Costa RicaVacation Packages

where to stay: The Arenal Volcano region boasts some of Costa Rica's most unique and luxurious hotels in Costa Rica. The amazing Nayara Gardens and the Nayara Springs properties have been voted among the best hotels in the world for several years running. These amazing sister properties offer luxurious bungalow-style accommodations with world-class service and yet, retain a casual vibe. They were recently joined by the new, eco-friendly Nayara Tented Camp, where you can enjoy a luxurious safari-themed holiday in style. The Springs Resort is another amazing luxury-class resort with dozens of hot springs pools and rivers surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens and jungle. The Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa is one of the most famous hot springs resorts in the world! This amazing eco-friendly resort offers the best hot springs in Costa Rica, set in gorgeous gardens and jungle. The Arenal Kioro Hotel is another beautiful 5-star eco-resort that is set at the base of the imposing Arenal Volcano. You won't find better views of the volcano, and this is a hotel to remember in the rainy season as they offer great green season specials. Amor Arenal Hotel is the newest luxury resort in the Arenal Volcano region. This stylish and luxurious eco-resort offers guests gorgeous bungalows, amazing views, and hot springs surrounded by rainforest. The Amor Arenal is sure to be one of the most popular hotels in Costa Rica in the coming years. Rounding off the top of the list, we have to include Arenal Springs Resort & Spa. This unique and popular 4-star eco-resort offers guests beautiful hot springs, world-class service, and incredible value, making it one of our favorite and highest-rated hotels!

what to do: Your visit to Arenal Volcano will likely be the highlight of your Costa Rica vacation! Arenal is the hot springs and adventure capital of Costa Rica but is also one of the best places to take in natural beauty and enjoy the incredible biodiversity and nature. We always recommend staying at a hotel with onsite hot springs, but if you can't find availability, you'll likely want to spend a day at one of the resorts that offer day or evening passes. Tabacon is undoubtedly the most popular day pass hot springs option, followed by the Los Perdidos Springs at The Springs Resort, and then Baldi Hot Springs for a more economical option that is great for kids. Adventurers will be thrilled with dozens of fun and exciting experiences available at Arenal! You can go whitewater rafting on the awesome Rio Balsa River or go extreme on class III and IV rapids on the Rio Sarapiqui. Arenal offers the best canyoning and waterfall rappelling in Costa Rica. Just imagine rappelling down tropical waterfalls and then scrambling through a canyon in the middle of the jungle! This area is also home to some of Costa Rica's most popular zipline adventures. Ziplining is the ultimate high-speed, high-flying adventure activity that offers a birds-eye view of the jungle. Other popular adventures include ATV riding, horseback riding, cave exploration at the Venado Caves, kayaking at Lake Arenal or on the Rio Penas Blancas, and whitewater tubing on the thrilling Rio Arenal. Nature lovers have plenty of options, as well! The Arenal Hanging Bridges offers a unique way to hike through the rainforest. Visitors can hike several kilometers on their terrestrial trails as well as on their hanging bridges so you can experience the magic of the jungle and its canopy, where most of the animals live. The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica to search for monkeys, sloths, caimans, and many other species of wildlife. You can go by motorized riverboat or on a canoe for a more intimate experience. Closer to Arenal, we offer a Safari Float on the Rio Penas Blancas. This float is a fun and memorable activity for families as you go on a whitewater rafting boat. While there are no rapids, you will be thrilled by the amazing wildlife that inhabits this biological corridor, including sloths, toucans, monkeys, iguanas, and many other animals. A hike through the Arenal Volcano National Park is a great way to spend a couple of hours in the afternoon before a visit to the hot springs. The park can be hit or miss at times but is home to many species of wildlife. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, and peccaries are commonly spotted, but you also have an off chance of seeing something incredible like an ocelot, margay, or tayra. Birdwatching can be incredible in the Arenal Volcano region. Chestnut and keel-billed toucans are common. Aracari, motmots, honeycreepers, and several species of tanagers are as well. If you want to visit a waterfall, be sure to save time for the La Fortuna Waterfalls. This gorgeous waterfall is nearly 200 feet tall and surrounded by a lush jungle. The world-famous Rio Celeste Waterfall is also a great day trip from the La Fortuna area. To access it, you hike through the Tenorio Volcano National Park until the forest opens up and you are facing one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls. The Kool-Aid blue color waters are a stunning contrast to the lush green jungle that surrounds it.   

