Region: Cordilleras Volcanoes

Arenal Observatory Lodge

The closest lodge to the Arenal volcano surrounded by its own nature reserve with trails, and thousands of acres of forest

Rio Celeste Hideaway

Luxurious accommodationon on the slopes of the magnificent Tenerio volcano just outside the Volcan Tenorio National Park

Finca Rosa Blanca

A beautifully artistic hotel, set within its own coffee plantation.

Trapp Family Lodge

A beautiful, 20-room, two-storey building surrounded by its own small private cloud forest reserve

El Silencio

El Silencio is a beautiful, luxurious 4-star spa hotel set within the stunning Sarchi Norte area

Lost Iguana Resort

A stunning nature inspired hotel located in 120 acres of preserved rainforest

Monteverde

Founded by Quakers and owned by a non-profit organisation, the 10,500-hectare reserve consists of primary cloud forest with stunted trees festooned with an abundance of epiphytes (ferns, mosses, lichens, bromeliads and orchids). The reserve is home to the rare and beautiful golden toad (now possibly extinct) and over a hundred species of mammals including black … Continued

Fonda Vela

Set in 35 acres of lush rainforest and verdant pastures close to the Monteverde cloud forest reserve.

Irazu Volcano National Park

One can drive to the top of this 3,400 metres (10,000 feet) high volcano, with its dormant fumarole and extinct, green crater lake, winding through changing vegetation zones until reaching the moonscape at the summit. Seeing the clouds stretch below is wonderful, and on a clear day you can see both coasts.

Hotel Belmar

Lovely hotel on a hillside in Monteverde with views over flower-filled grounds and cloud forest to the faraway Nicoya Peninsula

Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Almost bordering Nicaragua, the 10,000 hectares of this remote Central American “everglades” constitute the main wetlands reserve in the country, protecting an impressive array of waterfowl such as anhinga and neotropical cormorant, crocodile, caiman, iguana and terrestrial fauna such as capuchin and howler monkey. The lake, the focus of the reserve, floods during the wet … Continued

San Jose

Located in the Central Valley, Costa Rica’s busy capital city has seen most of its characterful Spanish colonial architecture destroyed by earthquakes, so now it consists of nondescript modern buildings with a few exceptions such as the old market and the National Theatre. The gold and jade museums are well worth a visit; otherwise there … Continued

Casa Luna Hotel and Spa

A tranquil retreat with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, in addition to an excellent spa.

Poas Volcano National Park

One of the most popular volcanoes for visitors, Poas boasts a scenic crater lake and variably active fumarole. Accessible by car, the summit has an observation platform for viewing the bubbling sulphurous mud below, after which one can stroll to the crater lake through the stunted woodland. Early morning is the best time to visit, … Continued

Savegre

Found near San Gerardo de Dota at 7000ft, just off the Cerro de la Muerte (Hill of Death) road, this lush, secret valley contains the resplendent quetzal and much more high altitude bird life besides. Ancient trees drip with mosses, orchids and bromeliads, and majestic tree ferns grow surprisingly tall – classic cloud forest habitat. … Continued

Arenal Volcano

Arenal is the most frequently visited volcano in the country. The nearby town of La Fortuna has grown large through tourism, attracted by one of the world’s most visible volcanoes With clear weather, good activity levels and luck, one can observe huge boulders rolling down the mountainside and spectacular nocturnal pyrotechnics, accompanied by loud booming … Continued

Hotel Grano de Oro

Ideally located only 20 minutes from the airport, this luxurious boutique hotel is one of the best in San Jose.

Xandari Resort & Spa

Boutique Resort with twenty four spacious, luxury villas, all with living area, bathroom and private balcony overlooking Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose

Rincon De La Vieja Volcano National Park

The 14,000-hectare park contains the eponymous active volcano consisting of nine contiguous craters, geysers, waterfalls, thermal pools, mud pools, cloud forest, dry tropical forest with many mammals and birds and a profusion of orchid species. The area around the park is renowned as the centre of activity and adventure tourism in Costa Rica.