Boutique Hotels in Costa Rica

Why go?

With tropical rainforests, live volcanoes, and long blond beaches with perfect surf, Costa Rica packs incredible diversity into a tiny space. It’s just two-thirds the size of Scotland, and yet contains over 5% of all the world’s plant and animal species: there are more birds here than in the whole of the United States.

A ridge of mountains runs northwest to southeast, and the seedy capital San José lies in the lush green Central Highlands, where coffee plantations created wealth long before tourism arrived. In the north, volcanoes spout red hot lava, just a short hop from cloudforests where monkeys howl and birdsong fills the air. The Pacific coast has wonderful beaches on 2 peninsulas - the famous Nicoya and the more tranquil Osa - while the laid-back Carribean coast remains the preserve of backpackers. Spot the spectacular quetzal bird, then go zip-lining above the forest canopy or whitewater rafting into the depths of the jungle. An emerging flock of chic small hotels offers serious pampering amidst this spectacular natural beauty.

Best of all, the native Ticos welcome you warmly wherever you go, making Costa Rica one of the few Central American countries which is safe and easy to travel in.

Any Downsides?

There’s so much to see. Don’t be tempted to do too much: just choose a couple of places and spend more time in each. The roads are terrible, and driving around towns with no road signs will require saintly levels of patience, so only drive if you have to. If you’re in search of authentic indigenous culture, you might be disappointed: Costa Rica is a popular - and cheap - destination from the US, and many tourist resorts pander to this market. Stay off the beaten track and you’ll avoid the hordes. There are amazing hotels which offer close contact with nature.

What's where?

• Arenal & Monteverde: Costa Rica's most active volcano with cascades of red hot lava, rainforest zip-wires and spectacular wildlife - including resplendent quetzals Read More >>
• Caribbean Coast: Costa Rica's least explored area boasts classically beautiful golden beaches, prehistoric rainforests, exhilarating surfing, fishing and funky bars Read More >>
• Central Pacific Coast: Beautiful beaches and tranquil chic hotels. Manuel Antonio National Park is great for spotting scarlet macaws, swinging monkeys and clambering sloths Read More >>
• Nicoya Peninsula: Stretching into the Pacific, the Nicoya has mangrove forests, tranquil coves, excellent surfing beaches, laid-back hangouts and nature reserves Read More >>
• Osa Peninsula & South: The most unspoilt part of the country - hike though the jungle, laze on a beach, scuba dive, or explore the Corcovado and Chirripo National Parks Read More >>
• San Jose & Central Valley: Surrounded by coffee fincas and volcanoes, Costa Rica's capital sits in a lush valley in the Central Highlands, well-placed for rafting in the jungle Read More >>