Luxury Costa Rica Holidays

Highlights

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica’s most popular national park, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, is an enchanting lush green gem that is home to beaches, tropical rainforest trails and incredible wildlife. Scan the impressive canopy for White-faced capuchin monkeys, hear the Mantled howler monkeys, spot troops of tiny Squirrel monkeys, photograph the remarkable Toucans, or Black spiny-tailed iguanas, and look for the popular Sloths. These two-toed and three-toed varieties are often seen lazing about in the canopy.

Central Valley and Highlands

Being elevated and landlocked, this area is far more temperate that the coastal regions, with temperatures around 25 degrees year-round. This makes it an appealing escape for San Jose residents retreating from the city heat. Whilst June to October are the best months to visit here, the ‘green’ season between June and December is the high season for rafting due to sunshine with afternoon showers.

Northwestern Costa Rica

Home to misty cloud strewn forests, a dormant volcano, bubbling hot springs and stunning lake, this region boasts striking waterfalls, grassy savanna and affordable ecolodges. With a climate ranging from dry heat, wind and cool mist, this is a dry region and evenings can become cool. With very little rain between November and April this is a good time to go, whilst marine-lovers will wish to travel around September and October to see Humpback whales migrating up the coast. Venture to the Arenal area, from Ciudad Quesada, for a scenic ride with stunning backdrop of Volcan Platanar. Winding your way past lush green vegetation, rivers and brightly coloured towns, you’ll eventually arrive at the mighty peak of the Arenal volcano.

Osa Peninsula

Located in the remote southwestern corner of Costa Rica and regarded by many as the most picturesque and pristine region, the protected rainforest of Osa is renowned for its extensive wildlife and raw appeal. The peninsula plays host to deserted beaches, world-class surf and rugged adventure trekking, making it a haven for those seeking a true adventure in the wilderness. Corcovado This is one of the most biologically rich places on earth with Parque Nacional Corcovado teeming with wildlife. In the canopy of Corcovado, guests can see all four native species of monkey with other rare species such as Baird’s tapir frequently spotted. Whilst trekking affords the opportunity to see the elusive Jaguar, feline Ocelot and Tapir. Creatures you may wish not to see, include the painful Bullet ant, ticks, peccary or water-based crocodile.

Guanacaste

Located in Northwestern Costa Rica, and said to have a Nicaraguan personality, the lively Guanacaste province is a popular destination for beach-lovers and those seeking some sublime relaxation in a tropical paradise. With notable shorelines such as Playa Panama, Playa Grande, Pan de Azucar, Playa Flamingo and Playas del Coco, travellers are simply spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches. Boasting long summer days, unparalleled wildlife and a diverse and exotic landscape, visitors can unwind on beautiful beaches and escape the humidity. Watersport attractions include surfing and snorkelling, whilst nearby zip-lining, horse-riding and hiking are all available too. Renowned for its hot, dry weather and pristine beaches, this tourist spot boasts the stunning Papagayo Gulf. When not exploring the North Pacific Coast and admiring the beaches, history and sunsets, Guanacaste is also home to Nicoya Peninsula, Monteverde with its Cloud Forests and numerous nature reserves, the Miravalles and Tenorio Volcanoes, Arenal Volcano and Northern Lowlands, Rincon de la Vieja Area with its notable waterfalls.

Tortuguero

The main attraction of Tortuguero National Park is the turtles, with Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles nesting between July and October and Leatherback turtles nesting from February to April. Whilst you can head along the beach trail to observe turtles nesting, the best way to appreciate the park as a whole, is from a boat. From canoes or kayaks, you can access the beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands. Created from high annual rainfall and the rich environment, where freshwater and sea water meet, this is an area boasting seven species of river turtles. If seeing turtles is your main goal however, then a specially guided night walk is the best time to see the turtles lay their eggs. Other wildlife highlights include seeing Southern River Otters, crustaceans and over 50 species of freshwater fish — not to mention the Spider, Howler, Capuchin Monkeys and dozens of species of birds. For the very fortunate, you may even spot an endangered West Indian Manatee! Aside from the wonderful fishing.