Image courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
Costa Rica’s wildlife, dense rainforests and stunning beauty makes it a prime destination for ecotourism. The best jungle resorts in Costa Rica offer an immersive experience surrounded by incredible biodiversity. Below, we break down seven Costa Rica jungle resorts, with insights from Fora travel advisors who visited the country in summer 2024.
And yes, you can actually stay in the jungle in Costa Rica. Many of the best places to stay in Costa Rica can be found within the rainforest. These resorts feature rooms, cabins or other accommodations immediately surrounded by jungle foliage, often in proximity to wildlife.
To book and plan your own Costa Rica jungle getaway, connect with a Fora Advisor. They’ll help you find a resort that matches your preferences and budget, unlock complimentary resort perks — like dining credit and room upgrades — and can arrange logistics once you're on the ground.
The best Costa Rica jungle resorts
Read on for the best Costa Rica jungle resorts, each listed with hotel perks a Fora Advisor can unlock.
Rio Perdido (Guanacaste Province)
Image courtesy of Rio Perdido
Rio Perdido — one of Fora’s 10 top-booked resorts in Costa Rica — is a major departure from many of its fellow resorts in Guanacaste, a region best known for its élite sanctuaries on the Papagayo Peninsula. Rio Perdido offers an eco-chic experience surrounded by lush greenery. The property is set in a 600-acre private reserve with geothermal hot springs, a thermal river and canyons — all about an hour east of the major airport in Liberia.
Enjoy thrilling activities like zip-lining, canyoning and hiking, plus relaxing options like soaking in the hot springs or indulging in locally inspired spa treatments. Sustainability is built into the jungle resort’s design, and luxurious bungalows — some set in treetops — put you in the heart of the wilderness.
Fora Perks at Río Perdido:
$50 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Nayara Tented Camp (Arenal)
Image courtesy of Nayara Tented Camp
Nayara Tented Camp, another one of our top-booked hotels in Costa Rica — is located in the thick of the jungle near the base of Arenal Volcano. This eco-conscious retreat combines the comforts of a high-end resort with the immersive experience of staying in the rainforest.
Each luxury tent features a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, oversized decks with breathtaking views of the jungle and Arenal Volcano and elegant interiors inspired by safari tents. Nayara Tented Camp also prides itself on sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices and supporting local conservation efforts.
“The rooms were gorgeous — I loved everything about these rooms: The décor, the vibe,” Fora Advisor Anne Travous said. “While they really are tents, I’d never know it from the inside.”
Embark on guided nature walks or enjoy wellness experiences like yoga and spa treatments on the resort grounds. Also check out Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens (ideal for families), both of which are on the same property within the Arenal rainforest.
Fora Perks at Nayara Tented Camp, Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs:
$100 food & beverage credit, breakfast daily, complimentary air and concierge services, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection (Pérez Zeledón)
Image courtesy of Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
Hacienda AltaGracia is an ultra-luxe, all-inclusive resort in the verdant mountains of Pérez Zeledón. It blends a level of elegance Auberge Resorts are known for with the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s southern highlands. Expansive casitas and villas offer views of the surrounding rainforest and valley, and each has a dedicated team of compas who take care of all your needs, from ordering room service to scheduling your itinerary.
Indulge in curated wellness experiences at THE WELL, which feature immersive treatments, guided yoga and holistic therapies (you must do the river bath — trust). The resort also offers tailored adventures like horseback riding, coffee farm tours and expert-led hikes through nature reserves amid the clouds.
Fora Perks at Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection:
$100 hotel / resort credit & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa (Arenal)
Image courtesy of Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa
Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa also ranks among Fora’s top-booked jungle resorts in Costa Rica. It’s an upscale escape in the rainforest of Costa Rica's Arenal region. The resort is famous for its natural thermal hot springs, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters cascading through beautifully landscaped gardens.
“I loved the lush landscaping and thought the property was heavenly,” Fora Advisor Sherrill French said, noting that everything, including well-lit pathways, is designed with maneuverability and comfort in mind.
Accommodations include elegant rooms and suites with views of the rainforest or Arenal Volcano. The spa offers open-air treatments in secluded bungalows surrounded by nature. The on-site restaurant, Tucanes, is beloved by Fora Advisors.
