Destinations Costa Rica | Create your own holiday to Costa Rica |

Below you find all our destinations in Costa Rica:

Start your trip in the center of San José

San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and here you usually arrive and start your holiday. Even though the city might be the least interesting destination of your trip, it is definitely worthwhile to explore. There are a few great (free) city tours and the neighbourhoods of Barrio Escalante, Dent and Amon are really up and coming and provide a great local offer of nice bars, restaurants and boutiques.

Start exploring from your fabulous boutique hotel in San José

Hotel Grano de Oro is a fabulous boutique hotel in the center of San Jose. The Canadian owners have been living in Costa Rica for more than 25 years, and have developed a deep respect for the local community they work with and live in. In the hotel, you'll easily encounter their love for the city's traditions and history. It's truly a great place to stay! Also, the hotels support a local cause to help young mothers to get on their feet.

Wildlife paradise Tortuguero: from green macaw to sea turtle

The Tortuguero National Park or the 'little Amazon' is a great place to start your holiday in Costa Rica. The region offers vibrant wildlife (you can easily spot monkeys, birds, caimans and iguanas), stunning jungle and it is the most important nesting spot for various species of sea turtles.

One with nature in the lagoon of Barra Pacuare

If you want to enjoy the nature reserve of Tortuguero in its purest, natural form and don't mind staying at a basic accommodation in the middle of the jungle, then you will certainly like this trip to Barra Pacuare. Your lodge can only be reached by boat and you will explore the surrounding canals with a friendly, professional guide. Wifi and mobile networks do not work here, so go off the grid for a few days and immerse yourself in nature.

Off Road with a 4WD with rooftop tent

Are you up for adventure? Take a road trip in a 4WD rental car with a rooftop tent! Find a sunny beach or go off road into the jungle and park your car on a beautiful spot in the wild. There are also lots of campsites where you can stay for a small fee. A road trip can be perfectly combined with other destinations in a self-drive holiday. This way you can combine pure adventure with the comfort of hotels and lodges.

Explore underwater wildlife in Cahuita

Cahuita is a charming Carribean town. From your hotel you walk to the beach in some 20 minutes. If you're a water sports fan, there's great swimming, snorkeling and diving here. Expore the coast either by car or by bike and to get to know the indigenous locals is a truly unique experience as well.

Relax and unwind on the beach of Manzanillo

Manzanillo is the southernmost village at the Caribbean coast, near Panama. The public road ends here and around the village, you find beautiful, pristine beaches. The coastal atmosphere is above all relaxed: enjoy the good food, music and the beach of course! Your home in Manzanillo is a beautifully designed, hand-made jungle house with fully equipped kitchen. It offers you the full jungle experience at a stone's throw from the beach!

Surfing on the Caribbean coast in relaxed Playa Cocles

Playa Cocles is a small beach town and popular destination for surfers and backpackers alike. From here, exploring the Caribbean coast is easy. Puerto Viejo, with its bars, restaurants and nightlife is nearby and you can also follow the road down to Manzanillo and enjoy the beautiful, quiet beaches.

Stay with the native Bribri Indians

A trip to the Bri Bri indigenous community is an unforgettable adventure! You travel by boat to a tiny village near the border with Panama where the indigenous community will warmly welcome you and show you what their daily life looks like. You'll stay at a local family home and learn more about (among others) the art of making chocolate, the use of medicinal plants and how to build your own thatched roof! Enjoy this unique insight into the traditional culture in Costa Rica.

Sleep in a tree house at Punta Uva beach

The Costa Rica Tree House Lodge is located in the little village of Punta Uva, near Puerto Viejo de Limon and right next to the beach. The lodge exudes artistic design, craftmanship and the staff is friendly and helpful. Here you for sure will experience Costa Rica's 'Pura Vida'!

The best chocolate in authentic Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui was originally a small town on the banks of the Sarapiqui River. In the region you find many cacao, coffee, pineapple and banana plantations. Join Jean-Pierre, the Belgian owner of the lodge you're staying, on his tour and learn more about the history of cacao and chocolate!

Stay at a real ‘finca’ in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

Finca Sura is a typical Costa Rican family run farm. Don Rodolfo, his wife Doña Rosa and their 8 adult children will warmly welcome you at the finca and will happily share their lives with you for a couple of days. You will stay in basic, but comfortable bungalows and the culinary skills of Doña Rosa will pamper your tastebuds and make these few days unforgettable. Experience the true Pura Vida of Costa Rica here at Finca Sura!

