I Plan Trips to Costa Rica for a Living—and Here Are the Country’s Best Under-the-Radar Resorts

Costa Rica has long drawn travelers with its wildlife , volcanoes, and pura vida spirit. But even in a country this well traveled, some places remain far off the tourist circuit. After more than a decade of exploring its cloud forests, coastlines, and remote river valleys, I've learned that some of the country's most rewarding stays are found far from the classic resort trail. For curious travelers willing to venture farther afield, these boutique ecolodges pair thoughtful design with a serious commitment to sustainability and the landscapes around them. Here are five of my favorite under-the-radar resorts in Costa Rica .

Origins Lodge

Origins Lodge is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stepped into a dreamscape. Located high in the mountains of the Upala region in northern Costa Rica, the lodge overlooks the sweeping Tapir Valley, where mist rolls in like a living creature. With six one-bedroom lodges and one three-bedroom villa perched above the canopy, this property appeals to those seeking serenity, memorable meals, and immersive experiences in nature. Days here revolve around guided forest walks, lagoon paddles, and long, slow meals featuring locally grown organic ingredients and menus developed by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. The circular lodges, which have fire‑heated plunge pools, draw from ancestral building traditions. December through April typically brings clearer views, while the green (or rainy) season runs from May through November.

Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel

For travelers who like the idea of sleeping under canvas without giving up hotel comforts, Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel delivers. The property sits on a small island in the calm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya . Guests spend their days kayaking through mangrove channels, snorkeling around nearby islets, or heading out on nighttime bioluminescence tours. Evenings bring open-air dining under star-filled skies. Despite its secluded setting, the resort works well for both couples and families with adventurous kids. The dry season, from December through April, typically brings calmer seas.

Río Perdido

Set in the San Bernardo Lowlands near Bagaces, Guanacaste, Río Perdido is a geothermal retreat within a 1,500-acre private canyon reserve where hot rivers weave through volcanic rock. Guests can soak in thermal pools, soar across the canyon on zip lines, or explore nearly 20 miles of trails by foot or mountain bike. For a slower pace, there are mineral-rich waters and forest bathing. The property's 38 bungalows are perched among the trees, immersed in the surrounding landscape. A stay here might mean zip-lining in the morning, soaking in a hot river in the afternoon, and stargazing at night. While Río Perdido can be visited year-round, the shoulder months—May through June and November—typically bring fewer crowds.

Playa Cativo Lodge

Accessible only by boat, Playa Cativo Lodge sits on the Golfo Dulce, near Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, a biodiversity hot spot that's also home to Corcovado National Park. Scarlet macaws fly overhead, dolphins can be spotted in the gulf, and rainforest trails begin just steps from the rooms. The lodge operates entirely off-grid, powered by hydropower and solar energy, while providing upscale accommodations for guests. Activities range from guided wildlife hikes and kayaking through mangroves to cooking classes featuring locally grown ingredients. The months from December through April typically bring drier weather, though wildlife viewing is possible year-round.

Pacuare Lodge

Reaching Pacuare Lodge , on the Pacuare River near Turrialba, is an adventure in itself—most guests raft in. The reward is a rainforest retreat with just 20 suites. The lodge partners closely with local Indigenous communities, and its design reflects traditional craftsmanship. Days might include canyoning, birdwatching, or hiking to waterfalls. Evenings are candlelit, thanks to the lodge's commitment to limiting electricity use. December through May typically offers favorable conditions for rafting.

What these lodges share isn't simply their remoteness, but the way they bring travelers closer to the places they've come to see. Here, the rainforest hums just beyond your room, rivers become roads, and the natural world sets the rhythm of the day.

Rachel Gelfer Hornaday is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in trips to Costa Rica, Belize, and Panama. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Gelfer Hornaday by contacting rachel@centralamericajourneys.com .

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