The WanderWise Guide to Costa Rica on Points
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Here's a question for travelers over 55 who want something more than another beach resort but aren't quite ready for a 12-hour flight: What's tropical, safe, stunningly beautiful, full of wildlife you've never seen, served by direct flights from most major US cities, and home to one of the best Hyatt properties on the planet?
Costa Rica. The answer is Costa Rica.
This is a country the size of West Virginia that contains 5% of the world's biodiversity. Where you can watch a volcano glow at sunset, soak in natural hot springs, zip through a cloud forest canopy, and spot a resplendent quetzal — one of the most beautiful birds on Earth — all before lunch. Where the national motto is Pura Vida (pure life), and after a few days you stop thinking it's a tourism slogan and start thinking it might actually be a philosophy.
Costa Rica is also, not coincidentally, a points-travel dream. Short, direct flights mean your points go further (fewer miles burned, more schedule options). The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo — a stunning Hyatt resort on a private peninsula — is one of the single best hotel redemptions in the Americas. And the country's eco-lodge culture means you'll find extraordinary accommodations at every price point.
For travelers over 55, Costa Rica hits a rare sweet spot: genuinely adventurous without being punishing, exotic without being intimidating, and close enough that you don't need a week to recover from the journey.
Let's plan your trip.
Getting There: The Short-Flight Advantage
This is Costa Rica's secret weapon for points travelers — and for anyone over 55 who'd rather not spend an entire day in transit.
San José (SJO) is the main international airport, with direct flights from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York (JFK), Orlando, Phoenix, and Washington Dulles — among others. Flight times range from 3 hours (Miami) to 6 hours (Los Angeles). That's beach-to-beach in the time it takes to watch two movies.
Liberia (LIR), in northwestern Costa Rica, is the gateway to the Guanacaste region (including the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo). It receives direct flights from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, and Phoenix.
Economy Class Options
Because flights are short, economy is the sweet spot — your points stretch further, and you're not suffering through a 12-hour overnight in a middle seat.
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most US Cities → SJO or LIR | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 25,000–40,000 | $400–$800 | Saver awards widely available |
| Most US Cities → SJO or LIR | American AAdvantage (via Citi TY) | 30,000–50,000 | $400–$800 | AA, Copa, or partner airlines |
| Most US Cities → SJO or LIR | Southwest Rapid Rewards | 20,000–35,000 | $350–$700 | Southwest flies SJO and LIR from many US cities |
| Most US Cities → SJO or LIR | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking at 1¢/mile |
| Most US Cities → SJO or LIR | Chase UR Portal | 25,000–55,000 | $400–$800 | Book at 1.25–1.5¢/point with Sapphire Preferred/Reserve |
The WanderWise move: For Costa Rica, the simplest strategy often wins. Transfer Chase UR to United MileagePlus and book saver award flights at 12,500 points each way (25,000 round trip) per person. That's one of the lowest award costs for an international flight — and you're landing in a tropical paradise. For a couple, 50,000 Chase UR points covers both round-trip flights. That's less than most sign-up bonuses.
Southwest is the sleeper pick: If you fly from a Southwest hub (Dallas, Houston, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore), Southwest Rapid Rewards points transfer 1:1 from Chase UR and offer nonstop flights to both SJO and LIR. No change fees, two free checked bags, and the Companion Pass (if you qualify) makes one person fly free. A couple with a Companion Pass: one round-trip flight's worth of points covers both of you.
Business Class: Worth It?
On a 3–5 hour flight? Probably not — unless you're flying from the West Coast (5–6 hours) or simply enjoy the wider seat and lounge access. Business class to Costa Rica runs 40,000–60,000 points round trip per person, or $1,200–$2,500 cash. For most travelers over 55, putting those extra points toward the Andaz hotel stay delivers far more value.
Where to Stay: The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo
Let's talk about the main event.
The Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo is, to put it plainly, one of the best hotel redemptions in the Western Hemisphere. It's also one of those places that makes you understand why Hyatt loyalists are so fiercely loyal.
