Small country, big choice of where to go. Costa Rica is little more than a glorified chain of volcanoes and assorted other mountains that rise in a spine the length of the country separating the Caribbean from the Pacific. Yet within a relatively small area there is a vast array of habitats and ecosystems to explore from wetlands best explored by boat along the Caribbean coast, through cloudforests and volcanoes in the interior to beautiful palm-fringed beaches and extraordinary rainforests on the Pacific coast.
Where to go in Costa Rica
Where to go in Costa Rica
Peninsula Papagayo
This Pacific coast peninsula makes for an ideal family-friendly pitstop on any longer Costa Rica trip, or as a one-stop shop fly and flop destination.
Manuel Antonio & the Central Pacific Coast
The Pacific Coast between the Osa and Nicoya Peninsulas has attractions aplenty in its own right.
Osa Peninsula & Golfo Dulce
On the south-west Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this is home to Corcovado National Park, and endless wildlife.
Guanacaste & the Nicoya Peninsula
Isolated and rugged beaches, nature reserves and increasingly stylish hotels.
Central Valley
Costa Rica's geographical heart is home to San José, coffee plantations, volcanoes, and rapids ideal for rafting.
Volcanoes and Cloud Forests
One big National Park, Costa Rica is filled with natural beauty, wildlife and this region is heaven for outdoorsy types.
Tortuguero National Park
Tropical rainforest - one of the biggest swathes in Central America - wildlife and excellent lodges with naturalist guides.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 destinations
What to do in Costa Rica
Tocori Waterfalls Riding Tour
Explore the private Tocori Biological Reserve, the Tocori waterfalls and the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park on a riding trip...
Corcovado National Park
Described by National Geographic as 'the most biologically intense place on Earth', the Osa Peninsula is one big wildlife park but the jewel...
Surfing the Nicoya Peninsula
Warm waters, stunning beaches and fewer people than many surf spots in Costa Rica make the Nicoya Peninsula as close to surfing perfection as...
Volcano Tours
There are two highly impressive volcanoes within easy reach of San Jose, and well worth day trip's for anyone staying in Costa Rica for more...
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Searching for birds and big cats in the wild is all well and good, but at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens you’ll find them all conveniently in...
Canopy Tours
Swoop through the cloud forest with the greatest of ease on a zip-wire, and discover the rainforest from a hanging bridge high up in the canopy.
Arenal
Although the perfectly conical volcano Arenal is spectacular to admire from afar, it’s best to get a bit closer to the action with a visit...
Riding Safari in Costa Rica
Undoubtedly the most scenic and fun way to travel between Arenal and Monteverde is on horseback, crossing straight over the old mountain trails...
Turtle Nesting Tour
Tortuguero National Park is home to some of the world’s finest nesting sites for endangered green turtles. This nocturnal guided tour allows...
Showing 1 - 3 of 9 activities
Load moreLuxury Hotels in Costa Rica
Showing 1 - 3 of 26 hotels
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Rancho Humo Estancia
A nature lovers dream, Rancho Humo Estancia is off the well worn path in Costa Rica, located in the small town of Puerto Humo on the Nicoya Peninsula.
El Mangroove
El Mangroove is set in the middle of a natural mangrove forest, right on the beachfront; chic yet relaxed, modern yet down-to-earth, with service...
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
The Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is located on the Pacific coast of north-west Costa Rica in the scenic region of dry tropical forest, volcanic...
Four Seasons Costa Rica Peninsula Papagayo
The 2,400-acre Papagayo Peninsula is part of a giant, government-backed development project on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. One day it will...
Kura Design Villas
Owned by a cool young Costa Rican couple, Kura Design Villas luxury hotel is tucked away in dense rainforest a couple of miles inland from the...
Arenas del Mar
If one phrase describes Arenas del Mar it’s ‘sustainable luxury’. Costa Rica already has a fine reputation for this sort of thing, but...
Alta Gracia
Sitting in the mountains of Perez Zeledon inland from the Central Pacific Coast, Alta Gracia is a new luxury spa hotel that opened in June 2015.
Casa Corcovado
This very isolated jungle lodge is the closest accommodation to Corcovado National Park from this end of the Osa Peninsula.
Lapa Rios
Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks...
Copa de Arbol
Welcome to the jungle! Copa de Arbol is an eco beach front resort, secluded in 70 acres of tropical rainforest in Drake Bay.
Playa Cativo Lodge
Accessible by boat, Playa Cativo ticks all the boxes when it comes to a beach/jungle stay. Surrounded by Piedras Blancas National Park and across...
Florblanca
Florblanca is a small resort, fast becoming the benchmark for upmarket properties on this stretch of the Pacific coast.
Harmony Hotel
The rooms at the Harmony Hotel are dotted along a path through a tropical garden down towards the Pacific Ocean.
Latitude 10
Located just outside the laidback town of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula, Latitude 10 has a similarly relaxed and friendly vibe.
Punta Islita
Punta Islita has a spectacular, hillside position with superb views across forest, beach and sea.
Finca Rosa Blanca
Winner of many Responsible Tourism awards and accolades, this is a working farm and coffee plantation with its roots firmly in sustainability.
Hotel Grano de Oro
Located on a quiet street just off Paseo Colón, this is an oasis within the heart of a bustling city.
Xandari Resort & Spa
On a former coffee plantation just 20 minutes from San José's airport makes Xandari a great spot to relax and unwind after a long flight, before...
Pacuare Lodge
Nestled within pristine rainforest on the banks of the Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge aims to withdraw its guests from the modern world, and all...
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
Located four miles from Fortuna on the lower slopes of one of the world’s most amazing volcanoes, Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens has some of the...
Monteverde Lodge
Monteverde Lodge is the best option for comfort in Monteverde.
Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel
Located in Alajuela in north-central Costa Rica, Villa Blanca offers access to some of the country’s pristine cloud forest.
Poas Volcano Lodge
Poas Volcano Lodge is a boutique hotel situated on the edge of a protected sub-tropical cloud forest, with views of Poas Volcano and the northern...
Manatus
There are no roads in Tortuguero, so access to Manatus involves a two-hour boat trip through the canals and waterways that criss-cross the park.
Tortuga Lodge
Tortuga Lodge sits on 50 acres of private land on Costa Rica's Northeast Caribbean coast.
Showing 1 - 3 of 26 hotels
Load moreKey Facts & Useful Links
Language: Spanish; Castilian
Currency: Costa Rican Colon
Visa: Not required
Religion: Catholic
Food & Drink: Cosado, Olla de Carne (beef stew)
Time difference:
GMT -6 hrs
Flight from London:
10:30 hrs
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