Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rich traditions through hands-on cultural experiences and local encounters. From artisan workshops to indigenous community visits, every moment offers a deeper connection to the country’s vibrant heritage.
Pura Vida Awaits: Discover the Wild Heart of Costa Rica
Costa rica
Thrill Meets Tranquility in Costa Rica
Luxury Travel Planning for Costa Rica
Unforgettable Journeys. Unparalleled Luxury, Only in Costa Rica
We craft luxury Costa Rica vacations tailored to your style, pace, and passions, from the sun-soaked beaches of Guanacaste, where we arrange private villas, curated surf sessions, and tranquil eco-retreats, to the vibrant energy of San José, where your journey may begin with cultural immersion, fine dining, and seamless connections to cloud forests, volcanoes, and coastal adventures. Whether you’re zip-lining through Monteverde, rafting the Pacuare, or unwinding on a secluded beach, every detail is personalized and backed by local expertise.
Essential Details to Help You Prepare for Your Costa Rica Journey
Know Before You Go | Costa Rica
Best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for beaches, national parks, and outdoor adventures. The green season from May to November offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower rates at luxury properties. Many of our clients prefer green season specifically because top hotels like Nayara Springs and Four Seasons Papagayo have better availability and the country feels more intimate. Your Bespoke Bookings advisor builds your itinerary around the season that fits your priorities.
What language do people speak in Costa Rica?
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken at luxury hotels, resorts, and across popular tourist regions like Guanacaste, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. You won’t feel lost. That said, locals genuinely appreciate even a simple “buenos dias” or “pura vida.” All of the guides and drivers we work with are bilingual, and your Bespoke Bookings itinerary includes English-speaking contacts at every stop so communication is never a concern.
What is the currency used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s national currency is the colón (CRC).
Is Costa Rica Safe for Tourists?
Costa Rica is widely regarded as the safest country in Central America for travelers. It has no standing military, a stable democratic government, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure that caters to international visitors. Standard precautions apply: use hotel safes for valuables, stay aware in crowded areas, and avoid flashing expensive items. Every Bespoke Bookings itinerary routes you through vetted neighborhoods, trusted hotels, and pre-screened local partners. Our on-the-ground contacts provide real-time support if anything unexpected comes up during your trip.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Citizens of the UK, EU, and Australia also enjoy visa-free entry. For other nationalities, requirements vary and your Bespoke Bookings advisor confirms entry documentation as part of your pre-trip planning so nothing is left to chance.
Are vaccinations required to travel to Costa Rica?
No vaccinations are legally required for travelers arriving from the US or Canada. The CDC recommends being current on routine vaccinations and may suggest Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Hepatitis B depending on your itinerary. If you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, proof of vaccination may be required at entry. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider at least four to six weeks before departure. Your Bespoke Bookings advisor flags any health considerations specific to your destinations and timing.
Is it safe to drink the water in Costa Rica?Tap water is safe to drink in San Jose, the Central Valley, and most established tourist areas. In rural regions, coastal towns, and jungle lodges, bottled or filtered water is the better choice. Every luxury hotel and resort we book provides purified drinking water in rooms and restaurants, so this is rarely a concern for our clients. We note water safety by region in your itinerary so you always know what to expect.
Do I need travel insurance for my trip to Costa Rica? We strongly recommend it for any international trip. A good policy covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, and lost luggage. Costa Rica has solid healthcare facilities in San Jose and major tourist areas, but if your itinerary includes remote jungle destinations like Corcovado or Tortuguero, medical evacuation coverage is especially important. Your Bespoke Bookings advisor recommends travel insurance options tailored to your specific trip and can connect you with providers we trust.
What can I experience in Costa Rica?
More than most people expect from a country this size. Walk suspended bridges through the cloud forest canopy in Monteverde. Soak in volcanic hot springs at the base of Arenal with a cocktail in hand. Raft Class III-IV rapids on the Pacuare River through untouched jungle. Surf world-class breaks in Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. Tour a working coffee plantation in the Central Valley and taste the difference altitude makes. Watch the sun drop into the Pacific from a cliffside restaurant in Uvita. Costa Rica packs an extraordinary range of experiences into short distances, and we design every itinerary around the moments that matter most to you.
What kind of wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica holds over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, which means the wildlife viewing here rivals destinations ten times its size. Expect howler monkeys, capuchins, spider monkeys, two-toed and three-toed sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws, resplendent quetzals, poison dart frogs, caimans, sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales depending on the season. Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Corcovado, and Monteverde are the standout wildlife destinations. Your Bespoke Bookings advisor will custom design your trip and can easily build in guided nature walks, boat tours, and night hikes into your itinerary. Because the difference between spotting a sloth on your own and having an expert guide point out the mother and baby 40 feet up in a cecropia tree is everything.