insider's advice: Choose a hotel with onsite hot springs. You'll save time and money versus visiting costly offsite hot springs, and you'll be able to enjoy them throughout your stay for free!

where to stay: Manuel Antonio is best known for its eco-friendly boutique hotels that line the hills above the beaches. Los Altos Resort is a luxurious 5-star Bali-inspired condo resort that we highly recommend! They offer various unit configurations, from 1 - 3 bedrooms. Los Altos is on a private wildlife reserve and has direct beach access at the base of the property. Arenas del Mar Resort is another excellent high-end boutique hotel, and right by the beach. This hotel offers elegant rooms and world-class services. The Tulemar Resort is a beautiful eco-friendly resort located on the hill near the center of Manuel Antonio. You would have to take the hotel's shuttle to reach the beach, but it is accessible from the resort property. This hotel is best known for its fantastic customer service, which makes it among Costa Rica's highest-rated hotels. Si Como No Resort is a beautiful 4-star eco-resort with stunning views over the jungle and gorgeous Pacific coast. The Shana Hotel is another terrific 4-star option. The Shana is set on a hillside overlooking the forest and coast, but you can walk down a nature trail to a gorgeous little beach within 10 minutes. La Vela Boutique Hotel is a wonderful 3-star option if you are looking to save money. This fun, small hotel is within just a few minutes walk from the beach, national park, shopping, and a variety of restaurants. Monkeys and other incredible animals frequently pass through the hotel grounds from the park! You can't go wrong with this gem!

what to do: Manuel Antonio is a jungle beach destination with loads of wildlife, gorgeous scenery, and much more! This beach offers more activity and experience options than any other in Costa Rica. A visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is practically a requirement! This fantastic park, set in the coastal jungles, is home to countless species of rare and exotic animals. You can also sign up for a wide variety of adventures in Manuel Antonio, including whitewater rafting, canyoning and rappelling down jungle waterfalls, horseback riding, ATV adventures, canopy zipline, biking, and more! Of course, you can also choose from a variety of beach activities such as surf lessons, kayaking, or even parasailing. Catamaran Cruises are another popular activity in this area. Imagine cruising along the gorgeous coast as you watch the brilliant sun setting on the Pacific.

insider's advice: Bring your towel and bathing suit when visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica are in the park. Plan to stick around after your tour and enjoy some fun in the sun in this incredible setting! 

where to stay: Tamarindo is a great place to visit and offers visitors some wonderful hotels to choose from! Capitan Suizo is a beachfront boutique hotel located close enough to town to walk to restaurants but far enough to escape from the crowds. This 4-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations and remarkable customer service. Cala Luna is another higher-end 4-star boutique hotel that we highly recommend. Located in the quiet Langosta neighborhood of Tamarindo, Cala Luna offers guests 2 and 3-bedroom villas or well-appointed guest rooms. The 4-star Tamarindo Diria Resort is located in the center of Tamarindo and right in front of the beach. This hotel is more like a resort and offers adults-only or family sections of the hotel, so there's something for everyone!

what to do: Tamarindo is a fun and enjoyable town, offering a plethora of activities! Of course, beaching, swimming, boogie-boarding, and surfing are at the top of the list, but there are plenty of other things to do as well. Adventurers can go canopy ziplining, horseback riding, ATVing, kayaking, or even take a drive up to one of the adventure ranch haciendas near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Nature lovers can go on a birdwatching tour or a riverboat safari at Palo Verde National Park.

insider's advice: Tamarindo is unique in the sense that the beach is perfect for swimming or surfing. The south end of Playa Tamarindo is calm and perfect for swimming. The north end of the beach has larger waves that are ideal for surfing.  Bring your boogie board for the area in between!

