Destination Guide to Costa Rica

Lush rainforest landscapes, wildlife-rich coastlines, eco-luxury retreats and gentle adventure adapted for comfort and accessibility.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive via San José (SJO – Juan Santamaría) or Liberia (LIR – Daniel Oduber Quirós). Both offer step-free access, pre-bookable mobility assistance, accessible restrooms and efficient arrivals. Provide airlines with mobility-aid dimensions and battery details if using powered equipment. Domestic flights connect key regions, though small aircraft have restricted mobility-aid capacity — check ahead.

Getting Around

Costa Rica’s most comfortable accessibility comes from private road transfers and carefully chosen eco-luxury lodges.

Private vehicles: Best way to explore; WAVs are available via specialist partners and select tour operators.
Road conditions: Roads vary; newer highways are smooth, while rural routes can be bumpy — pacing and planning matter.
Domestic flights: Useful for Pacific/Northwest regions; some restrictions apply for powered wheelchairs.
Boats: River and mangrove tours use larger, stabilised vessels with assisted boarding; small boats vary widely.
Urban transport: San José’s accessibility is improving; rely on private vehicles for comfort.

Destination Highlights

Themes

Rainforest & Wildlife: Accessible elevated walkways, canopy viewpoints, river cruises, birdwatching and wildlife centres offering level paths and calm, guided viewing.
Volcano & Geothermal Landscapes: Scenic drives, step-free lookouts, and hot-spring resorts with ramps, transfer bars and accessible soaking pools.
Coastlines & Calm Beaches: Pacific beaches, mangrove channels and coastal reserves with accessible boardwalks, shaded terraces and adapted marine excursions.

Regional Snapshot

Arenal & La Fortuna – Volcano views, hot-spring resorts, accessible rainforest trails, waterfall viewpoints via scenic drives.
Monteverde – Cloud forest with partial access; choose reserves with accessible hanging-bridge segments and paved forest paths.
Manuel Antonio – One of Costa Rica’s most accessible national parks with boardwalks, lookout points and calm beaches; luxury hotels with buggy mobility.
Guanacaste – Beach resorts with adapted rooms, accessible pools, oceanfront dining and gentle marine tours from larger boats.
Tortuguero – Best experienced by larger wildlife boats offering shaded, seated river cruises through canals; lodges vary in access.
Osa Peninsula – Biodiversity hotspot; choose high-end eco-lodges with boardwalks and guided, low-exertion nature routes.
San José – Museums, galleries, coffee estates and cultural districts with improving step-free options.

Cuisine & Culinary Exploration

Costa Rican cuisine is fresh, coastal and comfortingly simple — ideal for travellers who prefer nutritious, gently seasoned dishes.

Signature flavours: gallo pinto, grilled fish, ceviche, plantains, Casado plates, tropical fruits, cloud-forest coffee and chocolate.
Inclusive dining: Eco-lodges and high-end hotels offer step-free dining decks, accessible washrooms and calm, open-air restaurants with companion seating.
Curated tastings: Coffee plantation tastings, chocolate workshops, seated cooking classes, fruit-tasting picnics and chef’s forest-to-table menus.
Dietary needs: Many kitchens adapt for allergies, gluten-free, vegan and low-spice preferences.

Luxury Perspective

Costa Rica’s luxury focuses on immersive nature + comfort-first design. Expect:

Adapted suites with roll-in showers, wide entryways, level decking and forest or ocean views.
Eco-luxury lodges with boardwalk access, buggy transport, plunge pools with railings and spacious terraces.
Hot-spring resorts offering zero-entry pools, temperature-controlled soaking and accessible relaxation pavilions.
Marine experiences with stabilised catamarans, assisted boarding, shaded decks and floatation support for calm-water swims.
Private touring: Wildlife interpretation, coffee and cacao estates, artisan villages and coastal viewpoints designed around short, gentle circuits.

Attitudes

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are famously warm, welcoming and eager to help.
Eco-lodges and luxury hotels are accustomed to supporting accessibility needs and will arrange ramps, buggies and staff assistance when requested.
LGBTQ+ travellers experience a friendly, laid-back environment, especially in tourist zones and high-end hotels.

The Rules

Accessibility is strongest in modern hotels, nature reserves with designated trails, national parks with boardwalks and private eco-lodges.
Rainforest and volcano sites may have uneven surfaces, sloped terrain or limited step-free access — choose properties with adapted cabins, boardwalk sections and vehicle-assisted viewpoints.
Sun protection, hydration and insect precautions are essential.

Resources & Support

Specialist accessible-tour providers offer WAVs, mobility equipment hire, carers, shower chairs, ramps and tailored excursions.
Many national parks publish updated access notes for boardwalks, shuttles and restrooms.
Luxury lodges often have an accessibility liaison to coordinate mobility support, dining arrangements and environmental adaptations.

Final Tips

Plan two to three bases (e.g., Arenal + Manuel Antonio + Guanacaste) to reduce road time.
Pre-book WAVs, adapted rooms and accessible hot-spring facilities early in high season.
Rainforest humidity and surfaces vary — bring anti-slip aids and protection for mobility devices.
Choose morning wildlife excursions for cooler conditions and calmer viewing.
Expect rain any month; pack chair covers and water-resistant gear.
Clear communication helps lodges tailor support — Costa Rican hospitality is warm, proactive and adaptable.