Introducing Costa Rica
Watch our video to see why our specialists love Costa Rica...
Watch our video to see why our specialists love Costa Rica...
We have a selection of guidebooks to some of our most popular countries in Latin America. Written by our specialists, they detail destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send this via a PDF to your email.
Carpeted with dense, wildlife-rich jungles and lined with a dazzling coast, combine the jungle and beach in Latin America for a memorable holiday.
For those drawn to the road less travelled, Latin America has its fair share of hidden pockets and intriguing destinations to discover.
Costa Rica is a thrill seeker's dream. With so many diverse ecosystems and terrains, it is the perfect adventure playground. With hiking, horse riding, snorkelling, rafting, zip lining, and surfing, there really is something for everyone. With so much variety on offer, we’ve helped you out and narrowed down our top five adventure activities to help you get out and explore the country’s natural wonders...
During a trip to Costa Rica back in May, Latin America specialist Scarlett visited the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Reserve and Sanctuary – a project developed by Janine Licare and Aislin Livingstone when they were just 9 years old. Hearing how the two young girls had been moved to save the rainforest of Costa Rica left Scarlett utterly inspired and wowed after her visit to the sanctuary.
If you would like to find out more on Costa Rica speak to one of the Latin America experts today on 020 7622 1116 and hear all about their first hand experiences.
This is an eco-friendly resort ideal for families looking for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Tucked away in verdant rainforest overlooking the shimmering Pacific Ocean, it is centrally located to make the best of Manuel Antonio. Set on a 24 acre private wildlife refuge, guests can enjoy complementary self-guided walks along the manicured trails and visit to the crocodile lagoon, amphibian garden and butterfly atrium. See monkeys frolicking in the trees and giant morpho butterflies fluttering by. When not exploring Manuel Antonio, the family friendly pool is an excellent place to spend the day, with its custom built slide, swim up juice bar and spectacular views overlooking the ocean. Come evenings, the cinema room shows nightly movies which are a great way to entertain the children.
Experience
The area of Manuel Antonio has everything on offer for family fun: miles of white-sand beaches, tropical rainforest, an abundance of wildlife and numerous adventure activities including canopy tours, white-water rafting and horseback-riding. Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest in the country and jam-packed with wildlife. With its short- well maintained trails, it is easy to get around and hosts a number of facilities from bathrooms, showers and picnic tables.
Set in a nature wonderland teeming with wildlife, pristine tropical rainforest and wild beaches, Lapa Rios is a magical experience. Although it’s far to get to and children under the age of 6 are not recommended, a stay here is an experience of a life time. With no phones, TVs or internet, you can completely immerse yourself in nature, see a plethora of wildlife and learn about the environment and sustainability practices the lodge employs to protect the local flora and fauna. The 16 thatched cabins are spacious enough to add an extra bed and can sleep up to four. The staff are incredibly attentive and the kids menu at the restaurant can accommodate even the fussiest of little eaters.
Experience
While staying at the lodge there are a wealth of activities for the family to enjoy. With kid-friendly hiking trails throughout the reserve, a plethora of wildlife can be spotted, from sloths to monkeys and scarlet macaws to vibrantly coloured frogs, the list goes on. Every little hiker is provided with complimentary wellington-style boots and mini walking sticks so they feel the part. Swimming in secluded waterfalls, kayaking through tangled mangroves and learning to surf on the gentle waves are a great way to explore the area. Plant your own tree and contribute to the lodge’s reforestation program, experience the magic of the rainforest at night or walk along the rugged coastline in search of starfish, crabs and sea-cucumbers.
This top luxury hotel located at the foot of Arenal Volcano serves a great base for enjoying Arenal’s jungle adventure playground. Enclosed in a tropical oasis featuring 12 hot spring pools and lagoons (some with slides), lush garden trails and wild waterfalls to swim in - it’s a water park like no other!!
Experience
The activity-hub of Arenal will keep an adventurous family occupied for hours. Days are spent trekking around the volcano, horse riding, swimming in waterfalls, mountain biking around the lake or, for the real thrill seekers, zip lining over the canopy. Plus, there’s nothing better after an adrenaline-filled day than relaxing in the natural thermal pools at the Tabacon Grand Spa.
Set on a calm section of beach, this boutique hotel has an excellent location. Surfboards, boogie-boards and kayaks can be rented from the hotel to explore the secluded bay which is just footsteps from the hotel. Ping pong, volley ball and board games are also on offer to keep the kids entertained. In the lush manicured gardens, monkeys are often seen hanging around, as well as green iguanas, armadillos and a wide variety of birds. The pool is a great place for kids and adults alike and the spacious rooms can accommodate up to three- for the larger family the four-bedroom suite can occupy up to eight people.
Experience
Tamarindo is a lively surf town with something to offer for everyone. Home to some of the most tranquil currents on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, it is considered one of the safest beaches, perfect for learning to surf, kayaking, boogie-boarding and swimming. With its central location in the Guanacaste province, there are a host of tours and activities to please the entire family including day trips to national parks, snorkelling trips and white-water rafting.
It’s one of the most exclusive hotels in Costa Rica, and well-known for going above and beyond in welcoming children. With a complimentary kids club and teen area, children can indulge in cooking classes, football, volleyball, sandcastle building, playing the Nintendo Wii and much more. With child-size bath robes, children food menus and their own personalised toiletries, they certainly won’t feel left out.
Experience
With four swimming pools, two beaches, five tennis courts, a golf course and wide array of water sports from the hotel alone- there is plenty to do and enjoy. Horse-back riding, kayaking, sailing and fishing can also be enjoyed at additional cost.