surfers seeking a challenge, Puerto Viejo on the southern Caribbean coast is home to Costa Rica's most famous break, the Salsa Brava. This reef break offers heavy waves suited only for experts, while other breaks in the area cater to those seeking a more relaxed surfing experience.

Costa Rica's surf scene is unbeatable for dudes looking for fun in and out of the water. Most surf communities—especially Tamarindo and Jacó—offer excellent nightlife to go with their waves. If you're organizing a guys' surf trip, we promise you'll have an unforgettable time down here.

We've looked at what you can do and where you should go when planning a guys' trip to Costa Rica, but it's important to look at some specific hotels, too. After all, you probably don't want to be surrounded by families with loud children or stay at a romantic hotel during a trip with your friends, right? Here are some options for you in our recommended spots:

Located on the northern end of Jacó beach, Crocs offers easy access to the bars and clubs of town while retaining its own resort style for party-loving dudes.

Los Sueños Resort could be Costa Rica's ultimate location for guys to enjoy. There are rental homes, condos, and a hotel—whatever works best for you. Plus access to good food, fishing, and the nightlife of nearby Jacó.

The Tamarindo Diria is a beachfront hotel located in the heart of town, within easy walking access to all the bars and clubs. 

Another great way to enjoy Tamarindo is to rent a vacation home. There are quite a few that would work, providing guys on a surf/party trip with all the convenience and privacy they need.

Arenal Kioro offers easy access to everything in the area, from all the nature activities to the bars and restaurants of La Fortuna.

Arenal Observatory Lodge is a perfect location for guys wanting to experience the best of the outdoors and the surrounding national park.

The Gran Hotel Costa Rica provides a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of downtown San José.

The Hilton Garden Inn is a perfect option for anyone wanting to be near the nightlife of downtown and the upscale bars and clubs of San José's west side.

Costa Rica is more famous as a destination for families and couples, but that doesn't mean that groups of guys can't have a great time. Any place with so much to see and do, plus surfing, fishing, golf, and nightlife can't really fail when it comes to a lads' vacation. If you're organizing something along these lines, for whatever reason, give us a holler. We're only too happy to help!