Santa Elena is Monteverde's hub and is where local restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, and shops are found. If you'd like to stay close to the downtown area, you have several hotel options, and many still maintain those Costa Rican cloud forest vibes.
One of the appeals of Monteverde is its dense cloud forest, so you'll find many hotels surrounded by nature and offering a quiet reprieve in the jungle. You'll have your choice of eco-lodges with organic eateries, bungalows surrounded by protected rainforest, and plenty of options allowing you to watch wildlife right from your room.
Explore Namibia's wildlife-filled parks and dune-swept coastline on this compact tour. Start in the historic capital, Windhoek, then escape south to Etosha National Park to spot a kaleidoscope of African wildlife on safari. Continue along the remote Skeleton Coast to discover shipwrecks and German seaside towns, finishing in Sesriem for desert sunsets and cheetah sightings.
A cozy lodge is an excellent choice when staying in the misty cloud forests in Monteverde, as many sit in the jungle and offer views within or above the treetops. Sleep in luxury cabins with plush furnishings, area staples operating since the 1980s, or lodges with spas, outdoor pools, and fine dining restaurants.
Ideal for adventure lovers and active travelers, this nine-day, self-drive itinerary features the best of New Zealand's North Island. Board an ocean safari for dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands, explore New Zealand's rich Maori history, and experience the mighty power of the Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga. After beachcombing and snorkeling time at Snells Beach, head inland to Rotorua for rejuvenating geothermal pools, a Maori cultural dinner, and sparkling glowworm caves.
Arenal offers several lodges, many featuring iconic views of Arenal Volcano while also sitting within the Costa Rican jungle. Our top picks for accommodation in Arenal maintain an authentic atmosphere while still providing amenities like on-site eateries and hot springs. Enjoy staying in cabins, bungalows, and wooden rooms with warm decor and private outdoor spaces.
Arenal/La Fortuna offers a romantic mix of beautiful scenery, relaxing hot springs, and cultural activities—an ideal spot for a honeymoon or getaway with your partner. Our recommendations for the best hotels for a bit of romance include luxury stays where you get your own private bungalow and plunge pool, plus other properties surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle with fine-dining eateries and secluded hot springs.
The main attraction in Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's famed volcano, a cone-shaped peak often shrouded in clouds. Early morning is the best time to catch cloud-free views, so we recommend staying in an area hotel offering vistas of Arenal Volcano. Enjoy those views from your room with your morning coffee or common areas like open-air restaurants, hot springs, and yoga platforms.
Oslo is an expensive city, but Norway's capital has its share of affordable hotels that have renovated rooms, contemporary lounge spaces, and healthy complimentary breakfasts, adding to the appeal. Plus, you'll be within walking distance of all the city offers, including fjord excursions and top attractions like Palace Park and the Nobel Peace Center.
Uncover the jewels of England's northeast coast as you travel through the land of Romans, Vikings, and Anglo-Saxons on this six-day, self-drive itinerary. See the infamous York Minster Cathedral and the moors and dales that have inspired writers from Emily Brontë to Herman Melville. Unearth history through the ages as you walk in the footsteps of kings through the magnificent castles and abbeys of Yorkshire and Northumberland, discovering the wild beauty of these regions along the way.
Explore some of South America's most astonishing landscapes on this 11-day nature tour of Chile. First, head north to Atacama to ride e-bikes and buggies through the desert, watch the sunrise over steaming geysers, and gaze at stars through powerful telescopes. Then, go south to the glacial terrain of Patagonia to spend several days climbing and hiking through lakes, forests, and peaks in Torres del Paine National Park.
When planning a trip to Canada, two weeks is an ideal amount of time to visit multiple regions or immerse yourself in one province, getting to know the area well. Alternatively, If you're strapped for time, one week is plenty to visit two, even three provinces in the Maritimes. And with only five days, you can choose a highlights tour of one or two cities, like Ottawa and Montréal or Toronto and Niagara Falls.
Staying close to La Fortuna gives you a mixed stay in the Arenal region, combining the area's famed jungle and volcanic views with the culture of its central hub. Our list of the best hotels near downtown La Fortuna includes those right in the action, properties a short walk from local restaurants and shops, and accommodation in the jungle yet just a quick five-minute drive from town.
