Costa Rica Nature Vacations

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places in Central America, home to about five percent of the planet’s species. Immersing yourself into the heart of the country’s biodiversity is possible with carefully planned, well-researched Costa Rica nature vacations. With an expert guide, you can learn how to best experience Costa Rica’s wildlife.

This incredible treasury of vegetation and wildlife is one of the main reasons visitors come, and one of the aspects that make Costa Rica so unique.

At Costa Rica Vacations, we love to share our love for the vegetation and wildlife that populate the country. Our in-depth personal knowledge of the areas and hotels allows you to enjoy the nature vacation of your dreams in a sustainable way.

Get off the grid, surround yourself with singing birds, go sloth-seeing, or visit one-of-a-kind cloud forests where calm reigns. Also, discover different tips on how to safely navigate Costa Rica’s wildlife to make the most of your trip.

Avoid crocodiles by not swimming in mangroves, estuaries, or the northern Caribbean sea. In the wild, don’t approach cats that are bigger than you, and in a wildlife rescue center, no matter how close you are and how cute they are, do not touch them.

Get a glimpse of animals that come out to play in the rain but when the thunder starts, watch from the safety of a window. If a monkey steals your sandwich, let it go. Even adorable, playful animals can get aggressive if a stranger tries to take something from them.

Wear long pants and boots in the jungle. In the case of a snake, bat, monkey, any-type-of-animal bite, seek medical attention. Don’t worry, these are rare and you are unlikely to get attacked by any animal other than mosquitoes, which are easily avoided with repellant.

Choosing from the many Costa Rica nature vacation packages doesn’t have to be hard. They are customizable. Contact us and tell us what you want to do, and we’ll be happy to tell you where to go and when. Take advantage of our expertise and journey into the great outdoors! Start planning your

Destinations for the Best Costa Rica Nature Vacations

The whole of Costa Rica is teeming with great spots for a nature vacation. Sloths, quetzals, turtles, toucans, sea turtles, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, exotic flowers and lush jungles are just some of the elements you can enjoy in this country. The trick is to know where to find what in order to maximize your chances of seeing these species in the wild. This is why picking the right Costa Rica nature vacation package depends on your preferences and expectations.

There are 12 distinct climates to choose from, diverse flora and fauna, and different landscapes to view. There’s a chance for you to sit by the ocean on a white-sand beach or to hike across the canyons of a mountain in search of hidden waterfalls. This is why each of our Costa Rica vacations packages is customizable to suit your needs and wants. If you are not sure where to start, there’s no need to worry. Here are some of the best destinations for an immersing vacation into Costa Rica’s nature.

The Cloud Forest: A Paradise for Birders

Avid bird watchers have a great base in Costa Rica. All kinds of chirping birds and larger predators abound in the air and treetops.

The highlands and cloud forests of Monteverde are a particularly great location. The cloud forest in this area is home to the elusive Quetzal and a never-ending list of other birds and animals.

A hike, a pair of binoculars, and an expert guide are the best combination to find those hidden in the foliage.

Another great spot for birdwatching is the secluded sleepy village of San Gerardo de Dota. It’s set high in the mountains of the Central Mountain Range, two hours south of San Jose.

Both these areas are fairly accessible, with somewhat rugged roads that make the trip more interesting. It all adds to the adventure!

The Untamed Depths of the South Pacific

The most famous destination for Costa Rica nature vacations is Corcovado National Park. Nestled on the Osa Peninsula in the South Pacific coast. Corcovado boasts the highest biodiversity rate in the country, and five percent of the world’s biodiversity.

This tropical rainforest is home to some of the best nature lodges in Costa Rica and even the best ecolodges in the world. Upscale and luxurious, yet still sustainable accommodations on the verge of the jungle.

Here the forests are barely touched by humankind, offering a secluded, private stay. You’ll be in the company of macaws, monkeys, sloths, snakes, iguanas, and may even run into elusive tapirs, or pumas. This is where the real jungle is. Buckle up, escape from the outside world, and enjoy an off-the-grid experience.

While it’s far and not so easy to get to, those wanting the most authentic wildlife focused vacation believe it’s worth the trouble of getting there. The beauty and diversity that is found in the Osa Peninsula, will make up for all the trouble.

Sea Turtles & The Caribbean Coast

The lowlands of the Caribbean are not as popular as the Pacific coast. Yet, they are incredible spots to get off the beaten path and go wildlife watching. Tortuguero National Park and Caño Negro Reserve are two locations in particular where the visit is more than worth checking out. Here is where the famous massive turtle nesting takes place each year. Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the natural wonder with an expert guide’s advice. Although they are both bordering the northern frontier with Nicaragua, Caño Negro is accessible from the Arenal Volcano area.

Tortuguero is also a rather unique place in Costa Rica, accessible only by boat, through a network of rivers and canals, or by plane. The boat ride gives nature enthusiasts a chance to see the animals that live in mangroves. Getting there is part of the trip.

Once there, many tourists rent canoes to go back out for more sightings of exotic birds, turtles, and crocodiles. Expert guides advise tourists to make frequent stops, as constant movement through the water can scare animals away. Sit back and enjoy the sun and the breeze and see which creatures appear from the jungle or the water. Tortuguero allows you to disconnect from the outside world completely. Experience peaceful beaches, special animals, and rich vegetation.

The Magic of Manuel Antonio

While the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is an important one for wildlife spotting. It’s also a top choice for family friendly nature vacations in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio has beautiful beaches that people, monkeys, and racoons like to visit. Just behind the beach is a forest, where you can see a wealth of animals, including sloths, toucans, macaws, coatis, snakes, deer, frogs, and giant iguanas.

Advantages of Sustainable & Secluded Spots

Going for a smaller, boutique hotel rather than a large resort is one of the best ways to experience nature in Costa Rica. Several secluded nature spots aren’t found in many travel guides but they provide more contact with the ecosystem around them. They usually feature great eco-sustainable programs which highlight both nature and adventure. These hotels are also a great way to help the local communities, as these boutique businesses are usually run by families. It’s an opportunity to see Costa Rica from the eyes of those who have loved it their whole lives.

Costa Rica’s Sustainability Practices

Nature in Costa Rica is serious business. About 20% of Costa Rica’s territory has been protected by law, in one way or another, to preserve its biodiversity. This is why the country is open to careful, unobtrusive planning that showcases its natural resources.

Costa Rica’s progressive environmental policies have become known worldwide. It has obtained several world records in sustainability practices for energy, recycling, and rainforest protection.

Nowadays, vacationers can witness the exotic flora and fauna of Costa Rica while staying at an eco-friendly hotel or jungle lodge. To make sure business and nature coexist, Costa Rica has developed the Certificate of Sustainability. This program proposes balance in using natural resources in the field of tourism. Many Costa Rican hotels are certified with the CST and take part in the country’s goal to establish good environmental practices. These accommodations are built to seamlessly immerse guests in the tropical rainforest.

Staying at these hotels is experiencing unspoiled natural habitats. Head out to enjoy the undisturbed harmony of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna, knowing that supporting eco-hotels helps local communities achieve their altruist goals.

If you are a nature lover trying to make lifetime memories into the wild, we’re happy to help. Contact us so we can start planning the nature vacation package that’s ideal for you. We’ll have you waking up surrounded by nature in no time.