Behind the scenes, our team has been working on something special. We’ve reimagined our digital home from the ground up—not just to make it more beautiful, but to make it more helpful, and more inspiring. Because planning a trip to Costa Rica should feel like the beginning of the adventure, not just a checklist.

So, what’s new?

Our redesigned website will be faster, easier to navigate, and built with thoughtful features designed with you in mind. Whether you’re dreaming of a wildlife-filled family adventure, a romantic escape tucked into the rainforest, or a custom itinerary that gets you far from the usual tourist trails, we’ve made it easier than ever to find your perfect fit.

We’ve simplified the experience so you can spend less time searching and more time dreaming. We’ve included a map on our destination page to point out the major destination highlights of Costa Rica and included more sorting and filter features so you can find what you’re looking for. Enhanced destination guides, easier navigation, mobile-friendly features, and even richer travel inspiration—it’s all there. In doing so, we hope to make connecting with one of our Experts quicker, so you can start planning your trip with a real person who knows Costa Rica inside and out.

Why now?

Costa Rica travel is evolving. Travelers want more personalized, immersive experiences—and they want to feel confident in the planning process. We believe our new site brings the same expert care and thoughtful detail you’ve come to expect from us into your planning experience. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about getting inspired, feeling supported, and finding the exact right fit for your travel style.

What does this mean for you?

More ease. More inspiration. More confidence. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Costa Rica traveler, we’re here to make your next journey even more seamless—from the moment you land on our homepage to the moment you land in paradise.

We can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.

Be sure to join our email list and give us a follow on Instagram to stay tuned for the full reveal—and get ready to fall in love with Costa Rica all over again.

The post Why We’re Refreshing Our Website (& What It Means for Your Next Trip) appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

Travel + Leisure’s Destination of The Year for 2024: Costa Rica

This is cool. Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica their Destination of The Year for 2024. Their editor & chief, @JacquiGiff, elaborated on the selection this way:

The destination we all need right now. A place where environmental quality of life is written into the constitution. Where the wildlife is unparalleled, and the eco-lodge was arguably born.

The Dec/Jan Costa Rica feature. She’s a beauty! Pictured: Santa Teresa Beach at sunset

You can find the Costa Rica feature in their Dec/Jan issue, as well as on their website. On their website, they have dedicated an entire subsection of their website entirely to Costa Rica in 2024 with lots of great reads and excellent graphics. We highly recommend checking it out for vacation inspiration! And of course, if you have any questions about incorporating anything into your trip, we’d be happy to help!

Watch the big announcement on Travel+Leisure’s Instagram account here: @travelandleisure

Introducing Travel + Leisure’s 2024 Destination of the Year: Costa Rica. There’s no single recipe for enjoying this peaceful paradise, but any road you take will likely bring the same result: a sense of wonder and a desire to return…

ABC’s The Golden Bachelor at The Springs Resort, Arenal Volcano

via @goldenbachabc | The first-ever Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, at The Springs Resort, Costa Rica

Okay, maybe this is for a niche audience, but if anyone here has enjoyed The Bachelor in the past (me.), you’ll have to check out the finale of this season’s Golden Bachelor. It was hosted at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal Volcano. The final episode will air on November 30 (TONIGHT) at 8/7 central on ABC. It’s also streaming on Hulu.

To be honest, I haven’t watched the start of the season, but I was married at The Springs Resort so you can bet I’ll be reliving that day today, reluctant husband in tow. Let’s all tune in and pretend we are soaking in those hot springs!

Oh, hey Peter!  Pictured: 2020 Bachelor Peter at his private infinity pool, The Springs Resort

Fun fact: The Bachelor has been hosted at The Springs Resort at Arenal several times. Here’s a write-up of their last visit in 2020 with Peter.

And because no one asked, here are some of my wedding photos from when The Springs Resort first opened the luxury Aracari Building in 2016. I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.

This is a bit of a departure from our typical content, but I hope it was fun! If the travel bug strikes (& we hope it does), we’d love to help you put a custom trip together that is just right for you.

You can get started planning with a Costa Rica Expert here or browse our vacation packages to book ready-made vacations! Talk soon.

