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Costa Rica is OPEN! 10 Good Reasons to Travel there Now

Costa Rica is OPEN! 10 Good Reasons to Travel there Now

by | Nov 17, 2020 | Costa Rica, Family Vacation, Honeymoon

As borders around the world continue to close and reopen again, travel as we know it has certainly changed. What is traveling to Costa Rica like now, during a pandemic? Can I even travel to Costa Rica at the moment? Like most countries in the world, Costa Rica’s government had a travel ban in place through part of 2020. The good news is that Costa Rica is now open and waiting impatiently for tourists!

By implementing some key changes and extra precautions, visitors can still experience what makes this country special. Lovely tropical beaches, grand adventures, the wonders of nature and culture, and warmhearted locals – Costa Rica offers all the necessary components of an ideal vacation. No wonder thousands have made Costa Rica their top travel choice in the past!

In this blog post, we’ll share what you need to know to travel to Costa Rica now, during Covid-19. We will cover entry requirements, and let you know what to expect at hotels, in restaurants, and on tours.

When you are ready to plan your Costa Rica vacation package, contact us for a free quote to beautiful Costa Rica!

 10 Good Reasons to Travel to Costa Rica Now

  1. In Costa Rica, the summer season begins in December and lasts until April/May.
  2. Costa Rica’s main attractions are its volcanoes, rainforests and cloud forests, huge waterfalls, mighty rivers, beaches on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and of course its amazing wildlife. All of these are outside in nature where you want to be at the moment.
  3. Right now, you can enjoy Costa Rica without masses of tourists and crowds.
  4. Costa Rica is full of awesome boutique hotels with high standards. 94% of the hotels in Costa Rica have less than 40 rooms!
  5. Rental car tours are popular and self-drive tours are a safe form of travel, no matter if you are traveling as a family or on a honeymoon
  6. Don’t want to drive? Use private transfers or hire a private driver/tour guide. We can organize a Covid test upfront (fee applies).
  7. Costa Rica currently looks like it did 30 years ago: You see a lot more animals, national parks are fairly empty, and the beaches are often deserted.
  8. The best English-speaking tour guides are available. This is very rare in high season.
  9. Between the opening of the borders on August 1st and the end of October 2020 around 10,000 tourists have entered the country. To date, there has been no known case of infection.
  10. You’ll support the local tourist industry and many small businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic and a month-long travel ban and are now struggling to survive.

Safety While Traveling to Costa Rica Now

• Masks are required at all airports and during the entire flight.
• Costa Rica as a destination and our local incoming agency have received the Safe Travels stamp of the World Travel & Tourism Council. This confirms that hygiene and health protocols are implemented and used.
• Masks are required in Costa Rica in all shops, at bus stops, during bus rides, when entering/leaving restaurants, and with anybody where the minimum distance of 6 feet cannot be kept.
• There is NO mask requirement in national parks, reserves, beaches, and public spaces when the minimum distance of 6 feet is kept.
• All hotel rooms, vehicles, luggage, tables, and all surfaces that are often touched are regularly disinfected.
• You can find facilities for hand washing and disinfection everywhere.
• Enjoy a largely contactless service (check-in, menus as QR code, etc.) throughout Costa Rica.
• Costa Rica has excellent public and private health care. Even at peak times in Costa Rica, there was no medical collapse. Our local partner agency even works with an English-speaking doctor for our customers, e.g. for remote diagnosis.
• The hygiene standards are high and you will find drinking water is readily available.

Entry Formalities When You Travel to Costa Rica Now

Costa Rica warmly welcomes all nationalities again when entering via the airports SJO and LIR. The national land borders with neighboring countries remain closed to tourists for the time being.

No PCR test required

A negative PCR test or quarantine is no longer required. These measures are subject to change and dependent on the evolution of the pandemic both in Costa Rica and around the world.

Health Form

To enter Costa Rica, an online health form must be completed before departure. You will obtain a QR Code to show to airport authorities upon arrival in Costa Rica. An individual form must be completed for each tourist, including minors.

Travel Insurance

Proof of travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 for medical costs in the event of illness from COVID-19, as well as coverage of USD 2,000 for any quarantine costs, must be uploaded in the health form. If your international travel health insurance does not cover the USD 2,000 for possible quarantine costs, we can organize a written guarantee through our local partner agency. This is a service exclusively for our customers and is accepted by the authorities

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 Conclusion:

Costa Rica is open and ready to welcome visitors! With some precautions, we are after all still in a pandemic, visitors can still enjoy what makes this little country a little piece of paradise: The rainforests, beaches, wildlife, and incredible people. And with fewer crowds, your experiences will be even more rewarding and unforgettable. If you are ready to travel again, then Costa Rica is certainly a top choice for all of the above-mentioned reasons! Pura Vida!

Get in touch with us today to plan your family vacation, romantic getaway, or honeymoon, in Costa Rica.

Have you recently traveled to Costa Rica or are you planning to?

Let us know in the comments.

