Costa Rica’s rainforests and breathtaking landscapes make it the perfect place for those looking to unwind in nature or seek a bit of adventure. At Nayara Tented Camp, you can experience the best of both worlds, luxury and wilderness, while staying in beautiful tented villas that offer complete privacy. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful retreat or exploring the iconic Arenal Volcano nearby, there's something here for everyone. In this guide, Jet Set Getaways’ advisor, Lisa Heller, shares her personal experiences, highlighting the top accommodations, dining, and activities that make Nayara Tented Camp a true gem in Costa Rica.
How Do You Get to Nayara Tented Camp?
Traveling to Nayara Tented Camp from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José offers two primary options: driving or flying. Driving provides a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour journey through Costa Rica's lush landscapes, allowing for flexibility and the opportunity to explore along the way. However, road conditions can vary, and navigation may be challenging for some.
Alternatively, domestic flights to Arenal Airport, located about 7 km east of La Fortuna, offer a quicker 30-minute transit, followed by a short drive to the camp. We flew via a private charter flight; however, SANSA offers small group flights depending on the day and time you arrive.
Choosing between these options depends on your preference for convenience versus the desire to experience the country’s terrain firsthand. I always suggest flying domestic when possible to save yourself the time, especially after a long travel day! And trust me, you’ll want as much time as possible at Nayara Tented Camp. It is spectacular!
Things to Do in La Fortuna
Hanging bridges
There are so many adventurous activities to choose from, you’ll have a hard time narrowing it down to just a few! Our favorites were canyoning, ziplining, and a combination tour of the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Arenal Hanging Bridges. It was raining for most of the Hanging Bridges and waterfall tour, but that didn’t stop us! We threw on our ponchos, and off we went. On a sunny day, you can usually catch a view of the Arenal Volcano; unfortunately, we weren’t so lucky. I guess that just means we’ll have to go back!
Canyoning
Canyoning was incredible; my kids still talk about it! Rappelling down a cliff with water cascading over us was truly unforgettable. It was such a great bonding experience for our family to get out of our comfort zones and try something completely new together. The Monkey Drop was by far our favorite part; it’s a mix of ziplining and canyoning and so much fun! This is a day we will truly never forget.
Ziplining
Equally incredible was the ziplining! If you’re looking to get your heart racing, this definitely won’t disappoint. We soared over the rainforest canopy at unmentionable heights! My kids went tandem since they weren’t quite heavy enough to go on their own. I definitely questioned why I was making them do this in the moment, but they absolutely loved it. They were truly thrilled by the experience. Core memories were made!
Frog Walk
Nayara Tented Camp offers a complimentary frog walk twice a week, guided by knowledgeable naturalists. This nocturnal excursion gives guests the chance to observe a variety of frog species in their natural habitat, including the vibrant red-eyed tree frog, the translucent glass frog, and the colorful poison dart frog. The experience offers fascinating insight into the behaviors and ecosystems of these amazing amphibians and really deepens your connection to the rainforest.
Our family absolutely loved this activity; it was definitely one of the highlights of our stay at Nayara! We couldn’t believe our eyes or ears. You have never truly heard frogs until you’ve gone on a frog walk at night! I honestly couldn’t believe the sounds we were hearing were frogs and not birds. My kids were obsessed with seeing all the different frogs, but the red-eyed tree frog stole the show. This is a not-to-miss activity!
Dining
Guests at Nayara Tented Camp have access to a diverse culinary scene across the Nayara Resorts. Ayla offers modern Mediterranean dishes with Middle Eastern influences, all set against stunning views of the infinity pool and rainforest. La Terraza del Arenal provides open-air dining with a menu of local and international cuisine, often accompanied by live music in the evenings. Asia Luna presents a fusion of Costa Rican and Asian flavors, creating a truly unique dining experience. For adults seeking a more elevated evening, Amor Loco at Nayara Springs delivers artistic interpretations of local ingredients in an intimate, fine-dining setting.
All of the food was phenomenal! I especially loved that breakfast could be served in your room right next to your private pool, so you can dine in your robe and slippers while watching toucans fly by. It was absolutely magical!
Spa
The open-air spa at Nayara Tented Camp is nestled deep within the rainforest, offering treatments that incorporate locally sourced ingredients like organic coffee, chocolate, and volcanic mud. The spa’s design allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, with every treatment accompanied by the soothing sounds of the jungle.
One of the highlights is the volcanic mud bath experience, which uses mineral-rich mud from the Arenal region to rejuvenate the skin and promote deep relaxation. I was completely in a trance listening to the gentle rain fall while receiving my massage, truly one of the most unique spas I’ve ever experienced!
Bonus: The spa also offers “Mommy and Me” experiences, so you can treat your kids to a little pampering too!
Accommodations
The tents at Nayara Tented Camp are thoughtfully designed to blend luxury with nature. Each spacious tent features a four-poster king-size bed, two twin-size daybeds perfect for children, indoor and outdoor double showers, and a private terrace with a heated plunge pool fed by natural hot springs. Elevated on stilts to minimize environmental impact, the accommodations also offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.
Hot Springs
Nayara Tented Camp boasts five thermal hot springs on the property, naturally heated by the nearby Arenal Volcano. These springs are beautifully integrated into the resort’s lush landscape, creating peaceful spots to relax and unwind. The mineral-rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties, offering a rejuvenating experience that feels completely in tune with nature.
This was the perfect place to hang out after a full morning of adventure; we truly never wanted to leave!
How Can I Make You VIP?
I have great relationships at Nayara Tented Camp. My clients will receive VIP status and perks similar to the below at no additional cost!!!
Complimentary breakfast for two
$100 resort credit per stay
Early check-in & late checkout (based on availability)
Room upgrades upon check-in (subject to availability)
Are You Ready to Jet to Costa Rica?
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to follow me on Instagram @luxury_travel_with_lisa. Send me a DM or write your inquiries in the “contact” section of this website and choose to work with me, Lisa Heller. I’d love to help you plan the perfect trip!