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The post In 2024, Costa Rica Takes Center Stage appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

National Theater, San Jose

Open to the public in 1897, The National Theater, or the Teatro Nacional, is Costa Rica’s architectural gem located in the heart of the capital city of San Jose. It is situated on the south end of the well-known pedestrian plaza, Plaza de la Cultura. The National Theater was inspired by the neoclassical style of the Paris Opera House. The columned neoclassical exterior features a statue of Beethoven and Calderón de la Barca, a known 17th-century Spanish dramatist. The interior of the theater is lavishly adorned with a marble lobby and an auditorium decorated with 19th-century paintings portraying daily life.

Ujarras Ruins, Cartago

Built between 1575 and 1580 in the small town of Ujarras, the Ujarras Ruines is one of the only Spanish colonial sites in Costa Rica. The site contains the ruins of one of the oldest churches in the country, Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion. The church is surrounded by beautiful well-manicured gardens. According to legend, a local indigenous Huetar fisherman found a box with a Virgin Mary image on it. However, they were unable to move it from the location in which they found it. They then built the church on the site. It is believed that the spirit of the Virgin Mary warned locals of a devastating flood and performed miracles for the local villages. The entrance to the ruins is free.

Orosi Church & Religious Art Museum, Cartago

Located in the Orosi River Valley, the Orosi Church is the oldest still-functioning church in Costa Rica. Constructed in 1743 in the colonial era by Franciscan monks, Orosi Church was built with adobe walls that have withstood some significant earthquakes. The baroque interior is decorated with painted and carved wooden sculptures and altarpieces. There is also a religious art museum with a collection of artifacts and paintings outside the church.

A unique feature of the Orosi Church is that the temple door opens to the rising sun – a rarity among churches, which typically look West. The legend says that when the Franciscans came to Orosi with the Talamanca Indians, they carried a picture of Saint Joseph on their shoulders while ringing a silver bell. When they reached the boiling hot spring in the mountains, the bell did not ring. So, they built the church there at once. After construction, the church was destroyed by flooding several times. After many prayers, the Franciscans finally understood that the church could not be constructed in its usual manner because Saint Joseph wanted to face Talamanca.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, Cartago

The legend of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is that a small girl found a little statue on a rock and brought it home. The following morning, she discovered that the statue was not where she left it, but back on the rock. She then brought it to the priest and he locked the statue in a little box. Again, the following morning, the statue was back at the rock. The site of the original church was destroyed by earthquakes many times, leading the reconstruction of the church to be moved to where the statue was found. Once the church was moved, they were finally able to complete construction. The original statue is stored in a gold shell inside the basilica. The Virgin of the Angels is celebrated as the official patron of Costa Rica.

La Casona, Guanacaste

The old hacienda building of La Casona is located within Santa Rosa National Park in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It was at La Casona that the Battle of Santa Rosa took place. This important battle took place on March 20, 1856, when the Costa Ricans battled William Walker, an American soldier, and soon-to-be Nicaraguan president, looking to conquer Costa Rica. William Walker and his men were forced to flee back to Nicaragua. Today, La Casona is a celebrated representation of independence for Costa Rica.

Other sites of historical significance within Santa Rosa National Park include the Stone Pens and the Monument to the Heroes.

Guayabo National Monument, Cartago

“The mysterious and ancient city of Guayabo isn’t just a beautiful sight to see – it has also been recognized by the United States Association of Civil Engineers for the engineering achievements and techniques used by its first inhabitants.” — The Costa Rica Tourism Board

Situated on the forested slopes of Turrialba Volcano, Guayabo National Monument is one of Costa Rica’s greatest archaeological sites. These ruins make up the largest pre-Columbian city known in the country. Believed to be inhabited from 1000 BC to 1400 AD, this ancient civilization is thought to have been inhabited by roughly 10,000 people.

In the late 1800s, Guayabo was discovered and believed to be an ancient cemetery. In 1968, the archaeologist Carlos Aguilar Piedra uncovered stone foundations. He worked to unclear the thick surrounding jungle from the site to find how large the site was. He discovered three aqueducts, 43 stone foundations, two large roadways, many small paths, and tombstones.

The city was undocumented by early explorers and the reasons for its fall are still a mystery.

Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins, Cartago

The Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins houses several churches that existed as early as 1575. The original building was damaged by an earthquake in 1630. Its remains were destroyed in 1656. The newer two chapels and church were destroyed by another earthquake in 1718! What remains is the cultural heritage site that Santiago Apostol Parish is today. The legend? Some of the earliest settlers of Cartago were two brothers: one was a priest and the other, a well-liked man. They both fell in love with the same woman, but she chose the well-liked brother. In jealousy, the priest kills his brother. In his guilt, he built a church to atone for his sins. A year following the church’s construction, an earthquake destroyed the church. Some say the number of earthquakes that Cartago has endured is due to a curse. Construction of the churches came to a close in 1910, but the ruins continue to attract tourists.