Check out our sample Costa Rica tours

COSTA RICA – 8 days

Adventure Honeymoon in Costa Rica  from US$ 2,830.00
  • Awesome mix of adventure, fun, and relaxation
  • Stay in luxurious boutique hotels
  • Spend time in the rainforest & on Caribbean beaches
  • Go rafting, ziplining, and surfing

COSTA RICA – 17 days

Family Self-Drive Adventure from US$ 1,990.00
  • Travel at your own pace in a rental car
  • Visit Tortuguero NP with 30 frog, 28 snake, 6 turtle species
  • Stay at a Caribbean beach and in the cloud forest
  • Discover the Arenal volcano and hot springs

COSTA RICA – 11 days

Costa Rica Family Fun from US$ 2,650.00
  • A relaxed tour with organized transfers
  • Family-friendly excursions included
  • Enjoy volcano, hot springs, rain & cloud forest, beach
  • Stay in beautiful boutique eco-hotels 

COSTA RICA – 8 days

Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast  from US$ 2,665.00
  • See crocs, sloths, monkeys in Tortuguero NP
  • Disconnect on a jungle stay
  • Enjoy isolated beaches in Cahuita NP
  • Participate in a private cooking workshop

COSTA RICA – 8 days 
Costa Rica Escape from US$ 1,850.00
  • Enjoy an authentic Costa Rica adventure
  • Stay in amazing boutique hotels
  • Waterfalls, volcanoes, beach stay
  • Activities include suspension bridges, hiking, rainforest sky tram

COSTA RICA – 7 days
Costa Rica – Pacific Tour from US$ 2,495.00
  • Visit mangroves, a crocodile colony, and an active volcano
  • Enjoy Manuel Antonio NP with its charming beaches & hiking trails
  • Cool off in the clouded highlands of Monteverde
  • Private tour with English guide

MAKE YOUR TRAVEL DREAMS COME TRUE

Let’s discuss your vacation ideas.

You can request a quote, chat with us, email us, or schedule a free call right here. 

We can’t wait to work with you.

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Top Lodges in Costa Rica for Families

Top Lodges in Costa Rica for Families

by | Jul 19, 2020 | Costa Rica, Family Vacation

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Planning a family vacation to Costa Rica but are not sure yet where to stay? We hear you and have compiled a list of the best family hotels in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a wonderful place for families to experience a mountain of exciting activities.

Families find in Costa Rica an adventure paradise set in the most beautiful natural and safe environment. Costa Ricans (“Ticos”) are also very family-friendly so it’s no surprise Costa Rica hosts some of the top lodges for families in Latin America.

The country is also one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. There are five active volcanos in this small country. Some of the best hiking, bird-watching, and horseback riding in the world can be found here. Costa Rica provides the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, fine cuisine, and wildlife. 

Here is our List of the Best Family Hotels in Costa Rica:

See below for a map

Best Family Rainforest Hotels & Mountain Lodges in Costa Rica

1. Xandari Resort & Spa **** – Central Valley

Hotel pools for families

Pool area – perfect for families – at Xandari Resort & Spa

 

We are starting off our list of best family hotels in Costa Rica with the Xandari Resort & Spa. Art and architecture are highlights of the Xandari experience in Costa Rica. 24 spacious villas nestled on a 40-acre plantation are surrounded by lush gardens, with terraces facing spectacular views of Costa Rica’s majestic Central Valley day and night. Each is a unique design, with tropical colors and contemporary design.

A private forest reserve with rivers, five natural waterfalls, and 2.5 miles of trails offers excellent hiking, birding, and communion with nature. Three pools, each with a unique view of coffee plantations, provide added incentive for a morning swim. A wide range of natural treatments is offered in private palapas at the Spa Village. Each is featuring a hot-tub overlooking forest and valleys at 3,900 ft.

Prima Plus Villa: Guests can enjoy an abundance of space and an idyllic garden in these villas. Each of the villas is a special treasure on its own. Two 68 m² villas on the East Hill offer a magnificent panorama view of the Central Valley. They feature a sleeping alcove with a King-size bed plus a sofa bed in the main area. The other two villas on the West Hill are 55 m² in size. Each villa features an impressive, colorful ambiance blended with a creative design. These villas offer two double beds and a sofa bed.

2. Arenal Springs Resort **** – La Fortuna

hotel hot springs and volcano on family hotels of Costa Rica

 

Arenal Springs is a hotel that will make you feel home. Built on a slope of a soft hill with lovely views of the Arenal Volcano, this eco-friendly and contemporary hotel welcomes its guests with open arms in a friendly atmosphere. In the awesome pool with natural hot springs and a swim-up bar, you can treat yourself to your favorite drink after a day of touring the surroundings. There is a large variety of flowers and fruit trees for birds to feed on, so birders and people who love nature will truly love this. At least 131 species have been spotted and recorded on the hotel’s own grounds; most of them can be seen regularly. Natria Spa is a real treat, a brilliant way to relax while surrounded by a mystic volcanic ambiance. The hotel is a tropical Eden with amazing well-kept grounds and indulging volcano views and provides maximum comfort on an environmentally friendly basis.

3. Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience ***(*) – La Fortuna

best family hotels in costa rica

Volcano Lodge – pool area with Arenal volcano in background

 

Lush tropical gardens, the sound of crashing waterfalls, and striking views of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal Volcano leave guests feeling as though they’ve been transported into the midst of a hidden rainforest jungle; and yet, all of the comforts and amenities of a well-tended resort keep the entire gang happy and contented.

The thermal hot springs are an exclusive amenity just for hotel guests. As you soak in the mineral-rich thermal waters, you’ll relax amidst crashing waterfalls, lush tropical botanic gardens, and very few people. Or how about a “volcanic relaxation massage” at the resort’s Volcano Spa?.

Every guest room in the resort enjoys the seclusion of a private terrace with full or partial views of Arenal Volcano looming majestically above, the botanic gardens, or both. The breakfast is hearty and has a lot of options, including the typical Gallo Pinto (rice and black beans, served with plantains) and delicious coffee. The Surá Bar & Bistro has a daily 2-for-1 happy hour..

Famous for its volcanic hot springs, flowing waterfalls, and tropical rainforests, La Fortuna is abundant in flora and fauna, making each eco-adventure tour as interesting as it is fun. Whether it’s zip-lining, fast above the forest canopy, crossing the jungle treetops on a hanging bridge, swimming at the base of the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall, or horseback riding through the rainforest, there is a little something for every nature enthusiast. White water rafting, waterfall rappelling, canyoneering, are all on the menu too. At TropiQ Trips, we can organize any or all of the mentioned activities for you upfront!

