In just seven days you can mix equal parts adventure and luxury for one unforgettable Costa Rican vacation. Regarding the adventure, this brisk itinerary includes visits to exotic national parks like Arenal and Corcovado as well as whitewater rafting excursions and river safaris. As a bonus, you'll even take a private guided hike to some of the most secluded and beautiful waterfalls in the country.
In a little over a week, you can experience the main highlights of the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica. This includes visiting Arenal Volcano National Park, going on a boat safari down the Tárcoles River, and venturing into the remote jungles of Corcovado National Park. Best of all, throughout the experience you'll enjoy luxury accommodations and be accompanied by your own bilingual guide.
When you have to get away from it all yet you also hunger for adventure, there's only one place to go: Costa Rica. On this nine-day itinerary, you'll experience the best of both worlds, from relaxing in natural hot springs to soaring over the rainforest canopy on a zip-line tour. You'll also venture into national parks and reserves for exotic wildlife safaris, all while staying in luxury accommodations every night.
If you're looking for an adventurous holiday without roughing it, then this itinerary is for you. On this 10-day tour of Costa Rica, you'll enjoy all the creature comforts of a luxury vacation while still embarking on wildlife safaris and adventure sports activities. Take to the air on a zip-line tour over the rainforest, hike to exotic waterfalls, and view the most exotic animals in the country—it's an exclusive vacation tailored just for you.
In Costa Rica you can combine the relaxation of a luxury vacation with all the adventure and exotic wildlife found in the tropics. On this 11-day itinerary, you'll enjoy an array of adventure sports, from canopy tours in the rainforest to wildlife expeditions in national parks and rivers. In between, you'll soak your weary muscles in natural hot springs and retire each night to luxury eco-lodges and villas.
The only thing better than enjoying a pampered holiday is doing so in the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica. On this 12-day excursion, you'll alternate between relaxing in natural hot springs and embarking on a number of adventure activities, be it a zip-line tour in the rainforests of Arenal Volcano National Park or a crocodile river safari near the Pacific coast. You'll spot even more exotic wildlife with a hike in Corcovado National Park, the most biologically diverse area in the country.
On this 13-day Costa Rican adventure, you'll get the adrenaline pumping by day and relax in luxury accommodations at night. You'll visit three distinct areas of the country—the central highlands, Pacific coast, and the southern Osa Peninsula—each offering its own unique excursions. Whether it's horseback riding to a waterfall, braving whitewater rapids, or marveling at exotic animals on a rainforest hike, the opportunities for adventure are almost limitless.
As a travel destination, Costa Rica offers luxury and adventure in equal measure. A two-week tour of this tropical paradise will allow you to experience many breathtaking locales, from the volcanoes of the central highlands to the beaches of the Pacific coast. Between relaxing in four-star eco-lodges you'll also enjoy adventure sports and hiking trips into the most bio-diverse national parks in the country.
This luxury tropical vacation combines the natural highlights of Costa Rica with VIP pampering. On this 15-day itinerary, you'll visit three of the most beautiful regions in the country: Arenal Volcano National Park, the Pacific coast, and the remote and wild Osa Peninsula. Throughout you'll enjoy adventure tours and first-class services that combine to create an unforgettable vacation.
On this 16-day itinerary, you'll explore the biodiversity of Costa Rica while visiting three distinct regions of the country. First is a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park for some adventure sports, then it's off to remote Bajos del Toro and its three incredible waterfalls. As a grand finale, you'll embark on a guided hike into Corcovado National Park, the most biodiverse region in Costa Rica.
You'll travel to three of the best places in Costa Rica to ride the waves on this 11-day trip. Start in Jacó, one of the most renowned surf spots in Costa Rica. Then, head to Playa Santa Teresa, home to major surf competitions and some of the most consistent waves in the country. End the adventure in Playa Tamarindo for surf days that end with glorious Pacific Coast sunsets. You'll also have time to relax on the beach and explore the country's vast wildlife.
Costa Rica is home to a wildly diverse amount of wildlife, including over 850 species of birds. In a mere week, you'll take to the jungles, rivers, mountains, and coast of this tropical paradise in search of the best vantage points in which to view the most exotic specimens. It's an adventure that not only includes the highlights of Costa Rica's avian population but the highlights of the country itself.