Set on a private peninsula overlooking the Papagayo Gulf, the Andaz is Costa Rica's answer to the question: "What if a luxury resort grew organically out of a tropical forest?" The architecture blends into the hillside. Toucans perch on your balcony railing. Howler monkeys provide a (vigorous) 5 AM wake-up call. Three pools cascade down the hillside toward the beach. And the included daily breakfast — with fresh tropical fruit, gallo pinto, and eggs made to order — sets a tone that the rest of the day can only hope to match.
| Hotel | Category | Points/Night | Cash Rate (Approx.) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo | 7 | 25,000–35,000 | $500–$900 | Beachfront luxury, impeccable design, wildlife everywhere |
The WanderWise move: At 25,000–35,000 Hyatt points per night (transferred 1:1 from Chase Ultimate Rewards), you're getting a $600–$900 per night resort for points you earned buying groceries. Four nights: 100,000–140,000 Hyatt points — saving $2,400–$3,600 per room. For a couple spending four nights, that's $4,800–$7,200 in value.
To put it another way: the Chase Sapphire Preferred sign-up bonus (80,000 points after $4,000 in spending) covers roughly three nights at the Andaz. The card has a $95 annual fee. Three nights at this resort, which costs $600+ per night in cash, for $95. That is the entire points game, distilled into one redemption.
Globalist perks matter here: World of Hyatt Globalist members receive room upgrades (often to suites with ocean views), free breakfast (included for all Andaz guests regardless, but Globalists may receive additional dining credits), and late checkout. If you have Globalist status through the World of Hyatt credit card's automatic benefit or a status match, this is where it shines.
Fly into Liberia (LIR), not San José, for the Andaz. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from Liberia Airport. The resort arranges transfers.
Other Points Hotels in Costa Rica
| Hotel | Location | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planet Hollywood Costa Rica (Autograph Collection) | Papagayo | Marriott Bonvoy | 40,000–60,000 | $300–$500 | All-inclusive resort, family-friendly |
| JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa | Guanacaste | Marriott Bonvoy | 40,000–60,000 | $350–$600 | Beachfront, excellent pool, solid luxury |
| Residence Inn San José Escazú | San José | Marriott Bonvoy | 20,000–30,000 | $120–$200 | Good overnight base near SJO airport |
| Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport | Liberia | Hilton Honors | 25,000–40,000 | $100–$180 | Arrival/departure convenience |
The WanderWise move: Use Hyatt points at the Andaz for your beach/relaxation portion, then switch to eco-lodges (cash) for the adventure portion. The hybrid strategy — points for luxury, cash for character — is the smartest play in Costa Rica.
Eco-Lodges: The Cash Complement
Costa Rica pioneered eco-tourism, and its eco-lodges are an essential part of the experience. These aren't on loyalty programs, but they're priced reasonably and deliver something no chain hotel can: immersion in the rainforest, the cloud forest, or the volcanic highlands.
Our top picks for travelers 55+:
- Arenal Observatory Lodge ($130–$250/night): Originally built for Smithsonian volcanologists studying Arenal Volcano, now a nature lodge with direct volcano views, hanging bridges through the rainforest, and natural hot springs. The rooms are comfortable (not rustic), and the wildlife viewing from the property is exceptional — toucans, sloths, and hummingbirds are daily visitors.
- Monteverde Lodge & Gardens ($150–$280/night): Run by the Costa Rica Expeditions team, with spacious rooms, gorgeous gardens, and guided nature walks. The cloud forest canopy here is other-worldly — misty, dense, alive with quetzals and orchids. Well-maintained trails with varying difficulty levels.
- Lapa Rios Lodge, Osa Peninsula ($350–$600/night, all-inclusive): For a splurge. A National Geographic Unique Lodge, set in a private 1,000-acre rainforest reserve. Scarlet macaws fly past your open-air bungalow. Guided hikes, kayaking, and some of the best birdwatching in the Americas. All meals included, and the food is remarkable.
- Nayara Gardens, Arenal ($350–$550/night): Luxury casitas with private outdoor hot spring plunge pools and volcano views. Adults-only. The kind of place where you sink into the hot spring at sunset with a cocktail and genuinely wonder why you'd ever leave.