Green macaws in natural paradise near Boca Tapada

This destination is a true paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The most famous (and protected!) inhabitants of the Maquenque region are the Great Green Macaws. But you're likely to spot other birds, like toucans, turtles, caimans and crocodiles. Enjoy the jungle and set your alarm to wake up to a spectacular sunrise!

Discover volcano Arenal from La Fortuna

The Arenal volcano is one of the seven active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The little town of La Fortuna at its foot has developed into an important travel destination and offers a wide variety of restaurant, shops and bars, but also great tours.

Get inspired at this sustainable Ranch in El Castillo

Stay in a unique sustainable ecolodge in Costa Rica! El Castillo is a small village at the foot of the Arenal volcano, the most famous volcano in Costa Rica. You stay at an inspiring location, literally at the end of the road. Here, you eat what the land, cows, pigs, and chickens have to offer. Everything is grown and prepared in an organic way and super fresh! Also, you can take a relaxing yoga class or dive into the natural pool. Enjoy!

Magical blue waterfalls in Bijagua

Bijagua is a charming village near the river Rio Celeste and the Tenorio National Park. The river was named after the intense blue colour of its water. Take your time hiking up to the beautiful waterfall in the jungle and explore the area by horseback or mountain bike. You stay in a comfortable bungalow with great view of the volcano.

From wellness to adrenaline in Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido hotel is a sustainable luxury hotel offering great activities to its guests. You can go hiking, moutainbiking, rafting....and afterwards book a relaxing massage at the beautiful hotel spa. The hotel is a really off the beaten track destination, but you definitely will not get bored!

Birds and reptiles in nature reserve Caño Negro

The Caño Negro natural reserve is regarded as one of the most important 'wetlands' in the world. This is the perfect destination for nature lovers and a great place to spot reptiles and birds. From here you can also explore nearby Nicaragua and the jungle near San Carlos.

Bubbling mud pools near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano

The Rincon de la Vieja Volcano has 9 craters and is still an active volcano. The area is wellknown for its thermal mud pools, waterfalls and crystal clear lakes. You can explore the area by foot, horseback or mountainbike. Enjoy your stay here!

The real nature experience in Los Andes

Los Andes is a tiny town close to the Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste. You're staying at Tierra Madre, an isolated ecolodge with friendly Belgian owners doing everything to make you feel at home.

Turtles on the beach of Junquillal

Junquillal is a charming coastal town and a real 'off the beaten track' location. Your Dutch hosts warmly welcome you to the paradise they built themselves and all you need to do here is to relax, indulge and enjoy the great food! If you want to leave your hammock, the town is a perfect base to explore the coastal region with its beautiful beaches. Or visit the Junquillal turtle conservation, to learn more about the turtles on the beach.

The underwater world and white beaches of Sámara

Sámara is a small coastal village with a laidback, relaxed atmosphere. There's a wide variety of hotels, restaurants and bars. The beach is always nearby and the quiet bay with a beautiful coral reef is a must for snorkel lovers. In conclusion, Sámara beach is also a great destination for families.

Soar beyond the cloud forest of Monteverde

Monteverde is famous for its unique cloud forest reserve. The village lies in the mountains and is one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can still spot the beautiful quetzal. While in Monteverde you can explore the cloud forest by foot or hanging bridge, but also book a zipline tour and soar beyond the trees, a great experience!

Unique homestay in Zapotal de Miramar

This is your chance to stay with locals in Costa Rica! The charming village of Zapotal de Miramar is literally located on top of a mountain. You can stay overnight in wooden cabins, or experience a unique homestay with a local family. The villagers will warmly welcome you and you'll have your own bedroom and bathroom. Meals are prepared and shared with the local family. One specific tour or activity in the village is included in your stay.

Live with the rhythm of the sun and sea in Montezuma

Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is stunning and its location, near the Montezuma beach and the Pacific Ocean, makes that you really follow the rhythm of the sun and sea. Enjoy everything the lodge and the town of Montezuma have to offer. Go on a nature hike at Cabo Blanco or Karen Mogensen Nature Reserve, enjoy the beach, and visit the nearby waterfall. You have arrived in paradise, and we're sure you don't want to leave anymore!

