Home to 12 different tropical microclimates, Costa Rica is the ideal location for travellers to have their first glamping experience; whether that be surrounded by lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, spectacular waterfalls or the mist of a cloud forest. For travellers looking to focus on experiencing the beauty and adventure of the country, Glamping means there is no setting up equipment and battling with tent poles, blow up beds or camping stoves, and is an ideal way to enjoy the best of both worlds: the natural beauty of the country and the convenience of modern life.
Many companies offer glamping accommodations to the millions of travellers who visit the country each year, and there are varied glamping styles in Costa Rica to choose from, ranging from cosy yurts, treetop pods, eco-lodges and luxury safari style tents. The availability and popularity of glamping options can vary depending on the season and location, but are typically found in remote, picturesque areas or lush rainforest that provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic views and plenty of outdoor activities.
When choosing their accommodation, it is recommended that travellers look for providers who have a Certified Sustainable Certificate from the Costa Rica Tourism Board – this shows a dedication to the sustainability of the land and a passion for protecting the ecosystems they operate on.
No matter how you choose to glamp, some popular locations include Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Nicoya Peninsula, Sarapiquí and South Caribbean – among plenty others. Read on to find out more about some favourite glamping hotspots in Costa Rica.
La Fortuna
Home to the famous Arenal Volcano, the small town of La Fortuna is often nicknamed the “adventure capital” of Costa Rica. visitors can enjoy a high intensity hike around the top of the active 5,436 ft. Arenal Volcano, followed by a dip in one of the many steamy, volcano-fed hot springs that dot the town. Other popular excursions in La Fortuna that would appeal to travellers include exploring a rainforest canopy by way of zipline, traversing Tarzan-like hanging bridges, waterfall rappelling, white-water rafting, nocturnal wildlife tours and more.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is located on the country’s Pacific coast, and lures travellers with its white-sand beaches and tropical rainforest. Visitors can explore the rainforest’s several hiking trails, which are teeming with sloths and white-faced, squirrel and howler monkeys; and later, hit the Manuel Antonio National Park’s four beaches for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. Just a few minutes away, the coastal town of Uvita is a top spot for whale-watching.
Sarapiquí
Sarapiquí is one of the lesser-known destinations in Costa Rica, where visitors can explore freely, without any crowds. Sarapiquí epitomizes off-the-beaten path and is known for its ecotourism travel experiences, adventure excursions and rich biodiversity. Travellers can take a tour of one of the many sustainable farms and learn about everyday conservation, farm-to-table practices and local greenhouse farming and procurement. Sarapiquí is most popular for white-water rafting, but travellers can choose from several other activities too, such as river tubing, canoeing, horseback riding, and nocturnal bat-spotting tours.
Nicoya Peninsula
Nosara is located on the Nicoya Peninsula and is Costa Rica’s quintessential surf town, home to miles of unspoiled coast and uniquely beautiful beaches including Playa Nosara, Guiones and Pelada. A 25-minute drive from Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, Nosara makes a great homebase for turtle watchers. Visitors will find relaxation in exploring Nosara’s beaches and spectating the impressive “arribadas,” or mass sea turtle nestings, that take place between August and November at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.
Puerto Viejo, Limón
On the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca boasts a relaxed, bohemian vibe, which has made it a popular destination among younger crowds. Travellers can explore the town’s dirt-paved roads by bike and immerse themselves in the local Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indigenous and Latino cultures, which are reflected in the area’s gastronomy and music scenes. Nearby popular attractions include Cahuita National Park, best known for its coral reefs, and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, which features several rare habitats like a lowland rainforest, a wetland, a mangrove swamp, as well as an 8-mile beach strip.
