Golf Holidays in Costa Rica
Costa Rica, sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, is one of the most progressive countries in Central America. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity.
Initially only a 9 hole course was set up in Costa Rica back in 1944, until Cariari Country Club build an 18 hole course in the 1970’s . Then after a tourist boom in the 1990’s, a number of top-flight courses arrived on the golfing scene including Los Suenos and Valle del Sol. Then Arnold Palmer recently designed the Four Seasons Resort course at Peninsula Papagayo sitting on the pacific coast with stunning views.
The championship 18-hole golf course designed by Ted Robinson is perfectly located alongside an exotic rainforest with ocean views on several of the holes.
Cariari Country Club was the first 18-hole course to be built in Costa Rica, being the only championship layout in Central America for almost twenty years.
Set almost 3,000 feet above sea level with outstanding views of the surrounding Cordillera Central mountain range, Valle del Sol Golf Course is built inside of the exclusive Parque Valle del Sol residential area.
For the adventurous type, Costa Rica is the dream, offering ideal spots for surfing, white water rafting, hiking and visiting the most stunning national parks. The Costa Rican National Parks & Reserves consist of lush rainforests and marine resources, with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve are just a couple that are definitely worth a mention.
Cano Island Biological Reserve is one of the best places in Latin America for snorkelling and scuba diving. In amongst the clear warm waters of the Pacific Coast you can explore the majestic marine reserve featuring 15 different species of stony coral.
Considering Costa Rica is tucked between the shorelines of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, it comes as no surprise that Costa Rica boasts some of the finest white sand beaches. Manuel Antonio Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country, and also offers a national park right on its doorstep so you can go for a hiking and beach session in one day.
After landing in the capital of Costa Rica in San Jose, some of the key golf destinations are within a reasonable driving distance. So take a look at some of the key driving times to between the hotels, golf courses and International Airport.
Drive Times by Car
15 mins
20 mins
1.5 hrs
5 mins
With direct flights available from London to the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, the trip is made that little bit easier. The weather is also very consistent all year in terms of temperature, so take a look at some key flight details, with tips of when the best time of year is to travel.
Flights & Weather
11 hrs
Juan Santamaría International Airport
November - April
20 - 28° C