where to stay: For years, Monteverde has been known as the land of rustic ecolodges, but that is beginning to change. Opening its doors in 2019, Senda Monteverde Hotel offers guests a luxurious ecolodge option. This hotel is backed by a private nature reserve and offers stylish eco-friendly accommodations, but the secret is in its service. The staff at this hotel is simply wonderful and makes it one of our favorite hidden gems! We also like that they have an onsite restaurant with great prices, a nice change these days! Koora Monteverde Boutique Hotel is another great eco-friendly lodge. They also opened for business in 2019 and offer higher-end eco-lodging. Along similar lines, Hotel Belmar is a great eco-friendly lodge that offers simple but stylish accommodations. Built out of local hardwoods, the buildings are beautiful. If you want to save money for tours and experiences, we'd recommend El Establo Mountain Hotel or Hotel Poco a Poco. Both of these hotels are in the midrange category, offering affordable, but nice accommodations.

what to do: Monteverde is one of the most popular cloud forest destinations in the world, so be sure to plan to visit one of the cloud forest reserves! While Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is far and away the most recognized reserve in the region, Curi Cancha gets our vote as the best of the best! This amazing reserve is located near the other reserve but has far fewer visitors and a lot more potential for animal sightings and great birdwatching. We also recommend checking out one of the amazing canopy tours that Monteverde is famous for. The canopy ziplines in this area are among the best in the world! If you're looking for a slower-paced activity, birdwatching, and just learning about the cloud forest, we'd recommend a guided hanging bridges tour. These hikes will take you both on the ground and through the canopy of the cloud forest via hanging suspension bridges.

insider's advice: Monteverde is home to the best canopy hanging bridge tours and canopy zipline courses in Costa Rica and perhaps the world. If you are planning on enjoying one of these activities, save it for Monteverde! Birdwatchers will like to know that the best time to observe Resplendent Quetzals is during their breeding season from February through May. Three-Wattled Bell Birds breed in Monteverde from March through June. 

where to stay: There are many great hotels in Guanacaste, so we'll focus on a handful that are consistently rated as the best by our clients. Guanacaste is home to the majority of Costa Rica's all-inclusive resorts. The 5-star Westin Playa Conchal is our highest recommendation as it's positioned on one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica and has wonderful amenities. It's also just a 15-minute drive from Tamarindo, so there's plenty to do in this area. Secrets Papagayo Resort is our top recommendation for adults-only all-inclusive. This 5-star resort is also beachfront and located just 25 minutes from LIR Airport, making it one of the most conveniently located resorts in Costa Rica. In the boutique hotel category, we recommend several great options. Hotel Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar is a wonderful beachfront hotel with an amazing open-air beachfront restaurant. At just 25 minutes from the airport, it's also very convenient. Bahia del Sol is another great option if you want to go a little off-the-beaten-path, but still be within a half-hour drive of Tamarindo. This beachfront hotel is located in the quiet village of Potrero and offers luxurious eco-friendly accommodations. Be sure to check out our Tamarindo section for recommendations, including Capitan Suizo and Cala Luna.

what to do: Guanacaste offers visitors a variety of beaches, offering everything from gentle swimming to world-class big wave surfing and everything in between. Popular beach activities include kayaking, sunset catamaran cruises with snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. if you're an adventurer, we'd recommend taking a day trip to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. This national park and surrounding area is covered in tropical dry forest and offers great hiking opportunities. The adventure ranches surrounding the volcano offer canopy zipline, ATV riding, whitewater tubing, horseback riding, and much more, including hot springs! Nature lovers can go on a riverboat safari cruise in Palo Verde National Park or go on a guided hike in Santa Rosa National Park, in search of rare and exotic animals.

insider's advice: Northern Guanacaste from Tamarindo through Papagayo is the driest region of Costa Rica. Even in the rainiest months, September and October, many days see some sunshine.

