Costa Rica, 3 Different Ways
Jungles, beaches, mountain hot springs, cloud forests, exotic animals… Costa Rica is a dream destination for many, and it’s not hard to see why. An adventure hotspot for some, a cultural haven for others, it’s a playground of incredible sights & experiences just waiting to be discovered. There is so much to see and do from coast to coast; this is one place that it will be quite difficult to ever be bored.
So, where do you begin?
Here are three different ways to experience Costa Rica.
All Inclusive Beach Resort
For many first-time visitors to Costa Rica, an All Inclusive resort is a great option for at least part of your trip, since it offers all of the convenience, comfort, and amenities that we’ve come to expect from All Inclusive’s in popular spots like Mexico, Dominican, and Jamaica.
Many of the top All Inclusive resorts are located in the Northern Pacific Guanacaste region, which has some of the best beaches in the country - including Playa del Coco, Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal and the Papagayo Peninsula. This makes an All Inclusive the easiest type of trip, and also the most relaxing. But, staying at a resort doesn’t mean you have to forego adventures….
By day, visitors can challenge themselves with a surf lesson, go zip-lining through the jungle, cool off under a waterfall at Rincón de la Vieja National Park, discover the craters of an active volcano, go scuba diving off the coast, and more. Looking to dance the night away? Head over to the surf town of Tamarindo for lively bars, restaurants, and beach parties.
Recommended Stay:
The Westin Costa Rica Resort & Spa
Set along the white sand beaches of Playa Conchal, the Westin Costa Rica Resort & Spa is a luxury all-inclusive resort with something for everyone. It is a large, family-friendly resort that has many Adults-Only sections, with certain rooms and pools dedicated only to adults.
The resort features 406 rooms situated on 1,500 acres of lush forests, offering lovely jungle views and a peaceful setting. Guestrooms are modern and comfortable, each featuring a private terrace or balcony, a living area with sofa, and other amenities to keep you as comfortable as possible. There are also spacious suites to accommodate the whole family.
Take advantage of direct beach access to one of the best beaches in the country
Enjoy gourmet dining at 10 restaurants and 5 bars
Swim in lagoon-style pools lined with comfy loungers perfect for sun-bathing
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, fitness centre, plus free kayaks, boogie boards, snorkeling gear, and bikes to explore the resort’s grounds
Guests can spot various animals on the hotel grounds and nearby reserve, too! Take a morning walk and spot howler monkeys, iguanas, coatis, and tropical birds moving among the trees and green areas of the hotel
The resort is committed to environmental protection; it was certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Board with a Level 5 (highest available) CST (Certificate of Sustainable Tourism)
The property is about an hour’s drive away from the Liberia International Airport, making it easily accessible for all types of travelers. It is the ideal place to start off your holiday with some beach relaxation & luxury.
Learn more about the Westin Costa Rica here
Guided Tour to See it All
Tours are the perfect solution for the traveler who wants to do and see as much as possible, in a relatively short amount of time. The expertly crafted itineraries will take you to the top sightseeing spots, but they will also introduce you to cultural experiences and unique activities that only the locals know.
A guided tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of a country, to pick out the places you’d like to return to for a longer trip.
Recommended Tour:
Premium Costa Rica In-Depth with Intrepid Travel
Discover the National Parks and cultural treasures of Costa Rica on this 12-day premium journey with an experienced local leader. From the lively charm of San Jose to the cloud forests of Monteverde, culturally significant coffee plantations, pristine wildlife refuges, and spectacular scenery of Arenal National Park – this adventure takes you straight to the heart of it all.
Take time to soak up quiet moments of local life and get beneath the surface of a remarkable country that will captivate you at every turn.
Learn about the culture of Costa Rica with Premium exclusive experiences: spend time with a local family and learn how to create traditional dishes in their kitchen, and visit Matambu, the only indigenous territory of the Chorotegan people, to learn ancient pottery techniques passed down for generations.
Enjoy two nights at the Feature Stay – a stunning and sustainable jungle hotel next to the electric-blue Rio Celeste River. Settle into your cosy casita (bungalow), an exclusive retreat just for you, and surround yourself with the sounds of nature.
Experience the magnificent landscapes Costa Rica from all angles with a gentle hike in Arenal Volcano National Park, a cruise on the Tortuguero canals, and a treetop walkways experience in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
End your trip with a free day at the beach, capped off with a sunset sailing cruise and a farewell dinner – the perfect way to reflect on your journey across Costa Rica.
With most meals, all transportation, and many activities included in the tour price, a guided tour such as this takes care of all the logistical details of travel without you having to plan or worry. It is stress-free travel meets adventure, on a premium level.
12 Day Tour from $5,833 CAD per person
Off the Beaten Path Lodge
When you’re ready to be a bit more adventurous and explore deeper into the country, Costa Rica is home to some spectacular and truly unique accommodations just waiting to be discovered. From villa’s to jungle lodges, treetop hideaways to beachfront walk-outs, Costa Rica has a huge variety of places to stay, depending on what you are looking for - and how adventurous you want to be.
Recommended Stay:
Pacuare Lodge
Authentic Costa Rica hospitality, and design inspired by nature.
For the ultimate jungle escape with limitless outdoor adventures at your fingertips, book a stay at the Pacuare Lodge near the town of Limón, on the lesser-visited Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
The Pacuare Lodge is a secluded eco-lodge tucked in the jungle, right on the banks of the beautiful Pacuare River. The location that makes it ultra secluded; it is only accessible by 4x4 or river raft, so just getting there is half the fun.
The ruggedness of its surroundings only highlights the ‘barefoot luxury’ vibe of the Lodge, so it isn’t hard to see why it has been named a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World.
There are only 20 private suites, all of which are independent cabin-style structures that range from simple to stunning. The cabins are spaced out to provide extra privacy, and all feature jungle views. We would recommend upgrading to a luxe suite with a private pool, a handful of which are also perched above the river offering enviable views of the flowing rapids.
The Lodge is set up to facilitate unique experiences in 3 main categories: nature, adventure, and culture.
Try white water rafting on the Pacuare river to get your adrenaline pumping
Fly through the dense jungle on a zip-line or canyoning tour
Arrange a visit to a local indigenous cultural community to learn about Cabécar traditional customs and beliefs
Challenge yourself with a scenic hike of the Talamanca Mountains
Pamper your body with a spa visit or riverside yoga class
Learn about the chocolate-making process firsthand at Nortico Gourmet Cacao Farm
Stay up late for a nocturnal night walk, the best time to spot many of Costa Rica’s most unique creatures
Take a break to lounge by the infinity-edge pool and enjoy the lush jungle views in every direction
If nature and seclusion - with a hearty helping of adventure - are what you’re after, you’ve found the perfect place.
The Lodge also offers ‘all inclusive’ packages that include transportation, lodging and meals, which can be combined with white water rafting, canyoning, and other activities.
Did you know that the Pacuare river is one of the world’s most scenic white-water wonders?
It is just far enough off the beaten path for it to be an exclusive jungle escape, while not being overly difficult to get to.
Learn more about Pacuare Lodge here
Are you interested in creating your own
Costa Rican holiday?
Costa Rica is a destination that tends to get booked up very early in advance, sometimes up to a year or so for some special or smaller accommodations.
Avoid disappointment and plan early - Wanderlust Concierge is here to help.
