PURA VIDA — THE PURE LIFE
Luxury Costa Rica Holidays from the UK
~11 hrs
DIRECT FROM LONDON
Pura
VIDA
ATOL
PROTECTED
Why Costa Rica
100+
HAND-VETTED RESORTS
More Nature Than Almost Anywhere
Costa Rica packs more nature into a small country than almost anywhere — cloud forests and volcanoes, two coastlines of surf and sand, and a quarter of its land protected. This is the home of the eco-lodge and of 'pura vida', where you can zip-line through rainforest, watch turtles nest and spot sloths and toucans, all within a single week.
At HighStreet Holidays we don't simply book Costa Rica — we route it: a volcano, a cloud forest and a beach finish, with the transfers and guided wildlife experiences arranged.
With access to a carefully vetted portfolio, from rainforest eco-lodges to Pacific beach retreats, we build a Costa Rica that delivers nature, adventure and 'pura vida' in one seamless loop.
Costa Rica turns everyone into a wildlife enthusiast. Sloths, toucans and a volcano before breakfast — and the warmest 'pura vida' welcome anywhere.
Signature Experiences
Moments That Linger
Costa Rica rewards the traveller who comes for nature. These are the experiences our clients come home remembering.
Arenal Volcano
The near-perfect cone of Arenal above the rainforest — hot springs, hanging bridges and hikes, the classic first stop of any Costa Rica loop.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The misty, otherworldly cloud forest — hanging bridges through the canopy, hummingbirds and the chance of the elusive quetzal.
Wildlife Watching
Sloths, toucans, monkeys and morpho butterflies — and nesting turtles at Tortuguero. Costa Rica's wildlife is the reason most people come.
Two Coastlines
The Pacific's surf, sunsets and beach resorts, and the Caribbean's laid-back, Afro-Caribbean culture — two very different coasts in one trip.
Adventure
Zip-lining over the canopy, white-water rafting and waterfall rappelling — Costa Rica is the adventure capital of Central America.
Eco & Pura Vida
World-leading eco-lodges, national parks and a genuine conservation ethic — slow, sustainable travel done better here than almost anywhere.
Featured Properties
Where You'll Stay
Every hotel, resort and lodge we feature has been carefully vetted by our specialists — the addresses our clients return to, year after year.
Recommended Packages
Curated for Every Occasion
Every package includes return flights from your nearest UK airport (lowest fares ex-London), private transfers, daily breakfast and selected experiences — tailored by your specialist.
Most Popular
7 Nights
Costa Rica Triangle: Volcano, Rainforest, Beach
- San José arrival (SJO) - private transfer to Arenal (~3 hours)
- 2 nights Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa Arenal (hot springs)
- 2 nights Arenas del Mar Manuel Antonio (rainforest+beach)
- 3 nights Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo (Pacific coast)
- Bed & breakfast | private transfers throughout | Arenal hanging bridges walk
- Return flights from London airports
Signature Journey
7 Nights
Nayara Springs & Andaz Papagayo
- San José arrival - chauffeured private transfer to Arenal (~3 hours)
- 3 nights Nayara Springs Arenal (Relais & Châteaux, adults-only)
- 4 nights Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo (Hyatt, premier suite)
- Half board | private transfers and guides
- Sloth-spotting morning at La Fortuna + Papagayo snorkelling
- Return flights from London airports
Ultra Luxury
7 Nights
Nayara Tented Camp & Four Seasons Papagayo
- San José arrival - chauffeured private 4x4 transfer to Arenal
- 3 nights Nayara Tented Camp (safari-style luxury, only 30 tents)
- 4 nights Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (premier ocean view suite)
- Half board | private guides throughout | helicopter transfer Arenal-Papagayo
- Private guided sailing day off Papagayo + private wildlife photographer-guide
- Return flights from London airports, premium cabin upgrade available
Looking for something different? Enquire below or call us on 020 3322 7866 and we'll curate a Costa Rica journey around you.
Best Time to Visit
When to Go
DRY SEASON
December to April
The sunniest, driest months and the prime season — ideal for the Pacific coast, the volcanoes and wildlife. The festive and Easter weeks are busiest; book ahead.
SHOULDER
May & November
The edges of the green season — greener, quieter and better value, with sunny mornings and the odd afternoon shower.
GREEN SEASON
May to November
Warm with afternoon rains — lush, dramatic and far quieter, with the best rates. Wildlife is active and the rainforest at its most vivid.
TURTLE SEASON
July to October
The main nesting season for sea turtles on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts — an unforgettable wildlife spectacle within the green season.
Sample Itinerary
A 10-Night Costa Rica Journey
Every itinerary we create is bespoke — this is simply one way a perfect loop unfolds.
1
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL
UK to San Jose
Your flight reaches San Jose, direct or via a hub. A transfer to your hotel and an easy first evening in the capital.
2
DAYS 2-4 — THE VOLCANO
Arenal
North to Arenal — the volcano, hot springs, hanging bridges and your first taste of the rainforest and its wildlife.
3
DAYS 5-6 — CLOUD FOREST
Monteverde
On to the misty cloud forest of Monteverde — canopy walks, zip-lines and hummingbirds, high in the mountains.
4
DAYS 7-9 — THE PACIFIC
Beach & Manuel Antonio
Down to the Pacific coast — the beaches and wildlife of Manuel Antonio, with sloths and monkeys in the trees above the sand.
5
DAY 10 — DEPARTURE
Homeward
A final morning before your transfer to San Jose and your flight home.
Make an Enquiry
Tell Us About Your Trip
Fill in the form below. Your specialist will be in touch within 2 hours — or first thing the following morning if you're enquiring out of hours.
1
Your holiday
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Tell us about your stay
Dates, party size, accommodation and budget.
Destination
Dates & party
Date flexibility
Adults
2
Children
0
Budget & accommodation
Budget per person (flights + hotel)
£4,500
£500£50,000+
Accommodation
Flights
Practical Information
Practical Information
Getting There
- Direct flights from London — around 11 hours (British Airways, seasonal), or via a US or European hub
- Connections from major regional UK airports
- Internal flights and transfers link the regions
- Costa Rica is 6 hours behind the UK
Entry Requirements
- UK passport holders: visa-free for stays of up to 90 days (longer stays of up to 180 days now permitted)
- Passport valid for your stay
- Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds
- A digital entry form may be required
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations are legally required for entry from the UK, but some are recommended
- See a travel clinic or your GP 6-8 weeks before you travel for personalised advice
- Mosquito-bite precautions are sensible in tropical areas
- Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
Currency & Local Notes
- The currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC); US Dollars are widely accepted, and cards work in most places
- Tap water is generally safe in main areas; bottled in remote spots
- Tipping is appreciated; a service charge is often included