Epic wildlife and sustainable luxury define travel to Costa Rica in 2024

One of the most biodiverse places on Earth, Costa Rica has long claimed the attention of eco-travelers with a spirit for adventure.

The tiny Central American nation is home to an outsized collection of natural wonders hemmed in by rugged Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and containing wildlife-rich jungles, towering volcanoes and extraordinary marine reserves that provide sanctuary to rare and endangered species.

An ecotourism pioneer in the 1990s and dubbed the "Switzerland of Central America," thanks to its mountainous landscapes and political stability in a sometimes volatile region, Costa Rica continues to raise the bar with its commitment to environmental protections; over 25% of its land is national parks and reserves.

For wilderness seekers who are well acquainted with Costa Rica's ecological riches or families looking to introduce their next generation to the "pura vida" lifestyle, travelers will find fresh impetus to plan a trip to this much-loved destination in 2024.

New exclusive resorts beckon eco-luxe travelers

For those looking to combine sustainable outdoor adventures with sumptuous accommodations, 2024 is when it all comes together.

A flurry of exciting new hotels is set to debut next year, but top billing goes to Nekajui, the sixth ultra-exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve property. Designed to blend harmoniously with the rugged, UNESCO-protected coastline, the 107-key property will comprise a main building that takes its cues from a traditional stone Costa Rican hacienda — complete with local artworks and design elements that celebrate the region's cultural heritage — as well as a series of treehouse-style buildings discreetly tucked into the hillside. Rooms, villas and residences will prioritize craftsmanship over opulence and feature canopied outdoor terraces, plunge pools, lavish bathrooms and sweeping views of Pochote bay.

Related: The 13 best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for beach visits or hiking trips

Nearby, the swanky 90-key Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste will be the brand's first Costa Rican outpost. Sustainable principles will underpin a design ethos that aims to connect guests to their environment through the use of organic materials, open spaces and plentiful natural light. Embodying the "pura vida" lifestyle, the clifftop retreat will feature a holistic wellness center and a cenote-inspired spa. The resort will also offer 19 condo residences and 22 estate homes.

Elsewhere, the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica comes back online following a multimillion-dollar renovation with a new beach club and expanded wellness offerings.

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For travelers looking for a low-key retreat with easy airport access, as well as proximity to San Jose's cultural attractions, the new Hyatt Centric in Escazu — another brand first for Costa Rica — will offer World of Hyatt loyalists an ideal bookend to a Costa Rica road trip.

Incredible wildlife viewing becomes more accessible

Until recently, only intrepid travelers headed south beyond Manuel Antonio to the untouched, wildly beautiful Osa Peninsula, where swathes of jungle-backed, pristine coastline unfurl to the Panamanian border. With unsurpassed wildlife viewing and a true focus on nature rather than attractions, several of the nation's best ecolodges can be found here, including the legendary Lapa Rios.

This pristine region has become more alluring and accessible (especially for points enthusiasts) thanks to the recent opening of Botanika Osa Peninsula, part of Hilton's Curio Collection. The eco-chic property places travelers within striking distance of Corcovado National Park, one of the best places on the planet to view sloths, toucans, giant anteaters, howler monkeys and ocelots.

Visit the region from August through December to witness one of the world's greatest natural attractions: Humpback whales migrating to Golfo Dulce, one of just four tropical fjords on the planet. The habitat, critical for the survival of whale species, was awarded Whale Heritage Site status in 2023, one of only eight such sites worldwide.

Getting there: New flight routes and great points redemptions

One of Costa Rica's greatest attributes is that it's relatively easy to reach from the U.S. There are dozens of direct daily flights from major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Newark, with legacy carriers, as well as additional services with Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

For 2024, several airlines are adding new flights to Costa Rica, including Delta Air Lines, which will boost its service from Atlanta with three additional flights per week to both San Jose and Liberia (for Papagayo) from Jan. 13, 2024. Flights on the Liberia route are currently available this winter starting at 26,000 Delta SkyMiles or $421 round trip.

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