Playa Flamingo beachfront costa rica

We’ll admit – historically, Costa Rica has not been the first thought that comes to mind, when travelers dream about a car-free vacation. And yet, a pedestrian-friendly getaway – once the almost exclusive realm of Europe’s cobblestoned towns and walled cities – has become not only doable but incredibly enjoyable, especially at a few select vacation condos in Costa Rica.

Far from a sacrifice, these locales and communities offer a little something more – a joie de vivre and literal pep in your step, because you can walk everywhere: To your new favorite beach bar, where they serve that ice-cold mint lemonade you’ve come to love.

To that shop that sells those lovely artisan crafts you can’t wait to take home. To that roadside stand that rents the surf and boogie boards your family so enjoys.

And, of course, to the beach – the very reason you’re here, and simultaneously home to the epic sunsets you didn’t know to expect but have now become a much-anticipated part of your every vacation day. Because this is what pulled you here and why it’s going to be so hard to leave. And having it all at your literal feet? Well, you didn’t know you’d love a no-car vacation this much. But indeed, you do!

So, whether you’re looking for your next vacation rental or for an investment property (and the accompanying property management company with expertise in vacation condos in Costa Rica), these pedestrian-friendly, walk-everywhere condos in Costa Rica offer sand, sun, and a sustainable take on your tropical vacation.

No-Car Vacations: Why to Choose Pedestrian-Friendly Vacation Condos in Costa Rica

ATV Santana getting around Guanacaste

No car doesn’t mean no fun! In addition to your own two feet, you can rent electric golf carts, bikes, and even off-road ATVs, to Costa Rica to your heart’s content

We know – a no-car vacation in Costa Rica may sound romantic. But you want a more compelling reason to ditch the freedom of a rental car. Here are four:

Reason #1: It’s Environmentally Friendly

We know, we know – international travel is not a carbon-neutral or environmentally friendly kind of activity. Even so, you can offset some of your impact by choosing to go car-free while on vacation.

Because here, at these pedestrian-friendly vacation condos in Costa Rica, car-free doesn’t mean convenience-free: You can hire airport transportation. You may even rent an electric golf cart or bikes to get around.

But you’ve also chosen a destination that allows you to walk most places – to the beach, to restaurants, to hiking trails, to shops, to certain activities. Mother Nature thanks you for that.

Reason #2: It’s Lower Stress

Driving in Costa Rica can be a bit of an adventure sport: The roads are narrower than you’re likely used to. Fewer roads are paved – or even graveled. The ups and downs can be extreme (and rental cars underpowered). Roads are often unpainted and unmarked, adding an extra challenge to driving at night, in the rain, or in the forest mist.

Choosing a car-free vacation alleviates many of these concerns. Yes, it absolutely takes some extra planning (our travel concierges can help with that) but it’s very doable – stay in a pedestrian-friendly locale, hire transportation only when needed (ex. to/from the airport or specific activities), and call a local taxi or Uber when you’d like a ride.

Reason #3: More Money for Fun

Costa Rica car rentals are not inexpensive. While the rate you find at a third-party site online may look like a screaming deal, it’s not. Not ever.

Rental car agencies in Costa Rica are governed by Costa Rican laws, which require a very specific type of rental car insurance. So, in addition to the rental fee, there is almost always an additional obligatory fee (not included in the “total” online quote; read the fine print!) tacked on.

And yes, even if you think your credit card has you covered, the agency will almost always require you to pay the additional fee, which can double your daily rental cost! This means you can save $750-$1,000+, just by saying no to a rental car. And those funds can buy a lot of adrenaline, enjoyment, and delight here in the land of the pura vida (“pure life,” a local saying)!

Reason #4: You Don’t Have to Sacrifice

For most vacationers, a rental car means freedom. It is the ability to get up and go – to explore, anywhere and everywhere.

Full disclosure: That’s true in Costa Rica, too. If you’re a very independent, take-each-day-as-it-comes, explore-everything kind of traveler, then you should rent a car. Only, make it a 4WD – and not a compact, low-CC one. Rent a vehicle with a powerful engine, good traction, and decent road clearance, and you can explore almost anywhere.

But, if you don’t feel the need to bump down every dirt road and explore every inch of Costa Rica’s backcountry, then you can very reasonably explore Costa Rica without a car.

Yes, you’ll spend more time on your feet. And yes, you’ll have to hire airport transportation. And, depending on your chosen activities and adventures, you may need to tack on tour transportation to ferry you to a hideaway beach or distant adventure.

The point is, it’s all doable. You can easily skip the vehicle and still explore the backroads (via ATV), still try a new restaurant every night (just take an Uber back to your rental), still scuba dive or surf a distant beach (just add transportation onto your tour), still even take a day for a joy ride (hire a private driver for the day).

And if any of this sounds like a possibility – like an option you’d at least like to explore – then please, get in touch with our travel concierges. Their advice is friendly and their services are free!

Sunrise Condos: Budget Near the Beach

Tamarindo Beach

Sunrise Vacation Condos in Costa Rica

Located in the heart of downtown Tamarindo, Sunrise Condos welcome guests to a budget-friendly stay just a few blocks to the beach.

The condo complex delivers mostly two- and three-bedroom condos with fully equipped gourmet kitchens, in-rental washer/dryer units, free WiFi, and 24-hour security. But what you’ll really love is the complex’s crowd-pleasing outdoor resort pool (with cascading waterfall) and kids pool.

