Transparent editorial criteria—not fake data science

What “ranked” means here

Simply Costa Rica publishes an editorial Top 10 places-to-visit shortlist. Rank order reflects our editorial judgment for trip planners who want a trusted shortlist before diving into deeper guides.

We do not sell #1 awards, invent visitor scores, or claim a proprietary algorithm. If the order changes later, we will note it.

Three criteria we use

We balance three practical lenses when deciding what belongs on the shortlist—and in what order.

• Visitor demand — places that consistently show up in traveler research and official tourism storytelling as high-interest destinations (parks, volcano hubs, coasts).
• Geographic spread — Pacific and Caribbean coasts, northern interiors, cloud forest, and southern wilderness so the list is not ten versions of one beach.
• Deeper guides — places where our sister EasyCostaRica guides go further (canopy, hot springs, nature, PureLife wellness, Jacó town).

What we never invent

No fake “#1 in Costa Rica” trophies, star ratings, paid placement claims, or review scores.

No made-up tour prices, hotel rates, exclusive packages, or named transfer partners.

Wildlife sightings, surf conditions, and dry days are never guaranteed—season notes are general guidance only.

How to use this shortlist

Pick two to four places that match your trip length—not all ten in one vacation.

Open each place page for highlights and how-to-visit search links (Viator / GetYourGuide).

When you need day-by-day pacing and sample itineraries, continue on goodcostarica.com.

Light sample loops

These are sketches only—not priced packages. Use them to choose places, then open Good Costa Rica for pacing.

• Sample first loop (7–10 days idea): Manuel Antonio → Arenal → Monteverde.
• Two-coast contrast (10–14 days idea): Tamarindo or Nosara → Arenal → Tortuguero or Puerto Viejo.
• Pacific spine (8–12 days idea): Jaco → Manuel Antonio → Uvita/Dominical → optional Osa (needs extra days).

Book how-to-visit days from the shortlist

When places are chosen, compare live tours on GetYourGuide and Viator—search queries only; listings are not our reviews.