Costa Rica boasts ridiculously high biodiversity along, and in between, its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, where complex mosaics of cloud and tropical rainforest ecosystems teem with wildlife.
An extraordinarily biodiverse country, discover a select number of Costa Rica’s national parks and private reserves on this exceptional holiday utilising hand-picked lodges that will appeal to keen naturalists. Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, as well as the cloud and rainforest clad, volcanic interior, experiencing stunning panoramas and unearthing a wealth of flora and fauna on land and at sea.
Discover a select number of Costa Rica’s national parks and private reserves on this exceptional holiday, utilising hand-picked lodges that appeal to keen naturalists. Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, in addition to the cloud and rainforest clad, volcanic interior, experiencing stunning panoramas and unearthing a wealth of flora and fauna on land and at sea.
Your tour starts at the renowned birding lodge, Rancho Naturalista, where over 450 avian species have been recorded, 250 from its own birding balcony would you believe? For those with an interest in butterflies and moths too, this lodge is hard to beat, especially considering the resident guides and network of private trails all waiting to be explored.
Descending to the Caribbean coast, visit Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park, home to the country’s largest coral reef. Explore protected marine, mangrove and coastal rainforest systems on foot and through an included boat trip and snorkel. Less renowned, and off the beaten track when compared to their northern neighbour, Tortuguero National Park, turtles nest here too, along Costa Rica beaches filled with riches.
Then, return to the interior for two nights at Selva Verde Lodge, home to La Selva Biological Station, a renowned centre for scientific research into tropical rainforests, followed by a visit to Volcan Tenorio National Park where the verdant landscapes contrast brilliantly with the stunning almost glacial blue of the Rio Celeste.
To finish, spend a few days doing as much, or as little, as you like at Tamarindo on the country’s Pacific coastline. Tear yourself away from surrounding national parks and turtle strewn (seasonal) beaches to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Ah, Costa Rica, with your central valley alive with active volcanoes, your differing terrain, your superb flora and fauna, on shore and off, you're the jewel in Central America’s wildlife crown. ‘La pura vida’ is alive and well!
Welcome to Costa Rica! On arrival at San José's International Airport, you’re met and transferred to your overnight accommodation, with the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your journey.
Accommodation: Hotel Bougainvillea, 1-night
Due east of San Jose, and a two and a half hour road transfer away, lies the phenomenal birding lodge that's Rancho Naturalista. Resident guides and an expansive network of forest trails can help you get the best out of your time here, if you can tear yourself away from the hummingbird feeders, that is! Violet-crowned woodnymph, green thorntail, white-necked jacobin, rufous-tailed hummingbird, bronze-tailed plumeleteer and the simply stunning snowcap, are just a few of the species that may be seen. Lepidoptera and herpetology enthusiasts are also in for a treat, and we strongly recommend joining a night walk searching for nighthawks, owls, potoo and nocturnal mammals including kinkajou.
Accommodation: Rancho Naturalista, 2-nights
With Costa Rica's Caribbean coast calling, privately transfer on to the multicultural little town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a great place to hang out with local people and sample fusion cuisine in local restaurants. Be sure to try ‘gallo pinto’, the national dish of Costa Rica. With bike rental possible from your resort, don your cycling gear and get out and join them. You can always cool off in one of the swimming pools later!
Walk coastal rainforest trails on shared tours to Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge searching for primates, two and three-toed sloth, raccoon, northern tamandua and a plethora of reptiles whilst colourful birds flit through the canopy above you. Visit hugely important mangroves that provide a buffer zone teeming with wading birds and further north, at Cahuita National Park, snorkel offshore coral reefs feasting your eyes on a proliferation of tropical, vibrant fish (weather conditions dependant). The icing on the cake has to be nesting turtles that have the good sense to lay their eggs seasonally on gorgeous golden and black sand beaches all along the Caribbean Sea.
The biodiversity hotspot of Sarapiquí awaits, where over half of Costa Rica’s known bird species have been recorded, including critically endangered great green macaws. There's plenty more here besides though, with five of the country’s six felines in residence, tapirs, peccaries, and in excess of 10,000 insects. Make the most of your prime location, waking to the haunting sound of howler monkeys, cruising along the river, visit La Selva Biological Station, take to the trails, either with resident naturalists or on a self-guided basis, or just relax and soak up the calming serenity found here in abundance.
Accommodation: Selva Verde Lodge, 2-nights
Moving on, experience a gazillion shades of green on a walk through Volcán Tenorio National Park, where hot springs and exuberant, lush environs contrast beautifully with the gorgeous blue hues of the tumbling Rio Celeste. Cascading waterfalls career down the cloud forest and rainforest covered slopes, sheltering a myriad of creatures that call this national park home. Reptiles, amphibians and birds are prolific whilst rarer creatures such as tapir and, in exceptional circumstances, puma, may be seen.
Accommodation: Celeste Mountain Lodge, 2-nights
Undoubtedly a surfing and holiday hotspot on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, there's more to Tamarindo than meets the eye. Our choice of hotel offers a quiet oasis within easy walking distance of local amenities and the Pacific Ocean, complete with a swimming pool and tropical gardens in which to while away a few days of R&R here. The surrounding national parks, however, are sure to pack a wildlife punch, should you wish to leave the comfort of your hammock. With seasonal nesting turtles, marine parks, mangrove wetlands attracting birdlife galore, and even migrating humpback whales, there is a huge amount of choice on your doorstep, so do as much or as little as you wish. It's your holiday. You decide!
Accommodation: Hotel Jardin del Eden, 3-nights
Consider all that you've seen and experienced as you're transferred four hours back to San Jose International Airport in order to commence your onward journey or journey home.
Accommodation: Hotel Bougainvillea, 1-night
Costa Rica’s vibrant capital stands in the centre of the country at an elevation of around 1,200 metres. Home to the main international airport, it has the country’s pristine natural attractions on its doorstep. The downtown area is fairly small and has several interesting museums and parks. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This small national park on the southern Caribbean coast consists of tropical lowland forest, black sand beach, and a beautiful reef around the tip of Cahuita Point. The forest shelters various forms of wildlife, whilst the coral reef has an astonishing variety of marine life. A snorkel and mask are essential here! Find Out More about {acc:title}
Around the two volcanoes of Tenorio and Montezuma is an area of primary rainforest and cloud forest. One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls is found here, where the water tumbles 32 metres into a pool of amazing blue. The subterranean activity endows the area with several hot springs. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This fascinating lowland area is a good base for exploring Poas Volcano. However the main highlight is La Selva Biological Station, a major research centre for tropical ecosystems. The species diversity here is astounding, with more than 1,850 plants, 448 birds, 70 species of bat and five of Costa Rica’s six felines. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This stretch of Caribbean coast is one of the finest in the country. The combination of sandy beach, gentle waves and coral reef close to the surface make it a paradise for nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts. Inland, the wildlife refuge protects many species that are either endangered or at risk. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The bustling surf capital of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is blessed with stunning beaches, but is also a good base to explore the surrounding rainforest for wildlife. Its extensive mangroves are protected reserves, and in Marino Las Baulas National Park giant leatherback turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs. Find Out More about {acc:title}
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 about Hotel Bougainvillea
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 about Rancho Naturalista
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 about Selva Verde Lodge
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