Otherwise, the staff at the front desk is very helpful in organizing your activities and tours. A free shuttle into La Fortuna is provided several times a day.

Can you see why this resort is a must on our list of best family hotels in Costa Rica?

4. Monteverde Lodge & Gardens ***(*) – Monteverde

hotel restaurant on family tour in Costa Rica

Hotel restaurant

 

The 25-room lodge is located on a generous property in the heart of the cloud forest. Its location is very convenient for visiting downtown Santa Elena and also to the nearby ecological sanctuary. It is a very quiet place perfect for hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and a great base for exploring the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves.

This lodge was built to be ecologically friendly: the lights are dim, the water is mainly heated by solar panels on the hotel roof, and there are no TVs or radios – but who needs these anyway with the cloud forest at one’s fingertips? The lodge has a very nice bar with a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail in the evening. And if you are a keen observer, you will certainly enjoy identifying the many birds and animals that visit the lodge gardens. The heated pool or the spa is nice for a refreshing swim or relaxing treatment after a day full of action. And from the viewpoint, you can enjoy nice views of the surroundings.

Forest View Downstairs: These pleasant accommodations have a nice table and two chairs near the window to look at the cloud forest and animals. They are equipped with either two double beds or one King-size bed and two of them are wheelchair accessible. If you are the nature-lover-observing type you may get to see monkeys on the trees right outside your window! The view is so beautiful that you could comfortably spend a couple of hours sitting by the window just relaxing.

5. Senda Monteverde **** – Monteverde

Bungalow of best family hotel in Costa Rica

Senda Monteverde – stand-alone bungalow suite

 

Senda Monteverde Hotel in Monteverde, Costa Rica, is the cozy mountain lodge you’ve been searching for on our list of best family hotels in Costa Rica. From the hotel, enjoy easy access to every Monteverde adventure you can think of. Not to mention complimentary hiking access to the neighboring Aguti Wildlife Reserve, all year round. Here, families can explore the cloud forest on several walking trails.

The luxury boutique hotel is hidden and private but within walking distance to Monteverde town. On purpose, the hotel abstained from TVs, so you can completely focus on enjoying nature. Nature conservation is a big issue, sustainability is practiced wherever possible.

The Senda Suite is the most private and spacious suite category. As its own stand-alone bungalow at 1321sq.ft, it’s perfect for families. It can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children and disposes of 2 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms. Senda Suites have a spacious, open-air terrace with seating. From here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Gulf of Nicoya.

In Monteverde, family vacations become adventures of a lifetime. Ziplining was invented here – so there’s no shortage of cloud forest thrills or wildlife encounters to be had. Adventure awaits!

Other activities for the whole family provided by the hotel include:

  • Paper-making class, 7 Wonders of Wander, & a back-of-house sustainability tour
  • The in-house guide makes hiking kid-friendly
  • Tour planning service — activities the easy way
  • Small-sized rubber boots & walking sticks for young hikers
  • Hot cocoa & marshmallows by the fire pit
  • Board games
  • Cooking classes for young chefs

6. Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge *** – San Gerardo de Dota

view from room of family hotel in Costa Rica

View from Superior Bungalow at Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge

 

Our list of best family hotels in Costa Rica continues: Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is a home away from home. This environmentally friendly lodge with only 12 rooms offers plenty to do for kids and adults alike.

Situated in picturesque San Gerardo de Dota, Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is a sustainable eco-lodge that provides adventure for guests while respecting the surrounding nature. The lodge offers several unique experiences, including a beautiful art gallery for indigenous art and handicrafts. It is as educational as it is beautiful.

Families can’t miss a visit to the lodge’s playground. Kids love visiting the open-air play space, complete with swings, monkey bars, a large trampoline, and climbing tires. The reception also keeps a collection of indoor toys for guests to use during their stay.

When you’re ready to grab a bite to eat, do it at Le Tapir, the resort’s on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included with your stay. The restaurant’s glass architecture provides the perfect spot to search for hummingbirds as you eat.

The Superior Bungalow is the best-suited room category for families. It is equipped with ecological ethanol chimneys and offers two bedrooms with a Queen-size bed each. One of the two bathrooms features a combined jacuzzi-shower. Both of the 4-Person Superior Bungalows are located close to the reception. From the private terrace, you can enjoy beautiful views.

Tours offered at this lodge include:

  • Bird Watching
  • Canopy Tours / Zip Line
  • Family Friendly Tours
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • National Park / Reserve Tours
  • Night Hikes
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Yoga

 

MAP

OF THE BEST FAMILY HOTELS IN COSTA RICA

Best Family Beach Hotels in Costa Rica

7. Hotel Bosque del Mar ***(*) – Playa Hermosa

Hotel in rainforest

Suites at Hotel Bosque del Mar

 

This boutique beach hotel located directly at the beach of Playa Hermosa achieves perfect harmony between elegance and ecology. The hotel is designed in a contemporary style and offers its guests a gourmet kitchen as well as exclusive suites with maximum comfort. Sustainable instalments including solar cells and a water treatment unit help to create a unique blend of modernity and nature. Romantic evenings by the swimming pool or watching the unforgettable sunset over the ocean are among the many highlights this boutique hotel has to offer.

A large overflow pool and a well-groomed tropical garden complex create a wonderful environment for rest and relaxation. Located on the second floor of the main building, the bar Nya features a large terrace with a fantastic view of the ocean. A small spa offering massages nicely rounds off the countless facilities in this hotel.

The hotels Garden View and Ocean Front suites are best suited for small families. The comfortable and spacious suites offer either one or two queen-size beds in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the comfortable living room. All suites are a few steps away from the restaurant, the beach, and the swimming pool.

