Contents
Let’s be honest—traveling as a vegan can sometimes feel like a game of “Will This Have Cheese?” But not in Costa Rica. This place gets it. Between the jungle, the beaches, and the obsession with fresh fruit, Costa Rica is quietly becoming one of the best places on Earth for vegan travel. And yes, that includes staying in a full-on Costa Rica vegan resort where the menu is plant-based, the hammocks are plentiful, and the only thing getting roasted is a sweet potato.
Looking for Costa Rica Vegan Resort?
First off, Costa Ricans love fresh food. This is a country where papayas grow like weeds and avocados are the size of your head. Add in a national cuisine that’s already based on rice, beans, and tropical produce, and you’ve got a very vegan-friendly foundation.
But it doesn’t stop at food. There’s a strong focus here on sustainability, nature, and wellness—so plant-based resorts, yoga retreats, and eco-hotels have flourished in all the right corners of the country. Basically, if you’re looking for a vegan wellness retreat in Costa Rica, your only problem will be choosing one.
What to Expect From a Vegan Resort in Costa Rica
Not sure what a vegan resort actually is? Think of it as your tropical escape minus the dairy, meat, and awkward menu requests.
Most vegan resorts in Costa Rica go all in:
- 100% plant-based kitchens with organic, local ingredients
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- Spa treatments with cruelty-free, natural products
- Eco-conscious design (think bamboo bungalows, solar energy, compost toilets that don’t smell weird)
- No leather, no animal testing, and definitely no “fish sauce surprise”
Some also offer detox programs, raw food menus, and workshops on everything from cacao ceremonies to permaculture.
So yeah—it’s not just a hotel stay. It’s a vibe.
Best Areas in Costa Rica for Vegan Resorts
While you’ll find vegan-friendly hotels in Costa Rica across the country, a few areas really stand out:
- Nicoya Peninsula (Nosara, Montezuma, Santa Teresa) – This zone is pure magic. Surf towns with barefoot energy, endless smoothie bowls, and more yoga mats than people. If you want waves, green juice, and jungle trails all in one place—start here.
- Uvita & Dominical – Laid-back coastal towns on the South Pacific, home to wellness-focused eco-lodges and plant-based jungle escapes. Perfect for whale watching in the morning and vegan tacos in the evening.
- Monteverde – If cloud forests are more your thing, this is the spot. Chill temperatures, dreamy views, and vegan lodges surrounded by hummingbirds and misty trees. Great for hiking + hot herbal tea.
- Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) – A little reggae, a little spice, and a whole lot of coconut. The Caribbean side is known for bold flavors and creative plant-based dishes, often with Afro-Caribbean influence.
Top Experiences at a Vegan Resort in Costa Rica
It’s not just about the food—though, let’s be real, that’s a big part of it. Here’s what a typical day might look like:
- Wake up to howler monkeys (they’re your jungle alarm clock)
- Sip fresh ginger tea before a beachfront vinyasa session
- Enjoy a breakfast of papaya, traditional tamales, and homemade almond milk coffee
- Join a farm tour to pick your own lunch
- Get a cacao body wrap at the spa
- Watch the sunset from a natural hot spring
- Finish with a raw lasagna and cashew cheesecake under the stars
And repeat.
Not Just for Vegans
Here’s the secret: you don’t have to be vegan to love these places.
Many guests at plant-based resorts in Costa Rica aren’t fully vegan—they’re just looking to eat clean, feel good, and not have to decode a menu every night. If you’re curious about veganism or just want a reset, this is the chillest way to try it.
Plus, who says no to dragonfruit smoothies and outdoor jungle showers?
Looking for More Than Just Plant-Based Meals?
If you’re all about clean eating and discovering places that don’t show up on every tourist’s Instagram feed, we’ve got something for you. Our free eBook — “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of” — is packed with off-the-beaten-path spots, local secrets, and experiences that go way beyond the usual tour list.
Whether you’re into jungle waterfalls, quiet coastal towns, or wild nature with zero crowds, this guide was made for curious travelers like you. Download it now and start planning your not-so-average Costa Rica trip.
What to Check Before You Book
Not all “vegan resorts” are created equal. Some are 100% plant-based, others are vegan-friendly (meaning they have options, but also serve eggs or fish). A few things to double-check:
- Is the entire kitchen vegan, or just the menu?
- Do they use cruelty-free toiletries?
- Is the resort plastic-free or low-waste?
- What kind of food do they serve? Raw gourmet? Comfort vegan? Ayurvedic?
Also, check the vibe—some are luxury wellness retreats with full spa menus, others are barefoot jungle lodges with compost toilets. Both great, just different flavors of pura vida.
Tips for Traveling Vegan in Costa Rica
Even outside of resorts, Costa Rica is pretty easy for plant-based travelers. Here’s how to keep things smooth:
- Learn a few key phrases like: “Soy vegano/a. No como carne, pescado, huevos ni leche.” (“I’m vegan. I don’t eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy.”)
- Look for dishes like: Gallo pinto (rice and beans—vegan if cooked without lard), Patacones (fried plantains), Casados with vegetables (ask to skip cheese/meat)
- Visit local farmers’ markets (called ferias) for fresh tropical produce
- Download the HappyCow app for vegan-friendly spots near you
Final Thoughts: Jungle, Kindness, and Cashew Cheese
If your dream vacation involves toucans, turmeric lattes, and not having to explain your diet to every waiter you meet—Costa Rica’s vegan resorts are where it’s at. Whether you’re doing a full-on wellness retreat or just want a few nights of clean, conscious living in the jungle, there’s a place here with your name (and maybe a hammock) on it.
Because let’s be honest—pura vida just tastes better plant-based.
