Luxury Costa Rica Holidays
We think Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world for adventure and relaxation in beautiful surroundings. The country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire – a circular series of 452 dormant and active volcanoes – and offers two spectacular coastlines thanks to its position between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Costa Rica’s incredible landscapes also make it one the most biodiverse places on Earth. Not only are there 10,000 species of plants and trees here, there are more species of birds in Costa Rica alone than in the USA and Canada combined. And there’s no better way to experience the wonders of this abundant nation than to immerse yourself in nature. Let Journeysmiths design a Costa Rican adventure filled with surprises, from strolling treetop walkways in the jungle to riding horses through the crashing surf – this is the active holiday you’ve been waiting for.
- Astounding plant and animal biodiversity.
- Lush jungles, active volcanoes and white sand beaches.
- Track species of monkey, sloth, iguana and more.
- Adventure activities including ziplining, scuba diving and horse riding.
- Luxury accommodation in the mountains and on the coast.
This stunning national park is positioned on the Arenal Volcano. Monitored by scientists but free from eruptions since 1968, Arenal draws hikers from near and far with its forests, lakes and hot springs.
This coastal province in northwest Costa Rica is lush and tropical, with a pristine shoreline overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Snorkel, surf and swim to your heart’s content, or head inland for a quiet retreat.
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s smaller parks, but its diminutive size packs a punch with gorgeous beaches and forested mountain scenery. Enjoy hiking, boating and birdwatching in a conservation haven.
Towering volcanoes dot the horizon of the Poas Volcano National Park while shimmering lakes serve as backdrop to the garden ruins of Cartago. And then there’s the vibrant, populous capital of San Jose.
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote parts of Costa Rica. The untouched rainforests are the last bastion of jaguar and tapir, making this region especially desirable for wildlife enthusiasts.
A succession of conservation areas await you on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast – the most impressive of which is the Tortuguero National Park, which has no fewer than 11 different habitats.
"Fantastic trip!
Ross and the team from Journeysmiths did a great job organizing a trip exactly to our liking. Together with my partner, we travelled to South America for multiple weeks and all our expectations were exceeded. Can highly recommend!"
You really can have it all in Costa Rica. This little gem is perfect for the gentle adventurer, whilst still offering enough exhilaration for the most hardcore of travel partners.
We have compiled an alluring list of our favourite Costa Rican activities to inspire your next trip.You really can have it all in Costa Rica. This little gem is perfect for the gentle adventurer, whilst still offering enough exhilaration for the most hardcore of travel partners.
We have compiled an alluring list of our favourite Costa Rican activities to inspire your next trip.
Fly like a bird at the home of ziplining. In an effort to promote national conservation projects, this high-adrenaline experience originated in Costa Rica more than 30 years ago. There is an experience for every level of adventurer.
Challenge yourself within the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Let the longest zip line in Costa Rica take your breath away as you soar through the treetops at exhilarating speeds. Or, head to the volcanoes of Arenal where we will take you on a more relaxed but still thrilling airborne adventure.
There isn't a more authentic way to discover one of Costa Rica's most remote locations. It is truly magical to experience nature as indigenous communities would. Trek on horseback through the forest, past secluded waterfalls.
Ride along open beaches with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. Stopping along the way to learn about the regional flora and fauna. Your trusted guide shares stories about the local culture and customs as you sip a refreshing coconut drink.
Pacuare Lodge is not directly accessible by car. The best way to reach it is by helicopter or river raft.
We highly recommend you choose white water rafting! It’s where sheer thrill meets outstanding beauty. An adventure fit for all abilities. Enjoy the fauna of the towering jungle in between each set of exhilarating rapids. Exotic butterflies, toucan and woodpecker fly above as you cascade along one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.
Join us at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park for a most unique view. Unspoiled rainforest awaits you from otherwise unobtainable heights.
Take in the sights and sounds as you immerse yourself amongst spider monkeys, sloths and lizards. There are 16 bridges on the main trail. Different heights ensure you can enjoy the whole forest, top to bottom. Just don’t forget to look down, you might spot a puma or tapir.
Extinct Cerro Chato Volcano is the perfect way to get up close and personal with the magnificent Arenal. Take an intensive hike through its abundant forest to the turquoise waters of Mount Chato Lake.
After a refreshing dip, climb a little further to be rewarded with sublime views of the San Carlos Valley. For those that prefer a slower pace, we have less strenuous options to suit.
Get to know the ‘Mountain of Fire’ from the ground up with our expertly guided tour. You start from one of the closest routes to the Arenal Volcano.
Here you get a close-up view of the site destroyed by the 1968 eruption and walk across the historic lava rocks. During the hike, your guide teaches you about the eerie past of this active volcano. Around the national park you spot white-faced monkeys and snakes amongst fungi, ferns and palms.
A unique and beautiful way to experience the thriving nature of Arenal National Park is by kayak. A slower alternative to white water rafting, gliding on a kayak allows you to soak up extraordinary views that are otherwise unreachable.