This 15-day odyssey will take you to some of Chile's most fascinating sites and spectacular landscapes. Get to know the bustling city of Santiago, see the driest desert in the world at San Pedro de Atacama, marvel at glaciers in Torres del Paine National Park, and learn about Chile's colonial history in the scenic lakeside town of Puerto Varas. Cap off your adventure with a food tour of Santiago's best restaurants and a trip to Colchagua Valley wine country.
Monumental archaeological mysteries, natural phenomena, and urban life are all part of this 11-day Chilean itinerary. From sprawling Santiago to the awe-inspiring Atacama Desert and Easter Island, each moment of your trip will offer opportunities for memorable experiences. Travel by air, car, hot-air balloon, bike, and horseback for a dynamic adventure through South America and across the South Pacific.
You can experience many of Australia's classic highlights and lesser-frequented gems in three weeks, covering multiple states and three coasts. You can even have time left to factor New Zealand into the itinerary. You'll cover major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, see the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and cuddlier animals on Kangaroo Island, and venture into the outback of South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Experience Namibia's vast, ancient deserts on this five-day adventure tour. Drive yourself to the Kalahari Desert, where you'll meet the Indigenous San people and take wildlife-filled game drives with an expert guide. Next, hike the epic three-day Tok Tokkie Trail through the NamibRand Nature Reserve, trekking over dunes, sipping desert sundowners, and camping under star-studded night skies.
A popular reason to visit Arenal/La Fortuna is the region's beautiful natural surroundings, which include dense jungle and the famed Arenal Volcano. To really experience Costa Rica's appeal, you may want a hotel enveloped by nature. Kimkim's list consists of the best hotels giving you that experience, from luxury lodges to standard properties with volcano views.
This jam-packed two-week itinerary is perfect for active families wanting to explore the best of Australia's wildlife and outdoor lifestyle. Get up close and personal with the country's cutest and scaliest animals, see the city sights of Brisbane and Sydney by boat, bike, and kayak, and discover the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you'll ride a cable car over the rainforest, dive into the Mossman River for a snorkeling tour, and wind up hiking the breathtaking Blue Mountains.
Discover Chile's famous Atacama Desert and Lake District on this 11-day adventure. Tour the historic capital Santiago before delving into the Atacama's otherworldly landscapes, exploring its lunar-like salt flats, flamingo-filled lagoons, and spurting geysers. You'll stargaze and ride desert buggies, soak in geothermal pools, and end with a trip to Chile's lush Lake District for bird spotting on Chiloé Island.
Hit the highlights of Turkey's diverse landscapes on this well-rounded, weeklong itinerary. Start in the center of it all in Istanbul to see the famous Blue Mosque and cruise down the Bosphorous Strait, then move to the plains of central Anatolia and witness Cappadocia's stunning rock formations from high above in a hot air balloon. After, fly to the Aegean coast to explore Sirince and the archeological sites of Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Feed your adventurous soul with this 15-day tour of Chile. Begin in Santiago with bike tours of the city and visits to Chile's wine country for tastings of its best varietals. Then, it's off to the Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert, where you'll travel through the mystical Moon Valley and swim in saltwater lagoons. Fly south to Patagonia to see the penguins of Magdalena Island in Puntas Arenas, then close the trip by hiking the mountains and glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park.
A five-day trip to Brazil can focus on one or two nearby cities, time in nature—whether tangled jungle or a sandy beach—or a couple of locales separated by a short flight. Explore Rio de Janeiro intimately or divide your time between Rio and Foz do Iguaçu to hike to Iguaçu Falls. Alternatively, discover the Amazon and its ecosystems with a tour of its waterways, wildlife, and people, cook like a local and lie out on the beaches of Bahia, or enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling in the waters of the private beaches of Fernando de Noronha.
Finland is a fun, relaxed destination—there's always time for a sauna—however long or short your trip. In five to seven days, you can check out the capital city, Helsinki, and surrounding natural areas, such as Finnish Lakeland. Meanwhile, depending on the season and your interests, you could head north to Lapland. And with an extended 10-day trip, you can delve deeper into the wilderness and national parks to enjoy fun winter or summer outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.
Immerse yourself in Northern Spain's breathtaking natural beauty, medieval history, and world-class gastronomy on this 13-day road trip. Traverse the dramatic Basque coast, sail to the stunning beaches of the Cíes Isles, and explore the foodie hotspot of San Sebastián. Along the way, you'll discover the world's first winery under the Cantabrian Sea, tour the best of Bilbao's pintxos bars, and marvel at the masterpieces of the legendary Guggenheim Museum.
