fbpx
The Best Excursions and Day Trips in Costa Rica

The Best Excursions and Day Trips in Costa Rica

sunset on the water

The Best Excursions and Day Trips in Costa Rica

If you’re visiting the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, then you may want to consider renting an all-inclusive private villa for your stay.  Villa de la Luna is a large, spacious property, perfect for a family vacation. Boasting great amenities and ocean views, Villa de la Luna is the perfect base for exploring Costa Rica. See some of the best activities and excursions you can take in the Guanacaste region of the country and beyond. 

With pristine natural environments, incredible volcanoes and blissful beaches, there is so much to keep you occupied in Costa Rica

Sunset Boat Cruise

One of Guanacaste province’s finest beaches, Ocotal Beach also makes the perfect embarkation point for a luxury Costa Rican sunset cruise. Located within walking distance of Villa de la Luna, the 65-foot Don Bosco motor sailboat can take groups (minimum 8 passengers) out into the open ocean for a sunset cruise with plenty of wine and snacks. Alternatively, the boat can be hired for a day trip, which includes lunch on a private beach. Prices start at $85 per person for a sunset cruise, great value for a truly memorable evening. If you’re visiting Costa Rica between August and April then you have a decent chance of spotting some of the huge migratory pods of humpback whales, which are present in Costa Rica’s waters during this time of year.

Arenal Volcano

Located in the heart of Arenal Volcano National Park, this patch of Costa Rica is home to some of the best scenery to be found anywhere in the country. The now-dormant volcano dominates the landscape and the surrounding area is littered with volcanic formations including hot springs. Day trips running from Villa de la Luna include all of your transportation and the services of bi-lingual tour guides. You will get two meals included with your day trip and will enjoy a cruise across Arenal Lake and a dip in some of the natural volcanic hot springs, as well as being able to walk around the volcano and explore some of the national parks. With a minimum group size of 4 passengers, prices are estimated at around $185 per person, though these can vary.

arenal volcano hike costa rica

Palo Verde National Park

Costa Rica is a wildlife haven, home to some incredible species. Palo Verde National Park is located within Guanacaste province and is the perfect place to delve into this biodiverse country’s wildlife without straying too far from your villa. A river cruise tour of the national park allows visitors to see the rich mangrove forests, marshes and dry forest habitats which are home to amazing wildlife. Crocodiles laze on the river banks, sloths move clumsily through the trees and toucans swoop overhead in colorful flocks. Your river cruise will include transportation, an English-speaking tour guide and lunch.

Cloud Forest Tour

Another of Costa Rica’s magical natural environments are its mountain forests, suspended in the clouds, hence their name. Costa Rica’s cloud forests are home to 2.5% of all the world’s biodiversity, and much of this can be seen on a trip to the region. There are also some incredible hanging bridges to experience, as long as you don’t mind heights! Our cloud forest tour includes all your transportation and sightseeing, along with breakfast and lunch. You’ll also get access to the hanging bridges and a tropical butterfly garden, as well as time spent watching the tiny hummingbirds which live in the forest. At just $190 per person (4 person minimum) for all of this, there is really no better way to experience the country’s magical environments.

Custom Tours

As well as the range of excursions we have on offer, we can also create custom tours for you, if there’s somewhere you’d like to visit that isn’t currently featured on our list of excursions. We can also combine some of the existing tours to make you a custom tour at a better price. Simply get in touch with us to discuss any custom tour ideas you may have; the team will be happy to help.

 

Villa de la Luna has plenty to keep guests busy, with its private pool, open bar and catered service, it’s important you also venture out and explore some of the incredible sights that Costa Rica has to offer. With pristine natural environments, incredible volcanoes and blissful beaches, there is so much to keep you occupied in the country. For more information about all of the day trips offered, please click here.

Related Articles

COVID-19 Property Details

Your Safety Matters

Now more than ever, we are passionate about delivering an exceptional experience and truly memorable moments throughout your stay.

In response to current travel requirements surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we have put together a reference list of frequently asked questions and top resources for additional information.

We look forward to welcoming you.

What Are the Safety Protocols at the Villa

Villa de la Luna prides itself on exceptional service and pristine conditions.

To ensure the safety of our guests and staff, the staff has increased routine cleaning and sanitation daily throughout the property. They also wear a mask at all times.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

All vaccinated guests and minors are not required to purchase travel insurance before their trip.

For non-vaccinated guests, proof of insurance must be shown when entering Costa Rica.

For more information about whether or not you’ll need travel insurance, please click here

For pricing and travel insurance packages available, please click here.

Are Masks Required Outside the Property?

Yes, Costa Rica prides itself on following and upholding CDC protocols. 

CDC recommends that everyone wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

Do I Have to Provide a Negative COVID Test to Enter the Country?

No. But all U.S. tourists do need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure from the Villa. The same applies to tourists from other countries with layovers in the United States.

To learn more about the testing requirements and where you can get one, please click here.

Is the Staff Vaccinated?

Yes! All our staff members are fully vaccinated.

For more information regarding travel requirements, please click here to view the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica’s FAQ.

Contact Us Today!

5 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Costa Rica

5 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Costa Rica

costa rica travel

5 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Costa Rica

The Central American country of Costa Rica sometimes flies under the radar for travelers to Latin America, who prefer the larger heavy hitters such as Peru, Brazil, and Mexico. But in many ways, Costa Rica offers even more than these destinations for travelers. Pristine natural environments, active volcanoes, and blissful beaches are just some of the reasons you should make your next big adventure to Costa Rica. In this article, we’ll talk you through some of the main reasons why you should travel to Costa Rica.