where to stay: The Osa Peninsula is home to some of the world's best ecolodges. Copa del Arbol in Drake Bay offers beachfront lodging, with charming bungalows and world-class service. Surrounded by jungle and in front of a gorgeous beach, you'll have no problem setting your cellphone down for a few days of paradise! Aguila de Osa is another wonderful Drake Bay ecolodge. Known for its great food, amazing experiences, and world-class service, Aguila is a great choice for your stay in Drake Bay. Cabo Matapalo is another amazing destination on the Osa Peninsula and is home to some incredible lodges! Lapa Rios Lodge defines eco-luxury. Set on a hill overlooking the wild jungle and the Pacific coast, this amazing ecolodge offers luxurious accommodations and world-class service. El Remanso is another amazing "rustic-chic" ecolodge in this remote region. With airy and thoughtfully decorated bungalows and villas, a gorgeous swimming pool, spectacular jungle, and ocean views, and a prime location by Corcovado National Park, El Remanso is one of the best ecolodges in Costa Rica!

what to do: Corcovado National Park is one of the most biologically intense places on the planet! A guided trip to the park is practically a must to see monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, and countless other species of exotic animals. You might even catch a glimpse of something extraordinary like a jaguar, ocelot, or tapir! Cano Island is Costa Rica's best scuba diving and snorkeling location. Located off the southwest coast of the Osa, Cano Island is a must for anybody interested in experiencing the wonders under the sea. The waters off the coast of the Osa Peninsula are home to year-round populations of dolphins, but this is also one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales from December through March and again from August through October.

insider's advice: There are no large or luxurious resorts on the Osa Peninsula. Expect rustic but, in some cases, elegant ecolodges that cater to ecotourists. Amenities such as air-conditioning and television are rare, but then again, where else can you be entertained by sloths and Scarlett macaws by day and use howler monkeys as an alarm clock?

where to stay: The Nicoya Peninsula is a great place to go if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path beach destination for your Costa Rica vacation! Nammbu Bungalows in Carrillo is a nice 4-star hotel, located just across the street from one of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica. Tango Mar Resort in Tambor is another great option. This beachfront hotel has a golf course, yoga studio, seaside bar, and more - essentially everything you need for a tropical escape! Hotel Nantipa in Santa Teresa offers luxurious oceanfront suites and villas, so you can explore the exotic, world-class surfing beaches of this famous surf and yoga destination.

what to do: Surfing boogie boarding, and swimming top the list of things to do on the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, but there are some other great experiences as well! Nature lovers can watch nesting sea turtles on many nights from May through November at Playa Ostional or Camaronal. A guided hike at the Cabo Blanco National Park is another great way to see animals, including monkeys, Scarlett macaws, anteaters, and many other amazing species! Kayaking and snorkeling at Isla Chora is a great way to spend the day if you are staying in the Samara or Carrillo area. There's also a wonderful day trip to Isla Tortuga available from Tambor, Montezuma, and Santa Teresa. This fun-filled day includes a boat ride to the exotic island, where you can relax on white-sand beaches and experience amazing snorkeling. Of course, many visitors to the Nicoya opt to just relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches!

insider's advice: If you are traveling to beaches on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula from Monteverde, Arenal, or points east, use the ferry from Puntarenas to cross the Gulf of Nicoya. You'll also need a 4x4, GPS, a good map, and a strong sense of adventure if you are driving your own!

where to stay: The boutique-style Hotel Aguas Claras sets the stage and defines luxury on the Southern Caribbean coast. This area is known for its rustic and unique lodges, but the Aguas Claras has changed everything! Set in front of the gorgeous Playa Chiquita and surrounded by a jungle that is teeming with wildlife, this amazing hotel is designed to deliver an authentic Caribbean experience. It is sure to be a highlight of your Costa Rica vacation! Hotel Le Cameleon is another great hotel choice for the Southern Caribbean! With its modern design, beach club, open-air restaurant and bar, and gorgeous jungle surroundings, it's easy to see why this is one of the region's most popular hotels!