The hotel offers a great selection of tours and activities in the Guanacaste area. Nature-loving families will enjoy a visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park. At over 34,000 acres, Rincón de la Vieja has room for two volcanoes, 32 rivers and streams, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Art lovers will want to check out Guaitil, famous for its pottery. Other options include catamaran tours or adventure activities such as diving or zipline tours.

Bosque del Mar is a unique beach hotel at Playa Hermosa and a perfect retreat for families who cherish exclusivity and nature.

8. Olas Verdes Boutique Hotel ***(*) – Nosara

Olas verdes hotel on family tour

Pool area at Olas Verdes

 

Nestled on the edge of a conservation easement in the unassuming town of Nosara, all that separates you from the surf is a trail through the lush forest. Ceiba trees and native plants seamlessly blend the amenities of Olas Verdes boutique Hotel Costa Rica with the allure of the adjacent wildlife refuge. Grab a surfboard and discover all that the happiest nation in the world has to offer. Experience culture, sanctuary, and pura vida.

Olas Verdes Hotel is proud to partner with Safari Surf School, which has been providing outstanding surf experiences since 1998. Safari provides fun, easy-going lessons with security and confidence delivered by highly qualified professional staff. Safari also runs special programs for kids and women only.

You will be staying in one of the 2-Bedroom Beach Apartments, which are two Luxury Suites next to each other and sharing the building access (levels one and two, no connecting door). That means each Beach Apartment has 2 living rooms, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. Each bedroom has a queen-size bed and a single bed, closet, desk, safe box, large ceiling fan, and air conditioning. The total area is approximately 1,050 sq. feet.

9. Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotels & Villas **** – Tambor

family hotel Costa Rica adventure

If you are looking for calmness, this is the place. Great location, beautiful views, and well-maintained grounds. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area. However, if you like it here, there are also lounge chairs and hammocks all around the resort where you can simply do nothing at all but wait for your drink. It’s really all up to you!

The exclusive, small boutique hotel Tango Mar is located on a 150-acre private beachfront reserve along the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. Due to its unique atmosphere with well-groomed gardens, exuberant jungle vegetation, and exotic birds and animals, you will encounter the perfect balance between nature and refinement. In the gourmet restaurant Cristóbal, you will be spoilt with local and international, carefully prepared dishes that will melt on your tongue while enjoying the marvelous ocean views.

In the spa and the beauty salon, you can enjoy relaxing, professional treatments. The rest of the day you can spend at the spring-fed swimming pool in the middle of the jungle gardens full of exotic plants and trees. The approx. 1-mile-long sand beach is an excellent option for some promenade around sunset. Over a coastal nature trail, you reach a nice waterfall, and in the hotel, a wide choice of tours and excursions is at your disposal.

How to get the Tango Mar:

Tango Mar is easily accessed by land or by air. If you are driving from the capital city of San Jose, a 2-hour drive will take you to the port of Puntarenas. Here you will board a ferry crossing the Gulf of Nicoya to the town of Paquera, taking about an hour. Once off the ferry in Paquera, a short 45-minute drive will get you to Tango Mar.

If you choose to arrive by air, a short 25-minute flight gets you from San Jose to the Tambor Airstrip, located less than 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the property.

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Tango Mar is an ideal place that is both luxurious and quiet for beach holidays in a beautiful, exotic environment and is, without a doubt, one of the best family hotels in Costa Rica.

10. Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge **** – Manuel Antonio

View from hotel in Costa Rica

Beautiful view from hotel

 

Located along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, Si Como No is a uniquely special Manuel Antonio Resort and Wildlife Refuge that sits atop one of the most idyllic hillsides in Manuel Antonio. The resort’s lush jungle terraces and brilliantly vivid gardens overlook the sparkling ocean just above world-renown Manuel Antonio National Park. Its 58 rooms are literally contoured into the jungle hillside across the property’s ten acres.

Every day you will be greeted by toucans and hummingbirds buzzing by on their morning breakfast rounds. The staff is very friendly, hence, the name Si Como No (a fixed Spanish expression meaning: yes, of course, I’ll be glad to!). The property is extremely well-maintained and clean, and the grounds are simply stunning! There is even a movie lounge on the premises showing the latest movies.

The Deluxe Plus rooms are best suited for families. They are equipped with a king-size bed, a sitting area with a sofa bed, a spacious private bathroom, and there is no TV. Enjoy great views of the jungle coastline and the Pacific from your private balcony.

This is an eco-designed property, and the steps they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint are extraordinary and inspiring. The hotel’s profits go back to the community and are invested in education, perfectly matching the Costa Rican concept of Greentique Hotels.

An adult pool offers relaxation while your kids can enjoy the day at the children´s pool. At the bar, fabulous happy hour specials are served before your delicious dinner is prepared in one of the two restaurants. Go for a walk in the private wildlife refuge with the amphibian, or visit the butterfly garden and the crocodile lagoon.

Si Como No strikes the perfect balance of design and comforts the whole family will love. It connects you with the surrounding tropical forest of Manuel Antonio and the essence of the spirit of Costa Rica. A hotel that cannot be missed on our list of best family hotels in Costa Rica!

11. Laguna Lodge Tortuguero *** – Tortuguero

Aerial view of hotel in Costa Rica

Aerial view of Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero

 

We are finishing off our list of best family hotels in Costa Rica with the Laguna Lodge. Laguna is an eco-touristic lodge, located in Tortuguero in the northern Caribbean of Costa Rica. The lodge is built on a narrow strip of land, 650 feet wide, between Tortuguero´s main lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. 

