From misty cloud forests and steamy rainforests to beautiful beaches and volcanic peaks, Costa Rica is dazzling in its diversity. This Central American hotspot is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including sea turtles, macaws, sloths and four species of monkeys.
Accommodations are as varied as the landscapes, from tree houses and forest campsites to an airplane reimagined as an apartment, and the emphasis is on minimizing guests’ impact on Costa Rica’s fragile ecosystems.
Hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and ziplining are just some of the adrenaline-inducing adventures on offer, or you can just slow down, reconnect with nature and embrace the pura vida lifestyle.
Whether your budget is big or small, here are some of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica for a vacation that won’t cost the planet.
1. Wet and wild adventures at Pacuare Lodge
Who needs a 4WD when you can reach this out-of-the-way rainforest escape by white-water raft, navigating Class III and IV rapids along the world-famous Río Pacuare?
Built along the riverbank amid spectacular jungle scenery, Pacuare Lodge is the epitome of rustic luxury, with 20 sumptuous suites decorated with Indigenous artwork, a serene spa and a multi-level restaurant overlooking the river.
Located two and a half hours from San José, this family-run lodge focuses on sustainability, working closely with the indigenous Cabécar community on cultural and nature tours.
After braving the rapids to get here, adrenaline junkies can indulge in more high-octane adventures, from challenging hikes to ziplining and canyoning, and conservation fees help to fund numerous local projects.
2. Try regenerative living at Rancho Margot
Twenty years ago, a Chilean scientist bought 400 acres of former cattle ranch land near Lake Arenal and began to restore the decimated landscape with endemic flora and fauna.
Today, Rancho Margot is part off-the-grid ecolodge, part self-sufficient organic farm and part living laboratory, where the owners grow crops, produce electricity and build furniture using timber harvested from reforestation projects.
Guests can sleep in the bunkhouse or a spacious bungalow, spending days exploring the sprawling ranch, hiking the trails around the Arenal Volcano, kayaking on the lake,…
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