Are you a vegan traveler dreaming of lush jungles, peaceful beaches, and delicious plant-based meals? Welcome to Costa Rica—a haven for all nature and animal lovers, and for those who want to stay true to their ethics also when it comes to choosing what to eat and where to stay, thanks to its growing number of 100% plant-based retreats.
As Pura Vida Traveling—your trusted travel partner in Costa Rica—we’ve gone beyond just food. More than a simple (yet selected) accommodation list, this guide helps answer the questions many vegan travelers may care about:
- Is the place sustainable and eco-conscious?
- Does it offer yoga, meditation, or wellness activities?
- Is it family- and child-friendly?
- Is it run by locals or women-owned?
- Are there animal rescue centers or national parks nearby?
- Are the owners vegan themselves?
Finally, to wrap it all up, we’ll share a few helpful tips on being vegan in Costa Rica, why to choose a vegan place to stay, and which traditional dishes you can enjoy or veganize along the way.
Let’s dive into your plant-based paradise!
Luxury Vegan & Vegan-Friendly Resorts ($$$$)
The Retreat Costa Rica – Atenas (vegan-friendly)
#6 Destination Spa & Resort in the World by the 2024 Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards
- Location: Entrada de adoquín, Atenas, Barrio Jesús 700 metros Oeste de la entrada de Barroeta, Alajuela Province, Atenas (near San José)
- Phone: +506 2106 3900
- Vegan-friendly; completely dairy-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free
- Sustainability: organic gardens, solar power, minimal plastic use, local ingredients
- Offers Yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic practices, and healing spa treatments
- Nearby: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
- Vegan- and woman-owned
- Price range: from $420 per night
Imiloa Institute – Dominical (100% vegan)
High-end retreat center that hosts immersive experiences for transformation and healing
- Location: Puntarenas Province, Savegre de Aguirre, 60602
- Phone: +1 305-600-0906
- 100% vegan
- Sustainability: Eco-built, solar-powered, plastic-free, permaculture gardens
- Offers Wellness retreats focused on yoga, conscious living, and personal growth
- Nearby: Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Barú Wildlife Refuge
- Price range: depends on the retreat package and season
Hotel Punta Islita – near Samara (vegan-friendly)
Luxury eco-resort supporting surrounding communities, environmental and social initiatives
- Location: 160, Guanacaste Province, Punta Islita, 50201
- Phone: +506 2549 6466
- Vegan-friendly
- Sustainability: community-based tourism, reforestation, and cultural preservation
- Offers Daily yoga classes, a serene spa, and holistic and wellness activities
- Art workshops, reforestation projects, and traditional cooking classes
- Nearby: Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Macaw Recovery Network, Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas
- Family-friendly
- Price range: from 400$ per night
Midrange Vegan Resorts & Retreats ($$–$$$)
Mother Earth Vegan Hotel – Tamarindo (100% vegan)
Costa Rica’s first 100% vegan boutique hotel and a true pioneer in the conscious travel scene
- Location: 100 meters west of AYA, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo
- Phone: +506 8791 8402
- 100% vegan
- Sustainability: Eco-materials, solar-powered, plastic-free, composting, saltwater pool to avoid chemical treatments, cruelty-free toiletries, bamboo linens, minimize waste
- Offers Rooftop yoga and wellness experiences
- Nearby: Las Baulas National Marine Park
- Owned by a vegan couple
- Adults (16+) only
- Price range: from 300$ per night
Selva Armonia Immersive Jungle Resort – Uvita (100% vegan)
An immersive resort all surrounded by lush jungle and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean
- Location: Road on the right, 5km up, Calle la Union, Provincia de Puntarenas, Uvita, 60504
- Phone: +506 8618 4114
- 100% vegan
- Sustainability: Built with reclaimed wood, permaculture gardens, and composting
