The Best Golf Courses In Costa Rica

Believe it or not, Costa Rica is a top golfing destination in Central America with six renowned golf courses on its Pacific Coast and in its Central Valley. Aside from the thrill of playing an 18-hole round of golf on vacation, these courses are set among some of the country’s more spectacular settings with beautiful views of the ocean, beaches, volcanoes, tropical dry forests, and rainforests.

1. Cariari Country Club

The Cariari golf course was the first 18-hole golf course in Costa Rica. Designed by George Fazio and built by his nephew Tom Fazio in the ’70s, it was the only championship golf course in Central America for twenty years (the land Cariari is built on once hosted a coffee plantation). Playing golf on a course that’s located in the middle of the Central Valley is very pleasant, as the weather there is much cooler than on the coast. However, it is reserved for members and their guests only so you have to know someone to play. But if you do, it is a prestigious experience!

Cariari Country Club, Ciudad Cariari, Pan American Highway, Heredia Province, Heredia, Costa Rica, +506 2293 3211

The first putt | © Andrew Gray/Flickr

2. Valle del Sol

Valle del Sol was a work in progress for a long time, but in 2001 all 18 holes were completed. Views of the Irazu, Barva, and Poas volcanoes can definitely be a distraction as you make your way through the course and there are ponds and streams scattered throughout to challenge your game. Located just twenty minutes west of downtown San Jose, Valle del Sol is open to the public and its climate, views, and design make it a fantastic place to play golf.

Valle del Sol, San Jose Province, San Jose, Costa Rica, +506 2282 9222

6. Reserva Conchal

Resort

It is widely believed that Reserva Conchal is the best golf course in Costa Rica. This 71-par course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II in 1996 and is part of the upscale and luxurious Reserva Conchal Beach Resort. The challenging course is laced with 63 sand traps, multiple lakes and rivers, and expansive ocean views and was host to the first international golf tournament ever held in Guanacaste.

Reserva Conchal, Cabo Velas, Costa Rica, +506 2654 3000

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.