The area has amazing rivers, lakes, and wetlands that shelter a lush jungle of primary forests and exotic plants. There is also a huge variety of fauna the whole family will enjoy: monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans, crocodiles, 400 species of birds, and of course turtles. Tortuguero (Land of Turtles) is the place where one of the most amazing ceremonies of nature takes place: the spawning of the Green Sea Turtle. You’ll enjoy the lush biodiversity of flora and fauna in this ecosystem which is the most complex and dynamic of Tropical America.

Family-friendly activities include:

  • Boat tour Tortuguero National Park
  • Tortuguero Village visit (visit the school, churches, stores, community center, and recycling plant)
  • A visit to the lodge’s own botanical garden
  • Sea Turtle nesting tour (July-Oct)
  • Hatching season beach walk (Sept-Nov)
  • Kayak tour

Children are more than welcome at the lodge. Their staff is attentive, helpful, and always happy to attend to any need families and children might have.

It also has complete facilities: comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a shop, a sports area, and an amazing pool area. The latter is a delight at any time of the day but especially at dusk. With dim lighting, the atmosphere becomes magical accompanied by the first sounds of the night fauna.

The lodge is reachable by a combination of bus & boat or by plane.

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Conclusion:

This was just a small insight into the huge variety of accommodations Costa Rica has to offer for families. Costa Rica is a perfect destination for any kind of family vacation: self-drive tours, customized tours, and classic tours. We have got you covered.

We’d love to work with you and create a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation just for your family! You will find many of the above-mentioned best family hotels in Costa Rica in our family tours.

We can’t wait to hear from you! Also, let us know what other content you’d like, or if you have any questions at all!

Contact us today to help you organize your Costa Rica vacation: authentic and customized!

Check out some of our Costa Rica Family Vacation packages:

COSTA RICA – 11 days

Costa Rica Family Fun from US$ 2,650.00
  • A relaxed tour with organized transfers
  • Family-friendly excursions included
  • Enjoy volcano, hot springs, rain & cloud forest, beach
  • Stay in beautiful boutique eco-hotels 

COSTA RICA – 17 days

Family Self-Drive Adventure from US$ 1,990.00
  • Travel at your own pace in a rental car
  • Visit Tortuguero NP with 30 frog, 28 snake, 6 turtle species
  • Stay at a Caribbean beach and in the cloud forest
  • Discover the Arenal volcano and hot springs

WHERE TO VACATION IN COSTA RICA

WHERE TO VACATION IN COSTA RICA

by | Apr 10, 2020 | Blog, Costa Rica

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It’s hard to pick where to vacation in Costa Rica as there are so many amazing things to see and do in this tiny country that has the size of West Virginia or the entire country of Denmark. There are the volcanoes with Poas being the largest and most active, Tortuguero National Park, the mountain town of Monteverde, Corcovado National Park, and the many beautiful beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean. 

Costa Ricans, or “Ticos” as they like to call themselves, have a saying: They are rich in paradise. And it’s true — their homeland never ceases to astonish its visitors. The gorgeous beaches, never-ending activities, friendly people, and a plethora of wildlife, amazing scenery and scrumptious food make a vacation in Costa Rica unforgettable.

Irrespective of the number of days you have in your hand, you will always feel short of time in this spectacular place. 

Here are the top five things to do and see:

1. Discover Volcanoes

Costa Rica volcanoes are known as the top tourist attractions in the region. The most famous volcano for lava eruption, Arenal stopped in 2010, but that does not make it less interesting. There are still mesmerizing trails in its vicinity. Other volcanoes that are worth exploring, include:

Poás Volcano which remains one of Costa Rica’s largest and most active volcanoes is located in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica, about 1.5 hrs from San José. In the same region, you can also visit the Irazú Volcano or Turrialba Volcano.

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is located in the Guanacaste región. Fit hikers can climb the top of one of the craters on a 6-mile hike.

Surrounded by an enchanting blend of forest, hot springs and geysers, you will find the Tenorio Volcano, also located in Guanacaste.

2. Explore the canals of Tortuguero National Park

If you are an animal lover, make sure to keep this place in your where to vacation in Costa Rica-itinerary. Tortuguero is a protected wilderness area on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast. Its beaches are famous nesting grounds for sea turtles, including endangered green turtles.

The park’s freshwater creeks and lagoons, which can be navigated by boat or canoe, shelter spectacled caimans, and river turtles. The surrounding dense rainforest is also rich with wildlife, from monkeys to many bird species.

3. Birdlife & adventure in Monteverde

This is a place that tops the list of must-visit locations in Costa Rica. Monteverde is a small mountain town where travelers often indulge in hiking, coffee plantation visits, or canopy or suspension bridge tours.

The famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve shelters countless wildlife species, including jaguars, ocelots and the colorfully plumed resplendent quetzal.

4. Visit the remote Corcovado National Park

Corcovado National Park is a beautiful destination located on the remote Osa Peninsula. This quiet, rugged, and off-the-beat destination is for all those searching for peace.

Here you can indulge in diving, hiking or enjoy a walk. Corcovado National Park has been referred to by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.”

It is the largest national park in Costa Rica, the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coastline, and one of the few remaining large areas of lowland tropical rainforests in the world.

5. Spend a lazy day at one of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches

There is the stunning beach of Manuel Antonio, part of the Manuel Antonio National Park, with its consistently calm water which makes it a terrific choice for families with young children. The surrounding national park is filled with wildlife. You can easily spot white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, green iguanas, and sloths.

Another awesome choice is Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches. It is an action-packed destination known for great beginner surf and a lively nightlife.

The town is also surrounded by Las Baulas National Park, which protects endangered leatherback sea turtles that nest on nearby beaches between October and February.

South of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, Punta Uva is one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting destinations. Golden sand, pristine water, coral reefs, palm trees, monkeys! As you wander around Punta Uva, keep an eye out for great green macaws in the trees above.

