Natural Jewels of Costa Rica

© 
Explore Tropical Forests, Jungle Wildlife & Two Oceans—with Private Chartered Flights
Costa Rica may be a small country wedged between two continents, but few locations in the world are bigger on nature, adventure and conservation—and no itinerary we know of shows you more of its varied wild treasures than this one. Flanked by miles of empty beaches on the Pacific and the Caribbean, Costa Rica’s interior is a lush tangle of rain forest, mist-veiled mountains, rushing rivers, active volcanoes and habitat for some of the greatest biodiversity on Earth. Within the layers of green upon green, thousands of species thrive: gigantic ferns, magenta orchids, neon-bright parrots, iridescent hummingbirds, three-toed sloths, monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, crocodiles, sea turtles, iguanas and frogs...and that's just for starters! Amid the colors and cacophony of the tropical jungle, our senses have never been so engaged.
Nat Hab guests and Expedition Leader, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab guests and Expedition Leader, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica.
Margays (tree ocelot), Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.
Alex Arias
Margays (tree ocelot), Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab guest, Tenorio Volcano Hanging Bridges, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab guest, Tenorio Volcano Hanging Bridges, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab Guests on river boat, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Francisco Di Poi
Nat Hab Guests on river boat, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Casa Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Casa Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Airplane, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Airplane, Corcovado National Park, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Howler monkey, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Howler monkey, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Jimmy Tosso and guest, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab Expedition Leader Jimmy Tosso and guest, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Fiery-throated hummingbirds, Arenal National Park, Costa Rica.
Fiery-throated hummingbirds, Arenal National Park, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab guests, Evergreen Lodge,Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Francisco Di Poi
Nat Hab guests, Evergreen Lodge,Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Scarlet macaws, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.
Alex Arias
Scarlet macaws, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab guests, Hanging Bridges of Tenorio Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.
Francisco Di Poi
Nat Hab guests, Hanging Bridges of Tenorio Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.
White-faced capuchins, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.
Alex Arias
White-faced capuchins, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.
Nat Hab guest and San Pedrillo waterfall, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.
Alex Arias
Nat Hab guest and San Pedrillo waterfall, Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.
Red-eyed tree frog, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Red-eyed tree frog, Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
Misty sunset, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.
Misty sunset, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica.

Trip Highlights

View Wildlife & Arenal Volcano on Private Boat Cruises

By chartered boat, look for endangered sea turtles and abundant wildlife in Tortuguero's jungle waterways, and view Arenal Volcano from Lake Arenal

Look for Resplendent Quetzals in Monteverde

Search for cloud forest wildlife, including rare quetzals and sloths, on a canopy skybridge walk and guided hikes in a private nature sanctuary

Explore Remote Corcovado National Park

Discover the hidden beauty of the little-visited Osa Peninsula as we explore pristine coastal rain forest and wild Pacific beaches—a rare inclusion!

Photo Departure

Sample intro text.
View Photo Itinerary
bun4jilqyy
Experience Costa Rica
with Natural Habitat Adventures

Experience MORE of Costa Rica's Astounding Diversity with Nat Hab

Costa Rica offers many options for visitors, from all-inclusive beach resorts to self-drive hotel-based tours. If you love nature, however, come with us—it's that simple. We've been scouring the country for more than three decades, and we're experts when it comes to sharing its most entrancing natural treasures—in places that are often far less discovered. Join us for experiences typical travelers miss.

