Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Costa Rica

Eco-Luxury Adventures

Experience the abundance of biodiversity in the tropics

With the world’s greatest range of biodiversity, Costa Rica is a tropical wilderness laden with cultural and natural riches. Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is home to unspoiled rainforests and is a haven for eco-adventurers.

Wildlife lovers can encounter Costa Rica’s most exclusive creatures which thrive in this diverse landscape. Discover Yigüirro (clay-colored thrush), the national bird of Costa Rica, as well as Tapir, Peccary, Coati, White-faced Capuchin, and of course the Three-toed sloth.

Experience the best of nature-based travel in this laid-back paradise. Travel ethically and be taken aback by the kindness of the Costa Rican people.
 

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Sample Itineraries

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What our travelers are saying

  • “Lana and Elevate Destinations had the wisdom, insight, knowledge, experience and compassion to guide me down the path to the perfect trip to match where I was in my life. She paired me with the perfect hotels and excursions and the volunteer work that filled my soul in ways I didn’t know possible.”

    –Stefanie Lerner, Costa Rica

  • “All the guides were amazing and super knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed travel near Arenal. It was very beautiful and the adventures were very informative. Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and if you want to be immersed in wildlife it is definitely the place to go.”

    –Leah Donehy, Costa Rica

  • Belize: A tropical beach with white sand, palm trees, green bushes, and clear blue sky. The calm ocean waves touch the shore, and a small hut is visible in the distance by the water.

    “Everything was great overall. This was a last-minute trip, and my first one with very little kids. I'm glad I invested in a guided private tour, which made the experience doable as a single parent.”

    –Aisha Shaheen, Belize

  • Belize: Four people smile while serving food outdoors under a canopy. Two women and a man hold serving spoons over large yellow buckets, with plates of food in front of them. Another young woman stands to the side holding her plate.

    “The most amazing trip! We will never forget and never be the same. And we will be back! Elevate Destinations was the perfect partner for our adventure and will be planning our future travels.”

    –Leslie Hsu Besner and Family, Belize

  • “Elevate Destinations did a fantastic job of hearing how we identified ourselves and the activities we thought we wanted to explore. The schedule was full without wiping us out, and each day proceeded seamlessly. We all even noted that doing the jungle first and ocean second was ideal for our family. We look forward to returning and to using Elevate Destinations again!”

    –The Campbell Family, Belize

  • “Dominique is a wealth of knowledge and wonderful to work with. We loved our trip and can't wait to book our next vacation!”

    –Nichole Savenor, Belize

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Costa Rica

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from late November through April. These are the best months for sunny days and minimal rain. While September and October are typically the rainiest months in most regions, the Caribbean coast experiences a mini-dry season during this period. Even in the green season, mornings are usually clear with afternoon showers, so with some planning, you can still enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer.

What should I pack for Costa Rica?

If you're wondering what to pack for Costa Rica, layering is key due to varying temperatures from the warm coast to cooler cloud forests and highlands. Quick-drying clothing is essential, along with sturdy walking or hiking shoes and active sandals. Flip-flops or Crocs are great for the beach but not suitable for activities like ziplining or walking along the hanging bridges, where secure footwear is required.

What does a typical Costa Rica itinerary look like?

A typical Costa Rica itinerary balances time between the coast and the cloud or rainforests, with 3-4 days in each location to fully experience each area and have time to embrace Costa Rica's laid-back lifestyle, also known as Pura Vida! Families with young children often find that limiting their trip to two destinations helps maintain a comfortable pace.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Costa Rica travel guide?

As your Costa Rica travel guide, Elevate Destinations can offer expert guidance gained over two decades of extensive travel throughout the country, from both coasts to the highlands. Our personalized approach ensures that your itinerary aligns with your interests, and we utilize local knowledge to craft authentic and memorable experiences in this small yet ecologically rich country.

What are the best things to do in Costa Rica?

The top things to do in Costa Rica include thrilling ziplining adventures and leisurely walks across hanging bridges, allowing you to explore the rainforest canopy at your own pace. Surfing is excellent for both beginners and experts while volunteering with sea turtle conservation projects offers a meaningful connection to local wildlife. Guided hiking in the rainforest and cloud forest is an excellent way to see diverse fauna, including sloths, monkeys, and possibly elusive wild cats, complemented by cultural experiences such as yoga, cooking classes, waterfall visits, horseback riding, and learning from local farmers.

Where are the best places to visit in Costa Rica?

The best places to visit in Costa Rica depend on your interests, but this diverse country has something for everyone. Pacuare Lodge offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, sustainable luxury, and remote natural surroundings. The Osa Peninsula is wild and untamed, home to jaguars and nesting sea turtles, where you can stay in oceanfront lodges and witness pods of dolphins by day and fall asleep to a biological symphony at night. We’ll help you discover the ideal places and activities that suit your interests.
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