Located near the dramatic Southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa combines stunning natural beauty with an upscale backpacker vibe. Because it remains relatively difficult to get to, Santa Teresa is not overrun with “sun and fun” tourists who arrive en masse. Instead, this rugged area lures more adventurous travelers.

Once here, you will never want to leave. One of my personal favorites is Montezuma which is another town in the Southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, and off the main tourist track. A favorite for youths, surfers, and alternative-types, the bohemian town is really an ideal, laid-back beach town. Its natural beauty ranges from beautiful beach, mangroves, and estuaries to dense tropical forest and waterfalls with natural pools.

Well, this was just a small insight into everything Costa Rica has to offer. Would you like more on where to vacation in Costa Rica? We’d love to hear from you! Also, let us know what other content you’d like, or if you have any questions at all!

Contact us today to help you organize your Costa Rica vacation: authentic and tailor-made!

7 TIPS TO PLAN THE BEST COSTA RICA TOURS

7 TIPS TO PLAN THE BEST COSTA RICA TOURS

by | Sep 5, 2019 | Blog, Costa Rica

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Dreaming of a vacation in Costa Rica? Let us help you to plan the best Costa Rica tours for yourself and your family.

Here are our top 7 tips that will make planning the tour easier for you. This way, when you are finally ready to go to Costa Rica, you will have an amazing time and be able to indulge in all the awesome adventure activities the country has to offer.

1. What’s Your Budget?

Whenever you are planning a trip, it is important to establish a budget. This will make it easy to avoid unnecessary surprises and give you the opportunity to enjoy your trip to the maximum. Whether you love making budgets or hate it, it is an essential part of the journey.

If you would like our input, make sure to let us know an estimated budget so we can plan accordingly and don’t lose time quoting above or below your budget. If the budget is not reasonable, we will discuss it with you and see if we can find a solution.

2. Where Do You Want to Go?

Costa Rica is a beautiful place and thus it can become difficult to pick a perfect destination for your vacation. There are so many amazing places with different vibes. I am sure you want to visit them all, but it won’t be possible to cover everything in a single trip.

Therefore, it is important to narrow down a few places to visit and keep other places for the next time. We will help you to figure out what destinations suit your travel needs best. This all depends on the length of your stay, your means of transportation, and most of all your interests.

Monteverde is definitely part of our best Costa Rica tours but if you are looking for a beach vacation, you will be disappointed with all the rainforest, hiking trails, and adventure sports – and no beach in sight.

3. Book Your Flight

When planning the best Costa Rica tours, it is important to know that Costa Rica has two international airports – one located in Liberia and the other located just outside the capital San Jose.

A majority of people tend to fly into San Jose airport because of its location and affordably priced flights. But you can also choose to fly into Liberia airport if you plan on visiting the Guanacaste part of the country.

There are plenty of airlines that fly to and from Liberia airport: American, Southwest, United, and Delta. Moreover, before booking a flight, you can compare different flights and check whether it is cheaper to fly into San Jose airport or Liberia Airport.

We can easily plan the itinerary around your flight plans!

4. The Right Accommodation

When planning your best Costa Rica trip, make sure to let us know what kind of accommodation you prefer. Costa Rica has plenty of the usual chain hotels, especially in San Jose and the tourist hot spots. But what makes the country stand out and leave you with lasting memories, are its beautiful ecolodges all over the country. Costa Rica has been at the forefront of the green tourism movement for many years, so it is no surprise that the country hosts some spectacular ecolodges. One of them is the amazing Pacuare Lodge.

The most thrilling way to arrive at -or depart from-  this lodge is by rafting the Pacuare River – one of the best white-water rivers in Central America. The lodge consists of thirteen wooden cabins (made by local Cabécar Indians) in the heart of the Talamanca Mountain Range, where you can explore the rainforest on foot or on horseback. Pacuare supports primary-school programmes and has helped to reintroduce howler monkeys to the forest. Many people have classified this beautiful riverfront lodge as one of the most luxurious eco-lodges in Costa Rica, if not the world.

We can help to find the right accommodation just for you and help make this vacation your best Costa Rica trip ever!

5. How to Travel within the Country?

One of the trickiest things to figure out when planning your best Costa Rica trip might be the means of transportation to use for traveling within the country. But no worries. We are here to help!

There are different options to choose from, depending on how flexible you want to be.

The most convenient way is, of course, a private driver-guide. But not everyone’s budget allows for it. This way we plan the general itinerary but small changes in the daily program are often possible.

The most flexible solution is a rental car which gives you the flexibility to move around at your own pace. On our self-drive tours, you can drive yourself but the route is fixed as we have pre-booked your hotels which is essential especially in high season.

Don’t want to spend the money on a private driver and don’t like driving in a foreign country? We can also book you on the existing shuttle services that take you in comfortable and modern minivans around the main tourist destinations in Costa Rica. 

6. Fun Things to Do?

How can you plan the best Costa Rica tours without including some fun things to do? There are so many amazing things to indulge in Costa Rica that you will wish you had some more days on hand.

Whether you want to relax on the beach and indulge in outdoor activities such as hiking the rain forest or exploring the many suspension bridges or want to experience the adrenaline rush through your body with activities such as ziplining, Costa Rica has you covered.

7. Try out the Local Food

Can vacations be complete without exploring local delicacies? Our answer is no!

Known for its use of fresh ingredients, like fruits and vegetables, the cuisine in Costa Rica is generally on the mild side. Exotic fruits grow locally in a tropical environment, so there is always something to make the food exciting. Meals in Costa Rica often contain rice and black beans, such as in the traditional Costa Rican breakfast Gallo Pinto. The dish’s main ingredients of rice and beans are mixed together and paired with other ingredients to give it some spice, like peppers, cilantro, and onions.