Ready to explore the historical sites of Costa Rica? Browse our vacation packages or talk to a Costa Rica Expert to get started!

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Zipline through the Tree-Tops.

The zipline was invented in Costa Rica. It began in the 70’s when scientists first developed the zipline to study the forest canopy. So it is only fitting that when you visit the birthplace of the zipline, you try it out yourself. It isn’t for nothing that the 1967 and 1997 George of the Jungle films were such a big hit. The idea of soaring tree to tree through the rainforest canopy sends a child-like thrill through all of us. Not to mention those unbeatable bird’s eye views and the abundant wildlife living in the canopy.

Related: 9 Best Costa Rica Zipline & Canopy Tours

Soak in Volcano-Fed Hot Springs.

Tabacon Hot Springs shared with us by @yanayart

Yes, there are hot springs around the world, but not like Costa Rica. Visit the hot springs at Arenal Volcano for ultimate relaxation, lush rainforest surroundings, and jaw-dropping volcano views.

Related: Best of Costa Rica Hot Springs

Decompress at All-Natural Spas.

A surreal spa experience from Hotel Parador near Manuel Antonio

Pair an afternoon in the hot springs with a relaxing pre-dinner massage and revel in tropical tranquility. Let’s not forget Costa Rica is the land of all-natural, holistic wellness. If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, they’re not in your spa treatment. The cherry on top? Most treatments can be arranged outside, with nature’s symphony serenading you into a euphoric bliss.

Related: Top 7 Costa Rica Spa Retreats

Discover Rainforest Wildlife.

A trip to Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without a rainforest excursion. There are over 230 mammal species alone that call Costa Rica home. Discover this unique ecosystem of the rainforest and gain an appreciation for how nature, wildlife, and locals have learned to co-exist for so many years.

Related: Discover the Costa Rica Rainforest

Traverse Jungle Mangroves.

Tortuguero National Park is one of the most well-known destinations in Costa Rica for mangrove jungle canals. However, mangroves can be experienced well beyond this little corner of the country. The Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio, and Guanacaste also have mangrove excursions with plentiful opportunities for spotting wildlife. Book a tour with an experienced naturalist guide to increase your chances.

Related: Discover the Costa Rica Jungle

Raft Wild White Water Rapids.

White Water Rafting with Tropical Rivers

An adventurous way to discover the lush landscape of Costa Rica is on a white-water rafting excursion. Many different whitewater rapid levels are available in Costa Rica for all levels of experience. For the best rapids and best views, we recommend the Pacuare River. For the adventurous traveler, raft into your jungle lodge at Tropical Rivers Lodge or Pacuare Lodge.

Related: 9 Best Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trips

Walk Through the Cloud Forest.

Exploring Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on hanging bridges

Misty and eerie, the cloud forests of Costa Rica are an unparalleled experience with a variety of flora and fauna found only in this unique tropical climate. Visit one of the most popular cloud forest destinations, Monteverde Cloud Forest. Or if you’re on a time restraint, consider Bajos del Toro or the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, located closer to the San Jose international airport.

Related: Costa Rica Cloud Forest Vacation Guide

Visit Chocolate & Coffee Plantations.

Make chocolate in Costa Rica!

The cloud forests of Costa Rica are where chocolate and coffee are commonly grown. Environmental factors and climate generally make the mountainous interior of Costa Rica an ideal environment for growth. Stay overnight at a coffee plantation, like Finca Rosa Blanca Inn, or at the new coffee-inspired boutique hotel, Chayote Lodge. Otherwise, book a day tour to discover how coffee and chocolate are made. Just be sure there’s a taste test!

Related: Culinary & Cultural Vacations

Re-energize with Rainforest Yoga.

The seaside yoga platform at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.

The Nicoya Peninsula is a popular yoga destination, but the wellness and yoga experience does not end there. The entire country is turning into an international wellness destination, attracting the best yoga instructors and wellness gurus to its inspiring all-natural rainforest setting. A morning yoga class is essential. 

Related: Costa Rica Yoga & Retreats

Learn to Surf.