Volcanoes

Costa Rica is a land dominated by volcanoes, making it perfect for an adventurous traveler. There are currently six active volcanoes in the country, as well as around 60 dormant ones. Many of these volcanoes are popular with travelers, who come to hike up to the craters and explore the surrounding scenery. Arenal volcano in the north of Costa Rica is probably the most popular, with natural hot springs and picturesque scenery to admire.

Beaches

The coastal areas of Costa Rica are as beautiful as inland. Guanacaste province in the north-west of the country is nicknamed the “Golden coast”, due to the sheer number of stunning sandy beaches that are on offer to travelers. Flamingo Beach, Playa Tamarindo and Playas del Coco are just some of the beaches on offer in the region, perfect for sunbathing, surfing and relaxing with your family. If you’re planning a beach break in Guanacaste, then why not rent out an all-inclusive villa with your friends or family? All the amenities of a luxury resort are included, with the added bonus of your privacy. Check out Villa de la Luna for more information.

Wildlife

Whilst many Latin American countries have sadly been desecrating their national environments, Costa Rica has long taken a different approach. The country is one of the most environmentally minded in the world, with protected forests, clean beaches, and strong wildlife laws. This makes it one of the best places in the world for spotting wildlife in its natural environment. Sloths laze about, toucans fly in colorful flocks from forest to forest, and howler monkeys swing through the trees. Meanwhile, at the coast, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, humpback whales breach the surface of the water, and saltwater crocodiles divide their time between the rivers and the sea. There is something remarkable to see at every turn.

costa rica travel toucan

National Parks

As mentioned, the Costa Rican authorities have protected much of their natural environment, and this is done mainly in the form of the creation of protected national parks. The cloud forest of Monteverde is home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, a staggering amount when noting its tiny size. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a wonderful place to visit, protecting this life for future generations. 

Coffee

It’s fair to say that the modern world thrives on coffee, most of us can’t function in the morning without our first cup. You may not know then that Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in the world – in fact, it is one of the country’s main exports and some estimates suggest that the average Costa Rican drinks six cups per day! If on vacation in Costa Rica, you’ll want to take a visit to one of the country’s coffee plantations and make sure to grab a bag of Costa Rica’s finest to bring home with you.

costa rica rainforest

If you care about the environment and love getting out and about with nature, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better vacation destination in the world than Costa Rica. The amazing wildlife, stunning scenery, and towering volcanoes combine to make it one of the most appealing travel destinations in the world. There are plenty of great hotels and resorts in the country, but for something extra special, and with an added dose of privacy, why not rent a private villa in Guanacaste province? Prices start at just $189 per person per night, and this price is all-inclusive, meaning you get every amenity you would expect from a luxury hotel, without having to share the pool with strangers! Villa de la Luna also overlooks the Pacific Ocean, giving you the most incredible morning view when savoring your first cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Related Articles

Why Costa Rica is the Perfect Family Vacation Destination

Why Costa Rica is the Perfect Family Vacation Destination

Why Costa Rica is the Perfect Family Vacation Destination

While it can sometimes seem stressful, traveling to Costa Rica allows families of all ages the chance to step out of their comfort zone and experience things they never have before. When choosing to vacation in Costa Rica, children will be exposed to a new culture and experience sights they’ve never seen before, and adults will have the opportunity to truly appreciate what’s around them by relaxing and being in the moment.

Traveling the world gives families the chance to connect in ways that aren’t possible at home.

Family Bonding

When on vacation, families fully dedicate all of their time to each other, creating a bonding experience like no other. Being away from the demands of the day-to-day, fast-paced life grants an opportunity for the family to spend time doing nothing but relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.

Whether deciding to enjoy a day at the Villa or out exploring Costa Rica on an excursion, any and every day of your trip provides an opportunity to make life-long memories both you, your kids and grandkids will treasure. Even the simplest experiences, such as sitting around the dinner table and sharing a meal together, can become cherished moments. Vacations are the time when parents can bond with their children and siblings can also spend quality time together.

New Cultures and Experiences

Traveling to Costa Rica will give you a unique chance to experience the people, food, and culture. Children tend to absorb knowledge more through experiential learning, like embracing new cultures and customs first hand, tasting new cuisines and being exposed to new languages. By choosing to travel to Costa Rica with younger children, it will not only broaden their sense of reality but will set them up for different experiences in the future.

World Appreciation

Taking a vacation is not just about taking pictures of beautiful sunsets and seeing different landmarks, it also encompasses an understanding of humanity and the world in general. Seeing the world will make travelers of all ages explore a new environment or meet interesting people who can offer a fresh perspective to life. Children are naturally more inquisitive than adults, so having them around makes the family as a whole see what they otherwise might not have noticed. And seeing children’s reactions to the world’s most extraordinary sights and scenery can remind an adult to feel that appreciation, too. Children also have a tendency to ask more questions, so by trying to provide an answer, the whole family can learn something new.

Life Enriching

One of the greatest benefits in traveling to Costa Rica is the way it enriches each person’s life. For a family, this can simply stem from enjoying a day spent relaxing at the Villa, having the time to spend with one another. Even short trips can encourage children to focus on accumulating memories and experiences, rather than possessions. Family adventures promote independence, self-confidence and interpersonal skills, and the more families travel together, the more their curiosity, sense of adventure, ideas grow.

Traveling to Costa Rica with family holds many benefits that will create life-long memories. From the moment you get to Costa Rica to long after arriving home, a vacation can be one of the most rewarding adventures a family can have together.

Related Articles

All-inclusive Dining at Villa de la Luna

All-inclusive Dining at Villa de la Luna

One of the best parts of traveling to another country is experiencing the flavors that belong to that country and culture. As part of the all-inclusive amenities, you’ll get to experience some of the best Latin cuisine prepared daily by our on-site chef. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as snacks and desserts. To see some of our favorites, click the menu below!


dining menu