These were some tips that will make it easy for you to start planning the best Costa Rica tours.

Are you looking to get a quote for an amazing and unique Costa Rica vacation? Get in touch with us today.

THE 10 MOST ROMANTIC HOTELS IN COSTA RICA

THE 10 MOST ROMANTIC HOTELS IN COSTA RICA

by | Jul 11, 2019 | Blog, Costa Rica

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Are you looking for romantic hotels in Costa Rica? Beautiful rain forests, sandy beaches, remote lodges, and active volcanoes – it is not surprising couples head to Costa Rica for a romantic getaway or their Costa Rica honeymoon. Nature lovers will find eco-conscious lodges and adventure seekers can go zip-lining, kayaking, or hiking. To add to that, the hotel choice is huge: accommodations range from cute, peaceful boutique hotels to larger properties with a wide array of amenities.

We have compared and here are our 10 most romantic hotels in Costa Rica – see the map below for locations:

1. Xandari Resort

The first hotel on our list of The 10 most romantic hotels in Costa Rica -in no particular order- is the Xandari Resort, an inspiring oasis for art enthusiasts with a panoramic view of the Central Valley!

The exclusive hotel features 24 individually designed villas and awes guests with a lively blend of color, art, and architecture. The ecologically-run hotel complex with three swimming pools, a spa equipped with a jacuzzi, 5 private pavilions, a vegetable garden and a botanical garden with trails is truly an insider tip for all those seeking a unique, offbeat experience.

This elegant, artistic hotel resort lies amidst a 35-acre former plantation at a height of 4,000 feet. The panoramic view of the Central Valley is just as spectacular as the artistic design of the hotel complex. Painted walls, animal figures, a colorful mosaic well, and numerous sculptures capture the guests’ attention. The villas were decorated with an abundance of creativity and attention to detail. Except in the Star Villa, television sets were intentionally left out in order not to interfere with the atmosphere of the villas. The main building houses a restaurant, a bar, an art shop, and a television room. A wide variety of birds is drawn to the botanical garden complex and guests can admire them as they walk along the trails.

This exclusive, artistic hotel is a treat for all romantic travelers who cherish serenity and a unique style.

2. El Silencio Lodge

Voted Top Resort in Central America by Conde Nast Traveler in 2018!!!

One of their guests once said: Once you walk through the gates to El Silencio it’s like you have discovered Shangri-La! It is a magical place in an impossibly beautiful setting! The main building is at the base of a tree-lined canyon. The property is spectacular with flowing rivers, several waterfalls and a nice variety of rarely seen animals such as coatis and armadillos that ramble across the property’s paths. The staff provides first-class service. When you enjoy a couples’ massage in the Spa, you will not be disappointed! Most vegetables and spices used in the lodge’s own restaurant are grown right on the property.

In this eco-luxury hotel, no details have been spared, from using bits of tree branches to make the faucets for the hot tub to planting mosquito-repellent plants in the vicinity of the suites. And make sure not to miss out on the tree-planting ceremony!

Are you a nature lover that wants to stay in a luxurious place? Then the El Silencio Lodge is the right choice for you.

3. Lagarta Lodge

The boutique hotel Lagarta Lodge on the Nicoya Peninsula is beautifully situated. With two rivers, expansive sandy beaches, and woods it sits along the Pacific shores of Costa Rica. You will have the perfect romantic vacation experience in the naturally elegant ambiance of the hotel. Sustainability and social responsibility are central to their concept. The eco-lodge is unique – its location, its services, and its philosophy.

Due to its hillside location, the Lagarta Lodge features breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast and the neighboring private nature reserve, a paradise for bird watchers. Two infinity pools, a jacuzzi, a spa, and an art gallery with works of the Maleku Indians complete the offer. Delicious local and Mediterranean dishes are served in the restaurant, and guests can fully admire the spectacular sunsets from the Sunset Bar.

Guests can head to nearby Playa Ostional to observe the sea turtles (breeding season: year-round with the peak in the rainy season from August to December).

This elegant and at the same time cozy romantic Swiss-run hotel, safely off the tourist path, offers a high level of comfort and is a paradise for guests seeking relaxation, for gourmets, photographers, enthusiastic bird watchers, and romance travelers.

4. Four Seasons Resort

The largest property in our list of the most romantic hotels in Costa Rica and the country’s most classy luxury resort is the Four Seasons Resort. Find your “Pura Vida”, where adventure and relaxation meet!

It is located in the middle of a remote nature reserve on the tip of the Papagayo Peninsula on the North Pacific coast. The resort has two gorgeous private beaches with light sand and gentle waves. On the premises, you will find numerous great facilities created to meet even the highest expectations: the lobby features inviting open-air gathering spaces that exude a see-and-be-seen resort vibe and the walls feature works by local artists. The modern spa spoils you with excellent service while refreshing the mind and body. There are also 4 swimming pools at your disposal, one of them over 10,000 square feet with a view of the coast.

The many leisure and entertainment options include a golf course designed by Arnold Palmer and considered one of the most beautiful world-class golf courses. The guest rooms, suites, and villas have been transformed into stylish retreats of intimate luxury and comfort. The gastronomic offer is among the region’s best.

Exquisite design, spectacular surroundings, and outstanding service make your stay at the Four Seasons unique and unforgettable.

5. Nayara Springs

No. 1 Spa in the World – Conde Nast Traveler 2016 / One of the most romantic hotels in the world – Trip Advisor 2017 / One of the 100 Best Hotels in the World – Travel + Leisure 2016 / No. 1 Luxury Hotel in the World – Trip Advisor 2016 & 2017 …

Nayara Springs is an adults-only boutique hotel of breathtaking natural beauty, located in the middle of exuberant gardens. It is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and bounded by a creek and underground mineral thermal springs.

