Costa Rica
As one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world, Costa Rica offers lush rainforests, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, all within a journey that feels both adventurous and effortlessly relaxed. It’s a destination where nature takes centre stage — from volcanic landscapes and cloud forests to long stretches of Pacific coastline.
For tailor-made travel, Costa Rica combines soft adventure, beautiful scenery and well-designed boutique stays, making it ideal for couples, honeymooners and travellers looking to experience nature without sacrificing comfort.
The Rhythum of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is best explored through its changing landscapes and slower pace of life.
Your journey may begin in the vibrant capital of San José, where elegant hotels, contemporary restaurants and colourful local markets offer a sophisticated introduction to the country. Private guided exploration of the city’s cultural districts, museums and historic neighbourhoods gives a deeper insight into Costa Rica before heading into its natural surroundings.
From here, the scenery shifts dramatically. In the Arenal region, rainforest wraps around the volcano, natural hot springs emerge from the earth, and days are spent immersed in nature. Further towards the Pacific coast, the atmosphere softens again into relaxed beachfront living, where jungle meets ocean and sunsets become part of the daily rhythm.
It’s this balance of rainforest, coastline and understated luxury that makes Costa Rica such a rewarding destination to experience.
Experiences we can include
Costa Rica lends itself naturally to immersive outdoor experiences, designed at a pace that feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Private guided tours of San José’s cultural highlights and local markets
Staying in eco-lodges surrounded by rainforest and wildlife
Time in Arenal with private hot springs and volcano views
Guided rainforest walks and canopy zip-lining experiences
Wildlife encounters in Manuel Antonio National Park
Whale watching and private boat excursions along the Pacific coast
Sunset cruises and beachside dining experiences
Spa and wellness treatments overlooking the ocean or rainforest canopy
Each journey is tailored around the experiences and pace that suit you best.
Where you might stay
Accommodation in Costa Rica is often shaped by the surrounding landscape.
In the rainforest, eco-lodges and boutique resorts sit quietly amongst some of the world’s most biodiverse environments, offering a close connection to nature without compromising on comfort. Around Arenal, resorts with thermal pools and volcano views create a calm base for exploring the region.
Along the Pacific coast, stylish beachfront resorts in areas such as the Papagayo Peninsula and Manuel Antonio combine ocean views, excellent dining and easy access to beaches and wildlife.
Where to visit
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Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula offers a more laid-back side of Costa Rica, known for its surf beaches, small coastal towns and peaceful rhythm of life. It is also recognised as one of the world’s “Blue Zones”; regions associated with longevity and a slower, more balanced way of living. With boutique beachfront stays, wellness experiences and unspoilt coastline, it’s ideal for those looking to slow down and reconnect by the ocean.
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Osa Peninsula
Wild and untouched in feel, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, home to the vast rainforest of Corcovado National Park. This is Costa Rica at its most remote and immersive, where dense jungle meets dramatic coastline and wildlife is part of everyday life.
Days are spent on guided walks through primary rainforest in search of monkeys, sloths and scarlet macaws, exploring mangrove waterways by boat, and discovering hidden trails with expert naturalist guides. Accommodation is typically in secluded eco-lodges set deep within nature, offering a true sense of escape.
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Arenal Volcano
The Arenal region is defined by its dramatic volcanic landscape, where rainforest slopes lead down to natural hot springs and wide, open views of the volcano itself. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most iconic areas, offering a strong sense of place without feeling remote or difficult to reach.
Explore forest trails, crossing hanging bridges through the canopy, or simply unwinding in naturally heated thermal pools set within lush surroundings. The area is also known for its boutique eco-lodges, many with direct views of the volcano and easy access to both adventure and relaxation.
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Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio combines lush rainforest with some of Costa Rica’s most accessible Pacific beaches, all within a compact national park setting. It’s one of the country’s most popular regions, yet still feels rich in nature, with wildlife often visible along walking trails and forest edges.
Days here are typically spent exploring the national park with a private guide, spotting sloths, monkeys and tropical birdlife before continuing on to quiet beaches framed by jungle. Offshore, the warm Pacific waters are ideal for boat trips, snorkelling and seasonal whale watching, while inland boutique hotels offer relaxed stays surrounded by greenery and ocean views.
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Tortuguero
Set along Costa Rica’s remote Caribbean coastline, Tortuguero is a network of winding waterways, dense rainforest and rich wildlife, often explored by boat rather than road. It’s one of the country’s most remarkable regions for nature, where turtles, monkeys, sloths and tropical birdlife can all be seen in their natural habitat.
Days here are shaped by quiet river journeys through jungle canals, early-morning wildlife spotting with expert guides, and stays in simple, nature-focused lodges surrounded entirely by rainforest. The pace is slow and immersive, with the emphasis on being close to the environment rather than moving quickly through it.
When to go
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This is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica, with warm, sunny weather and lower rainfall across most regions. It’s ideal for combining rainforest, volcano and beach experiences with smooth travel conditions throughout.
The Pacific coast is at its best during these months, with calm seas and long days perfect for beach stays in areas such as the Nicoya Peninsula and Manuel Antonio. Wildlife is still active, and national parks are easy to explore.
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As the rains begin to return, the landscape transforms into vibrant shades of green. Showers are typically short and refreshing, often falling in the late afternoon or evening, leaving plenty of time for exploration.
This is a wonderful time for rainforest regions such as Arenal and the Osa Peninsula, where wildlife is especially active and the forests feel at their most alive. Travel is quieter, and boutique lodges often offer excellent value and availability.
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These months see more consistent rainfall, particularly on the Pacific side, but this is also when Costa Rica feels at its most dramatic and untouched. Rainforests are dense and full of life, rivers are powerful, and wildlife encounters are frequent.
The Caribbean coast, including Tortuguero, often experiences some of its best conditions during this period, making it a strong choice for nature-focused travel. It’s also an excellent time for travellers who prefer fewer visitors and a more atmospheric experience.
Example tailor-made journeys
We believe in experiencing destinations in unique ways, uncovering hidden gems, and embracing the unfamiliar. Whether you're drawn to the allure of tried-and-true classics or seeking the thrill of uncharted territories, our expertly curated itineraries are for both the seasoned traveler and the adventurous soul. We go beyond the ordinary, offering not just visits but immersive experiences.
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HONEYMOONS
We meticulous each of our itineraries to immerse travelers in the authentic essence of each destination's heritage and traditions. From private tours led by local experts to stays in accommodation steeped in cultural significance.
CULTURE
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SAFARI
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Example tailor-made journeys
Planning your Costa Rica journey
From the vibrant atmosphere of San José to the tranquil beauty of Costa Rica’s rainforests and coastline, this is a destination that rewards thoughtful planning and a well-balanced itinerary. We design each journey using first-hand knowledge and carefully selected partners, creating tailor-made holidays that combine adventure, relaxation and natural beauty in a way that feels seamless and personal.
If you’re ready to start planning your next adventure, we’d love to help. And perhaps inspire you, with new ideas you might not even know are possible yet. Just call 0118 336 0363 or email enquiries@thetraveldesigncompany.com alternatively you can use the form below.