Inspiration
Highlights of Costa Rica
From rainforest-covered volcanoes to Caribbean turtle beaches and Pacific surf towns, this 19-day journey through Costa Rica showcases the country’s most iconic landscapes - and its most unforgettable wildlife.
Pura Vida in every step
Ziplining through treetops, spotting toucans on a misty trail and enjoying sunsets over the Pacific with a chilled guaro sour in hand: this trip blends adventure with comfort and connection, all set to the rhythm of pura vida.
You’ll explore winding jungle canals in Tortuguero, soak in volcanic hot springs beneath Arenal, cross hanging bridges in the Monteverde cloud forest and watch sloths and scarlet macaws from your poolside lounger. Along the way, dive into conservation projects, discover incredible biodiversity and experience Costa Rica’s famously warm hospitality.
- Tortuguero
- Arenal
- Monteverde
- Manuel Antonio
- Uvita
- Piedras Blancas
- San José
Nici Davies
With over 30 years of expertise at Travelwise, Nici specialises in family adventures, luxury ski holidays and indulgent beach escapes. Her extensive knowledge of diverse destinations allows her to offer the perfect suggestion, even when you're not exactly sure what you're looking for.
San José, Poás & Tortuguero
Start your adventure in the Central Valley, with backdrops of volcanoes rising through the clouds and the fertile highlands that produce some of the world’s finest coffee. Spend your first morning exploring the steaming crater of Poás Volcano, then learn how Costa Rica’s most beloved export goes from bean to brew on a tour of a sustainable coffee plantation – complete with tastings, of course.
From here, it’s on to the Caribbean coast. Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park and glide by boat into the jungle-shrouded waterways of Tortuguero, a remote region that’s accessible only by river.
Stay in a luxury lodge surrounded by nature and spend your days on guided boat safaris spotting monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans. Explore the canals by kayak, visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy, and (if the timing is right!) witness the unforgettable sight of green turtles nesting on the beach.
Along the way, soak up Tortuguero’s magic in its quiet moments: sunrise mist on the river, the rustle of leaves overhead and the sounds of rainforest life all around you.
Tortuguero by water: rainforest canals and turtle beaches
Accessible only by boat, Tortuguero is a place where the pace of life is set by nature. As you glide through its winding canals, edged by lush rainforest and echoing with birdsong, you’ll discover a world alive with movement and sound: spider monkeys leaping overhead, caimans slipping beneath the surface, and herons perched like statues on mangrove roots. A guided boat safari here is a sensory immersion, best experienced in the golden light of early morning. Beyond the wildlife, the region holds deep conservation significance: visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy to learn about efforts to protect green turtles, and if your timing is right, witness one of nature’s most moving spectacles: female turtles slowly emerging from the sea to lay their eggs beneath the stars.
Arenal / La Fortuna
Next, journey inland to the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano, with plenty of jungle trails, natural hot springs and thermal rivers shape a landscape that’s made for adventure and relaxation. Your boutique hotel here is tucked into the rainforest, with views of the volcano from your terrace and the soothing sounds of nature all around.
La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s most activity-rich regions but with a laid-back feel that invites you to explore at your own pace. Walk the Mistico Hanging Bridges, suspended through the rainforest canopy with sweeping views across the treetops, or hike along lava trails in the El Silencio Reserve to learn about the volcano’s dramatic past.
There’s also time to take things slow: soak in a natural hot spring, visit a cacao or coffee farm or join a sloth safari for the chance to spot these famously sleepy creatures in their natural habitat. For thrill-seekers, zip-lining, canyoning and white-water rafting can all be arranged.
Each evening, return to the comfort of your lodge for a well-earned soak, a chilled drink and a dinner filled with bold local flavours – all with the volcano glowing in the distance.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
From rainforest to cloud forest, your journey continues with a scenic lake crossing and winding mountain roads that lead to Monteverde, one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting ecosystems. Perched high in the Tilarán range, this cool, mist-shrouded region is a top spot for wildlife and one of the best places to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal.
Stay at a peaceful lodge nestled on the forest’s edge, where your mornings begin with birdsong and views across the canopy. Explore the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve with a naturalist guide: a dreamscape of moss-covered trees, epiphytes and tangled vines where hummingbirds dart and howler monkeys call from above.
For something more adventurous, take a canopy tour, visit a butterfly garden or walk through the treetops on a sky bridge. The altitude brings a welcome change in pace and temperature – a perfect interlude before heading back to the coast.
Manuel Antonio
From the cool cloud forests of Monteverde, descend to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast and the seaside town of Manuel Antonio. This is where the rainforest meets the sea in a truly spectacular fashion. Jungle tumbles down to golden beaches and wildlife sightings are as common as the sea views.
Settle into a boutique rainforest lodge just minutes from the beach. Spend your days exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, a protected paradise of jungle trails, turquoise bays and hidden coves. With a naturalist guide, you’ll spot sloths, iguanas, toucans and maybe even dolphins just offshore.
After a morning of hiking and wildlife watching, the rest of the day is yours to relax, whether you prefer swimming, snorkelling or enjoying the view with a cold drink in hand. Sunsets here are some of the best in the country: fiery skies, ocean breezes and the sound of waves rolling in.
Uvita
Continue south along the Pacific coast to the laid-back village of Uvita, gateway to Marino Ballena National Park and home to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic sights: the Whale’s Tail sandbar, visible at low tide from above and often visited by migrating humpback whales offshore.
Your stay here is all about unwinding in nature. Perched in the hills above the ocean, your boutique hotel comes complete with panoramic views, a tranquil pool and a front-row seat to the jungle below.
Spend your time walking on near-empty beaches, exploring hidden waterfalls or joining a guided whale-watching trip (best from July to October and again in January – March). Kayaking through mangroves, snorkelling near the reefs and visiting sea caves at Playa Ventanas are just some of the other ways to discover Uvita’s wild, watery beauty.
Piedras Blancas
Your journey continues to one of Costa Rica’s last true wilderness frontiers: Piedras Blancas National Park, a remote coastal rainforest on the southern Pacific coast, with jungle-covered hills and the calm, dolphin-rich waters of the Golfo Dulce.
Accessible only by boat, your eco-lodge here is tucked between the sea and the forest, offering an off-grid luxury experience that feels wonderfully far away from everything. Wake up to the sounds of parrots and monkeys, enjoy freshly prepared meals with ocean views and set out on guided hikes through the park’s pristine trails, home to jaguars, tapirs, toucans and hundreds of rare plant species.
Spend your days kayaking through mangroves, paddleboarding in the bay, snorkelling in quiet coves or simply walking barefoot on the lodge’s private beach. The property’s own conservation efforts offer a chance to learn about reforestation and wildlife protection up close.
At night, the stars here are astonishing. With no light pollution and only the sounds of the forest to accompany you, this is Costa Rica at its most untouched: wild, quiet and unbeatably beautiful.
San José
Return to the capital for your final night, where the energy of San José contrasts beautifully with the remote wilderness of the past few days.
Set in the Central Valley, the city offers an eclectic mix of colonial architecture, local art and colourful market life: perfect for a gentle re-entry before your flight home.
Get settled into a boutique hotel with a leafy courtyard or rooftop terrace, and enjoy your last evening at leisure. Visit a museum, browse local crafts or enjoy a final Costa Rican meal at a stylish restaurant nearby.
Talk to our specialists to start planning your trip