Of course, Sunrise Condos’ location is one of its biggest draws: In the absolute heart of Playa Tamarindo, just 50 meters before the Tamarindo Diria, and a short stroll to the Pacific Ocean and Tamarindo Beach. You’re also easy walking distance to absolutely everything Tamarindo – from restaurants and nightlife to shopping and activities.

Available Rentals:

El Diria Condos: Beachfront Resort, Oceanview Condos

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo El Diria resort at sunset

One of Tamarindo’s favorite places to stay, the Tamarindo Diria is an upscale, beachfront resort located in the middle of downtown Playa Tamarindo.

Uniquely designed for guests seeking out the walk-to-everything-but-sacrifice-nothing vacation lifestyle, the Diria and its eponymous ocean-view condos, El Diria, are designed to delight with a beachfront location and resort amenities, including a family-friendly lagoon pool, beachfront pool, and children’s pool, plus tropical gardens, a Kids Club, onsite casino, a daybed cabana area, and more.

Of course, we promised a great, walkable location. And that begins with the Tamarindo Diria’s exceptional oceanfront positioning – just steps to nearly two miles of powder-soft, white sands – and all of downtown Tamarindo, including restaurants, bars, shopping, and area attractions.

Available El Diria Rentals:

Matapalo at El Diria: Beachfront Resort, Poolside Condos

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo El Diria resort pool Matapalo condos

If you don’t find an El Diria Condo that suits your needs, then look no further than its neighbor – the Matapalo Condos at El Diria, which fan out to surround the resort’s 10,000 square-foot free-form lagoon pool with swim-up bar.

These spacious units, which feature a full range of vacation amenities – spacious living areas, custom kitchens, free WiFi, in-unit washers and dryers, and ensuite bedrooms – also enjoy a prime location just 150 meters to the beach.

Of course, like their Diria Condo cousins, Matapalo Condos also have access to the resort’s full suite of amenities – multiple pools, an onsite casino, and Kids Club, outdoor lounging, and much more. The condos are also within walking distance to all of Tamarindo: Dozens of restaurants, shops, bars, tours, beaches, surf, and everything else you’re here to enjoy.

Available Matapalo Vacation Rentals:

Oceanica Condos: Off the Beaten Path (But Still Close to It)

Playa Flamingo

Oceanica vacation condos in Costa Rica Playa Flamingo

Oceanica is one of those “best-kept secrets” – not really a secret, but still not quite the beaten path, either, when it comes to vacation condos in Costa Rica.

Tucked into scenic Flamingo Beach, Oceanica Condos are walking distance to the beach and town – a powerful duo, in a spot where many vacation rentals are not within walking distance to anything. And, did we mention? The beach is populated by soft, white sands and you’ll be able to hear the waves crashing from your balcony. We’re talking that kind of walking distance.

That’s right: Oceanica Condos are just a 150-meter / 2-minute walk to the beach – and so much more. Howler monkeys roar within earshot. Tropical dry forest surrounds. And Flamingo town amenities – restaurants, shops, activities, ATMs, and other services – are also an easy walk from your condo.

On property, you’ll also have access to Oceanica’s community amenities, which include an expansive swimming pool and BBQ rancho (outdoor cooking/dining space), which invite you to enjoy your time in the great outdoors. Speaking of, our Oceanica vacation condos are ocean-view with balconies, so you can enjoy your private slice of Costa Rica, too!

Available Oceanica Vacation Rentals:

Las Catalinas: An All-Pedestrian Oceanfront Community

Playa Danta / Playa Dantita

Las Catalinas no-car vacation in Costa Rica

Las Catalinas makes an alluring promise: Vacation where not everyone vacations, but still walk everywhere. Because this planned community has no cars – not a one, because Las Catalinas was conceived, built, and established as a walking-only community.

We’ll set the scene: Set on the shores of Playa Danta and Playa Dantita, Las Catalinas is designed in the Mediterranean style – think Italy’s cliff towns, only without the cliffs ­– and reserves its Las Catalinas Beach Town (aka downtown) only for pedestrians. That means you can walk everywhere: to restaurants, shops, the spa, parks and plazas, and, of course, the gorgeous beachfront and its even more spectacular sunsets.

Then, there’s the luxury Beach Club (additional fee), which grants you access to a lap pool, lounging pool, hot tub, kids’ pool, and fitness center, plus an onsite restaurant and cocktail bar.

Additionally, Las Catalinas has devoted much of its 1,100+ acres to nature trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running: Over 26 miles/ 42 kms of paths that weave through and summit a private nature reserve, where you can explore the great outdoors, spot wildlife (including monkeys!), and enjoy the sounds and sights of Mother Nature.

And, if all that weren’t enough to fulfill your vacation dreams, Las Catalinas reminds you of its oceanfront setting: directly on the Pacific and accessible to a wider world of water recreation, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), snorkeling, and body surfing/boogie boarding, plus scuba diving and surfing at nearby beaches (transportation required).

Available Las Catalinas Vacation Rentals:

Get Started on Your Costa Rica Vacation Planning

Perusing our vacation condos in Costa Rica and dreaming up all the very many adventures you’d love to add to your itinerary? When you’re ready, we’ll be happy to discuss!

At Blue Zone Experience, we’ve built our reputation on 5-star service, carefully curated things to do in Guanacaste, and the region’s most culturally informed experts. The truth, though? Our true passion is you and your experience.

When you book one of our homes, you gain access to our free concierge services: to Olber and Kelly, our on-the-ground experts (and personal concierges) who will arrange for curated tours, transportation options, and extra amenities. Who will have your back from the moment you begin planning until the day you return home.

So, please, get in touch! We can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!