Wildlife holiday accommodation in Costa Rica

Perched on a ridge in a private reserve close to Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Observatory Lodge was once a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station. Hiking trails from the lodge extend into the surrounding rainforest and complimentary walks are led by resident naturalist guides. Find Out More

Set in a private reserve just over an hour’s drive northwest of San José, between Juan Castro Blanco and Poás Volcano national parks, this small lodge is in a jungle paradise, surrounded by magnificent cloud forest and rainforest. Consisting of just 12 rooms, it is the perfect stop en route to Sarapiqui. Find Out More

Exquisitely located at the tip of the Osa Peninsula, this delightful lodge is surrounded by well laid-out gardens on its own 350-hectare reserve. Lying between the Pacific Ocean, Golfo Dulce and pristine rainforest on the edge of Corcovado National Park, there is plenty of wildlife to discover here. Find Out More

This beachfront boutique eco-hotel is located on quiet and beautiful Playa Hermosa, a wide sheltered bay framed by headlands – a hidden haven for families and nature lovers. Located just over an hour from Tamarindo, it is close enough to be able to explore the surrounding attractions. Find Out More

Lying directly between Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, this quiet retreat is surrounded by nature. Located within a 23 hectare private reserve in the Bellbird Biological Corridor, numerous trails meander through the forest, enabling you to explore at your own pace. Find Out More

This remote luxury lodge, situated on the edge of Corcovado National Park, stands in extensive lowland tropical rainforest where a fascinating variety of wildlife is regularly observed. Access by boat ensures privacy and tranquillity. Guided excursions include birding, forest walks, whale watching and visiting Cano Island. Find Out More

Located on the Osa Peninsula in the southwest corner of Costa Rica, Danta Corcovado Lodge is situated in one of the world's most pristine and biodiverse ecosystems. Set on a 30 hectare estate, the lodge offers creatively designed accommodation close to Corcovado National Park. Find Out More

This rustic, family-run lodge is surrounded by primary rainforest, home to abundant wildlife including big cats, Costa Rica’s four monkey species, frogs, birdlife and native plants. Accommodation is in safari-style tents and is a good option for anyone interested in exploring the Osa Peninsula’s unique environment. Find Out More

Hidden away in Costa Rica's deep south within 15 hectares of private reserve bordering Piedras Blancas National Park, this ecolodge offers an immersive rainforest experience. Part of a project combining conservation, research and local community development, the lodge is 100% carbon-neutral. Find Out More

Situated in the northeastern corner of Tortuguero, this pleasant lodge lies just a five minute boat trip from the main entrance to Tortuguero National Park. Surrounded by towering trees and exuberant tropical vegetation, it offers an ideal location from which to explore this unique area. Find Out More

Hotel Arenal Springs is located just outside La Fortuna en route to Volcan Arenal National Park. Its 87 air-conditioned junior suites all have direct views of the volcano and are surrounded by exotic gardens. Bird lovers will delight in the 132 bird species that have been recorded within the hotel’s grounds. Find Out More

Situated in a quiet suburb just north of San José, 25 minutes from the international airport and a mere 15 minutes from the city centre, this pleasant hotel makes a good base for exploring the Central Valley. Its extensive gardens are particularly beautiful and attract a variety of birds and frogs. Find Out More

Hotel Casa Turire is situated in the heart of the verdant Turrialba region. The wild Reventazon River surrounds the beautiful estate and the Turrialba Mountains form a dramatic backdrop. Guided tours and other activities can be arranged including kayaking, birdwatching and excursions to nearby Guayabo National Park. Find Out More

Hotel Fonda Vela nestles in landscaped grounds close to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, surrounded by more than a kilometre of private nature trails. Its isolation and peaceful setting make it ideal for watching birds; both parrot and toucan feed in the wild fruit trees, and resplendant quetzal are sometimes seen. Find Out More

Situated on a shady side street just off Paseo Colon, San José main thoroughfare, the Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city. Originally a tropical Victorian mansion, it is now an elegant and refined boutique hotel, yet still maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. Find Out More