Bird watching in Palo Verde National Park

The Palo Verde Biological Station is located in the centre of Palo Verde National Park, which is gigantic. It includes the largest wetland in the country and borders the Tempisque River. It is also one of the last areas of tropical dry forest in Central America and therefore the Biological Station is an important research facility. Besides, it's a great location to spot many bird species.

Glamping in the jungle of Quepos

Rafiki Safari Lodge is a luxurious site for glamping in Costa Rica in the jungle of Quepos. Here, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings to the fullest. If you like some action, you can go wild water rafting or horseback riding. And, If you are a bird lover, we recommend you book a tour with a professional guide to spot the many species that live around the lodge, like toucans, parrots, kites, and maybe even a king vulture.

Sloths and capuchin monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is a small, but beautiful National Park. Here you can explore the jungle, but also relax on the beach and take a dive in the ocean. Iguanas and monkeys might join you on the beach. There's also a great chance you'll see sloths in the jungle. All this wildlife in combination with the white beaches makes Manuel Antonio a very popular tourist destination.

Lovely boutique hotel in the hills of Matapalo

Las Nubes is a luxurious boutique hotel where you can enjoy great food and relax at the beautiful pool. It's an ideal destination to indulge before flying back to your home country or it makes a great start of your travels in Costa Rica.

Glamping on the beach of Matapalo

Waking up from the sounds of the ocean and enjoying your breakfast in front of your luxurious tent, that's in short what you'll be experiencing when glamping in the little coastal village of Matapalo! Matapalo is an authentic Costa Rican town with few tourists, a couple of nice restaurants and a great beach. It's the perfect location to relax and enjoy Costa Rica's Pura Vida!

Catch the best waves in Dominical

Dominical is a true surfers paradise. During your stay, it is highly recommended to check out the waves and take a surf lesson! Of course, you can also relax on the beach. Your lodge is located near the village on the beach and offers a nice pool when you're tired of the waves. It is a great place to explore the jungle and do one of the many activities!

Whales and dolphins in Ojochal

You find the charming, little village of Ojochal near the National Park Marino Ballena and the largest nature reserve of Costa Rica: Corcovado. From Ojochal, nearby Uvita you can go whale and dolphin watching, in September there's even a whale watching festival! Do enjoy sun, sea and the beach in Playa Tortuga and Las Ventanas.

Take a boat to Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park

From the small town of Sierpe you depart by boat to Drake Bay Costa Rica. The journey itself is already an adventure...you sail through mangrove forests towards the ocean and Drake Bay. During your trip you might be luckey enough to spot dolphins and even whales!

Unique stay in La Leona, in the middle of Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is located on the Osa peninsula and one of Costa Rica's most isolated nature reserves. This very special rainforest harbours unique eco systems which aren't found anywhere else in the world. Here you still find some species that have disappeared elsewhere, spotting these animals make your visit a once in a lifetime experience.

Explore the authentic region of Coto Brus

Travel to the deep south of Costa Rica to discover the authentic region of Coto Brus. Near the border with Panama, this region at 1,200 meters above sea level is a destination for plant and bird lovers. Bordering the La Amistad International Park, the area has an impressive diversity of native plants, but there are also many bird species to discover. And all this while the region has very little tourism.

Taste the best coffee in Providencia

Stay overnight in a local village, enjoy home cooked meals, make great hikes and prepare your own coffee during a unique coffee tour in Costa Rica: all this is possible in Providencia. The village is beautifully located in a valley surrounded by lush, green mountains and is well known for its high quality crops, here you find Costa Rica's best coffee!

Spot the unique quetzal in San Gerardo de Dota

Always wanted to see the unique quetzal bird with your own eyes? That is possible in San Gerardo de Dota. This charming village is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica, just 85 km from San José. From the capital, you cross Cerro de la Muerte, the mountain range that separates the Caribbean and Pacific coasts; a beautiful route!

Artistic boutique hotel in San Gerardo de Dota

This unique boutique hotel in Costa Rica is located on the edge of a valley. About 2500 meters above sea level. If you follow the road down from the hotel you'll end up in the charming village of San Gerardo de Dota. This village is famous for the mythic quetzal. A guided tour to spot this fantastic bird is a must!

Climb the Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica

If you choose to climb the Chirripó, you choose for a real adventure. It is the highest peak in Costa Rica and Central America and although the climb is not an easy one, the spectacular sunrise at the top is a once in a lifetime experience!