In just over a week you can experience the birding highlights of Costa Rica, a country known for its biodiversity. Over 850 different species call this nation home, and on this eight-day itinerary, you'll see many of them. The journey will take you from rainforest jungles to wetlands as you hike through unspoiled tropical landscapes, view exotic wildlife, and snap photos of birds unlike any other on the planet.
Any serious birding enthusiast must at some point make the pilgrimage to Costa Rica. There are over 850 avian species in this tiny Central American nation, so there's no shortage of great birding opportunities. On this unforgettable nine-day itinerary you'll take to the mountains, jungles, and coastline, venturing into national parks and dense rainforests to view the most elusive, exotic, and beautiful birds in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is one of the smallest countries in Latin America, yet it is also one of the most biodiverse. Consider birds, of which there over 850 species just in this one country. You'll be able to see many of them on a 10-day birding tour as you search for the rarest and most exotic avian varieties in Costa Rica's national parks, rainforests, and mountains.
Costa Rica is one of the few truly great birding destinations in the world. This is due to the nation's diverse and abundant amount of birds (over 850 species have been spotted here). Over 11 days you'll travel from the mountains to the coastal rainforests on an immersive birding safari to view some of the most exotic specimens, such as motmots, tanagers, and the reclusive resplendent quetzal.
Costa Rica has a couple of things in abundance: exotic locales and exotic birds. On this 12-day ornithological trip, you'll witness various avian species amongst misty cloud forests, lowland rainforest canopies, and even soaring overhead on the Pacific coast. Throw in a bit of hiking, wildlife spotting, and sightseeing in the nation's capital, and you have the ideal active vacation.
Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers. Over 850 different species exist in this small Central American nation, which accounts for 10% of the birds in the world. The birding opportunities here are limitless, and on this 13-day adventure you'll go on ornithological excursions in some of the most exotic locales in Costa Rica.
Grab your binoculars and sketchbook, because you're off to Costa Rica for a grand birding adventure. This small tropical country is a haven for exotic avian varieties, and there are many regions ripe for ornithological exploration. Aided by an English-speaking guide, you'll travel the length and breadth of Costa Rica, from the mountains to the coast, viewing the most colorful bird species over two incredible weeks.
There are few nations on earth home to a greater variety of birds than Costa Rica. On this expedition, you'll visit the major ornithological regions of the country, from the coast to the rainforests to the high mountains and even volcanoes. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you'll go off the beaten path to the furthest reaches of national parks where you can enjoy optimum birding from the best vantage points.
La Fortuna is a famous mountain town that needs no introduction for those familiar with the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano and its surrounding rainforests, hot springs, and waterfalls. Indeed, this is one of Costa Rica's top destinations, with dozens of accommodations. So, how to skip hordes of tourists? We sought advice from our local specialists and kimkim staff to round up the most luxurious hotels in La Fortuna.
Boasting 10% of the world's avian species, Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers. On this ornithological trip, you'll visit the top birding destinations in the country. Accompanied by an expert multi-lingual guide, you'll go off the tourist trail, venture down remote jungle paths, and into national parks to ensure you have the best vantage points in which to view these birds in all their glory.
Costa Rica has a way of igniting the adventurous spirit within. This is, after all, one of the world's most biodiverse countries loaded with rainforests, wildlife species, beaches, outdoor activities, and 28 national parks—3 of which are UNESCO-listed. If you're planning on exploring some (or all) of what Costa Rica has to offer, you'll likely want to consider renting a car. Read this driving guide for the inside scoop.
Costa Rica's rainforest, volcanoes, and beaches are yours to explore on this two-week self-drive tour. Take in sweeping views of Arenal Volcano as you zip-line over the treetops, then enjoy a hands-on chocolate-making class. Next, it's on to the Pacific Coast for world-class yoga studios, pristine nature reserves, and breathtaking sunsets—the Nicoya Peninsula offers something for everyone.