Where should I go in Costa Rica?
The best Costa Rica trips combine multiple regions. Guanacaste and Peninsula Papagayo for luxury beach resorts and Pacific coast sunsets. Arenal for volcano views, hot springs, and adventure activities. Monteverde for cloud forest immersion and hanging bridges. Manuel Antonio for the rare combination of white-sand beaches, rainforest, and abundant wildlife in one compact national park. Tortuguero on the Caribbean side for wetland boat tours and sea turtle nesting. The Osa Peninsula for remote, pristine jungle that feels like the edge of the world. Your Bespoke Bookings travel can connect these regions within your itinerary with private driver service and internal flights so your days are spent experiencing, not transporting.
What are the best luxury hotels in Costa Rica? Costa Rica’s luxury hotel scene has matured significantly. Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo and Andaz Costa Rica are the flagship properties on the Pacific coast. Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs in Arenal are consistently rated among the best boutique hotels in the world. Hacienda AltaGracia, an Auberge Resort in Perez Zeledon, offers a completely different experience with horseback riding, coffee farms, and wellness programming on a private estate. Kura Design Villas in Uvita delivers jaw-dropping infinity pool views over the Whale’s Tail. El Silencio Lodge in the cloud forest is one of the most peaceful properties we’ve ever placed a client in. When your Bespoke Bookings advisor books your stay at any of our preferred partner hotels, you receive VIP perks including room upgrades, daily breakfast, property credits, and early check-in or late checkout.
What’s the time zone in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica operates on Central Standard Time (GMT-6) year-round with no daylight saving time. During US daylight saving from March through November, Costa Rica is one hour behind Central Time and two hours behind Eastern Time. This is worth knowing for scheduling calls back home or coordinating with work while you’re traveling. Your Bespoke Bookings advisor will note time zone details in your itinerary so there are no surprises.
Which airport should I fly into in Costa Rica? Costa Rica has two international airports and the right one depends on your itinerary. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near San Jose is the main gateway and the best choice if your trip starts in the Central Valley, Arenal, Monteverde, or the Caribbean coast. Daniel Oduber Quiroz International Airport (LIR) in Liberia is the better option if you’re heading straight to Guanacaste, Peninsula Papagayo, or the northern Pacific beaches. We’ve routed hundreds of clients through both airports and your Bespoke Bookings advisor selects the one that eliminates unnecessary drive time and gets you into vacation mode faster.
What is the best way to get around Costa Rica? A private driver arranged by your Bespoke Bookings advisor is the most comfortable and stress-free option. You travel between regions in an air-conditioned SUV with a local driver who knows the roads, the shortcuts, and the best roadside stops. For clients who prefer to drive themselves, we arrange late-model 4×4 rentals equipped with GPS. For longer distances, like San Jose to Tortuguero or San Jose to the Osa Peninsula, we book internal flights on small regional airlines that cut hours of driving into a 30 to 45-minute scenic flight. Your itinerary specifies exactly which transport method works best for each leg of the trip.
Why should I hire a travel agency for Costa Rica instead of booking myself? Three reasons. First, our preferred partner relationships with luxury hotels and resorts give you access to complimentary perks like breakfast credits, room upgrades, spa credits, and early check-in that are not always readily available when booking through consumer platforms like Expedia, Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Second, Costa Rica logistics can be complex: two international airports, regional airstrips, dirt roads to remote lodges, rainy season timing, and safety considerations. An experienced advisor builds an itinerary that accounts for all of this so you don’t have to worry.
Third, if anything goes wrong during your trip, you have a dedicated advocate who can rebook, reroute, or resolve issues on your behalf in real time.
How much does a luxury trip to Costa Rica cost? Every Costa Rica vacation we plan is unique, so costs vary based on factors like trip length, number of travelers, time of year, accommodation preferences, and the experiences you want to include. To give you a general sense, our clients typically invest anywhere from $7,500 – $10,000 for a shorter or more focused getaway to $30,000 – $50,000 or more for extended multi-region itineraries, large groups, or destination celebrations. Where your trip falls within that range depends entirely on the type of experience you are looking for. Rather than guessing, the best way to get a number that actually reflects your trip is to speak with our team. Your initial consultation is complimentary and is a chance for us to understand your trip vision, budget and preference in order to share the most accurate quote of cost for your travel investment.
Can you plan a Costa Rica trip that covers multiple regions? Yes. Most of our Costa Rica itineraries span two to four regions depending on trip length. A common route combines the beaches and resorts of Guanacaste with the volcanoes and hot springs of Arenal, or pairs the wildlife of Manuel Antonio with the cloud forests of Monteverde. We handle all internal transfers, whether by private driver, domestic flight, or a combination of both, so transitions between regions are seamless.