Tea lovers rejoice—this seven-day odyssey leads you in search of Turkey's finest brews. Start in Istanbul, where you'll get lost in the famous Grand Bazaar. Head to Trabzon to visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque and marvel at the Black Sea coast, then continue into the lush Firtina Valley to stroll the exquisite tea gardens of Camlihemsin. As you explore a world of fairy-tale villages, emerald valleys, and hidden waterfalls, you'll sample the region's best teas and visit a series of local farms and producers.
December is winter in Belgium, but the country doesn't get as cold as some other Northern European countries, so you can still enjoy a city break in generally comfortable conditions. With Christmas markets set up around the country throughout the month (and sometimes as early as November), visitors can enjoy shopping, food and drink, fairground rides, and pretty decorations. Learn more about travel to Belgium in December.
November is late fall in Belgium, and although the weather can be wet, it's an excellent time to head to one of Belgium's attractive cities. Retreat to a fine museum, gallery, church, or restaurant when the weather turns damp, and take a stroll past medieval and Renaissance architecture when you want to get out of doors. Read on for more information on visiting Belgium in November.
October is fall in Belgium, with cool but not very cold temperatures and few tourists around. It's a great time of year to enjoy the colors of nature, especially the forests of the hilly Ardennes region. The autumn colors provide a beautiful backdrop to the small country's hundreds of castles, from Renaissance palaces to turreted fairy-tale-like castles. Read on to learn more about traveling to Belgium in October.
September in Belgium is the beginning of fall, but the weather remains warm and pleasant, and the summer crowds have dispersed. It's a great time to visit if you want to explore the beautiful historic cities without the masses—and at a lower price. The autumnal colors also start to spread across Belgium at this time, with the hilly, forested Ardennes region particularly colorful early in the season. Find out more about traveling to Belgium in September.
August is midsummer in Belgium and the peak season for travel. Belgians head to the North Sea coast—join them at the beaches and on hiking and biking trails. Check out fascinating Ghent, cool off in the sea at Blankenberge, or kayak into the lush forests of the Ardennes. Find out more about traveling to Belgium in August below.
July is midsummer in Belgium, and the fine weather draws larger crowds (and higher costs). Visitors love Belgium's historic cities in July, and the capital, Brussels, which hosts a UNESCO-listed festival dating to the 14th century. To escape from the heat of the cities, head to the North Sea coast for swimming, cycling, walking—and land sailing. Read on for more information.
June is the start of summer in Belgium, but it's still the shoulder season before the summer rush. That makes it ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the good weather and summer concerts and festivals without the high prices or oppressive crowds. Explore the medieval and modern culture in Ghent, see an enormous reenacted battle in Waterloo, and enjoy some live music. Here's what you can see and do in Belgium in June.
May is spring in Belgium and a great time to come to enjoy good weather, smaller crowds, and more affordable prices. Spring flowers add color to the cities and countryside, and a 13th-century procession in beautiful Bruges provides a good reason to visit this Flemish city in May. Find out more about what to see and do in Belgium this month.
April is spring in Belgium and a great time to head outdoors in search of colorful flowers (you won't have to go far). Admire the carpets of bluebells at Hallerbos forest or make the most of the annual opening to the public of the royal family's private greenhouses at Laeken. There's a lot to see and do in Belgium in April.
Spend 13 days in South Africa enjoying the highlights of Cape Town, plus a jaunt through wine country and down to the Cape of Good Hope. You'll then embark on an epic road trip along the Garden Route, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Stop in national parks, visit charming towns, hit the waves in surf towns—you'll even have time to search for the "Big Five" on multiple safari game drives.
March is the start of spring in Belgium, and although temperatures can still be quite cold, excitement for the end of winter is in the air. A major reason to visit Belgium this month is to attend a traditional Lent parade, such as the centuries-old Carnival of Binche in French-speaking Wallonia. Flower lovers are also in luck, with the first spring blossoms appearing. Here's where to go and what to do in Belgium in March.
February in Belgium is the low season. But it's a great time to visit if you want to explore the cultural attractions without the crowds of summer. Plus, it's prime time for winter sports such as ice skating and cross-country skiing. Whether you're visiting the art galleries of Brussels or medieval carnival parties in Binche, it's easy to forget that it's midwinter. Find out more about traveling to Belgium in February.
