Costa Rica
Country Atlas · No. 50Latin America

Costa Rica

Two coasts, cloud forest and surf

Families·Adventure·Wildlife
The brief

Costa Rica, two coasts and a cloud forest — Pura Vida by light aircraft.

The family adventure week we recommend most. Arenal for the volcano and the hot springs (Nayara), Manuel Antonio or Uvita for the Pacific beach close, Monteverde for the cloud forest and the zip lines.

Easy direct flights, English-speaking guides, and a country that takes its conservation as seriously as its surf.

FamiliesAdventureWildlifeHoneymoons
When to go

A year in Costa Rica

Dec – Apr
Dry

Peak season, perfect weather, full resort calendar.

May – Nov
Green

Lush rainforest, fewer guests, soft rates.

Nov
Shoulder

Season turns dry, ideal Thanksgiving weeks.

All year
Year-round

Always warm — choose the coast by season.

Recommended hotels

Where to stay in Costa Rica

Handpicked stays we love and recommend, chosen for their exceptional service, setting, and style — for every kind of traveler.

Resorts & regions

Where to go in Costa Rica

The chapters we book most often — pair two or three for a classic week, or commit to a single one for the slow-travel version.
Arenal Volcano
No. 01Latin America

Arenal Volcano

Volcano views, rainforest trails, hot springs and a classic Costa Rica nature escape.

Nayara Springs · Nayara Gardens · Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Papagayo Peninsula
No. 02Latin America

Papagayo Peninsula

Pacific beaches, polished resorts, private villas and one of Costa Rica’s most refined coastal settings.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica · Andaz Costa Rica Resort · Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Nosara & Guanacaste Coast
No. 03Latin America

Nosara & Guanacaste Coast

Surf, wellness, beach towns and a relaxed Pacific rhythm.

Tierra Magnifica · Sendero Hotel · Cala Luna Boutique Hotel

Osa Peninsula
No. 04Latin America

Osa Peninsula

Untouched rainforest, wildlife, wild beaches and one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse regions.

Lapa Rios Lodge · El Remanso Lodge · Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort

Pacuare River
No. 05Latin America

Pacuare River

River rafting, rainforest villas and a deeply immersive jungle experience.

Pacuare Lodge

Monteverde
No. 06Latin America

Monteverde

Cloud forests, hanging bridges, birdwatching and misty mountain scenery.

Hotel Belmar · Senda Monteverde · Koora Hotel

Manuel Antonio
No. 07Latin America

Manuel Antonio

National park trails, beaches, monkeys and an easy mix of wildlife and ocean.

Arenas Del Mar · Makanda by the Sea · Gaia Hotel & Reserve

Also in Latin America

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