Costa Rica Vacation Packages & All-Inclusive Resorts

You've probably heard of a rainforest, but a cloud forest? While rainforests grow at lower altitudes, cloud forests grow as high as 8,000 feet above sea level. The high elevation produces cool, mystic air that creates an incredibly diverse environment. They're rare; cloud forests of the world only cover one percent of the earth's woodlands. Try out the cloud forest experience for yourself inside the 25,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. There's no better place to see so many different types of plant and animal species. Bird watchers travel from all over to seek out the endangered Resplendent Quetzal and Three-Wattled Bellbird, who call the cloud forest their home. Cat lovers search for jaguars, ocelots and pumas, and everyone loves catching glimpses of the colorful toucans and playful howler monkeys. 

Zipping through a forest is like a rite of passage for visitors to Costa Rica. After relaxing at resorts, you can start your adventure in the treetops at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. From there, zip lines take you on exciting rides soaring through the sky on 12 different platforms. For a bit less of an adrenaline rush, you can try the hanging bridges tour near the volcano, where you’ll walk across the canopy of the forest while a guide fills you in on the secrets of its history. For an in-depth adventure in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, take the canopy tour with 21 platforms and more than 2 miles of cable completely inside the forest. 

Maybe you like only the prettiest of insects and the most adorable of amphibians, but don't want to venture too deep in the forest to find them. Then for you, butterfly and frog exhibits are the way to go. The Ranario in Monteverde (Rana means frog in Spanish) is home to more than 25 different frog species, including Costa Rica’s signature red-eyed tree frog. Hop on over to the Ranario to see it and other little cuties. To find fluttering mariposas (butterflies), you'll want to visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden in the daytime to see these beautiful and colorful creatures in action. 

Have you ever relaxed in a Jacuzzi? How about a pool in a spa? Now, imagine that feeling, except you’re in a natural waterfall and river of deliciously soothing water. That’s the magic of volcanic activity. Thermal springs only exist near volcanoes because they're created when magma and minerals rise to heat rainwater in natural bodies of water. After you unwind in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano, you'll get to go home and impress your friends with your new volcano knowledge too. There are tons of places to take advantage of these awesome hot springs. The Royal Corin Resort even has thermal pools right on its property. But no matter where you stay in the Arenal/Monteverde area, you can take excursions to experience nature's Jacuzzi pool in person. Just ask us and we'll show you the way. You can thank Mother Nature when you get there.

On your visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park after relaxing at your hotels, you should definitely make your way toward the Catarata Rio Fortuna, as it's called in Spanish. The gorgeous waterfall cascades down a massive cliff through lush, green trees and jungle. La Fortuna Waterfall streams at the foot of the smaller Chato Volcano inside the national park, just southeast of Arenal. Take the visit on a horseback riding tour for the most scenic and breathtaking views of the forest and wildlife. As you get closer to the falls, you'll be so impressed with the beauty of the cascading water funneling down to the natural pool at the bottom. Make sure to pack a swimsuit, so you can enjoy the refreshing water activities at the end of your tour.

This is definitely a tour for adventurous people; a three-hour Tenorio River ride that will allow you to spot the wildlife and dense vegetation of the region. Along your ride, you will be able to see numerous birds, monkeys and many other species that inhabit the riverbanks. After a couple of hours of driving through scenic countryside roads, you will arrive to where all the action activities begin. From the starting point, you will embark on a journey that will get your adrenaline pumping and that will bring forth your love for adventure! This experience will let you take a break from resorts to observe nature at its greatest expression, paddle down the river with old and new friends, work as a team to maneuver in the strong currents and enjoy the amazing views.

Rincon de la Vieja is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. A towering volcano with nine extraordinary eruption points; at over 6,200 feet high, it is part of the Guanacaste Mountain Range. The name Rincon de la Vieja, means "the old woman's corner." According to a local legend, the indigenous people named the volcano after an old witch who lived at the top of the mountain and sent columns of smoke into the air when she was angry. It is a rigorous but spectacular, breathtaking hike around the area of Las Pailas. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded to live within the park, like emerald tucanets and long-tailed manakins. Amongst the numerous insects, you could count butterflies of the Morpho genus. Three different species of monkeys and other extraordinary animals also know this place as their home. The park protects the largest population of wild purple orchids (Guarianthe skinneri), which is Costa Rica's National Flower. Twisted trees with many branches and epiphytes are also found here; some of them are Matapalos of the Ficus genus, Guanacaste trees, Jumbo Limbos and many other different and glorious species surrounded by magnificent transitional forests. The canopies of this forest reach 132 feet in height. Along the hike, some 32 rivers rise out of this protected area, including the Colorado River and the Rio Blanco, which carve through a white volcanic ash called ignimbrite.

This tour is a total adrenaline rush! The system consists of a network of suspended cables that go from one platform to another and that will let you zip from tree to tree over the forest. The platforms were carefully built on ancient, tall trees in the midst of the tropical dry forest and allow you to fly between the trees and to see the wildlife up in the treetops. This is a perfectly safe activity, performed while wearing safety harnesses and other safety equipment that will be provided on-site.

Arenal Volcano is a majestic display of nature that must be seen to be believed! The conically-shaped giant standsat 1,657 meters tall (over 5,430 ft) above sea level, and sits within Arenal Volcano National Park, which covers an area of 12,016 hectares (29,692 acres). Participants will be able to observe how the vegetation gradually changes on the way from the all inclusive resort to Arenal and find many different and colorful species of plants along the way. You will have the opportunity to take a walk through the rainforest that covers the area near the volcano. This place will amaze you, as it is the home of many different species of mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates; not to mention the broad variety of plant life and fungi that are characteristic of this ecosystem. A wonderful lunch awaits nearby and not only will you be able to enjoy a delicious meal, but you will also be treated with charm and world-famous hospitality of the people of this area. The tour includes a visit to the hot springs as well. These magical springs of healing waters are surrounded by impressive, well-manicured tropical gardens that crisscross the entire property. The striking view of Arenal Volcano will be in the backdrop as you relax for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner will be served later on in a place with the best panoramic volcano and mountain views. This is an ideal tour for those looking to experience the true natural beauty this country has to offer.

There are plenty of beautiful bodies of water in Costa Rica and, admittedly, this river is not one of them. But while the Tárcoles River may not be the most gorgeous, the American crocodiles calling it home are enough to take your breath away. 

An experience in paradise is only complete with a trip to a butterfly-filled meadow of floral and cascading cliffs. The picture-perfect Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls near Jacó are sights not to be missed in Costa Rica. After breakfast at your resorts, head straight to the Pura Vida Gardens for a day full of adventurous activities! 

Mal Pais makes up the surf towns of Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen, off the Gulf of Nicoya. Just as you’d expect from a surfing environment, the atmosphere in Mal Pais is relaxed and stress-free, just like the spa. If you're into water activities, take a break from your hotels and catch a wave! 

The coastal line that marks the beginning of the Ballena Bay in Puntarenas is in the shape of a whale’s tale, and Ballena Bay just happens to be where whales migrate to mate and birth their calves each year. Check which resorts are close to this bay!

With a variety of transfer options, Amstar provides transportation to and from the airport and your resort. Look for the professional Amstar staff in the blue-flowered shirt upon your arrival.

Enhance your vacation with an Amstar excursion, guided by local experts. These breathtaking experiences include coral reef diving, trail hiking adventures, luxury catamaran cruises and more. Enjoy memorable travel moments, all stress-free.

Amstar’s expert customer support team is available to you 24/7. You’ll be provided with meet-and-greet services at the airport, destination information in your resort and round-the-clock support by phone, email or social media.