Though January is midwinter in Belgium, it's a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the arts and culture of the northern European country without the crowds—or the high prices. Brussels is brimming with excellent art galleries, while the historic port city of Antwerp is a must-visit for foodies. Still want to get outside and do something active? Look for ice-skating opportunities in the cities and countryside. Learn more about traveling to Belgium in January.
The goal of kimkim's hotel visit program is to provide accurate, on-the-ground, and unbiased information to our travelers about accommodation options for their trip. Finding the perfect hotel can be tricky, so our staff regularly visits each location in search of the best offerings for authentic, locally owned, and boutique properties across various budgets.
Six days in Portugal will leave you wanting more. The good thing, however, is that the country's small size relative to other popular European countries works in your favor, allowing you to pack in a diverse range of cities and scenery in under a week's vacation. You'll have time to see the highlights of Lisbon and Sintra, spend time on the beaches of the Algarve, get to know the Azores, or discover the country's Jewish heritage.
Two weeks allows for plenty of ways to experience the best of Thailand, whether you opt for a classic tour of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, hop around tropical islands like Ko Samui, Krabi, and Phuket, or opt for a foodie tour. You can also get off the tourist trail with time in hill-tribe villages and visits to remote national parks. Or embark on an active adventure featuring treks to waterfalls, snorkeling excursions, and a countryside bike ride.
The ancient world comes to life on this week-long journey down Turkey's Aegean coast. Start in the exhilarating city of Istanbul and overwhelm your senses with colors, sounds, and smells. Feel living history on the tranquil beaches of Gallipoli, then make your way along the glittering coastline to discover the archaeological wonders of Troy, Pergamon, Assos, and Ephesus.
This 13-day Nordic adventure delivers the highlights of western and central Norway in all their autumn glory. Begin in Bergen, a historic port city where you'll stroll cobbled streets and ride a cable car up to mountain lookout points. The next leg takes you cruising through dramatic fjords and on scenic hikes and train rides, before wrapping up with a food tour of Oslo, a mountaintop dinner in Åndalsnes, and bird-watching off the coast of Ålesund.
On this 13-day adventure in South Africa and beyond, you'll check some major activities off your bucket list. Start on the coast of Cape Town, where you'll experience highlights like visiting Cape Point, walking with penguins, going on wine tours, and enjoying the views from Table Mountain. Then, spend a few unforgettable days on safari in Kruger National Park, followed by a jaunt to Mauritius for beach time and aquatic excursions in the Indian Ocean.
You can experience southern Africa's greatest natural wonders alongside local culture and cuisine in just over two weeks. Start in South Africa's Western Cape to scale Table Mountain and taste world-class reds in the Winelands, then make your way to Kruger and Chobe National Parks for wildlife safaris by land and water—with visits to Johannesburg and Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls in between. Your adventure ends in Botswana, where you'll track antelope and canoe alongside elephants in the biodiverse Okavango Delta.
With a backdrop of colorful foliage and fewer crowds, autumn is the perfect time to see southern Norway. This 11-day itinerary follows a circular route through Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger, as you journey deep into the fjords by bus, train, and boat. By day you'll hike, kayak, or cruise to sweeping views and unspoiled wilderness, while evenings are spent discovering the Norwegian art of "koselig" in toasty saunas and cozy restaurants.
With one week in Thailand, it's best to explore just one of its regions or opt for a tour of the country's many attractive islands. Travelers can discover the highlights of Bangkok and Phuket, island hop near Krabi, have a nature and culture-focused experience, or go trekking in Northern Thailand.
See the best of Brazil on this 10-day tour, which starts in the seaside city of Rio de Janeiro. Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue with its expansive views, and walk the winding hills of a Brazilian favela. Then it's off to Foz do Iguaçu and the wonders of Iguaçu Falls, exploring both the Brazilian and Argentian sides of this massive national park. Your trip culminates in the beach town of Jericoacoara, with dune buggy rides, peaceful lagoons, and strolls along the sand-paved streets of this still-rustic village.
With five days in Thailand, it's best to tour the highlights of one region. See the highlights of the capital, Bangkok, or discover the temples of northern Thailand and the best of Chiang Mai. You may choose to get off the beaten path in the southern part of the country in Phang Nga Bay or even opt for a more culturally-focused trip by trekking between villages and homestays in the north.
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Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.
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