Surfing from Harmony Hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula

If you haven’t surfed before, Costa Rica is the place to start. Surfers from around the world visit Costa Rica to catch the year-round waves. Coastal hotels can arrange surf lessons for the novice or more experienced surfer. Not sure surfing is your style? Grab a paddleboard and try stand-up paddle boarding, the latest hit in Costa Rica water sports.

Related: Best Costa Rica Surf Spots & Lessons

Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our Adventure Vacation Packages.

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The post 10 Costa Rica Must-Do Bucket List Experiences appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum | San Jose

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum via @un_juanjo

Also known as the Central Bank Museum of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is located beneath the Plaza de la Culture in the center of San Jose city. It houses a collection of over 1600 gold artifacts dating back as far as 500 AD and is one of the largest collections of Pre-Columbian gold in the Americas.

Costa Rican National Museum | San Jose

Museo Nacional de Costa Rica via @arq_costarica

Originally utilized as a military barracks during the 1948 civil war, the Costa Rican National Museum resembles a yellow fortress in San Jose’s city center. Even today, visitors can see hundreds of bullet holes that mark the walls. Discover pre-Columbian artifacts unearthed at Costa Rican archaeological sites like grinding stones called metates. The latest addition to the exhibit is the butterfly garden with over 25 species of butterflies and a fascinating overview of their lifecycle. You can explore the entirety of the museum in about two hours.

Costa Rican Art Museum | San Jose

Museo de Arte Costarricense

The Costa Rican Art Museum or Museo de Arte Costarricense sits at the end of the Paseo Colon, the main street in downtown San Jose, in La Sabana Park. The collection includes an array of styles which demonstrate how Costa Rican artists throughout history have interpreted major European art movements. The permanent collections feature paintings, sculptures, and prints alongside rotating expositions.

Museum of Contemporary Art & Design | San Jose

Museo de Arte y Diseno Contemporaneo via @orange.sunflower

Founded in 1994, the Museum of Contemporary Art & Design is situated on the site of the old national liquor factory. The museum has four exhibition rooms for rotating and permanent collections, an auditorium, and an open-air terrace for performances and events. There are approximately 900 pieces housed in the museum’s permanent collections.

Jade Museum | San Jose

Costa Rica Jade Museum via @she.abigail

The Jade Museum houses archaeological treasures of the region, including the largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts in the world. In 2014, the Jade Museum reopened at its current location allowing visitors greater accessibility to its collection of over 7000 artifacts. Discover semitransparent jade carvings representing reptiles, shamans, and fertility goddesses and ceramics with some Mayan influences.

The National Theater | San Jose

The National Theater via @rawndall_ms

Although admittedly not technically a museum, the National Theater in downtown San Jose features ornate columns in the neo-classical style reminiscent of another era. Located in the heart of San Jose city on the Plaza de la Culture, the National Theater is hard to ignore. Originally opened in 1897, the National Theater was modeled after the Paris Opera House. Most of the performances are in Spanish, but self-guided tours of the theater can be arranged during the day. Check out their website for a list of upcoming performances. Even if you are unable to catch a performance, the museum’s elegant interior is worth a day tour if you are an appreciator of the arts!

Children’s Museum & National Gallery | San Jose

Costa Rica Children’s Museum via @rawndall_ms

Previously constructed in 1909 as a penitentiary, the Children’s Museum of San Jose is actually two museums in one. Children can experience hands-on exploration in the sciences, natural history and geography while adults discover the art gallery which artistically displays contemporary art within the penitentiary’s old prison cells.

Orosi Church & Religious Art Museum | Orosi

Colonial Church of Orosi via @notso_runofthemiller

Originally built in the mid 18th century by Franciscan monks, the white stucco adobe of the Orosi Church sticks out on a backdrop of green rolling hills within the Orosi River Valley. It’s recognized today as Costa Rica’s oldest church still in operation. Within the church, you’ll find a small museum with religious artifacts and paintings along with period clothing and some of the original furniture from the 18th century.

Museum of Popular Culture | Heredia

Once the home of former Costa Rican president, Alfredo Gonzalez Flores, the Museum of Popular Culture was founded in 1995. The small museum is surrounded by labeled gardens with a little restaurant serving lunch that can be enjoyed on their open-air terrace. Browse their collection of period ceramics, textiles, and furniture from the region.

Historical Marine Museum | Puntarenas

Located within the central plaza around the Catholic church, the Historical Museum is a small museum featuring the maritime and history of Puntarenas. The museum covers the history of the region’s ecological resources and features artistic and cultural exhibits from local artists, an outdoor amphitheater with performances, and features the legends of treasures and pirates of Cocos Island.

Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum | Alajuela

Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria via @chubbxs

The Juan Santamaria Historical Cultural Museum honors Juan Santamaria, a national war hero who died defending Costa Rica from a small army led by William Walker, a U.S. citizen with aims of converting Costa Rica to a slave state in 1856. The museum features a series of rotating cultural and art exhibits as well as dance, theater, and musical performances.

Cartago Museum | Cartago

The Cartago Museum was once a military barracks that has since been stored. Today, a series of historical and artistic displays celebrating Costa Rican culture rotate throughout the year.

Ready to discover the Costa Rican art scene? Customize any of our vacation packages to include a stop off at one of your favorite museums!

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The post 11 Best Costa Rica Art Museums & Galleries appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

Rio Celeste Waterfall

Descending the steps to Rio Celeste Waterfall via @katerinastavreva

No, that’s not photoshop. While it’s a bit off the beaten path, Rio Celeste Waterfall is a wonder. It’s celestial blue color is staggering in person and in photos. #nofilternecessary. The river gets its color from the chemical reaction that occurs at the convergence of two rivers. Rio Celeste Waterfall is located within Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Adventurous souls will love this change of pace from lazy Guanacaste beach days.

Tabacon Hot Springs

“The natural hot water river of Tabacon Hot Springs was incredibly beautiful. It’s hard to believe it was real,” via @dashleyworldtour

Do hot springs really ever get old? Tabacon Hot Springs capture all of our jungle dreams. Basque in this fantasyland of all natural hot springs surrounded by lush foliage. There are hot springs throughout the Arenal region, but these are well kept by the Tabacon Resort across the street from the hot springs creating an idyllic picture perfect landscape.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Manzanillo via @paulinestuder

Let’s face it, idyllic beaches make everyone swoon. And with two coastlines, Costa Rica has plenty, but there’s something about the Caribbean beaches of Manzanillo that pull people in. Swaying palms, turquoise water, and rocky beaches will bring a wild off-the-radar vibe to your feed.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges

Discovering the cloud forest at Monteverde via @kellymnss

Nothing captures the imagination like the otherworldy mist of the cloud forest. And one of the best ways to explore the misty canopy is from hanging bridges. In a setting reminiscent of Indiana Jones, you can bet all your followers will be insta-jealous.

Arenal Volcano

A magical sunset at Arenal Volcano via @gabrielramirezfoto

Bottom-line: Arenal Volcano is impressive. This symmetrical volcano abruptly rises up amid rolling forested hills leaving travelers awe-inspired. If the sky is clear, it’s hard to mess up this photo op. Arenal’s near-perfect symmetry make it photogenic from every angle.

Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge

Photo from Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge via @earthmeetssea

Can you say shock value? You’re bound to get a reaction from Insta followers with the Tarcoles Crocodile Bridge. On the way to the Central Pacific Coast, make a quick stop at this famous bridge that overlooks the Tarcoles River to see a congregation of giant crocs sunning and enjoying a mud bath. Crikey!

Sloths

The sweetest smiling sloth found hanging out at the beach via @wernerhorsepower

Okay, so sloths aren’t a location, but if you can get a good picture of a sloth, consider it an Insta win.

Sunsets

A celebration of color from Jaco via @giulio_dng

Does anyone not like sunsets? Costa Rica has incredible ones. A nightly show of colorful cloudscapes from the Pacific Coast nearly guarantees fantastic photo opportunities. Sunsets this stunning are nature’s reminder to come back to the present, drink in the moment, and maybe – just maybe – put down your phone.

Ready to spruce up your Instagram feed? Browse our vacation packages or customize your trip!

For more inspiration, check out @costaricaexperts on Instagram.

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Visit Costa Rica

Visit Costa Rica from Mike Holp

This video of Mike Holp‘s 10 day adventure in Costa Rica, has us laying out our next itinerary. With picturesque aerial views of rainforests, waterfalls and volcanoes, Visit Costa Rica gives a treetop perspective of some of Costa Rica’s top natural highlights. Plus, the music gets us pretty jazzed up.

Costa Rica Adventure | Pura Vida Dreaming

Costa Rica Adventure | Pura Vida Dreaming from Appelin

Appropriately named, Pura Vida Dreaming is a friendly reminder that there are warmer escapes from the bitter winter cold. This slow, epic beach walk with intermittent shots of Costa Rica wildlife and showstopping landscapes has us practically drooling by the time our beach walker reaches the beach.