what to do: The Southern Caribbean coast is home to a variety of beaches. Some are better for swimming and others are great for surfing. There is also amazing snorkeling in front of Cahuita National Park, where you can see corals and colorful fish. Cahuita National Park is also a great place to take a guided hike through the nature trails, in search of boisterous howler monkeys, cute sloths, and countless other species of animals! There's also a great hike at Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge, where you can go on a guided hike through the jungle to gorgeous white-sand hidden beaches. One of the best tour experiences is a form of transportation to or from the Caribbean coast. We offer a transfer between San Jose, Arenal Volcano, and the Southern Caribbean, with a stop for a whitewater rafting trip on the world-famous Rio Pacuare. This trip is a great opportunity to break up the long drive with something exciting and spectacular!

insider's advice: There are no large resorts or all-inclusive hotels in the Southern Caribbean region. With few exceptions, expect rustic lodges and bungalow-style accommodations with few amenities and amazing surroundings! While the southern Caribbean is best known for its beautiful beaches, the area is also home to loads of wildlife. Cahuita National Park is one of the best places in Costa Rica to observe sloths, monkeys, and other exotic animals.

where to stay: Tortuguero is home to some of the best ecolodges in Costa Rica! Most of these lodges include roundtrip transportation from San Jose, including a segment on a boat! Many of the lodges also include meals and tour experiences such as a tour to the remote village for a cultural experience as well as a safari-style boat ride through the fantastic Tortuguero Canals in search of the many rare animals that inhabit this remote region. Tortuga Lodge and Gardens offers higher-end lodging and individualized service, making it one of our favorite lodges in the area. Mawamba Lodge is another excellent ecolodge option. While it is rustic, guests will love the location and incredible service!

what to do: Tortuguero is an ecotourist's paradise! Only accessible by boat or plane, the canals and parks are loaded with rare and exotic animals. Most lodges will include a riverboat safer through the canals, hiking through the jungle, and also a cultural trip to the village. From the end of July and through October, many of the lodges offer sea turtle nesting tours at night, allowing you to experience the thrill of witnessing a giant sea turtle laying her precious cargo!

insider's advice: Tortuguero is another area with very rustic lodging. Expect an authentic ecolodge experience and immersion in nature in this region! Many of Tortuguero's lodges offer packages that include transportation to and from San Jose, lodging, tours on the canals, and meals for less than it costs for a hotel stay in other areas!

where to stay: While you won't find any large resorts, there are some incredible independently-owned boutique-style hotels to choose from on Costa Ballena! You will find protected coasts with gorgeous natural habitats along the shores, but this also means that the hotels are located further back, in the surrounding mountains and hillsides. Oxygen Jungle Villas, Kuru Villas, and Rancho Pacifico are all fantastic and luxurious small boutique hotels, offering sweeping views, world-class services, and beautiful guestrooms and villas. Hotel Cristal Ballena is a great choice to save a little money, but still, enjoy 4-star accommodations and an amazing all-around experience.

what to do: We recommend a 4x4 SUV rental car for exploring this beautiful region, where you can walk miles on stunning beaches without seeing another soul or stop at a towering waterfall along the road! This area also offers some extraordinary organized tour experiences. Whale watching in front of Marino Ballena National Park from December through March and again from August through October is simply spectacular! Kayaking and snorkeling in the same park can be amazing during the dry season, from December through April. If you have a rental car, we recommend a visit to the Hacienda Baru Hacienda and Wildlife Refuge. Organized tours to choose from include guided nature hikes, birdwatching tours, canopy zipline, and much more. If you are up for an adventure and in good physical condition, we would recommend an overnight stay in a cave at the Diamante Rappelling Overnight Tour. This tour is one of the best experiences an adventurer can have in Costa Rica! You hike through the jungle-covered mountains up to a cave that is tucked behind a towering double waterfall. They have a rustic kitchen, sitting area, gym mats to sleep on, and a bathroom in place, and use burros to pack in food. Aside from the thrill of the hike and unique stay, you can also rappel down the waterfall. The next morning you can jump off of another waterfall into a pool below. This tour truly is a memorable experience and is sure to be the highlight of your vacation to Costa Rica!

insider's advice: If you have a rental car, be sure to drive the coastal highway to see some of Costa Rica's most beautiful landscapes! Many waterfalls can be seen cascading down mountainsides, and small turn-off beaches can be found all along the coast. Visit Playa Ventanas to see caves on the beach!