“Dining at Tucanes for both breakfast and dinner was phenomenal,” Fora Advisor Anne Travous said. “The breakfast spread was amazing, with many delicious choices,” including fresh pastries and both traditional American and local breakfasts, like eggs, sausages and pintos (rice and beans).
Fora Advisor Alex Sallis recommended enjoying adventure tours in the morning before relaxing in the hot springs in the afternoon. This lets you unwind in luxury after all the excitement. Additionally, Anne suggested trying out the hot springs both in the morning and evening, as the experience is totally different.
Fora Perks at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Springs Resort & Spa (Arenal)
Image courtesy of The Springs Resort & Spa Arenal
The Springs Resort & Spa is an adventure-oriented jungle resort with stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Horseback riding, river tubing and exploring an on-site wildlife sanctuary — home to sloths, monkeys and other native animals — are just a handful of the diverse activities available within the resort grounds.
“The vibe here is five-star summer camp,” Fora Advisor Sherrill French said, noting that the property is luxurious, but also family-friendly, with many of the activities geared toward children.
Though visiting Fora Advisors praised the resort’s penchant for satiating boredom with activities, relaxation is always available here.
“I stayed at The Springs for a girlfriends’ getaway: It was quite simply serene,” Fora Advisor Tracy Burpee said. “From the view of the Arenal volcano to the (seemingly) million spring pools, peace and tranquility surrounded us.”
The resort has a collection of natural hot-spring pools, ranging in temperature and surrounded by lush landscaping. There’s also a high-end spa offering treatments inspired by Indigenous traditions. It’s no surprise The Springs Resort & Spa is one of Fora’s five top-booked jungle resorts in Costa Rica.
Fora Perks at The Springs Resort & Spa Arenal:
$125 spa credit, breakfast daily, complimentary Club Rio Tour, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Related guide: Finding Adventure in Northern Costa Rica
Origins Luxury Lodge (Alajuela Province)
Image courtesy of Origins Luxury Lodge
Origins Luxury Lodge is a remote, eco-luxury resort in the rainforest of Costa Rica’s Alajuela province. Its elevated and immersive setting ensures enchanting views of the nearby valley and Nicaragua Lake. There are only a handful of luxe villas, each with handcrafted designs, outdoor hot tubs and a seamless, private connection to nature. An on-site, treetop restaurant features gourmet garden-to-table dining. There are also guided nature experiences like hiking, birdwatching and horseback riding. Origins is blissfully secluded and intimate, and this resort fills up very quickly. We recommend booking your stay well in advance to ensure availability.
Fora Perks at Origins Luxury Lodge:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome treat in room on arrival, upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.
Pacuare Lodge (Limón Province)
Image courtesy of Pacuare Lodge
Pacuare Lodge is situated along the banks of its namesake river, toward Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. You have the option to arrive at this resort via rafting or a scenic rainforest hike. The lodge features private bungalows and villas, some with plunge pools, outdoor showers and panoramic rainforest views. The resort’s commitment to sustainability and conservation is evident in its off-the-grid setup, operating without electricity in most areas while offering modern comforts like candlelit dining and elevated farm-to-table cuisine.
Fora Perks at Pacuare Lodge:
Candlelit dinner by the riverbank, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Where are Costa Rica’s jungle resorts?
Costa Rica has rainforests on and between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Much of Costa Rica is covered in rainforest. However, most of the country’s best jungle resorts are either found in its interior — especially in the northern regions, like Arenal and Guanacaste — or near Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Jungles on the Caribbean coast are usually much denser, and resorts are few and far between.
Are Costa Rican jungle resorts family-friendly?
Costa Rica’s jungle resorts can be family-friendly or adults-only. Some only cater to adults, while other Costa Rica resorts are family-friendly and adventure-oriented. There’s an option for every type of traveler.
Plan your stay at a Costa Rica jungle resort with a Fora Advisor
Connect with a Fora Advisor to book and plan your stay at a Costa Rica jungle resort. They will matchmake you to a property that resonates with you and unlock complimentary hotel perks to level up your stay. If you’re wondering about things to do in Costa Rica, your advisor can provide insider suggestions and plan as much or as little of your itinerary as you’d prefer.
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