Sunsets of Costa Rica

Sunsets of Costa Rica from The Film Poets

Everybody loves a good sunset. And some say, Costa Rica has the best. This video by the Film Poets of a couple’s trip around Manuel Antonio intertwines the best Pacific sunsets with other adventures like white water rafting and waterfall rappelling, all rotating around a central theme, the sun. Now that’s poetic.

Pura Vida

Pura Vida from FKY

Simply named, Pura Vida captures a man’s family trip to Dominical, Nosara, Tamarindo, and Arenal. This peaceful take on a Costa Rica family vacation is an invitation to slow down and appreciate the simple moments, whether it be an afternoon rain shower or sipping water from coconuts.

Costa Rica: Enter Adventure

Costa Rica: Enter Adventure from Matador Network

This clip by Matador captures the adventurous, laid back spirit of Costa Rica. Matador highlights unique experiences like cave spelunking at Barra Honda National Park and waterfall exploration, while showcasing local culture and nature (both essential for the full Costa Rican experience).

WANDER IN PARADISE | Treasured Memories from Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

WANDER IN PARADISE | Treasured Memories from Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica from SV3NSKA

This creative take on Costa Rica has been at the top of our list for a while for its unique expression. Wander in Paradise features just one destination, Playa Janquillal, a beach many of our Experts believe is one of the best in Costa Rica for its seclusion and views. The video’s compelling perspective and effects tell a story that will have you hitting play at least one more time.

Save the Americans: Costa Rican Animals for the Overworked

Save the Americans from the Costa Rica Tourism Board

Last, but certainly not least, the Save The Americans video by the Costa Rica tourism board is a hysterical attempt to persuade you to visit Costa Rica, with the beloved animals of Costa Rica as the stars of the show. Fair warning: this song will stay with you, and possibly elicit a personal rendition.

Ready to visit Costa Rica? Shop all of our vacation packages or plan your trip.

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The post 7 Videos That Will Make You Want to Visit Costa Rica appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

An Efficient, Minimal Design

“Room with a view,” from travel blogger @lucylaucht

The simplistic design of the Andaz and the bright open spaces have a calming effect. The resort’s natural color scheme and decor blend seamlessly with the floor to ceiling windows showcasing Costa Rica’s most beloved feature, nature. Moreover, the smart lighting and air conditioning systems just make you feel more environmentally responsible. And if I’m being honest… more chic.

Inspiring Messages

Travel blogger @tamburic perfectly captures her warm welcome to the resort

As if the scenery isn’t inspiring enough, the Andaz’s thought-provoking messages and notes add a touch of warmth and welcome to your stay. Upon check-in, you’ll find a basket of granadilla fruit and how-to instructions for eating them. The Andaz not only inspires exploration, but encourages guests to really connect with the culture of Costa Rica.

Thoughtful Touches

“I have never met friendlier staff than at this resort and their special touches are so sweet. They have straw hats and flip flops in the room for use during your stay. I loved this hat so much they let me keep it,” from travel blogger @traveldo.se

Costa Rica has long had a reputation for being a friendly and hospitable country. And the Andaz has made a point to emphasize it. Sun hats, beach bags, and flip flops are all thoughtfully provided for you during your stay at the Andaz. Perfect for all the forgetful packers out there, myself included.

Local Craft Cocktails

“The @AndazPapagayo knows how to make a drink. Loved this gin mojito with burning cinnamon sprig,” from travel blogger @thepointsguy

If locally-inspired craft cocktail doesn’t scream trending, I don’t know what does. Mixologist Clark Jimenez has a natural knack for stirring up delicious, inventive cocktails using Costa Rican ingredients. Travel blogger, The Points Guy was spotted at Chao Pescao sipping mojitos for his birthday and filming a TPG tv episode.

Related Article: Meet Andaz Master Mixologist Clark Jimenez

Pops of Personality

“Vivid views of a vintage VW,” from fashion & travel blogger @carriec

A minimalist approach to design does not translate to lack of flare. Pictured above, a vibrant purple Volkswagen sits outside the entrance perfectly posed for inspiring photos. These simple, colorful touches beg to be photographed. Plus, they make for more colorful Instagram feeds.