The 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary
This itinerary balances adventure and relaxation — active enough to feel like you've experienced the real Costa Rica, paced generously enough that you actually enjoy every moment.
Day 1: Arrive at Liberia (LIR) → Andaz Peninsula Papagayo
- Fly into Liberia. Transfer to the Andaz Costa Rica (30 minutes).
- Check in. Explore the resort — the pools, the beach, the nature trails on the peninsula.
- Welcome dinner at Ostra, the Andaz's seafood restaurant, overlooking the Pacific.
- Set the pace. You just left winter. You're on a tropical peninsula surrounded by howler monkeys. There is no agenda. That IS the agenda.
Day 2: Andaz — Beach & Water Day
- Morning: Included breakfast at Río Bhongo (the gallo pinto is perfect — rice and beans with a fried egg, plantains, and Lizano sauce).
- Mid-morning: Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the calm bay (equipment provided by the resort). The water is warm, clear, and gentle.
- Afternoon: Beach time, pool time, or a catamaran sunset cruise from the resort (seasonal, book through the concierge).
- Optional: Snorkeling excursion to nearby islands — the Papagayo Gulf has excellent visibility and colorful reef fish.
- Pace note for 55+: The Andaz's beach has calm, sheltered water (this is a bay, not open ocean). Kayaking and paddleboarding are self-paced. The resort has beach attendants who set up chairs and umbrellas. You control the intensity.
Day 3: Andaz — Peninsula Nature & Cultural Day
- Morning: Guided nature hike on the Papagayo Peninsula trails. The resort naturalist leads walks through dry tropical forest — expect white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and spectacular Pacific viewpoints. Trails are maintained and moderate in difficulty.
- Afternoon: Visit a local village or artisan market in nearby Playas del Coco. Costa Rica's Guanacaste culture — cowboy heritage, marimba music, traditional casados (lunch plates) — is distinct from the rest of the country.
- Evening: Dinner at Chao Pescao, the Andaz's Latin-Asian fusion restaurant. Sit on the terrace.
Day 4: Andaz → Arenal Volcano
- Morning: Transfer to the Arenal Volcano area (approximately 3–3.5 hours by road, or arrange a short domestic flight to La Fortuna airstrip). The drive itself is scenic — through ranch country, past Lake Arenal, with the volcanic cone gradually filling the windshield.
- Check in at Arenal Observatory Lodge ($130–$250/night) or Nayara Gardens ($350–$550/night) if you're splurging.
- Afternoon: Hanging Bridges walk — a series of suspension bridges through the rainforest canopy, 150 feet above the forest floor. Flat, paved paths between bridges. Not a hike — a walk through the treetops.
- Evening: Natural hot springs. The volcanic geology heats dozens of natural springs in the Arenal area. Tabacón Hot Springs is the most famous (and most luxurious — thermal rivers running through manicured tropical gardens). Baldi and Ecotermales are excellent lower-cost alternatives.
- This is not optional. Sitting in a volcanic hot spring at sunset, surrounded by tropical plants, drink in hand, is one of the great physical pleasures available to humans. Your body — especially if it's over 55 — will thank you for this.
Day 5: Arenal — Adventure Day (Calibrated for 55+)
- Morning: Choose your adventure:
- Zip-lining through the cloud forest canopy. Before you say "I'm too old for that" — the operators in Arenal specialize in travelers of all ages and fitness levels. You're harnessed in, the guides control the speed, and you sail over the treetops. It's exhilarating, not dangerous. Minimum fitness requirement: ability to walk on mild terrain and climb a few stairs.
- White-water rafting on the Balsa River (Class II–III). The Balsa is the "adventure without terror" option — enough rapids to be exciting, calm stretches for wildlife spotting, and professional guides who've run this river thousands of times. No experience necessary. Minimum fitness: ability to sit in a raft and paddle periodically.
- Wildlife walk at the Arenal area's nature reserves. Guided walks with naturalists who spot animals you'd never find on your own — sloths (three-toed and two-toed), toucans, poison dart frogs, and howler monkeys.
