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 rainforest, 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.
Trip Highlights
View Wildlife & Arenal Volcano on Private 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 rainforest and wild Pacific beaches—a rare inclusion!
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.
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 rainforest of the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific Ocean—plus Arenal Volcano—you'll see more of Costa Rica's stunning biodiversity.Small Groups—Capped at 10—Make a Big Difference
Imagine following a narrow trail through the rainforest 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!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.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.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.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.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 rainforest, surrounded by birds and monkeys. And at Arenal, you'll stay at the famous Arenal Observatory Lodge, secluded in the rainforest on a private reserve.A Chance to view 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.Special Green Season Departures
During the months of June, 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.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.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.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.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.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!
