7 Reasons to Travel to Costa Rica with Llama Travel

1. Small groups

At Llama Travel, our group size on average is 11 people, with a maximum of 18, making it easier to get around and enjoy every experience without feeling rushed. Travelling in a small group means you’ll have more opportunities to interact with your guide, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s nature, wildlife and culture. On guided walks through the rainforest or boat trips along the jungle waterways, small groups also mean a quieter, more personal experience and a better chance to spot wildlife up close.

2. Build the holiday you want

Everyone has different priorities for their holiday to Costa Rica, and at Llama Travel, we let you mix and match extensions, excursions and accommodation to create the holiday that you want. Visit San Jose, the lively capital surrounded by coffee plantations, and cruise the jungle waterways of Tortuguero, where you may spot sloths, monkeys and colourful birdlife. Relax in volcanic hot springs of Arenal and discover the diverse wildlife of the Los Angeles cloud forest.

You can then extend your trip to spot some of Costa Rica’s best wildlife on the Corcovado Coast, add a stay at Pacuare Lodge in the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest, or choose to unwind on the white-sand beaches and calm waters of Manuel Antonio. For those seeking even more adventure, you can combine Costa Rica’s nature and wildlife with a visit to Guatemala to see ancient Maya temples and the beautiful colonial city of Antigua, or continue to Panama to watch ships pass through the famous canal.

Arenal Volcano

3. Discover the highlights of Costa Rica

All Llama Travel’s Costa Rica itineraries include the country’s must-see highlights, from its lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to incredible wildlife and the cloud forest. Each experience is carefully planned so you can see the very best of Costa Rica.

a) Navigate the jungle waterways of Tortuguero 

Take a boat trip through the jungle waterways of Tortuguero National Park. Look out for monkeys in the trees, sloths hanging from the branches and caimans in the water. Enjoy unique birdwatching, with over 300 species including toucans and parrots. Four of the world’s eight sea turtle species lay eggs on Tortuguero’s black sand beaches

Jungle Waterways, Tortuguero

b) Relax in hot springs under Arenal Volcano

Arenal is perfect for adventure, and at Llama Travel you can choose from a range of excursions, from exploring hanging bridges and waterfalls to chocolate tours and even ziplining. After a long day of adventurous activities, unwind in the natural volcanic hot springs in the early evening, surrounded by tropical gardens and views of the picture-perfect Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Hot Springs

c) Explore the Los Angeles cloud forest

After a scenic two-hour drive from Arenal, you will arrive at the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel, the only hotel within the larger Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve. This charming rustic-style property is set in an extremely well-preserved forest full of fascinating wildlife. The reserve is home to vibrant flora, including bromeliads and orchids, as well as over 280 bird species, and a range of amphibians and mammals such as howler monkeys and sloths.

d) Visit San Jose, lively capital of Costa Rica

You can explore the lively capital of San Jose at your own pace, with a free day to discover the city’s highlights, or choose our optional full-day Poas Volcano & Coffee Plantation excursion, where you visit Poas Volcano to see the sulphur fumaroles of the main crater and the beautiful Botos Lagoon, then enjoy a tour of the Doka coffee plantation to see how some of the best coffee in the world is grown and produced.

National Theatre, San Jose

4. Extend with a stay at Manuel Antonio Beach.

After discovering Costa Rica’s jungles, volcanoes and cloud forests, whether cruising through Tortuguero’s waterways or ziplining in Arenal, you can further extend your trip with a relaxing stay at Manuel Antonio. Spend three nights at your own pace, relaxing on white sandy beaches and swimming in calm waters, ideal for snorkelling. Wander forest trails to spot sloths, coatis and monkeys, with over 350 bird species, including toucans and macaws, Manuel Antonio is perfect for both wildlife and relaxation.

If you are looking for something more active, you can arrange sports fishing tours in nearby Quepos, or enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, mangrove or canopy tours.

Manuel Antonio Beach

5. Spot unique wildlife in the Corcovado Coast

For those who love unique wildlife, Costa Rica offers one of the best experiences in the world. With Llama Travel, you can extend your trip to explore Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. You can hike through the jungle to spot animals and birdlife, swim in waterfalls, or relax on the beaches and swim in the clear waters. Boat trips to Caño Island allow snorkelling among colourful fish and coral reefs, with the possibility of seeing dolphins or whales at certain times of the year. Other activities in the area include kayaking, making Corcovado perfect for wildlife and adventure lovers.

Scarlet Macaw

6. Pacuare Lodge for adventure, comfort, and jungle

Llama Travel’s Costa Rica itineraries are designed to give you the best and most unique experiences of the country, and you can choose to add a stay at Pacuare Lodge, one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World. Arrive by white-water raft through lush jungle, where monkeys, sloths and toucans move through the trees. Stay in beautiful thatched suites made of teak, enjoy guided jungle hikes and relax with gourmet dining surrounded by rainforest views.

Pacuare Lodge

7. Speak to an expert

Our travel experts have experienced Costa Rica first-hand, so when you speak to us, you’re getting advice from people who’ve actually been there. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create a holiday that’s planned perfectly for you, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.

George, Travel Specialist 

Inspired by this, and want to experience the best of  Costa Rica for yourself? Order a free brochure to find out more about our Costa Rica itineraries, or contact us to speak to one of our Travel Consultants today.

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