  1. The Most Diverse, All-Encompassing Costa Rica Itinerary You'll Find
    We don't know of another itinerary that covers the broad range of terrain and habitats this one does. From jungle canals in the lowlands of Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast to the high-altitude cloud forest of the central highlands and down to the remote rain forest of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Ocean—plus Arenal Volcano—you'll see more of Costa Rica's stunning biodiversity.
  2. Small Groups—Just 10 Max!—Make a Big Difference
    Imagine following a narrow trail through the rain forest with 20 or 30 other travelers. Footsteps and voices drown out the delicate sounds, and a sense of solitude in nature is impossible. Yet many tour companies run groups this size. With that much human company, there is simply no chance for a quiet sense of wonder when you spot the rare resplendent quetzal or listen to a troop of howler monkeys in the canopy. You won't be able to hear your guide whisper details about the animals to you. That's why we cap our groups at 10!
  3. Chartered Flights Maximizes Your Time in Nature
    We charter a private plane to Tortuguero, then from Tortuguero to Drake Bay on the remote Osa Peninsula, and back to San Jose from Corcovado, cutting out domestic flights that waste numerous hours when you should be experiencing more of Costa Rica's nature and wildlife. Plus, no need to transfer planes in San Jose when we can fly direct from Tortuguero to Osa on a private charter and gain precious time in the wild.
  4. Private Boat Tours of Tortuguero National Park & Lake Arenal
    We include four private boat cruises! Three through the canals of Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica's top wildlife destinations, and one on Lake Arenal in view of the famous volcano. Most travel operators and lodge-based tours have you sharing boats with guests from other lodges—not us! As ever, a secluded experience of nature is paramount on our trips. 
  5. The Most Intimate Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
    We’ve been taking guests to Costa Rica for many years, and our goal has always been to share the country’s best wildlife locations with our guests. Our itinerary is designed in conjunction with WWF to facilitate the richest wildlife encounters in the closest proximity, away from crowds. From sea turtles to sloths to scarlet macaws, you're more likely to see them all when you go with us.
  6. A Rare Chance to Visit Corcovado National Park
    Corcovado National Park in southwest Costa Rica is described by National Geographic as the “most biologically intense place on Earth.” It lies off the standard tourist itinerary even though it occupies more than 100,000 acres, encompasses 13 different ecosystems and protects a host of endemic wildlife and plant species. On privately guided hikes, explore coastal trails and inland paths that traverse this biodiversity stronghold as we search for toucans, parrots, monkeys, tapirs, elusive jaguars and more.
  7. Distinctive Lodgings Immerse You in Nature
    While other trips are often based at large, centrally located lodges in more developed areas, our accommodations are typically more remote, chosen to create a seamless experience in nature. Our deluxe jungle ecolodge in Tortuguero features individual cabanas tucked within the rain forest, surrounded by birds and monkeys. And at Arenal, you'll stay at the famous Arenal Observatory Lodge, secluded in the rain forest on a private reserve.
  8. A Chance to "Adopt" Endangered Sea Turtles
    Tortuguero National Park is famous for its green sea turtles, which nest here from July to October. Guests traveling during those months may be able to book an optional excursion to see them on the beach late at night. Though we can't book this activity in advance or guarantee availability, your Expedition Leader may be able to arrange it on arrival through the lodge, if there is space. All Nat Hab travelers are also given the complimentary opportunity to "adopt" a sea turtle, regardless of when you visit Costa Rica. The adoption process includes material about the conservation program, an adoption form and a free 1-year membership to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Participants  are able to track the status of their turtle, but they can also adopt a turtle without becoming a member if they do not wish to receive information from the conservancy.
  9. Special Green Season Departures
    During the wet months of July and August, our “green season” departures take advantage of Costa Rica’s peak natural abundance brought on by tropical rains—at this time of year you'll be here for the height of turtle nesting in Tortuguero, whale watching off the Osa Peninsula, and some of the best opportunities to see resplendent quetzals feasting on fruiting trees in Monteverde.
  10. The Finest Naturalist Guides 
    Natural Habitat Adventures is known worldwide for employing the best naturalist guides on the planet. This is so important in places like Costa Rica, where spotting wildlife in the tropical forest requires finely honed skills. Rather than using less-qualified local lodge guides at each stop or a single driver-guide as a trip escort, our highly trained Expedition Leaders guide our groups from start to finish. Each averages nearly 20 years' experience and receives exclusive resources from WWF scientists. We also travel with an experienced driver/assistant guide, enabling us to divide into even smaller groups for more intimate nature encounters. See Expedition Leader bios with traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders.
  11. The Most Comfortable Vehicles
    Our deluxe Toyota Coaster mini buses are ultra-spacious, with high ceilings, large windows, a wide aisle and ample space between seats. And of course, since we never fill our vehicles to capacity, every guest has a window seat plus plenty of room for your gear. Our vehicles offer the smoothest ride you'll find over Costa Rica's sometimes rugged roads in natural areas. Thanks to long, tapered rear leaf springs and independent front suspension with double wishbones and upper torsion bar, the Coaster delivers a comfortable, stable ride.
  12. Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Superior Costa Rica Experience
    With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee, which clearly states that we will meet the lofty expectations we set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise.
  13. Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
    We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007.
  14. Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
    Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund—the world's leading environmental conservation organization—has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!

Read what travelers are saying about our Natural Jewels of Costa Rica trip:

Questions?
We've Got Answers!
Talk with an Adventure Specialist
Call Our Boulder Office at 800-543-8917 or contact your travel advisor.
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Outside
Voted "World's Best Travel
Company"
by Outside Magazine
Outside
Natural Habitat Adventures Ranked
“Best Outfitter”
NatGeo
Voted Best Winter Trip: Natural Habitat Adventures' Monarch Butterfly Migration, Mexico
VIEW MORE AWARDS
Physical Requirements
WWF Logo

Learn More

Customize Your African Safari

Let our in-house safari experts create your perfect African adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on this safari or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Learn More
Thank you for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon to help with your custom African safari!

Learn More

Customize Your Trip

Let our in-house trip experts create your perfect adventure. Whether you'd like to travel as a private group on our ${tripName} or you'd like to create an itinerary all your own, simply fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Natural Jewels of Costa Rica
Learn More
Thank you for your interest!
We'll be in touch soon to help with your private trip!

Download Trip Details

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Get our downloadable trip details in PDF format, a handy resource for your travel planning. Inside, you'll find all the info from our website—highlights of the trip, itinerary, accommodations, and full details on dates, prices and logistics—plus a few extras!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Download Trip Details
Your download awaits…

Thank you for your request! Click here to see your trip details PDF now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Ask a Question

Ask a Question

Fill out our form to receive additional information about our ${tripName}, or give us a call at 800-543-8917.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Natural Jewels of Costa Rica
Ask a Question
Thank you for your note!

We’ll be in touch soon with more details.

Request Your 2023 Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly a hundred nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Request Your 2024/2025 Catalog
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2023 Digital Catalog

View Our 2024/2025

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Photography Adventures

Photography Adventures

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/central-america/costa-rica-adventure/