Hotel in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Cayuga Collection - Nayara Tented Camp
Glamping elevated to art form, this exclusive camp features 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools overlooking Arenal Volcano. Canvas walls open to rainforest views, while amenities rival five-star hotels. The intimate setting ensures privacy and personal service with access to Nayara Springs facilities.
Nayara Tented Camp sits on a forested ridge overlooking Arenal Volcano in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, and is consistently ranked among the leading luxury glamping properties in Central America and the wider hemisphere. The property is part of the Nayara Resorts portfolio and affiliated with the Cayuga Collection, a curated group of sustainable luxury lodges operating across Costa Rica and neighbouring countries. The camp has held the title of top resort in Central America for four consecutive years according to Travel + Leisure and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
The camp offers just 20 tented suites, each positioned on private elevated wooden decks at the forest's edge with unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano's conical profile. Canvas walls open to the surrounding rainforest, and every suite is expansive, featuring king beds dressed in premium linens, open-concept bathrooms with freestanding soaking tubs, and outdoor showers placed beneath the forest canopy. Every tent suite comes with a private heated plunge pool on its deck, engineered for use both during daylight for volcano watching and at night for stargazing. Natural ventilation through the canvas structure keeps interiors comfortable without mechanical cooling, though the option is available in select suites.
Meals at the camp are prepared in an open kitchen and served in a partially open dining sala surrounded on three sides by primary forest. The cuisine draws on Costa Rican culinary traditions and broader Latin American flavour profiles, with a strong emphasis on local, seasonal, and farm-sourced ingredients. The bar curates cocktails using regional fruit spirits and artisan mixers. Breakfast is included with every stay.
Guests at Nayara Tented Camp have full access to all facilities at the adjacent Nayara Springs property, including its series of natural thermal volcanic pools, a full-service spa with extensive treatment menus, and multiple additional dining venues. Guided nature walks, evening frog tours through primary forest surrounding the camp, and wildlife observation at dawn are among the regularly scheduled activities.
The 20-suite limit ensures a high staff-to-guest ratio and a genuinely intimate stay at every point. The camp has received recognition from Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, and the Leading Hotels of the World organisation.
Amenities
- private plunge pools
- spa access
- fine dining
- volcano views
- wildlife viewing
- nature trails
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +506 2479-1600
Location
La Fortuna, Alajuela Province
10.4667, -84.6833 — View on map
Highlights
- Just 20 tented suites on a forested ridge above Arenal Volcano, each with a private heated plunge pool and unobstructed volcano views
- Canvas suites with freestanding soaking tubs, outdoor forest showers, and natural ventilation in Arenal Volcano National Park's forest
- Full access to Nayara Springs' natural thermal volcanic pools, full-service spa, and multiple dining venues included in the stay
- Ranked top resort in Central America four consecutive years, member of Leading Hotels of the World, and Condé Nast Traveller recognised
- Evening frog tours and guided dawn nature walks from the camp into primary rainforest surrounding the volcano
Tips
- Request a volcano-facing tent suite when booking; the angle of view varies between tents and not all have an equal view of the summit.
- The best time to see the volcano clearly is shortly after dawn before cloud cover develops; plan early plunge pool sessions.
- Nayara Springs' natural thermal pools are included for tented camp guests — the pools are warmest and least crowded in the early evening.
- Bring mosquito repellent for evening outdoor activities; the forest setting means insects are active after dusk year-round.
- Book months in advance — the camp's 20-suite capacity means it reaches full occupancy well ahead of high season from December through April.
FAQ
What is the difference between Nayara Tented Camp and Nayara Springs?
Nayara Tented Camp consists of 20 luxury canvas-walled tent suites in a more intimate, immersive forest setting on the ridge above. Nayara Springs is the larger flagship property with numerous bungalows and suites. Tented camp guests have full included access to all Nayara Springs facilities.
Are the tent suites safe from wildlife and weather?
The tents are structurally robust, set on elevated wooden platforms with weather-resistant canvas. Fine mesh screens control insects; the occasional passing of monkeys or coatis nearby is common but poses no risk. The elevated platform design keeps ground-dwelling wildlife at a respectful distance.
What activities are included in the stay?
Guided nature walks, evening frog tours, and full access to Nayara Springs facilities are included. White-water rafting, zip-lining through the forest canopy, and volcano hikes can be arranged at additional cost through the camp's activities coordinator.
How far is the camp from La Fortuna town?
The camp is approximately 15 km from La Fortuna, about 20 minutes by road. The camp's transport team arranges private transfers from La Fortuna, from San José, and from Juan Santamaría International Airport on request.
Accessibility
The camp's forested ridge setting, elevated wooden deck access points, and unpaved jungle paths make it largely inaccessible for wheelchair users. Several areas involve steps between structures and uneven terrain. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the property in advance; limited flat-access arrangements within the main communal areas may be possible.
When to visit
The dry season from December through April offers the clearest volcano views and most reliable outdoor conditions for plunge pool use and nature walks. The rainy season from May through November brings intensely lush forest, fewer guests, and the volcano visible between dramatic cloud formations. Wildlife activity is excellent in both seasons.