Sarapiquí Hotels in Costa Rica

Stay in Sarapiquí: A Rainforest Paradise!

Just 1.5 hours from San José, nestled amidst the lush rainforests of Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, lies the Sarapiquí region. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty, with outstanding rainforest examples at La Selva Biological Reserve and Tirimbina, Sarapiquí offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the tropics. Beyond its natural splendor, Sarapiquí boasts a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times. Discover the legacy of the Votos Indians, the indigenous people who inhabited these fertile lands before Spanish colonization. Learn how the desire for an access route to the San Juan River shaped the region’s development, leading to its official designation as a canton in 1915. From captivating wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes and intriguing history, Sarapiquí promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest.

We have been designing amazing Costa Rica travel tours to Sarapiquí for over 20 years. Contact us and let’s start planning your dream Costa Rica vacation.

Best Things to Do in Sarapiquí

Pierella Ecological Garden Tour

Immerse yourself in a world of butterflies, sloths, exotic fruits, and local flavors. Explore trails, learn about cocoa, and volunteer for butterfly conservation. This family-run haven awaits!

Sarapiquí River Boat Safari

Sail the Sarapiquí River and witness vibrant flora and fauna. Spot monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and more in their natural habitat. Comfortable boats and expert captains ensure an unforgettable Costa Rica wildlife adventure.

Sarapiquí Whitewater Rafting

Paddle through lush rainforests and farmlands on the Sarapiquí River, just an hour from La Fortuna. Choose between a family-friendly float or an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure with Class II-III rapids. Experienced guides and safety kayakers ensure a thrilling journey. Our recommendation among Sarapiquí hotels is Ara Ambigua. It is nestled in the heart of Sarapiquí, offering ideal access to regional adventures.

OTS La Selva Day Walk

Discover one of the world’s best rainforest research centers! La Selva boasts diverse wildlife including monkeys, toucans, sloths, and more. Witness the wonders of tropical ecology firsthand! As an ideal Sarapiquí hotel to immerse yourself in the vibrant local beauty and centrally located home base, La Quinta is the hotel.

Tirimbina Biological Reserve Walk

Experience the biological richness of the rainforest at Tirimbina. Witness diverse wildlife, from monkeys and toucans to sloths and poison dart frogs. Explore extensive trails, cross the Sarapiquí River on a suspension bridge, and delve into the fascinating world of bats and chocolate!

Alvaro’s Macaws Sanctuary

Nestled amongst the lush rainforests of Sarapiquí, this unique macaw farm offers a rare opportunity to learn about and admire these vibrant birds. Witness both Scarlet and Great Green Macaws in their natural habitat, rescued and rehabilitated by the owner Don Alvaro.

Poás Volcano National Park

En route to Sarapiquí, make a detour to the awe-inspiring Poás Volcano National Park. Situated in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, the park boasts diverse habitats, from scrub forests to cloud forests, teeming with epiphytic plants like mosses, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. Witness the majestic crater and marvel at the breathtaking views.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

On your way to Sarapiquí, explore Braulio Carrillo National Park. Nestled in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, this diverse park shelters lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Cultural Tours in Sarapiquí

Rainforest Chocolate Tour

This fun-filled chocolate tour educates visitors about cacao, its origin, history, and production. See how cocoa pods transform into delicious chocolate and savor the tastes at every stage. Perfect for families, children will love it!

Banana Tour

Discover sustainable agriculture at the Cultural Banana Tour. Learn about tropical farming, explore diverse crops, and sample delicious products like “tostón Sarapiqueño,” plantain empanadas, and banana flour.

San Miguel Farm Tour

Join Irene and Gabriel at their Sarapiquí farm. Discover “micro plantations” of diverse tropical crops like coffee, pineapple, turmeric, and more. Learn about small-scale agriculture and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch with stunning river views.

Doña Marzarella Home Lunch

Doña Marzarella and family moved from coffee farming in the mountains to black pepper in the Sarapiquí lowlands. Now, she welcomes visitors for home-cooked meals and Spanish immersion experiences.

Wildlife Observation in Sarapiquí

In Sarapiquí, you can find an incredible diversity of wildlife and birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts looking for a Costa Rica photography tour. Here are some highlights:

• White-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys
• Two-toed and three-toed sloths
• Coatis and agoutis
• Bats: Over 100 species of bats call Sarapiquí home, including the impressive Honduran white-tent making bat.
• Tapirs and anteaters

Reptiles and amphibians: Green iguanas, basilisk lizards, river turtles, caimans. Also, poison dart frogs, glass frogs, and tree frogs are just a few of the many amphibians you might encounter. More than 450 species of birds are found in Sarapiquí, among them: Keel-billed toucan, Broad-billed Motmot, Green Kingfisher, White-necked Puffbird, Great Green Macaw, Tawny-capped Euphonia, Orange-billed Sparrow, and Montezuma Oropendola.

How to Get to Sarapiquí

Sarapiquí is conveniently located less than 100 km from the capital city.

• Private transfer by bus with one of our private bilingual drivers for approximately 2 hours
• Vara Blanca route: This scenic route offers dramatic waterfalls, including San Fernando and La Paz.
• Braulio Carrillo National Park route: This route offers a more direct and faster journey through the stunning Braulio Carrillo National Park.

Visit Sarapiquí with Costa Rica Sun Tours

Sarapiquí is a nature lover’s paradise teeming with diverse flora and fauna! It offers an unforgettable experience where you can immerse yourself in lush rainforests by hiking the trails of La Selva or exploring by boat or raft the Sarapiquí verdant river. Contact us to help you arrange your perfect trip to Sarapiquí.