An Authentic Experience

Me at the Andaz getting a crash course in ceviche. Photo from @CostaRicaExperts

When it comes to hotels, brand has become a bad word. Not the case here. The Andaz brand by Hyatt strives to represent the personality and culture of Costa Rica while capturing a boutique hotel feel. Now that’s refreshing.

Ready to be inspired by Andaz? Plan your trip.

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The post Andaz Resort Inspires Trending Travel Bloggers appeared first on Costa Rica Experts.

To some, “digital detox” sounds like another yuppie fad with a high price tag. It is a trend, but one with major benefits. The decision to “unplug” often leads to a clearer, sharper mind and improved well-being, overall. Serious detoxers are choosing to immerse themselves in nature as a way of de-cluttering mind and soul, and Costa Rica’s natural wonders make it one of the most ideal escapes for those looking to disconnect with the tech world and re-connect with their own senses. With non-stop flights from many major US cities, a tech-free getaway is easier than ever.

El Silencio Lodge | Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest

Just 2 hours outside of San Jose is a cool, misty forest in the clouds. Its dream-like atmosphere will immediately ease you into a state of relaxation. El Silencio Lodge and Spa in Bajos del Toro is the premiere Digital Detox destination in Costa Rica’s central highlands.

“El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an eco-luxury hotel that showcases the best of Costa Rica’s tropical cloud forest. Silencio, Spanish for “silence,” befits a destination where daily stress is hushed by nature’s melodic symphonies.”

There are no televisions at the hotel, but guests find entertainment in many forms. Extensive trails meander over serene rivers, leading hikers to 3 different waterfalls, each one more magnificent than the last. Yoga enthusiasts can center themselves on an al-fresco deck amidst the cloud forest, and foodies will appreciate the fresh, local fare prepared daily. A series of cultural experiences and adventure activities are offered to give visitors a glimpse into life in the small town of Bajos del Toro.

Aguila de Osa Inn | Osa Peninsula

For a tropical rainforest detox, travel down to one of Costa Rica’s most remote treasures, the Osa Peninsula. The region remains relatively untouched and is home to some of the best relaxation hideaways in the country. Visitors tend to forget about checking emails when they become absorbed in the awe of the surrounding paradise. At Aguila de Osa Inn in Drake Bay, Costa Rica, guests are welcomed into a blissful haven teeming with wildlife.

“A true rainforest and marine adventure lodge, Aguila de Osa overlooks a panorama of Drake Bay from the mouth of the Aguijitas River and is only a short distance from two of Costa Rica’s most precious natural gems, Corcovado National Park and Caño Island Marine Reserve”An alarm clock won’t be necessary here with a variety of tropical birds willing to do the job each morning. Between hiking the property’s trails to remote beaches and kayaking up the Agujitas River, it is easy to forget that you even own a phone. Even the most tightly-wound detoxers will find themselves drifting off to the sound of the ocean in their balcony hammocks.

If you’re worried about digital withdrawal, many hotels do have WiFi in the lobby, but guests are always encouraged to focus on refreshing.

Pacuare Lodge | Pacuare River

Settled between a sprawling wilderness preserve and the roaring Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge is perfect for detoxers looking for a splash of adventure. Half the fun is getting there, as most guests raft their way down the river to the lodge. The adrenaline rush of the Pacuare’s rapids is enough to distract you from your Blackberry for at least 3 days.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge | Osa Peninsula

The Golfo Dulce is a Costa Rican gem not to be missed, giving visitors to Lapa Rios Ecolodge every advantage for a successful digital detox. Guests fly to Puerto Jimenez on the remote Osa Peninsula for a uniquely personal experience with nature. Gorgeous open-air bungalows treat visitors to sweeping tropical breezes throughout the day. Lapa Rios boasts an extensive list of on-site guided tours and adventure excursions offered by the community.

Harmony Hotel | Nicoya Peninsula

Harmony Healing Center

A favorite in the Costa Rica Experts office, Harmony Hotel promotes itself as an “ideal space for contemplation and deep relaxation.” Surfing and yoga are Harmony’s specialties, but the hotel’s Healing Centre promises ultimate tranquility:

“Designed as a place of restoration, nurturing and peace, the Healing Center offers a menu of treatments inspired by Costa Rica’s natural bounty and beauty. The Centre is operated by experienced therapists who soothe tired travelers and sore surfers. Healing services are enjoyed in a freestanding facility surrounded by peaceful gardens and a lily-filled pond”

Visit our Wellness Vacations page for more detoxing trip ideas.

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