Experience the best of Costa Rica's rainforest, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches during this 16-day self-drive adventure. You'll explore the jungle via suspension bridges and ziplines and even have a free day to go whitewater rafting or relax in the charming town of La Fortuna. Then, it's time to head westward to the Nicoya Peninsula, where you'll adjust to the laid-back vibes of three quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa.
Over an immersive 16 days, you'll alternate between adventure and leisure in Costa Rica. Some days will be filled with culture in the capital of San José, others you'll spend whitewater rafting, and others will involve zipline excursions over the jungle canopy. If that's not enough, you'll also visit Costa Rica's largest active volcano and even make time for surf lessons.
Explore many of Costa Rica's off-the-beaten-path destinations on this 16-day self-drive tour. You'll travel to all corners of the country, from the surf town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, to Arenal Volcano in the north, and to Pacific beaches and protected areas home to exotic wildlife like scarlet macaws. The final leg of this adventure will be a trip to the far south and the remote and beautiful Osa Peninsula.
This 13-day itinerary allows you to experience the full scope of Costa Rica's wonders. In almost two weeks you'll visit the capital of San José, the tropical jungles at Pacuare, the iconic Arenal volcano, the cloud forests of Monteverde, and many wide and inviting beaches, from the north of the country to the south. There are plenty of activities along the way, from white water rafting to soaring over the cloud forest canopy on a zip-line tour.
Epitomizing laid-back travel, Costa Rica has hundreds of hotels, but only a few make the list for luxury. With the help of local specialists, kimkim has narrowed down the best to these eight unique options that choose quality over quantity, simplicity over opulence. Pick one or more and make your next trip to the land of "pura vida" extra special.
With diverse jungle scenery, long stretches of coast, and traveler-friendly culture, Costa Rica is one of the best cycling destinations in the world. Kimkim offers a number of unique cross-country cycling trips that can accommodate active travelers of all ages and abilities. Interested? Get your questions answered below.
This 13-day adventure allows you to experience the country from both coasts. It includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, remote beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to surf lessons in the Pacific.
Get ready for a laid-back beach vacation to the stunning beaches of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Península. This slow-paced trip allows you to slow down and adjust to the Costa Rican lifestyle of pura vida in four quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa Sámara and Santa Teresa.
Get ready for a laid-back beach vacation to the stunning beaches of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Península. This slow-paced trip allows you to slow down and adjust to the Costa Rican lifestyle of pura vida in three quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa.
This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature. You'll visit the country's highlights, from the infamous Arenal volcano to the misty cloud forest to the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, you'll sail through trees on ziplines, swim in waterfalls, and also have a chance to spot wildlife (from monkeys to the resplendent quetzel) on naturalist lead walks.
This 13-day itinerary is perfect for travelers who like to combine their mountain adventures with a bit of a beach holiday. After arriving at the airport in Liberia, you'll head to Rincón de la Vieja to explore the nature surrounding one of the country's most active volcanoes. Then travel deeper inland to spend a few days crossing suspension bridges, ziplining over trees, and hiking through the jungles of La Fortuna and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You'll end your trip by returning to Guanacaste for some relaxation on the beaches of Papagayo.
This itinerary is designed for families who want a nature excursion with plenty of adventure mixed in. Your first adventurous destination is the remote Osa Peninsula, where you'll indulge in beaches and rainforest hikes. From here, you'll head inland to pay a visit to Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll hike among the treetops via suspension bridges and enjoy even more natural wonders. Finally, make your way to The Gulf of Papagayo to spend three days relaxing on pristine beaches.
This 15-day adventure allows you to experience the country from both coasts and is designed from start to finish with kids in mind. You'll visit the bustling capital of San José, the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of family-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to snorkeling in the Pacific.
Experience Costa Rica's most spectacular national parks on this 15-day tour. You'll catch glimpses of sea turtles and monkeys in Tortuguero National Park and spot hundreds of bird species in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Then it's time to head to the country's largest and most famous volcano, Arenal, for a mix of wildlife and heart-pumping excursions. Finally, you'll end the trip in Manuel Antonio, where you'll snorkel among colorful fish and traverse jungle trails.
