Destination guide
Insider’s Guide to Costa Rica
Experience the ultimate luxury Costa Rica travel adventure through pristine rainforests, pristine beaches, and world-class eco-lodges in one of the world’s most biodiverse nations.
Personalized planning. No additional planning fees.
Thoughtful travel. Extra perks.
before you go
Need to Know
Costa Rica redefines luxury Costa Rica travel with its commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation, where over 25% of the country is protected as national parks and reserves. This Central American paradise offers discerning travelers an extraordinary blend of adventure and relaxation, from cloud forest canopy suites to oceanfront villas with private beach access. The country’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its incredible biodiversity spanning active volcanoes, pristine rainforests, and both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, creates the perfect backdrop for an exclusive eco-luxury experience. With well-developed infrastructure, English widely spoken in resort areas, and a sophisticated network of luxury lodges and five-star properties, Costa Rica delivers both adventure and comfort in equal measure.
airports
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, with direct flights from major US cities and connections throughout the Americas.
best time to visit
December through April offers the driest weather, while May through November provides lush green landscapes and fewer crowds, with excellent wildlife viewing year-round.
length of stay
7-10 days minimum to experience multiple regions, with 10-14 days ideal for a comprehensive luxury exploration.
altitude
Elevations range from sea level to over 12,000 feet; the Central Valley sits at 3,000-5,000 feet with pleasant spring-like temperatures.
getting around
Private transfers, chartered flights between regions, luxury ground transportation, and rental vehicles for maximum flexibility.
what to wear
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing in earth tones, rain jacket, comfortable hiking boots, and swimwear for multiple climates and activities.
Manuel Antonio
This coastal paradise combines luxury Costa Rica travel with pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, where sloths and monkeys share the coastline with world-class resorts.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Clifftop luxury resort with championship golf course, multiple beaches, and panoramic Pacific Ocean views.
- Sample FSP Perks: Daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credit, room upgrade at check-in, welcome amenity, early check-in/late check-out
Fairmont Costa Rica San José
Urban luxury hotel in the capital with rooftop pool, spa services, and easy access to cultural attractions.
- Sample FSP Perks: Daily breakfast for two, $100 credit, room upgrade, early check-in/late check-out
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Contemporary beachfront resort with infinity pools, multiple dining venues, and direct beach access.
- Sample FSP Perks: Daily breakfast for two, $75 credit, room upgrade
Where to Eat:
Café Milagro
Farm-to-table dining featuring locally sourced ingredients and artisanal coffee in a lush garden setting.
El Avión
Unique restaurant built around a vintage airplane serving fresh seafood with panoramic ocean views.
La Luna Restaurant
Romantic beachfront dining with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and sunset cocktails.
Manuel Antonio
Things to Do:
Manuel Antonio National Park — Explore pristine beaches and spot sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds in this compact but biodiverse park.
Canopy zip-lining — Soar through the rainforest canopy on world-class zip-line circuits with breathtaking views.
Catamaran sunset cruise — Private sailing excursions with snorkeling, dolphin watching, and gourmet dining at sea.
Spa treatments — Indulge in luxury spa services using local ingredients like volcanic mud and tropical botanicals.
Sport fishing — Charter luxury boats for world-class deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi.
Arenal Region
Home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, this region offers luxury eco-lodges and natural hot springs for the ultimate Costa Rica travel experience.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Arenal
Luxury eco-resort with volcano views, natural hot springs, and world-class spa treatments.
- Sample FSP Perks: Daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credit, room upgrade at check-in, welcome amenity, early check-in/late check-out
Fairmont Arenal Resort
Mountain luxury resort featuring thermal springs, adventure activities, and panoramic volcano vistas.
- Sample FSP Perks: Daily breakfast for two, $100 credit, room upgrade, early check-in/late check-out
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Beachfront luxury on the Guanacaste Peninsula with championship golf and pristine coastline access.
- Sample FSP Perks: Daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credit, room upgrade
Where to Eat:
Tabacón Thermal Resort Restaurant
Fine dining surrounded by tropical gardens with natural hot springs and volcano views.
Don Rufino
Upscale steakhouse and wine bar featuring premium cuts and extensive international wine selection.
Lava Lounge
Rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant with creative cuisine and panoramic Arenal Volcano views.
Arenal Region
Things to Do:
Arenal Volcano National Park hiking — Explore lava rock trails and spot exotic wildlife with the majestic volcano as your backdrop.
Tabacón Hot Springs — Relax in natural thermal pools surrounded by lush rainforest and volcanic landscapes.
Sky Adventures canopy tour — Experience suspended bridges and zip-lines through the cloud forest canopy.
La Fortuna Waterfall — Hike to this spectacular 200-foot cascade and swim in crystal-clear natural pools.
Coffee plantation tour — Visit working coffee farms and learn about bean-to-cup processes with tastings included.
beyond the cities
Unique Stays
Distinctive properties that define the destination — from wilderness lodges to heritage estates.
Nayara Gardens
RAINFOREST VILLA
Adults-only luxury villas with private plunge pools, butler service, and direct access to Arenal Volcano National Park.
Sample FSP Perks: Preferred amenities and priority access when booked through Five Star Perks
Tree House Lodge
CANOPY TREEHOUSE
Elevated luxury accommodations built into the rainforest canopy with open-air design and wildlife viewing.
Sample FSP Perks: Preferred amenities and priority access when booked through Five Star Perks
Pacuare Eco Lodge
ADVENTURE ECO-LODGE
Award-winning sustainable luxury lodge offering bungalows and tree houses with river views and adventure activities.
Sample FSP Perks: Preferred amenities and priority access when booked through Five Star Perks
plan your time of year
Cultural Events & Festivals
- March
Festival Nacional de las Artes — San José’s premier arts festival featuring theater, dance, music, and visual arts throughout the capital city.
- September
Independence Day Celebrations — Nationwide festivities commemorating independence with parades, traditional music, and cultural performances.
- December
Festival de la Luz — San José’s spectacular Festival of Light featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and holiday celebrations.
- July-September
Sea Turtle Nesting Season — Witness olive ridley and leatherback sea turtles nesting on Pacific and Caribbean beaches in guided tours.
your next adventure awaits
Ready to plan your Costa Rica journey?
Get exclusive hotel perks, insider access, and a fully personalized itinerary — at no extra cost to you. While the perks we’ve listed on this page are generally expected, offers and extras are always changing. Please allow us to confirm these with the hotel prior to booking.