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Home / Destinations / Quesada

Quesada

Costa Rica · City · CRC · 10.325700, -84.430000
Family friendly 6.2/10 · Rank 1437 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Suitable for nature lovers, hot springs, ecotourism, families, and those seeking a quiet holiday

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$65.00 (≈ 5 455 ₽ · ≈ 34 450 CRC)
For 7 days
$455.00 (≈ 38 184 ₽ · ≈ 241 150 CRC)
Quesada is a small town in Alajuela province, located in a scenic valley near the Arenal Volcano. The town is famous for its coffee plantations and is an important agricultural centre. This is an excellent base for discovering rural life in Costa Rica and nearby natural attractions.
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
21.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with farming traditions

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Impressive Catarata del Toro waterfall
  • Hot springs
  • Juan Castro Blanco National Park
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 90 days
  • Cooler climate due to elevation

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • No beaches
  • High humidity and frequent rains
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
22.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
27.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
21.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
26.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
21.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Attractions

Catarata del Toro

Impressive 90-meter waterfall with trails and a crater lake, popular excursion spot

Termales del Bosque Hot Springs

Natural hot springs with pools and spa, popular for relaxation

Juan Castro Blanco National Park

Park with volcanoes, tropical forests, and lakes

Quesada Central Park

Main city square with church and local life

La Marina Zoo

Zoo and wildlife rescue centre, popular for families

Best areas

Quesada Center

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and market

Termales del Bosque

Area with hot springs and hotels

La Fortuna

Neighbouring town with hotels and restaurants, 45 minutes away

Must-try food

Casado

Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad, popular lunch

Gallo Pinto

Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg

Local Cheese

Fresh cheese from local farms, popular regional delicacy

Coffee Tours

Tasting local coffee from regional plantations

Tres Leches

Traditional three-milk cake dessert

Where to go next

Catarata del Toro

Impressive waterfall, 30 minutes away

Termales del Bosque Hot Springs

Hot springs with pools, 15 minutes away

Juan Castro Blanco National Park

Park with volcanoes and forests, 30 minutes away

La Fortuna

Town with Arenal Volcano, 45 minutes away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Хуан Сантамария (SJO).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 23 850 CRC
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$75.00
≈ 6 294 ₽ · ≈ 39 750 CRC
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 68 900 CRC
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 53 000 CRC
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 23 850 CRC
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 3 180 CRC
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 6 360 CRC
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 1 060 CRC
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 1 060 CRC
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽ · ≈ 424 CRC
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 3 710 CRC
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 2 650 CRC
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 1 590 CRC
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 2 650 CRC
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 31 800 CRC
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽ · ≈ 424 CRC
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 1 590 CRC
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 26 500 CRC
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 13 250 CRC
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 18 550 CRC
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 15 900 CRC
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 4 240 CRC
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
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Frequently asked questions
Quesada: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Quesada: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +27.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Quesada: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +21.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Quesada: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Quesada: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $65.00 (≈ 5 455 ₽ · ≈ 34 450 CRC) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Quesada: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $45.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $75.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $130.00 per night, an apartment — $45.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Quesada: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $6.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Quesada: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $60.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.80, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Quesada: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Catarata del Toro — Impressive 90-meter waterfall with trails and a crater lake, popular excursion spot; Termales del Bosque Hot Springs — Natural hot springs with pools and spa, popular for relaxation; Juan Castro Blanco National Park — Park with volcanoes, tropical forests, and lakes; Quesada Central Park — Main city square with church and local life; La Marina Zoo — Zoo and wildlife rescue centre, popular for families. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Quesada: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Casado — Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad, popular lunch; Gallo Pinto — Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg; Local Cheese — Fresh cheese from local farms, popular regional delicacy; Coffee Tours — Tasting local coffee from regional plantations; Tres Leches — Traditional three-milk cake dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Quesada: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Quesada Center — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and market; Termales del Bosque — Area with hot springs and hotels; La Fortuna — Neighbouring town with hotels and restaurants, 45 minutes away. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Quesada: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Quesada: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Хуан Сантамария (code SJO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $60.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Quesada: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CRC. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $65.00 (≈ 5 455 ₽ · ≈ 34 450 CRC). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Quesada: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Quesada: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Quesada: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Catarata del Toro — Impressive waterfall, 30 minutes away; Termales del Bosque Hot Springs — Hot springs with pools, 15 minutes away; Juan Castro Blanco National Park — Park with volcanoes and forests, 30 minutes away; La Fortuna — Town with Arenal Volcano, 45 minutes away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.2/10
Overall rank: 1437 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 512

Best season

December-April

Useful information

Currency: CRC
Coordinates: 10.325700, -84.430000