On this 15-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs. You'll visit the famous Arenal volcano, see tons of exotic wildlife in Tortuguero National Park, and surf world-class waves in the laid-back beach town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Costa Rica is a favorite destination for all ages. This 16-day adventure allows your family to experience the country from both coasts and includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to whitewater rafting.
On the north end of Costa Rica's Pacific coast lies the Gulf of Papagayo, a tropical beach-laden region that's still relatively undiscovered. As remote as Papagayo is, you'll find many options for grabbing a bite. Most are centered in Playas del Coco, where you'll find (very) fresh seafood, vegetarian Lebanese cuisine, and authentic Italian fare. The list below also includes a beachfront option in Playa Ocotal and innovative Asian-fusion in Playa Hermosa.
This 11-day itinerary combines mountain adventures with beaches, starting in Rincón de la Vieja to explore the environs of one of the country's most active volcanoes. Then travel deeper inland to spend a few days crossing suspension bridges, ziplining over trees, and hiking through the jungles of La Fortuna and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. More than stunning white-sand beaches, you'll end your trip in Manuel Antonio National Park, rich in biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Natural wonders await on this refreshing weeklong journey around Costa Rica. Highlights along the 7-day trip include the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano and the nearby Hanging Bridges, the pristine Damas Island Estuary, and much more. Mixing wildlife viewing and outdoor adventure, this itinerary captures the essence of the Costa Rican motto — Pura Vida!
This itinerary is specifically tuned for wildlife lovers. Expect to get up early and stay out late to see monkeys, lizards, birds, insects, and other spectacular fauna that inhabit the virgin rainforest, cloud forest, and swampy estuaries covered here. The trip begins with a southwest journey from San José to Parque Nacional Corcovado (Corcovado National Park) before continuing northwest along the Pacific coast. Next, head inland to Monteverde for birdwatching and spotting wildlife in the unique ecosystem of the cloud forest.
Despite being a small surf town, Tamarindo is officially on the radar of intrepid travelers seeking a slice of tropical paradise. Restaurants continue to pop up to meet the growing demand, and now visitors can find everything from shrimp burgers at a chilled-out seafood shack to beachside fine-dining, flame-grilled barbecue buffets, and even gluten-free Sicilian pizza. Here are eight best bets for getting your grub on in Tamarindo.
Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest protected area, yet its ecological diversity is surprisingly plentiful. The same goes for restaurants—the tiny town of Quepa, gateway to the national park, has more quality eateries than you might expect. Learn where to eat in the Manuel Antonio area in our list below, where beachfront seafood spots, Mediterranean falafel shops, and more await.
Experience both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Costa Rica — and all that's in between — on this 9-day adventure. Starting in the bustling capital of San Jose, you'll make your way to Tortuguero National Park, where you'll watch sea turtles hatch on the beach. Then head inland to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for incredible wildlife and rainforest trails. After two nights in the heart of the jungle, you'll travel to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Papagayo. Here you'll go snorkeling and surfing, and end your journey with a spectacular sunset cruise around the bay.
This active 9-day itinerary is designed to appeal to nature lovers and adventure fiends of every stripe. It starts on the southern Pacific coast, in the remote, wild Corcovado National Park. Here you'll enjoy rugged hikes abounding with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Then it's off to the north where you'll explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and fly over the forest canopy on a zip-line tour. After a visit to the famed Arenal Volcano, it's time for another hike, this time to the Hule Lagoon, an ancient crater lake like something out of Conan Doyle's "Lost World."
Monteverde is known for its stunning cloud forest, but there's also plenty of incredible dining options to fill you up after those long sky walks and zip-line adventures . The central mountain village in this nature reserve offers a diverse array of great food served everywhere from five-star hotels to rustic mountain lodges. Diverse options include local dishes, seafood, crepes, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and so much more.
As the capital of Costa Rica, San José is a metropolitan hub with no shortage of incredible dining options. Skip the guesswork with this list of the best places to eat, including fine dining in luxury hotels or farm-to-table eateries like Furca, plus specialty coffee cafes and family-owned spots where you can chow down on gallo pinto—Costa Rica's national dish.
