Wanderlist CostaRica
CHASE WATERFALLS COSTA RICA
W H Y G O? Don’t listen to baggy-trousered Nineties girl-band TLC – if you’re in Costa Rica, do go chasing waterfalls. Whether you’re chasing by foot or by boat, you’ll pass lush jungles, foggy cloud forests, hidden beaches and the odd volcano, too.
THE TOP FIVE
Ride the rapids on the Pacuare River
Go surfing at Playa Guiones in Nosara
Spot nesting leatherback sea turtles at Playa Grande
Dive with dolphins in Drake Bay
Zip-line over Monteverde Cloud Forest
WHERE TO STAY Wake up with a buzz at coffee-plantation hideaway Finca Rosa Blanca, whose house brew is as energising as its gardens. At cloud-prodding paradise El Silencio, you can salute sunrise from the yoga deck. If you’re craving the ocean, make your way to the Pacific-facing Oxygen Jungle Retreats. Get a digital detox at the really-back-to-nature Pacuare Lodge.
Tropical treats
Finca Rosa Blanca
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Pacuare Lodge
Calm but caffeinated stay
Fruits of the forest
Back-to-nature eco-stay
Don’t miss rambles in the gardens
Don’t miss the trio of waterfalls
Don’t miss dinner in the Nest
Beachfront bliss
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Latitude 10
Kurà
Minimalist rainforest retreat
Boho beach huts
Swish jungle bungalows
Don’t miss the humpback whales
Don’t miss an ocean-fresh lunch
Don’t miss the ocean-facing spa
SOMETHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT Every path here seems to lead to a natural wonder. Some must-sees: Manuel Antonio National Park (and its monkeys); the rivers and mountains by Arenal Volcano; Guanacaste’s coastal cowboy country and Tamarindo’s surf breaks.
WHEN TO GO Dry season is mid-December–April: expect prices to rise with the mercury. If you’re a surfer, you’ll love wet season (August– October). Be aware that varying altitudes mean temperatures fluctuate between swelteringly hot and surprisingly cool.
WHY BOOK WITH SMITH?
Best-Price Promise
Free extras
Hand-picked by experts
Smith24 Our travel specialists are here for you 24/7. Email [email protected], or visit mrandmrssmith.com for a live chat.
For more inspiration visit mrandmrssmith.com/wanderlist
W H Y G O? Don’t listen to baggy-trousered Nineties girl-band TLC – if you’re in Costa Rica, do go chasing waterfalls. Whether you’re chasing by foot or by boat, you’ll pass lush jungles, foggy cloud forests, hidden beaches and the odd volcano, too.
THE TOP FIVE
Ride the rapids on the Pacuare River
Go surfing at Playa Guiones in Nosara
Spot nesting leatherback sea turtles at Playa Grande
Dive with dolphins in Drake Bay
Zip-line over Monteverde Cloud Forest
WHERE TO STAY Wake up with a buzz at coffee-plantation hideaway Finca Rosa Blanca, whose house brew is as energising as its gardens. At cloud-prodding paradise El Silencio, you can salute sunrise from the yoga deck. If you’re craving the ocean, make your way to the Pacific-facing Oxygen Jungle Retreats. Get a digital detox at the really-back-to-nature Pacuare Lodge.
Tropical treats
Finca Rosa Blanca
El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Pacuare Lodge
Calm but caffeinated stay
Fruits of the forest
Back-to-nature eco-stay
Don’t miss rambles in the gardens
Don’t miss the trio of waterfalls
Don’t miss dinner in the Nest
Beachfront bliss
Oxygen Jungle Villas
Latitude 10
Kurà
Minimalist rainforest retreat
Boho beach huts
Swish jungle bungalows
Don’t miss the humpback whales
Don’t miss an ocean-fresh lunch
Don’t miss the ocean-facing spa
SOMETHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT Every path here seems to lead to a natural wonder. Some must-sees: Manuel Antonio National Park (and its monkeys); the rivers and mountains by Arenal Volcano; Guanacaste’s coastal cowboy country and Tamarindo’s surf breaks.
WHEN TO GO Dry season is mid-December–April: expect prices to rise with the mercury. If you’re a surfer, you’ll love wet season (August– October). Be aware that varying altitudes mean temperatures fluctuate between swelteringly hot and surprisingly cool.
WHY BOOK WITH SMITH?
Best-Price Promise
Free extras
Hand-picked by experts
Smith24 Our travel specialists are here for you 24/7. Email [email protected], or visit mrandmrssmith.com for a live chat.
For more inspiration visit mrandmrssmith.com/wanderlist