Your naturalist guide will show you all you need to get you on the water. Here you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano as you paddle, spotting herons and kingfishers on the lake, and howler monkeys in the forest trees nearby.
For those that are yearning for some well earned relaxation, you can reflect on your magical trip and recuperate for your next adventure. Centre yourself within the volcano heated hot springs of Eco Termales.
Experience pure luxury amongst the rainforest, in naturally made yet meticulously maintained thermal pools. Take your time enjoying the varying temperatures. Sit under the refreshing waterfall and sip cocktails at the poolside bar. All before savouring the chef's carefully crafted regional dish at the home-style restaurant.
Once a symbol of wealth for Aztec and Mayan cultures and a birder's dream, the endangered Resplendent Quetzal is a stunning sight to behold.
As one of the greatest biodiversity hotspots in the world, Costa Rica works hard to provide a safe haven for the ‘freedom’ birds of Latin America. After coffee with your expert guide you're off to seek Quetzal in its peaceful natural habitat and marvel at their exquisite long turquoise feathers.
A night tour is such a thrilling way to spot nocturnal wildlife in the midst of the cloud forest of Monteverde. When the sun sets the forest comes alive; no two nights are the same.
Let the sharp eyes of your guide show you Costa Rican wildlife like you’ve never seen it before. Sleepy birds curl up in their wings, whilst bats dart around for food. Rain frogs and snakes pass silently by as your guide explains how the grey fox climbs trees!
As soon as you cross the footbridge into the grounds of Nayara Springs, you will know you have come to a place that will fulfil your expectations. Whether you want a romantic and secluded getaway, luxurious indulgence in the spa or in your private hot pool, or some adventure in the lush forests on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, Nayara Springs has it all.
With superb facilities, white beaches, and an excellent location near national parks, Andaz Papagayo Resort is a place where you can relax and recharge in style whilst also venturing out into the wonderous wilds and even the community of the surrounding area. The curved armadillo-inspired shapes of the buildings, designed by Ronald Zurcher, are inspirational.
At the top of a hill with exceptional views of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by the lush forest of a sloth sanctuary, and with bubbling hot geothermal water, the Nayara Tented Camp must be in consideration for being one of the world’s best experiences of extreme glamping.
Perfectly located as the only beach resort in the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, this luxurious hotel offers the perfect combination of facilities and activities. Panoramic views from its clifftop location, brilliant beaches, copious adventure options, plentiful wildlife opportunities and two infinity pools are what stand out for us. Journeysmiths also love the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Private cabins perched on hills with excellent views are a feature of this cozy and charming eco-lodge experience. It is a great base for exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest and an excellent adjacent private reserve.
With extensive tropical forest, a winding river and three waterfalls, it is hard to beat El Silencio as an eco-lodge experience. The name – El Silencio (“silence”) – is appropriate to this remote and tranquil place where you will be able to experience the majestic environment of Costa Rica’s Central Volcanic Valley.
Lapa Rios will always have the distinction of being Costa Rica’s first, and therefore trailblazing, eco-lodge. It has not rested on its laurels, and has maintained the highest of standards in comfort, sustainability and guest experiences of the abundant nature of this area.
For the experience of arrival and departure alone – either by white water raft, or by 4x4 and a cable car - a stay at Pacuare Lodge is unforgettable. Once there, you are justified in relaxing in this secluded piece of paradise.
The terracotta roofs emerging through the lush forests flanking the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano are actually the luxury casitas of Amor Arenal, an independent small-scale retreat based on using invigorating mineral waters whilst introducing guests to the surrounding pristine ecosystem.
The Belmar family opened Hotel Belmar in the 1980s and they are still active around the hotel today. They make a great effort to greet guests personally and are right at the heart of the warmth and tradition of the guest experience.
In this grand and decadent building, a former family home dating from Costa Rica’s Golden Age, you will be surrounded by details of Victorian elegance whilst enjoying modern comforts.
The diverse myriad of coastal, river and rainforest habitats of the unique Oso Peninsular provides the setting for the El Remanso Lodge. It is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the abundance of nature in Costa Rica’s most biodiverse region.
With the air of an elegantly rustic safari camp, the open style of the design of Tortuga Lodge gives its guests the ultimate experience of the lush nature surrounding this perfect location. You will find plenty of hammocks to satisfy your Caribbean tendencies.
Staying at the Manatus Hotel is an exclusive experience, perfect for romantic getaways as well as family vacations. There are plenty of outdoor spaces that bring you as close to the water as possible; at times it seems that this is more of a luxury riverboat than a lodge!
Costa Rica's capital San Jose
Toucan, Costa Rica
Poas Volcano, Costa Rica
Rafting in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Sloth hanging around in Costa Rica
Playa Espadilla Beach, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Pair of Scarlet Macaws, Costa Rica
Beautiful coral and fish, off the coast of Costa Rica
Corcovado Beach, Costa Rica
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
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