- Afternoon: La Fortuna waterfall — a 200-foot cascade into a turquoise pool. The catch: 530 stairs down (and back up). It's beautiful but honest about the effort required. If the stairs give you pause, the nearby Río Celeste (in Tenorio Volcano National Park, about 1.5 hours away) offers a gentler alternative — a sky-blue river caused by volcanic minerals, reached via a moderate forest trail.
- Evening: Return to hot springs. (Yes, again. You'll understand why.)
Day 6: Arenal → Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Morning: Transfer to Monteverde (approximately 3 hours, including the iconic Lake Arenal ferry crossing).
- Check in at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens ($150–$280/night).
- Afternoon: Guided cloud forest walk at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Your naturalist guide will find things invisible to the untrained eye — sleeping eyelash vipers, glass frogs, leaf-cutter ant highways, and if you're lucky, the resplendent quetzal. The trails are well-maintained but can be steep in sections — walking poles are available and recommended.
- Evening: Night tour of the cloud forest. An entirely different world after dark — tree frogs, insects, sleeping birds, and the sounds of a forest fully awake. Guided, flashlight-equipped, and unforgettable.
Day 7: Monteverde → San José → Depart
- Morning: Coffee tour at a local farm. Costa Rican coffee is world-famous, and seeing the process — from cherry to cup — is genuinely interesting. You'll taste the difference between supermarket coffee and beans picked that morning. (Spoiler: it's significant.)
- Optional: Don Juan Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour (combines all three — informative, tasty, and supports local agriculture).
- Midday: Transfer to San José Airport (SJO) — approximately 3.5–4 hours. Alternatively, if departing from Liberia (LIR), transfer back to Guanacaste (approximately 3 hours).
- Depart Costa Rica.
Itinerary note: If you have extra days, consider adding the Osa Peninsula (Lapa Rios Lodge) for world-class wildlife, or Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast for sea turtle nesting season (July–October). Both are bucket-list destinations within the destination.
What It Costs: The Points Math
Let's tally up a 7-day Costa Rica trip for two:
Flight Costs (Economy for Two)
| Cash | Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flights × 2 (economy) | $800–$1,600 | 50,000 United miles (+ ~$70 taxes) |
Hotel Costs (7 Nights for Two)
| Hotel | Nights | Cash | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaz Peninsula Papagayo | 3 | $1,800–$2,700 | 75,000–105,000 Hyatt |
| Arenal eco-lodge | 2 | $260–$500 | Cash |
| Monteverde Lodge | 1 | $150–$280 | Cash |
| San José area (if needed) | 1 | $120–$200 | 20,000–30,000 Bonvoy |
Total Comparison
| Category | Cash Price | With Points | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $800–$1,600 | ~$70 taxes + 50,000 United miles | $730–$1,530 |
| Andaz (3 nights) | $1,800–$2,700 | 75,000–105,000 Hyatt points | $1,800–$2,700 |
| Eco-lodges & other hotels | $530–$980 | $530–$980 (cash) | $0 |
| Activities & tours | $600–$1,200 | $600–$1,200 (cash) | $0 |
| Transportation (transfers, domestic) | $300–$500 | $300–$500 (cash) | $0 |
| Food & drinks | $500–$900 | $500–$900 (cash) | $0 |
| Total | $4,530–$7,880 | $2,000–$3,650 + points | $2,530–$4,230 |
Costa Rica is the most approachable international points trip you can take. Short flights, outstanding hotel redemptions, and a country where your cash dollars stretch beautifully once you arrive. Two people, seven days, luxury beach resort and rainforest adventure — for around $3,000 out of pocket plus points earned from everyday spending.
Practical Tips for 55+ Travelers in Costa Rica
Health & Safety
- Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Tourism is the top economic driver, and tourist areas are well-maintained and secure. Standard precautions apply (don't leave valuables unattended, use hotel safes), but this is not a destination that requires vigilance.
- Mosquitoes: Bring insect repellent with DEET (30%+), especially for rainforest areas. Dengue and Zika exist but are uncommon in tourist areas. Long sleeves at dawn/dusk in forest zones.