Ensenada Lodge is a working ranch with a variety of wildlife-rich habitats and an extensive network of trails. Accommodation is in comfortable cabins with a hammock on the verandah – enjoy sunsets over the Gulf of Nicoya from your hammock or while dining under cover of a traditional thatched roof. Find Out More

This rainforest ecolodge occupies an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land that lies between the Caribbean Sea and the main Tortuguero Lagoon. There is direct access to the sandy beach where, from mid-July until October, green sea turtles (amongst others) come ashore to deposit their eggs Find Out More

Set in 40 hectares of lowland tropical rainforest, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean, and offers breathtaking ocean vistas. Its 16 luxurious open-air bungalows allow you to experience the sounds, sights and smells of the rainforest and the ocean in pure paradise. Find Out More

Macaw Lodge is set amongst 264-acre tropical gardens in the central Pacific region of Costa Rica. There’s a network of trails to explore, a waterfall and natural pool where you can take a dip, orchards and a farm. Delicious homemade meals are produced by the lodge’s chef. Find Out More

This characterful, relatively new property (a working cattle ranch) lies in a remote spot across the Rio San Carlos. Adjacent to the private Maquenque Wildlife Reserve, its 15 well-appointed rooms offer comfortable accommodation in an extremely peaceful setting and relaxed atmosphere. Find Out More

Built on a sand bar between Tortuguero's canals and the Caribbean Ocean, Mawamba nestles in lush forest, its beautiful gardens and rustic rooms blending in with the exuberant vegetation, exotic birds and wildlife. Your stay here will include morning and afternoon boat trips with a keen-eyed naturalist guide. Find Out More

Pachira Lodge is just five minutes from the main gate of Tortuguero National Park and offers guests some of the most scenic waterways with unique flora and fauna in the world. A highlight between July and September are green sea turtles coming up onto the beaches to lay their eggs. Find Out More

Costa Rica’s premier birding lodge, high in the mountains above the town of Turrialba, stands beside a private reserve, where some 450 birds have been recorded. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, the staff friendly and welcoming - there are few better places to see the country’s prolific wildlife. Find Out More

Hotel Savegre’s chalet-style accommodation is clean, comfortable and spacious, and set amongst lovely grounds – quetzals sometimes come to feed in the trees! There are trails to explore and a decking area where you can watch birds. Breakfast is served daily, and there’s a restaurant onsite. Find Out More

Easily accessible, this jungle lodge is set within Sarapiquí’s dense rainforest. The other inhabitants of this riverside setting include mantled howler monkeys and keel-billed toucans – making it a perfect location to enjoy the exuberance of tropical nature. Find Out More

Located on the Central Pacific coast, this uniquely special spa resort and wildlife refuge overlooks the sparkling ocean from a series of lush terraces and exotic gardens on an idyllic jungle-clad hilltop near world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s foremost protected areas. Find Out More

This family-owned, resort style hotel boasts a prime beachfront location overlooking Tamarindo Bay. Airy modern rooms feature garden, pool or ocean views with all mod cons, and there are multiple dining and drinking establishments on site in addition to three pools, a spa, casino, kid's club and WiFi. Find Out More

Tiskita Lodge is a remote tropical retreat overlooking the Pacific Ocean, backed by primary tropical rainforest. Set in 250 hectares of private biological reserve, its nine cabins are fringed by the surrounding jungle – you just need to relax on the terrace and watch the wildlife go by! Find Out More

This pleasant birding lodge stands on a private reserve of some 40 hectares of farmland, close to Los Quetzales National Park. It sits at an altitude of around 2,300 metres, beside a rushing stream and surrounded by lush gardens with dazzling flowers and hundred-year-old oak trees. Find Out More

Villa Caletas is a luxurious boutique hotel perched on a hilltop amidst lush tropical rainforest, with breathtaking views over the islands of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific. Bask in seclusion on the hotel’s private beach, or relax in one of the magnificent infinity pools whilst pairs of scarlet macaws fly by. Find Out More

Standing amidst a 500 hectare private tropical forest reserve and set within extensive, lush gardens, Hotel Villa Lapas borders Carara National Park in Costa Rica. It's a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, features an on-site zipwire and colonial-style village guests can visit. Find Out More