- Offers Daily yoga, meditation, sound healing, and holistic retreats
- Nearby: Marino Ballena National Park
- Price range: from 150$ per night
Book Selva Armonia Immersive Resort
Waterfall Villas – Dominical (vegetarian)
Peaceful boutique eco-retreat with private waterfalls promoting a plant-based life
- Location: 5 km por direcion Perez Zeledon desde Dominical, San José, Baru - Dominical, 99999
- Phone: +506 8882 7687
- Almost 100% vegan, specialized in vegan and raw vegan food, with gluten-free and soy-free options
- Sustainability: Solar power, greywater systems, bamboo architecture, no single-use plastics
- Offers Ayurveda practices, yoga, detox, and healing retreats
- Nearby: Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Marino Ballena National Park
- Owned by a vegan woman
- Price range: from 170$ per night
Budget-Friendly Vegan/Vegetarian Stays ($–$$)
Finca de Vida (Farm of Life) – Dominical (vegetarian)
Eco-conscious retreat committed to promoting veganism and holistic health
- Location: San José Province, Pérez Zeledón
- Phone: +506 8893 7407
- Mostly vegan; also vegetarian, raw, fruitarian
- Sustainability: Solar-powered, spring water, permaculture, natural construction
- Offers Off-grid living, daily yoga, meditation, wellness workshops, and detox programs
- Nearby: Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, Marino Ballena National Park
- Family- and child-friendly
- Owned by a vegan couple
- Price range: from 90$ per night
Cascada Elysiana – Dominical (vegetarian)
Eco-Lodge and Retreat Center for a wonderful introspective, remote, and natural experience
- Location: San José Province, Pérez Zeledón
- Phone: +506 8619 0439
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
- Immersed in the jungle with a private waterfall and trails on-site
- Sustainability: solar power, composting toilets, spring water, minimal plastic use
- Offers Yoga, meditation, and eco-retreats
- Nearby: Marino Ballena National Park
- Vegan-owned
- Price range: from 70$ per night
Villas Jacquelina – Quepos (vegetarian)
Familly owned boutique hotel designed with a tree house spirit in mind
- Location: C. 2, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, 60601
- Phone: +506 8345 1516
- Vegetarian breakfast, with vegan options
- Sustainability: rainwater collection, composting, local sourcing
- Offers Rooftop yoga classes, guided sunrise meditations, breathwork, contrast therapy (cold plunge + sauna), and spa services; occasionally hosts yoga retreats.
- Nearby: Manuel Antonio National Park
- Price range: from $50 per night
Is it hard to be vegan in Costa Rica?
Short answer: Not really—but it depends on where you go. In larger cities and popular tourist towns like Nosara, Puerto Viejo, and Santa Teresa, you’ll find excellent vegan options: from organic markets and smoothie bars to plant-based restaurants and even fully vegan resorts.
In more rural areas, vegan choices might be a bit more limited—but the good news is that many traditional Costa Rican dishes are accidentally vegan or can be easily adapted.
Ticos (the people of Costa Rica) are generally kind and happy to accommodate dietary needs, especially if you know a few helpful phrases:
- "Sin carne, por favor" – No meat, please
- "Sin pescado, por favor" – No fish, please
- "Sin huevos, por favor" – No eggs, please
- "Sin queso, por favor" – No cheese, please
- "Soy vegano/a" – I’m vegan
- "¿Hay opciones veganas?" – Are there any vegan options?
Traditional Costa Rican dishes that are vegan or easy to veganize
- Gallo Pinto: Rice and beans cooked with onion, cilantro, and bell pepper—Costa Rica’s national breakfast dish. Just skip the egg or "natilla" (sour cream).
- Casado Vegano: A hearty plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and sautéed veggies. Ask for it sin carne.
- Patacones: Fried green plantains served with guacamole or black bean dip.
- Sopa Negra: A flavorful black bean soup with cilantro and onions. Just omit the egg if included.
- Chorreadas: Corn pancakes that can be made dairy-free.