- Sun protection: SPF 50+, wide-brimmed hat, and reapply often. Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator — the UV index is intense year-round.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout most of Costa Rica (one of the few tropical destinations where this is true). Hotels and restaurants serve safe water.
- Medications: Bring what you need. Pharmacies exist in larger towns, but selection is limited in rural areas. Carry prescriptions in original packaging.
- Travel insurance: Recommended. Costa Rica's medical facilities are good (especially in San José), but rural areas may require transfer. See our Travel Insurance Guide.
Getting Around
- Transfers vs. rental car: For travelers over 55, we recommend private transfers between destinations rather than renting a car. Costa Rican roads — especially to Monteverde and the Osa Peninsula — are rough, poorly signed, and occasionally unpaved. Private drivers know the roads, handle the logistics, and let you enjoy the scenery. Budget $80–$150 per transfer between major areas.
- Domestic flights: Sansa Airlines operates small-plane routes between San José, Liberia, Arenal, Monteverde, and the Osa Peninsula. Flights are 20–45 minutes and eliminate 3–5 hour drives. Fares run $80–$180 one way. Worth it for comfort and time savings.
- The roads are the adventure you didn't ask for. Costa Rican road infrastructure is, diplomatically, a work in progress. What Google Maps says is a 2-hour drive may take 3.5 hours. Budget extra time and keep your expectations flexible.
When to Go
- December through April (dry season): The most popular time. Sunny, warm, and reliable weather. January and February are peak; March and April are slightly less crowded.
- May through November (green season): Lower prices, fewer tourists, and lusher greenery. Mornings are typically sunny; rain comes in the afternoon (often for an hour, then stops). Excellent for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind a daily shower.
- Our sweet spot for 55+ travelers: Early December or late April — shoulder season pricing with dry-season weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
No. US citizens can enter Costa Rica with a valid passport for up to 90 days. No visa required.
Is Costa Rica safe for older travelers?
Very. Costa Rica consistently ranks as the safest country in Central America. The tourism infrastructure is well-developed, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and the general atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed. The biggest "danger" is falling in love with the place and extending your trip.
How physically demanding is this itinerary?
Moderate, with easy modifications. The Andaz days are entirely self-paced (beach, pool, gentle walks). Arenal offers a range of activity levels — from hot springs (no effort required) to zip-lining and waterfall stairs (moderate effort). Monteverde's cloud forest walks involve some elevation change but are guided and well-maintained. Every activity on this itinerary can be modified or skipped without missing the essence of Costa Rica.
Is the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo really that good?
Yes. It's one of those rare properties where the points community and the luxury travel community agree completely. The design is stunning, the setting is pristine, the service is warm without being fussy, and the value on points is extraordinary. If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards, this should be near the top of your redemption list.
Can I combine the Andaz stay with the adventure portion?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. Start at the Andaz (fly into Liberia) for 3–4 nights of beach and relaxation, then transfer to Arenal and Monteverde for the adventure half. End the trip energized and tan — in that order.
What about the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita) is beautiful and culturally distinct — Afro-Caribbean influence, reggae music, jerk-style cooking, and incredible wildlife. It's worth a trip of its own. For a first visit with a points-optimized approach, we recommend the Pacific side (Guanacaste + Arenal + Monteverde) as outlined here, then plan a Caribbean trip for your inevitable return.
The Bottom Line
Costa Rica is proof that an extraordinary trip doesn't require an extraordinary distance. Three to five hours from most US cities, and you're in a country where volcanoes steam, monkeys swing through the trees outside your luxury resort, and the coffee is so good it ruins you for everything at home.
On points, it's one of the easiest trips you can plan: 25,000 United miles per person for flights, 25,000–35,000 Hyatt points per night at one of the best resorts in the Americas, and a country where $100 per day covers food, activities, and transportation in style.
Take our Travel Score Quiz to find out which cards set you up for this trip. If you already have a Chase Sapphire Preferred, you may have enough points sitting in your account right now.
Pura Vida isn't just a saying. It's an invitation.
Dreaming of Costa Rica on points? Join our WanderWise Facebook Group where travelers 55+ share resort reviews, eco-lodge recommendations, and packing lists for the tropics.