Best Glamping in Costa Rica

Some people say glamping is the best of two worlds, where you get to immerse yourself in nature while still enjoying some luxuries. My girlfriend and I are fans of this combination, and at least once a year, we try to visit a glamping site in Costa Rica.

There are some amazing glamping sites out there, but based on our experiences and experiences of friends and family, these are the top 5 glamping sites I recommend visiting in Costa Rica:

1. Colina Secreta Glamping and Villas

   Colina Secreta was the first glamping site we visited together in Costa Rica. We had a 3-day trip planned to the Caribbean, and we wanted to stay in a special place. We had two glamping options on the table, but due to the amazing reviews from Colina Secreta, we ended up booking this place.

   The experience:

   They don’t just offer glamping tents; you can also book rooms and villas. We stayed in one of their glamping safari tents, and it was incredible. There are nine different tents to choose from, each inspired by a famous explorer or adventurer. We stayed in the Marco Polo tent. This tent had unique details, including a map of his travels and a portrait of him, all styled with great taste. The whole experience felt like stepping into the world of Tarzan.

   All the glamping tents are spaced at least 200 meters apart, so you get a real sense of privacy and tranquility. Each tent has a spacious deck with chairs,  sunbeds and a hammock, perfect for relaxing. Inside, you’ll find a spacious room with a comfortable bed and some dressers, and on the opposite side of the tent, there’s another covered deck where the bathroom is located. The only part that’s open to the sky is the shower, which makes for a pretty magical experience.

   

   The highlight of the glamping site:

   You can zip the tent closed to block out the morning light, but I’d recommend leaving it open. Waking up to the sunrise and the sounds of the jungle was honestly the highlight of our stay.

   Breakfast is usually included, and it’s fantastic. Most of the ingredients are organic and locally sourced, either grown on the property or harvested by people from the area. You enjoy breakfast in their main building, which is also very well decorated and right next to a small swimming pool.

   Things to do nearby?

   • Cahuita National Park
     • You don’t need a tour to go here, but if you don’t want to worry about driving here and would like to also visit a waterfall, here is a nice tour option.
   • Manzanillo National Park
   • Surf in Cocles
   • Enjoy Playa Punta Uva
     • You can even do a kayak tour on the river that is right next to this beach. We took this tour during our trip. At one point, I asked the guide if there were crocodiles. He said yes, just a small one, and used his arms to show the size. My girlfriend thought he was showing how deep the river was! I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have joined the kayak tour if she’d realized he was describing the crocodile.

2. Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel

   The following year, after visiting Colina Secreta, we were looking for another glamping experience. This time, we were not going to the Caribbean; we wanted to go to the Pacific of Costa Rica. After doing some research, we found Ithe sla Chiquita Glamping hotel. One of the best options to do glamping in Costa Rica.

   To get there, we took the ferry in Puntarenas, followed by a short 10-minute drive to their parking lot. From the parking lot, a boat from the hotel picked us up, and after another 10-minute ride, we got to the island where the hotel is. This is a very small island; almost half of the island is part of the hotel, so you’ll find a lot of peace there.

   You can do different things in this place, you can go hiking, paddle board, kayak, get a massage, or just chill at the beach and gardens. We took advantage of a package deal that included different experiences besides the ones everyone has access to. This was a 30-minute massage and a night tour around the island, trying to see bioluminescence and animals.

   I strongly recommend the tour when you’re not on a full moon; otherwise, it will be difficult to see the bioluminescence. The message was also great and they even allowed us to stay at the jacuzzi, which was on the top of a mountain right next to the sea. Overall, the experience at this glamping was phenomenal.

   

   Things to do nearby?

   Once in Isla Chiquita, it will be difficult to get out; you’ll want to enjoy the entire day there. But, before getting there or after going there, I would recommend visiting these places:

   • Reserva Curú
     • Nice beach surrounded by nature. I recommend doing the 5 Km hike to Playa Quesera and then the ride back via boat. Make sure to get there early to buy the tickets because there is a limit of people who can visit the beach every day. You can hike on your own, but if you would like help from an expert guide, I recommend this tour. 
   • Playa Quesera
     • One of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
   • Isla Tortuga
     • I have a specific blog post about this place here.
   • Santa Teresa

3. Kintiri Glamping 

   So, with this glamping, it won’t be the same as the other two glamping sites in terms of detailed description. This is the next glamping I am planning to visit, but while I go, I’ll provide some details based on what some friends and family told me about this place. Once I visit, I’ll make sure to update this post.

   What they liked the most about this place was the views, especially during the sunset. Like the other glamping sites, the place is perfect to just chill and relax. They also mentioned the food in their restaurant is good, like the service from the entire staff. Always very attentive to their needs. This is something I didn’t elaborate on as much while talking about the other two places, but the staff was also great. At Isla Chiquita, we even stayed for 5 hours after the checkout using their facilities.

   Things to do nearby?

   • Playa Samara
   • Playa Nosara/Guiones
     • Perfect for surf lovers
   • Parque Nacional Barra Honda
   • Cerro Caballito

4. Other places to do glamping in Costa Rica

   Every year, more glamping sites pop up across Costa Rica. However, the only ones I feel comfortable recommending are those I’ve personally visited or that someone close to me has experienced. That said, I’ve come across other places that seem interesting and have great reviews. I’d love to check them out someday. Here’s a list of those spots:

   • Hotel Arenal Glamping – La Fortuna
   • Nayara Tented Camp – La Fortuna
   • Chira Glamping Resort – Monteverde
   • Alma Glamping – San José