- Fruits Galore: Fresh pineapple, papaya, mango, guava, watermelon—the tropics at their best.
Why choose a vegan place to stay in Costa Rica?
Choosing a vegan place to stay is a way to stay aligned with your values, not only in what you eat, but also in the places you choose to support. If you care deeply about animals and the planet, a vegan-friendly resort helps carry those values throughout your entire journey.
After a day spent admiring Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, connecting with nature, and engaging in conversations about conservation and animal protection, it feels all the more meaningful to return to a place that shares your respect for all living beings— and that cares for the environment in thoughtful, tangible ways.
Plus, staying in this kind of space often means meeting like-minded travelers, making it easier to feel inspired, understood, and truly at home wherever you are.
Practical Advice for Vegan Travelers in Costa Rica
Traveling as a vegan in Costa Rica can be a delicious and enriching experience, especially when you're a little prepared. And with these 3 simple tips, you'll be navigating the land of pura vida with ease.
- Download the HappyCow app, a lifesaver when it comes to locating vegan-friendly restaurants.
- Ask ahead if staying in smaller hotels—many are more than happy to prepare vegan meals if they know in advance.
- Pack a few snacks if heading into rural areas or on long hikes. But keep in mind that most National Parks in Costa Rica don’t allow outside food to protect wildlife; however, many now offer small cafés or shops (in delimited areas) where you can find vegan options.
Ready to Book Your Vegan Adventure?
Whether traveling solo, with your partner, as a family, or on a soulful yoga journey, Costa Rica is filled with vegan-friendly eco retreats that align with your values and budget.
Let’s start planning your vegan escape to paradise! At Pura Vida Traveling, we make your trip easy—not only by helping you find the perfect place to stay, but also by booking your tours and transportation (or a car) all in one place. Our goal is to make your adventure stress-free, heart-centered, and cruelty-free from start to finish.
Need more info? Be sure to check out our blog—our guides on The Best Vegan Restaurants in Costa Rica and How to Be Vegan in Costa Rica are coming soon!
Pura Vida!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for vegans! While traditional Costa Rican cuisine includes rice, beans, and plantains—many of which are naturally vegan—the country has also embraced wellness tourism, which means more plant-based options are popping up all the time. In popular destinations like Nosara, Uvita, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, and San José, you'll find a growing number of vegan-friendly and fully vegan restaurants, juice bars, and cafés. Plus, the country’s abundant fruits, veggies, and fresh tropical produce make eating vegan not only easy but delicious and nourishing.
Many all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica now offer vegan options, especially those that focus on wellness, sustainability, or cater to international guests. Some high-end or boutique resorts offer 100% vegan or vegan-friendly menus, plant-based cooking classes, and wellness programs tailored to vegan lifestyles. When the resort is not fully vegan, most of them will accommodate dietary preferences upon request. If you're planning to stay at an all-inclusive, we recommend reaching out in advance to confirm their vegan offerings or request customized meals.
Definitely. Costa Rica is considered one of the most vegan-friendly countries in Central America. While traditional “Tico” cuisine is simple and often includes animal products, it also features many plant-based staples such as rice, beans, yuca, plantains, and fresh vegetables. Over the past decade, a growing health and wellness movement has led to a boom in vegan cafés, smoothie bars, and health food stores.
A vegan hotel is an accommodation that caters specifically to plant-based travelers. This means that all meals offered are 100% vegan, with no animal products used in the kitchen. But many vegan hotels go beyond food—they often avoid using animal-derived materials (like leather or wool) in furniture and decor, provide cruelty-free toiletries, and focus on eco-conscious practices.
Yes, you can easily eat vegan in Costa Rica, especially in areas popular with tourists and wellness travelers. Many restaurants offer vegan or vegetarian menus. In more rural areas or traditional “sodas” (small local restaurants), you can still find vegan-friendly options like gallo pinto, rice with vegetables, beans, fried plantains, and salads.
