Jungles, beaches, adventure – this small country has it all for the active traveller
“La Pura Vida” (“pure life”) is Costa Rica’s motto, befitting this beautiful, welcoming, and exciting country. Costa Rica’s dedication to conservation is remarkable, and the gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, diverse wildlife, and sprawling national parks make this country a great destination. The people are friendly, and travel is easy. We can’t recommend a trip here highly enough.
Itineraries
See
Manuel Antonio National Park
This small (683 acre) park is probably the most popular park in Costa Rica – with good reason. Great wildlife, gorgeous beaches, views, and jungles.
Tenorio National Park and Rio Celeste
Visit the amazing cerulean blue river in Tenorio National park – a lovely area for walking. The color comes from sulfur and calcium carbonate in the water from the Tenorio Volcano. This makes a great day trip from Arenal.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
In the 1950’s 11 Quaker families from Alabama moved to Monteverde to farm (and avoid the Korean War draft). Over the next 10-20 years they decided t set aside and preserve the native virgin cloud forest – at the time there were few preserves or national parks in Costa Rica. Today this gorgeous forest is […]
Tabacon Hot Springs
Arenal Area is popular for it’s hot springs – this one is probably the best. And the most expensive. The water here is free flowing and it arguably more “natural” than others in the area (the water is free-flowing). Soak in thermal waters, sit under hot waterfalls. Day pass includes a meal. Gorgeous garden setting.
Catarata Río Fortuna
Not far from the town of La Fortuna (follow signs from town), park and hike 20 minutes down to a large (70m) waterfall in a jungle setting where you can swim in the large pool underneath. An iconic Costa Rica experience.
Tabacon (free) hot springs
Right near the Tabacon commercial hot springs flows the Tabacon river, which continues to flow past the resort property, making the steamy river accessible and free located just 50m south of this property, This is an option for those on a budget or who don’t want to be bothered with large crowds and pricey entrance […]
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National Theatre of Costa Rica
This old theatre sits on the Plaza de la Cultura and is arguably the prettiest building in San José. It was built in 1897 and has a lovely marble lobby and some beautiful paintings. Hourly tours are offered of the theatre. There is also a great cafe (with really fantastic local coffee) if you need lunch. If you’re grabbing a city walking tour, it may start here.
Do
Sarapiqui River Rafting
River rafting in Costa Rica is a great experience. You get Class II-III (or 3-4 depending on your courage and experience), but unlike many places the water splashing you is relatively warm, and you’re rafting through virgin rainforest.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Zipline
In 1979 a US biologist invented the biplane to study the rainforest canopy in Sarpiqui Costa Rica. 18 years later in Monteverde the first commercial biplane was started. Since then it has become a global phenomenon but regardless of the history do a zip line when you are in Monteverde. It is amazing and fun […]
Turtle nesting tours
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica offers amazing views of nesting sea turtles. Tortuguero is the more popular area with tourist amenities, rain forest boat tours, beaches, and a large number of green sea turtles – especially from July to October. These massive creatures crawl up the beach at night to lay their eggs and you can arrange a guided night tour with a naturalist through any of the lodges in the area.
Rainmaker Night Tour
A privately-owned ecological preserve, Rainmaker is 1500 acres of spectacular rainforest. A fantastic option is to see it by night, where you’ll experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the deep jungle. The night tour focuses on reptiles; you’ll see frogs, toads, snakes, and much more.
Horseback Tour Monteverde
Costa Rica is great horse country – Monteverde cloud forest is a great place to take a ride. There are various options we suggest the waterfall ride at 9 or 1PM with smiling horses
Stay
Nayara Gardens
This gorgeous, sprawling resort near the foot of Arenal Volcano is nestled in the jungle. It offers a string of beautiful hot springs, delicious restaurants, and a world-class spa.
Pacuare Lodge
A truly magical spot in the remote jungle along Costa Rica’s Pacuare River, the Pacuare Lodge offers luxury accommodations in a stunningly beautiful spot. Be prepared for an adventure on the trips in and out, though; the lodge is primarily accessible by whitewater river raft or helicopter (thoug
Finca Rosa Blanca
This is a stunningly beautiful boutique hotel with amazing grounds on a coffee plantation. It’s actually a National Geographic unique lodge of the world. It offers coffee tours of their fair trade organic coffee, farm to table dining, lovely grounds and a pool. You’ll also be surrounded by mango, guava, banana, and other fruit trees. […]
Hotel Belmar
Swiss chalet feel with tropical hardwoods throughout, gorgeous cloud forest setting, farm to table restaurant and onsite microbrewery – what’s not to love
Tirimbina Lodge
Air conditioned rooms right next to the Sarapiqui outdoor center rafting with 9km of walks through a 350 acre reserve. You can takes one of several tours and don’t need to stay at the lodge to do that but it is certainly convenient to be right here.
Hotel Costa Verde
Admit it, haven’t you’ve always wanted to sleep in a 727 converted to two bedroom fancy hotel suite jutting out over the jungle? Well here’s your chance. They also have regular rooms, great views, nice pool.
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Mawamba Lodge
Lodge with all inclusive services including free tours. It offers a pool and access to the Caribbean beach (but swimming is not safe in the ocean due to currents).
Marriot Hacienda Belen
A four star hotel not far from the San Jose airport with all of the modern amenities you might expect including nice pools and views. Located in Heredia (a cute university town).
Lirio Lodge
The reason to visit here is the Leatherback Turtles. The lodge is located north of Limon and south of Tortuguero on the Carribean Coast. You will be on the canals which are lowland waterways full of wildlife. From March to June the nearby beach is home to leatherback turtle nesting and the lodge can arrange […]
Finca Paraiso Mountain Retreat
This is a highly rate small inn about 30 minutes form the San Jose airport with lovely grounds and views. It also offers a hotel shuttle.
Tortuga Lodge
This is a highly rated lodging offering tours (turtles, kayaking, fishing, visits to local villages) in Tortuguero. It’s set on a riverbank and surrounded by jungle and offers a beautiful pool. Breakfast is included and an on-site restaurant has good food.
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Right on the beautiful sandy Playa Hermosa beach
Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa
If you are really into hot springs you can stay at them (entry fee included). The lodging gets great reviews and the setting and grounds are great. And of course, no end to pools, hot waterfalls and general hot water decadence
Arenal Volcano Inn
Red roofed bungalows with lawns and sidewalks through the grounds with swimming pool and a good view of the mountain
Selva Verde Lodge
Lodging near Sarapiqui with nice pool. located in it’s own forest reserve with guided hikes on site
Hotel Grano De Oro
We wouldn’t necessarily recommend you stay in the heart of San Jose, but if you want to this is a great option. It’s an upscale boutique hotel which is also home to a fantastic restaurant. Enjoy the rooftop Jacuzzi or spa amenities.
Evergreen Lodge
An all- inclusive resort (tours and meals) in Tortuguero. It also has a very nice swimming pool.
Arenal Observatory Lodge
This is the only lodging within the national park and is located in forest high on the volcano. Pool, lovely setting
Sarapiqui Rainforest Lodge
Lodging complex based on a pre- columnar village design with a nice swimming pool. They arrange can nearby tours
Hotel Si Como No
Gorgeous eco resort and wildlife refuge near Manuel Antonio. Lovely pools, swim up bars, balconies. Compared to other properties in the area it’s actually a good value as well