Visit the national parks and private reserves
Visit the famous national parks and lesser-known private nature reserves of Costa Rica.
With over 25% of Costa Rica’s territory occupied by national parks and with a population of under 5 million, you might be forgiven for thinking the whole country is a conservation nature reserve with a volcanic divide through the centre.
On the ground however, the differences between the biological, wildlife and marine reserves become more defined. Many of the national parks are well known and popular, with high visitor figures. But among the more secluded reserves are many privately owned properties, open to visitors.
These allow you to experience Costa Rica’s great wealth of flora and fauna at close quarters with expert guides, often in solitude. These habitats range from lush primary rainforests – where paths have been forged so you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle – to wispy, ethereal cloud forests, where epiphytes such as bromeliads and heliconias are dive bombed by brightly coloured hummingbirds.
Many of the parks and reserves have remote or isolated but well located accommodation, ranging from rustic eco-lodges, often family-run with their own farm attached, through to top-of-the-range properties with spas or wellness facilities. All offer sensitively operated guided activities on land and water so that you can get the most out of your experience in the wild.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