Do you book all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica? We can book all-inclusive properties if that fits your travel style. Most of our Costa Rica clients prefer The Westin Reserva Conchal, Dreams Las Mareas, and Secrets Papagayo. That said, we are happy to discuss your options during your consultation.
From Coast to Cloud Forest — Discover the Soul of Costa Rica
Costa Rica Provinces
Tailored luxury, unforgettable adventures
Let Us Curate Your Dream Costa Rica Escape
From the serene beaches of Guanacaste to the vibrant heart of San José, we design every moment around your interests, style, and pace. Our team of local specialists ensures you experience both iconic sights and hidden gems with ease and elegance. All you have to do is show up, leave the details to us.
COSTA RICA BY TRAVEL STYLE
We Design Costa Rica Vacations for Every Type of Traveler
Families and Multigenerational Groups
Costa Rica is one of the most family-friendly luxury destinations in Central America. We plan multigenerational trips with age-appropriate activities, kid-friendly five-star resorts, private drivers, and coordinated logistics for groups of all sizes
Couples and Honeymoons
From adults-only boutique resorts on the Pacific coast to private waterfall hikes and sunset catamaran sails, we design romantic Costa Rica escapes for honeymoons, anniversaries, babymoons, and couples retreats.
Groups and Destination Celebrations
Planning a milestone birthday, reunion, bachelor or bachelorette trip, or destination wedding in Costa Rica? We coordinate villas, group dining, activities, and transportation for groups from 4 to 50+ guests.
Solo Travel
Traveling to Costa Rica on your own does not mean planning alone. We build solo itineraries with private guides, curated excursions, and handpicked accommodations so you can explore confidently and comfortably.
Ski Butler Service
Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of adventure, wellness, and five-star infrastructure for corporate offsites. We manage logistics for team retreats, executive incentive trips, and company milestone celebrations.
Your Experts in Effortless, Elevated Travel
Costa Rica Luxury Travel Advisors
Experience Costa Rica with the ease and elegance of personalized luxury travel planning. From private transfers and handpicked accommodations to exclusive tours and curated dining, every detail is tailored to your style and schedule. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on soaking in the beauty, adventure, and culture of this unforgettable destination.
Custom Planning
Custom itineraries designed around your passions, pace, and personal travel style.
Booked Flights
Seamless flight booking with the best routes, fares, and timing to match your custom itinerary.
5 Star Hotel or Villa
Handpicked luxury hotels and private villas tailored to your comfort, style, and location preferences.
Roundtrip Transportation
Private roundtrip transportation arranged for a smooth, stress-free travel experience from arrival to departure.
Thoroughly planned getaways
Custom Costa Rican Itineraries
Relax. Reconnect. Renew.
Wellness and Spas
Unwind in Costa Rica’s serene natural settings with wellness experiences designed to restore mind, body, and spirit. From volcanic hot springs to jungle-view massages and oceanfront yoga, every moment invites deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
Sail Into Serenity
Cruises
Set sail along Costa Rica’s stunning coastlines with luxury cruises that blend relaxation and exploration. From sunset catamaran rides to multi-day voyages through remote islands and rainforests, every journey offers a unique perspective of paradise.
Experience the Bespoke Difference
We are not a DMC or a tour company. We are a full-service travel design firm that plans custom trips to Costa Rica for clients across the United States and Canada.
Costa Rica, Designed around you
What Sets Our Costa Rica Planning Apart
Costa Rica is one of those destinations where the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one comes down to the details. Who arranged your transfer from the airport. Whether your hotel knew you were celebrating an anniversary before you checked in. If your guide knows the quiet trail that skips the crowds at the waterfall.
That is what we do. As preferred partners with properties like the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, and Andaz Costa Rica Resort, your reservation comes with perks that are not available when you book on your own: daily breakfast credits, room upgrades when available, early check-in and late checkout, and resort credits starting at $100 or more per stay. These are not loyalty program points. They are built into every booking we make on your behalf.
We do not sell packages. Every Costa Rica itinerary we design starts with a conversation about how you like to travel, who is coming with you, and what you want to feel when you get home. From there, your advisor builds the entire trip: flights, private transfers, hotels or villas, guided excursions, restaurant reservations, and the small touches that turn a vacation into a story you tell for years. One point of contact. One team. From your first call to the day you land back home.
Costa Rica, Designed Around You
Work with our destination experts
Tell us what excites you, whether it’s chasing waterfalls, slow mornings with volcano views, or a week of surf and ceviche on the Pacific coast. Our advisors design your trip around your vision, pacing and preferences.
CUSTOM ITINERARY DEVELOPMENT SUBJECT TO QUOTATION
The Best of Costa Rica
Read the latest travel tips & stories to inspire your luxury vacation to Costa Rica!