Things to Do at Our Hotel in Grecia, Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica is a small country, getting around is harder than it looks. Deciding where to stay is a difficult decision, as it could be the difference between you having the trip of a lifetime or you spending far too many hours in the car. Before you make any plans, find out why our LGBTQ hotel in Grecia, Costa Rica might be the perfect place for you to lay down your head at night.

Where Is Grecia?

While most people have heard of places like San Jose and La Fortuna, Grecia has less notoriety. But that's not to say that the town has nothing to offer. In fact, it's a great destination for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Grecia is in the central valley of Costa Rica. It's located about an hour from San Jose, 25 minutes from SJO airport, and an hour and a half to Jaco beach. If you're looking to get to La Fortuna, the drive is about two hours long. Thanks to having such a central location, Grecia is an ideal place to use as a home base while you explore the rest of the country.

What's the Weather Like?

One of the highlights of Grecia is the weather. No matter the time of year, you can expect a comfortable climate. The dry season takes place from December to April, and the rainy season is May through November. Although it can rain daily during the wet season, the mornings are generally sunny.

Living in Grecia is like having eternal spring. With average temperatures between 65–82°F, you get the best of both worlds. If you sleep with the windows open at night, you don't need air conditioning. And during the day, it's warm enough to sport a tank top and go for a swim in the pool. The humidity in Grecia is low compared to the humidity in coastal areas.

The Lifestyle in Grecia

About 15,000 people live in Grecia. While it's not a big city, it does have everything you need to either vacation or live here. There's a small hospital, plenty of shops, and several activities. If you go downtown, you'll find a vibrant scene. Locals and expats meld together as they hang out at the playground, stop for ice cream, and take in all the sights and sounds.

As is true of most of Costa Rica towns, the main building in Grecia is a church. But it's not just any church. Built in 1850, this church was likely shipped from Belgium and crafted from 100% metal. The bright red paint and overwhelming height of the building make it impossible to ignore. In fact, the metal church is one of the more popular tourist attractions in Grecia.

One thing that we love about Grecia is the LGBTQ community. Over the years, Rainbow Refuge has been focusing on building a supportive community of like-minded individuals. And there are plenty of those! Rainbow Refuge is host to LGBTQ pancake breakfasts, pool parties, and other exciting events. At a weekly expat luncheon, you're almost guaranteed to run into a few other LGBTQ folk.

Things to Do in Grecia

There are plenty of trips you can take to that are within a few hours of Grecia. But there are also several activities you can enjoy within the local area! First, you can check out Finca Koki. This farm and adventure park is about 20 minutes from Rainbow Refuge. If you really want to feel like a local, hop on the bus and make your way there.

Finca Koki has a lazy river, walking trails, hanging bridges, a petting zoo, a swimming area, and much more. They have tours throughout the day and have plenty of space for you to sit and relax. The cost is about 6,000 colones and kids under 5 are free, so it won't break the bank.

Downtown Grecia

For those looking to do some shopping or explore local life a little more, downtown Grecia is a must-see. You can check out all the shops, take the kids to the playground, and enjoy lunch at a soda. There's a bus that could take you from a stop near Rainbow Refuge directly to downtown.

Rescate Wildlife Center

Hoping to see some wildlife without needing to venture into the rainforest? Rescate Wildlife Center is the ideal place to observe Costa Rican flora and fauna without getting your shoes dirty. It's easy to spend several hours there watching wildlife and appreciating the lush landscaping.

Los Chorros

Although the Rainbow Refuge has a gorgeous waterfall on site, you still may want to make the trip to Los Chorros. A quick hike from the parking area takes you to the waterfall and swim basin, where you can bathe in the refreshing water.

Feria Del Agricultor

One of my favorite things to do in Grecia is to go to the local Feria, or market. Every Friday and Saturday (with exceptions for holidays), there is a fruit and vegetable market. It could take you hours to walk all the aisles, but eventually you figure out your favorite vendors and can make a quick trip there.

The Feria gives you a great opportunity to experience life as a local. After only being here for a couple of weeks, I would run into acquaintances and friends at the market. Even the vendors started to recognize me. There are some tasty sodas (small, local restaurants), clothing vendors, and plenty of other types of stalls to check out.

Poas Volcano

There's a volcano not too far from Grecia. If the volcano is active at the time, you won't be able to get to it. But if it's not, you can drive up to the volcano and enjoy the trails. Be warned - the weather is much cooler and likely to be rainy up there. Depending on the cloud cover, you may or may not have a good view of the crater.

If the view is obstructed, you can still enjoy the trails and the nature. Keep your eye out for hummingbirds and Morpho butterflies as you appreciate the fresh air. Before you visit, buy your tickets online here.

Stay at Our LGBTQ Hotel in Grecia, Costa Rica

Because Costa Rica is full of so many gems, staying in a central location can be the key to having a fulfilling vacation. But we're so much more than a convenient location! We strive to create a community that makes everyone feel welcomed and loved. So, book your stay at our LGBTQ hotel in Grecia, Costa Rica and appreciate la Pura Vida.