White water rafting in Orosi

The rivers near the Turrialba National Park are famous for their ferocious waters and offer a great white water rafting experience. In addition, you can hike beautiful trails, go horseback riding and of course climb the active volcano Turrialba. This region offers plenty to both nature lovers and adrenaline seekers, enjoy your stay here!

Verloop family

We want to thank you for the beautiful trip we made! (2018). The beautiful places we’ve been and the nice people we’ve met really made a deep impression on us. Thanks again for the fantastic organization. We did not encounter any problems and when necessary we could always contact you.

To us, the nicest destinations were:
Barra Pacuare; Fantastic! Especially our guide Herman. We nicknamed him Freek Vonk sr.
Manzanillo, a true paradise!
Bijagua: to our opinion a real Costarican village. Fun! Our accommodation was again a paradise because of the truly beautiful villas!

Erica and Martijn

We look back on a very nice trip around Costa Rica (2018)!

The service of Edventure before and during the trip was great, quick response and easy to reach during the trip.

Some of our highlights were: Climbing the Cerro Chirripó, Glamping in the jungle of Quepos, Stay in Junquillal and the Volcano Valley Hike in La Fortuna.

Van de Luijtgaarden family

We had a great trip (2018) and greatly enjoyed Costa Rica, the beautiful nature, the great accommodations and the nice people.

The service and info before and during our holiday were excellent. It was especially nice to be able to ask questions via Whatsapp.

We shared our experiences on our blog Vakantaseren and on Instagram.

Tom and Liselotte

Our highlights during our trip in Costa Rica (2017) were, of course, all the special animals we spotted, such as the sloth, various monkeys and many species of birds including the brightly coloured parrots. Besides, we greatly enjoyed the Volcano Hike and our zipline tour was literally a highlight of our trip.

For us, our trip was the perfect combination of being active in nature and relaxing on the beach. The distances between our destinations were fine. If we ever return we indeed will remember to take our mosquito spray to the pool!

Wendy and Martijn

In the summer of 2016 we travelled around Costa Rica together with our children (daughter of 5 and son of 9). It was a really exciting trip and we could not have chosen a better holiday destination. The volcanoes, the tropical rainforest and of course the wild animals. You imagine yourself in a true paradise. Costa Rica is breathtakingly beautiful!

It is highly recommended to take a boat from Drake Bay to Corcovado NP. Our day trip was fantastic and we spotted many animals. We searched for tapirs and spotted many monkeys and birds. During our trip we also saw humpback whales from close by with their babies and dolphins. In addition, we spotted sloths relaxing in trees, beautifully colored toucans, macaws, caimans and crocodiles. Oh and before I forget, our stay in Tortuguero made a great impression on us: leatherback turtles laying eggs …. Edventure team thank you very much for everything!

John and Helma

Costa Rica! What a great travel experience! Time flew by. Every day we enjoyed the sun, the beautiful nature, the animal sounds and the delicious fresh fruit. We said to each other every day: “how great it is we can see and experience this.”
We stayed in nice hotels, nature was abundant everywhere, we met very nice people. What a versatile country, I really understand why you went to live there! Travelling in Costa Rica is certainly not cheap, but worth every euro!

Thank you for all your help and your enthusiasm. It was an unforgettable, fantastic trip for us!

Petra and Gerard

Our trip to Costa Rica was really well arranged, we stayed at nice and surprising locations. Not all our hotels were equipped to accomodate tall people (our boys are 1.95 m long) so we had a laugh when everybody was in bed at night!

Thanks again for arranging everything, we had a great holiday !!!!

Van Tongeren family

We had a great time in Costa Rica! Our highlights include Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Rincon de la Vieja and Drake Bay. Unfortunately it was really rainy in Arenal, so we couldn’t do much when we were there.

We really enjoyed the beautiful nature, all the beautiful animals and all the fun activities. We enjoyed great local food and all the hotels we stayed at.

If we would do this trip again, we would like to slow down our tempo a bit and stay 3 nights at one destination instead of 2. Now we sometimes felt we did not have enough time to do and see everything we wanted. All in all a great trip and lots of great memories!

Alexander

Our holiday was a wonderful experience. To quote our youngest son: “Papa, Costa Rica is like a zoo!”.

Thanks again for everything you arranged for us!

Added to your suitcase

Compile your own journey in Costa Rica using our destinations: