Traveling to Costa Rica is often described as stepping into a living postcard—lush green mountains, colorful birds, warm people, and a relaxed way of life summed up in the famous phrase Pura Vida. Yet for many visitors, staying in a large hotel or resort can create a barrier between the traveler and the real Costa Rica. For those who want something deeper, more meaningful, and far more personal, Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation HomeStay, Bed and Breakfast offers a unique alternative: an authentic cultural experience that is affordable, welcoming, and unforgettable.
This is not just a place to sleep—it is a chance to live, even briefly, as Costa Ricans do.
A Home, Not a Hotel
Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation HomeStay is designed for travelers who want to connect with local people, understand Costa Rican traditions, and experience daily life from the inside. Instead of anonymous hallways and buffet lines, guests are welcomed into a warm family home where conversations flow easily, meals are cooked with love, and cultural exchange happens naturally.
Staying at Xinia’s Homestay allows visitors to interact with real Costa Ricans, practice Spanish in a relaxed environment, learn about traditional foods, and gain firsthand insight into Costa Rican customs and values. It is a true personal cultural experience, and one that many guests describe as the highlight of their entire trip.
Best of all, this experience is affordable—making it accessible to solo travelers, couples, families, students, and retirees alike.
Ideal Location Near the International Airport
Convenience is one of the many advantages of Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation HomeStay. The home is located just six miles north of Costa Rica’s main international airport, making it an ideal first or last stop during your journey. The airport is located outside downtown San José, approximately fifteen miles from the capital city itself, which allows guests to avoid the heavy traffic often associated with the city center.
Set at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet above sea level, the homestay enjoys cool mountain air, refreshing evenings, and stunning views of the city lights below. This comfortable climate is one of the reasons the Central Valley has long been a favorite area for both locals and visitors.
Meet Your Hosts: A Costa Rican Family
Xinia, the heart and soul of the homestay, welcomes guests alongside her family—her grown children Bryan and Jessica, and Jessica’s husband, Grevin. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels immediately comfortable and friendly. All family members speak English, making communication easy while still allowing guests the opportunity to practice Spanish if they wish.
From the moment you arrive, you are treated not as a customer, but as an invited guest. This family-centered environment reflects the strong family values that define Costa Rican culture.
Comfortable Rooms and Affordable Pricing
Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation HomeStay offers three comfortable guest rooms, each thoughtfully prepared to ensure a restful stay.
Private Queen Room
This room features a queen-size bed with a new Posturepedic mattress and a private bathroom. It is ideal for couples or solo travelers who want additional privacy.
Price: $35 per person per night
Includes: Tropical homemade breakfast
Double Bed Room
This room offers a double bed with a new Posturepedic mattress and a shared bathroom.
Price: $30 per person per night
Includes: Tropical homemade breakfast
Twin Bed Room
Perfect for friends or family members traveling together, this room includes two single beds with new Posturepedic mattresses and a shared bathroom with shower.
Price: $30–$35 per person per night
Includes: Tropical homemade breakfast
Each morning, guests wake up to a delicious Costa Rican-style tropical breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients—a perfect start to the day.
Costa Rican Home Cooking Experience
One of the most memorable aspects of staying at Xinia’s Homestay is the opportunity to enjoy authentic Costa Rican home cooking. For $15 per person, guests can reserve a traditional dinner prepared by Xinia herself.
Meals are made using fresh ingredients, many sourced directly from local farmers’ markets. Dining together allows guests to experience Costa Rican hospitality, learn about local ingredients, and enjoy flavors rarely found in restaurants catering to tourists.
Cooking Classes: Learn the Secrets of Costa Rican Cuisine
For travelers who want to take the experience even further, Xinia offers Costa Rican cooking classes that introduce guests to the heart of local cuisine.
During these hands-on classes, guests learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as:
- Picadillo, a finely chopped vegetable dish made with chayote or potato, often combined with chicken, beef, or pork
- Arroz con Pollo, the most popular Costa Rican dish for holidays and family celebrations
Participants also learn how to prepare natural fruit drinks using papaya, mango, pineapple, and banana. Xinia explains how combining different fruits can provide health benefits such as supporting weight loss and helping to lower blood pressure.
Guests also discover the importance of herbs like cilantro and garlic, which are staples of Costa Rican cooking.
Xinia’s Farmers Market “Feria” Tour
If your visit includes a Saturday, you are in for a special treat. Xinia leads an exciting guided tour to the local Farmers Market, known as the “Feria.”
At the Feria, dozens of farmers gather to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers—many grown organically. Visitors see an incredible variety of produce, from tropical fruits to locally grown greens, as well as beautiful roses and orchids.
This guided experience costs $5 per person and offers valuable insight into Costa Rican food culture and daily life. It is colorful, lively, and unforgettable.
Guided Tours to Local Attractions
Xinia also offers guided visits to some of Costa Rica’s most popular attractions, making it easy for guests to explore without worrying about transportation or logistics.
Volcano Tour
Located approximately 35 minutes away, this tour allows guests to witness a massive crater with steaming sulfur pools and geysers. Along the way, visitors encounter enormous tropical plants such as the famous “poor man’s umbrella.”
Price: Upon request
Coffee Plantation Tour
Just minutes from the homestay, this tour offers a firsthand look at how Costa Rican coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. Guests enjoy tasting some of the finest coffee in the country and can purchase fresh bags to take home.
Price: Upon request
Additional Cultural and Nature Experiences
Other optional excursions include:
- Zoo Aves, a bird sanctuary featuring colorful tropical birds, monkeys, and other wildlife
- Sr. y Sra. Ese Wood Art Gallery and Factory, showcasing handcrafted jewelry made from local tropical woods
- The Root Gallery, featuring exotic wood vases crafted from native Costa Rican trees
All tours are priced upon request and can be customized based on guest interests.
More Than a Stay—A Meaningful Connection
Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation HomeStay, Bed and Breakfast is more than accommodation—it is a cultural bridge. Guests leave not only with photographs and souvenirs, but with stories, friendships, and a deeper understanding of Costa Rican life.
Whether you are beginning your Costa Rica adventure, ending your journey, or simply seeking a peaceful place to connect with local culture, Xinia’s home offers warmth, authenticity, and genuine hospitality.
For travelers who believe that the best way to experience a country is through its people, Xinia’s Costa Rica Vacation HomeStay is the perfect choice.
Come as a guest. Leave as a friend. Live the real Costa Rica.
