Costa Rica – How to escape the crowds

26th November 2025

Costa Rica is a spellbinding destination, famous for its pristine rainforests, wild beaches, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife. Match this with its friendly people, national philosophy of Pura Vida (meaning pure life), and pioneering efforts in sustainability, it is easy to see why it is Central America’s leading destination to visit.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Costa Rica

Knowing what to include in a Costa Rica itinerary or how to make the most of your time here, can feel overwhelming. At Travel Differently, we are constantly uncovering authentic travel experiences to ensure that every tailormade trip is both meaningful and unforgettable.

Below is just a snippet of the hidden gems in Costa Rica and off-the-beaten-path experiences we recommend for your next adventure. Contact our Costa Rica experts here to find out more.

Arenal- But Not as You Know It!

Arenal may be known as Costa Rica’s adventure capital, famous for zip-lining, hanging bridges, and Arenal volcano hikes. And yes- you’d be right to question our judgement for including it in a blog focussed on Off-the-Beaten Path travel. But beyond the classic tours, Arenal hides a world of community-run experiences that most travellers never see. Local families open their homes, farms, and kitchens to highlight authentic Costa Rican food and daily life.

When our travel expert Scarlett explored the region recently, she visited Dona Mara’s Kitchen and experienced a private tortilla and “chilera” (hot sauce) cooking class, where Dona Mara shared her secret recipes passed down through generations. This was a wonderful experience which felt personal, authentic, and completely different from the typical Arenal tours.

As well as this, we can arrange a private picnic along the Burro River, located in a family ranch, where sloths often laze and cacao pods grow. Alternatively, for something after dark, visit a family-owned organic farm for a private Costa Rican candlelit dinner.

A Jungle hideaway- Costa Rica’s hidden gem

Stay at a remote jungle lodge in Costa Rica, hidden deep within pristine primary rainforest, where the only way in and out is by rafting along the rushing rapids of the Pacuare River. Pacuare Lodge is one of Costa Rica’s most unique eco-lodges, offering an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path adventure far from the typical tourist trail.

Here guests can soar through the jungle canopy on a zipline, take a dip in nearby waterfalls, or hike to a nearby Indigenous Cabecar village to sample traditional cuisine and learn about local culture. This was a standout highlight for our travel expert Sinead who regarded it as challenging, rewarding and very immersive.

Pacuare Lodge isn’t just adventure and nature, but it’s also got responsible tourism at its core. The lodge employs all of its staff from nearby communities, with 95% of its guides coming from Turriabla. Operating on 100% renewable energy, Pacuare is a leader in sustainable travel in Costa Rica, and many of the ingredients serves in the restaurant are grown organically on-site (you can even enjoy a beer from its very own onsite micro-brewery).

Take a look at our Pure Luxury in Costa Rica and see how perfectly a stay here fits within a Costa Rica itinerary.

Pacific and Rainforest Charms- Onboard a small ship cruise in Costa Rica

Embark on a five-night small ship-cruise along Costa Rica’s South Pacific coastline, exploring remote, untouched regions that few travellers ever reach. Each day is filled with nature, coastal culture, and adventure, led by local experts who know these waters and rainforests better than anyone. During your journey, kayak the protected waters of the Golfo Dulce, a beautiful inlet home to dolphins and manta rays. Hike the jungle trails of Corcovado National Park, often hailed as “one of the most biologically intense places on Earth’’. Snorkel in the clear waters surrounding Isla del Cano, a remote a marine sanctuary known for its coral reefs, tropical fish, and occasional reef sharks and navigate the Sierpe Wetlands, one of Central America’s most extensive and biodiverse mangrove systems.

This small-ship expedition reveals a lesser-known Costa Rica, taking you deep into some of the country’s most remote, pristine, and wildlife-rich places. This experience takes you far beyond the typical tourist route and is an experience that everyone at Travel Differently is genuinely excited about.

So, can you travel differently to Costa rica?

Absolutely, you can! Costa Rica is a small but mighty destination offering its guests meaningful, immersive and responsible travel experiences. Whether you’re exploring volcanic landscapes, hiking through tropical rainforest or unwinding on its wild beaches, this country has something for everyone.

To find out more, get in touch and let’s start planning your Costa Rica adventure today: travelling differently, sustainably, and far beyond the guidebooks. For entry requirements into Costa Rica, read more here.

Summary

As you can see, we avoid the tourist traps and busy routes, to offer our guests unique and meaningful holidays. Give our Costa Rica experts a call and start planning your unique Costa Rica adventure today.

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