On the Road to Pura Vida
Emmett & Bridgette explored Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes on an extensive self‑drive adventure. From Corcovado’s rain‑soaked forest and Cabo Blanco’s coastal cliffs to Rio Celeste’s cloud‑forest, they hiked, kayaked mangroves, and floated down turquoise rivers. Friendly local guides shared conservation stories, letting both leave with a deeper respect for Costa Rica’s wild heart and its sustainable rhythms.
Places you'll stay
San Gerardo de Dota
A haven for birdwatchers and hikers awaits visitors around the town of San Gerardo de Dota, huddled up against the roaring Talamanca Mountain Range. Nestled in the Savegre River Valley, tourism hasn't quite hit this quaint settlement which provides quick access to the recently named Los Quetzales National Park.
Destination
Puerto Jimenez
Puerto Jiménez might be the best town from which to access Corcovado National Park. Located on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula, on the Dulce Gulf, this small town has plenty of hotels and activities to offer as well as being favorably located. From Puerto Jiménez, you can explore just about everything there is to offer, even take a ferry across the gulf to the colorful city of Golfito. Exploring the history of this small unhurried city may give you the impression of the Wild Wild West.
Destination
Drake Bay
Resting on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay (Bahía Drake) is an adventure-seeker's paradise. It is named after Sir Francis Drake, who is believed to have ventured here in the late 16th century. Travelers here take on some of his adventurous spirit on treks through the primary rainforest.
Destination
Jaco
Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley and is one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a 2.5 mile (4 km) strip which offers world renowned surfing and more.
Destination
Samara
The beautiful coastal hamlet of Samara is a paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara radiates wonderful white sand in contrast to the aquamarine water. Tropical plant life and living coral encompass Samara's 3-mile (5 km) coastline, and the beach is a favorite among locals, foreigners, and wealthier Ticos- forming a quintessential beach community.
Destination
Tenorio Volcano Area
The Tenorio Volcano area is located in the northern highlands along Guanacaste's eastern border within the Alajuela Province. With many rivers, waterfalls, dense and dry tropical forests, rainforests, and primary cloud forests, the area hosts an abundance of wildlife.
Destination
Mal Pais- Santa Teresa
Some things just come in pairs — socks and shoes, milk and cookies, Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica… These twin beach towns are near each other, but offer you a very different vacation experience, balancing your need for excitement, activity, and infrastructure against your desire to enjoy a quiet, calm, uncrowded getaway. Discover why surfing in the dynamic Santa Teresa plus fishing in the charming Mal Paí equal a Costa Rica beach vacation that’s the total experience.
Destination
Moments to look forward to
Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve
Situated at the southernmost point of the Nicoya Peninsula, the Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve encompasses 2,896 acres (1,172 ha) of pristine dry tropical forest famed for its biologically rich ecosystems, which consist of unique plant and animal species. Anteaters, coatis, margays, ocelots, sloths, spider, howler and capuchin monkeys and a variety of snakes call Cabo Blanco home, not to mention over 150 species of trees that makeup the animals habitat.
Attraction
Rio Celeste
The Río Celeste winds through the verdant rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park. You can opt to see this bright blue river on a moderately challenging 4.5-mile (7.5 km) hike. It's also possible to take a 1-mile (1.5 km) hike that goes directly to the Río Celeste Waterfall from the entrance of the park.
Attraction
Puerto Jimenez
Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Tour
Santa Teresa
Cabo Blanco Guided Hike
Tour
Tour
Tenorio Volcano Area
Rio Celeste Tubing
Tour
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
A 9.2/5 guest-rated stay in San Gerardo de Dota.
Hotel Recommendation #2
A hand-picked stay in Puerto Jimenez.
Hotel Recommendation #3
A 9/5 guest-rated stay in Drake Bay.
Hotel Recommendation #4
A hand-picked stay in Jaco.
Hotel Recommendation #6
A 9.8/5 guest-rated stay in Samara.
Hotel Recommendation #7
A 9.6/5 guest-rated stay in Tenorio Volcano Area.
Curated to you
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