You will arrive over a 250-foot long pedestrian bridge above the canopy of the trees – a pathway that gives guests privacy and peace from the moment they arrive. The villas are hidden in the tropical forest. Each of them offers its own private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs. The infinity-edge pool merges into the forest, and you can frequently spy toucans and hummingbirds or greet the friendly macaws that call Nayara Springs home.

In the private, open-air treatment pavilions, the sauna and steam rooms of the spa, you can totally relax to the sounds of the rainforest. In the diverse restaurants, you will be able to taste everything from “tapas” to upscale dining. A wide range of outdoor activities is offered.

This place will provide you with an intimate and authentic Costa Rican rainforest experience and is, without a doubt, one of the 10 most romantic hotels in Costa Rica.

6. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens

Another favorite on our list of The 10 most romantic hotels in Costa Rica is the Tortuga Lodge.  “Rustic Elegance in the Jungle” is their motto.

The lodge is nestled in the tropical rainforest of Tortuguero National Park and only reachable by boat and plane. It offers 26 rooms, all of which dispose of river views. None of the rooms offers air conditioning or television, which makes the nature experience even more special and guests can fully appreciate the sounds of the rainforest. The restaurant offers delicious local food, and the bar Caribbean themed cocktails. The tranquil ambiance will make you relax and enjoy nature at its best.

Numerous canals, tropical rainforest, and beautiful beaches are the habitats of impressive exotic wildlife. Tortuguero National Park is one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Eleven habitats are found in the park. Three species of monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced), three-toed sloths, and river otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, river turtles, basilisk lizards, and poison dart frogs also inhabit the area, along with more than 320 species of birds, such as kingfishers, toucans, parrots.

Don’t miss the unique chance for a romantic stay in a protected tropical rainforest.

7. Aguas Claras

Playa Chiquita near Puerto Viejo de Limón at the Caribbean coast is the place where Hotel Aguas Claras, a new concept in Victorian-Caribbean style, is located. Exquisiteness transformed into accommodation, surrounded by abundant vegetation and only a few steps from a beach with crystal-clear waters. The charming and cozy houses are a piece of artwork created by the owner.

Every corner of this property, from the reception over the Standard Pavlova rooms to its houses, offers unique details inviting you to an inspiring stay in an extraordinary place. The wellness areas are reinforced by the yoga platform and the spa, located in the middle of the lush Caribbean nature.

This is a special hotel and place for romantic getaways, honeymooners or groups of friends wishing to enjoy some time relaxing and dining deliciously.

8. Hacienda AltaGracia

Hacienda AltaGracia has been setting a new standard in Costa Rica’s boutique hotel sector – a secluded hideaway in untouched Costa Rica.

As a guest, you will dwell in one of the luxurious villas and enjoy a panoramic view from the Hacienda over the entire Valle del General, characterized by its agricultural activity. Coffee, pineapple, beans and many other kinds of vegetables are grown in the surroundings. The hotel’s restaurant and bistro strive for culinary experiences. One of the largest and finest spas of Central America await discerning guests. A meditation and yoga path, as well as a gym and a beauty salon, are further additions to the spa. An infinity pool with built-in hot tubs is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view.

The Hacienda is famous for its private horse breeding ranch. Horse-back riding and other excursions and hikes can be arranged on-site. The hotel has a private landing strip for small aircraft, as well as a helicopter pad.

The villas’ luxurious furnishings, the gourmet cuisine, the spa, and the horse ranch are among the best that Costa Rica has to offer and away from the well-beaten tourist paths.

9. Kurà Design Villas

“The Most Glamorous Romantic Resort in Costa Rica” is what their website promises.

With its minimalistic, sustainable architecture, Kurà Design Villas has certainly been setting new standards for the Costa Rican hotel industry. The privately-run boutique hotel with only 8 Luxury Suites, is located in an idyllic scenery surrounded by tropical jungle. Its luxurious yet casual ambiance, the extraordinary design, and exquisite cuisine make Kurà, without a doubt, one of the country’s leading new boutique hotels.

A Costa Rican architect, and his wife, a biologist, created the property and adjusted it to sustainable operation and logistics in harmony with nature. Kurà’s location constantly allows for a fresh breeze, and you can spot plenty of animals in the trees surrounding the property. The elegant infinity pool allows a 180° view over the Pacific.

Different spa treatments, excursions, and gourmet menus round off the perfect tropical stay and make this tropical oasis a do-not-miss item on our list of the most romantic hotels in Costa Rica.

10. Pacuare Lodge

As the owners say: A visit to the Pacuare Lodge is a journey to a magical realm where the beauty and diversity of the tropical nature is a delight to the senses. The premises are unbelievably gorgeous and the hotel blends in perfectly with the surrounding nature.

Many people have classified this beautiful riverfront lodge as one of the most luxurious eco-lodges in Costa Rica, if not the world. It manages to operate with almost no electricity but still provides excellent gourmet meals. The rooms are candlelit which makes your experience even more enjoyable and romantic. The excellent and very helpful guides, all from the area, accompany you during the many activities you can try out while staying here; for example, horseback riding, abseiling, mountain climbing, bird watching, and night walks. The beautiful infinity pool directly in front of the forest is ideal to relax after an exciting day. The most common way to reach the lodge is by whitewater rafting!

Staying at Pacuare Lodge is a great privilege and for sure an unforgettable experience! A true paradise in the heart of the rainforest!

MAP

of the 10 most romantic hotels in Costa Rica

Has your curiosity been piqued yet?

Contact us today for a free proposal for an individual customized tour and you could be traveling to one or all of these awesome hotels very soon! Whether you would like to drive on your own or have a driver take you from one place to the next – we are here to help and do all the work for you – at no extra cost to you. You just sit & relax and start packing your suitcase!