Overview
Leading luxury ecolodges
See why Costa Rica is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, leadership in sustainability and amazing adventures on this ten-night trip to a collection of its very best ecolodges in three stunning locations. With such a great mix of activities, this is a great trip for couples and families.
Start with a night in the verdant Coffee Valley at Finca Rosa Blanca, a unique property surrounded by organic coffee plantations, where you can learn how this charming farm became a benchmark for sustainability.
Then raft into the jungle to Pacuare Lodge, the first of two Global Ecosphere Retreats®, to fly through the treetops on thrilling canopy tours, hike to swim under waterfalls, learn about jaguar conservation and meet the indigenous Cabécar people.
End at sister property Lapa Rios, on the Osa Peninsula amid a riot of biodiversity. Expert local naturalists will guide you through the rainforest, and you can spot dolphins from a kayak and ride horses along sandy beaches. Costa Rica at its best.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Staying at three pioneering positive impact ecolodges, including two Global Ecosphere Retreats®
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White-water rafting to Pacuare Lodge
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Meet the Cabécar people
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Waterfall hikes and beach horse rides at Lapa Rios
Inclusions
What's included
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Ten nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and adventure activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 2
Introduction to San José
On arrival in San José, you’ll be met and driven a short way into the Coffee Valley to Fina Rosa Blanca, a charming eco hotel set in the middle of its own organic coffee farm where you’ll be warmly welcomed. It’s also one of Costa Rica’s most sustainable properties, the first to achieve full marks in the country’s ‘Certification for Sustainable Tourism’, which you can learn about on a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour. The spa, gardens and ‘field to cup’ coffee tour are musts, too.
Days 2 — 6
Rainforest adventure in Pacuare Reserve
For the adventurous, the best way to your next destination is by raft, following a winding river through the jungle, conquering rapids on your way to Pacuare Lodge, perched on its banks hidden in primary rainforest. The pioneering ecolodge was created to help preserve this vital bridge between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts and benefit nearby communities, an ethos that enhances every experience here.
Explore the rainforest where jaguars roam and howler monkeys reintroduced by Pacuare call, hiking to hidden waterfalls, flying through the canopy on cables, and visiting a traditional settlement of indigenous Cabécar, who will show you their ways of life.
Days 7 — 11
Astounding biodiversity on the Osa Peninsula
A scenic light aircraft flight south takes you to the Osa Peninsula, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, a small corner of Costa Rica harbouring an astonishing 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Hidden in the rainforest, overlooking the Golfe Dulce across the canopy, find Lapa Rios, a chic ecolodge created to help safeguard this precious ecosystem and support the local community.
Discover the jungle around the lodge and neighbouring Corcovado National Park with expert local guides on the lookout for monkeys, cats, astonishing birdlife, reptiles and amphibians. Relax or ride horses on the beach, learn to surf or take kayaks out into the gulf, where you may encounter whales and dolphins. This is a stunning corner of Costa Rica to explore.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.