CLASSIC COSTA RICA

Day 1 Arrival, San Jose

Arrive into San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city and transfer 1½ hours north west to El Silencio Lodge.  Sitting in a cloud forest which spans 500 acres, El Silencio is deeply immersed in nature and embraces all aspects of eco-friendly living with passion.  Upon arrival, wind down and enjoy the views of the cloud forest from your wooden deck, before enjoying an evening of delicious food, storytelling and star gazing. 

Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Day 2 Explore the Cloud Forest

By day there are various pursuits on offer from walking and riding to bird watching and yoga.  Spend the morning exploring the forest’s trails; rambling through waterfalls and streams, with hummingbirds overhead and countless other varieties of indigenous flora and fauna. During the afternoon, slow the pace down with a private yoga session, book into the spa for an energising treatment (specifically ask for the Conical Room) or simply relax by the pool with a fruity cocktail and good book. 

Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Day 3 Arenal

Head north to the charming town of La Fortuna, framed by the massive and spectacular Arenal Volcano. Look out for the lazy sloth and prickly iguanas and prepare for some high-octane fun with white water rafting, zip wiring through the forest’s canopy, canoeing, fishing and riding, just some of the many activities on offer. Arrive at Arenal Nayara and explore its wonderful setting before dinner. Arenal Nayara comprises two resorts: Nayara Springs is suitable for adults only whilst Nayara Resort is more suitable for families.

Overnight: Arenal Nayara

Day 4 Arenal Volcano Hike

Enjoy the most privileged views of the Arenal Volcano with a trek along its base, through the lava-flow trails from its 1968 eruption.  Absorb the powerful, yet serene atmosphere of these wonderful surroundings, whilst enjoying the bird life and numerous animal encounters along the way.  During the afternoon, you’ll enjoy incredible views over Lake Arenal (the hydroelectric dam built into the lake in 1979 is responsible for nearly 12% of Costa Rica’s electric energy) and the Monteverde mountains. 

Overnight: Arenal Nayara

Day 5 Peñas Blancas Safari

In the safe hands of your naturalist guide, take to the water on inflatable rafts and enjoy a peaceful expedition, slowly paddling downstream through the calm waters of Peñas Blancas River. Learn about the local wildlife and sightings are likely to include sloths, monkeys, toucans, turtles, lizards and crocodiles, as well as tropical birds.

Overnight: Arenal Nayara

Day 6 Arenal to Rio Perdido

After breakfast make the 2½ hour journey north west to Rio Perdido.  Sitting in a green blanket made up of dwarf forest and rocky canyon-filled terrain; this bone fide eco-warrior oozes sustainability in spades.  Bungalows sit on stilts allowing the forest beneath to flourish untouched and in the kitchen, organic home-grown ingredients are magically transformed into delicious, honest cuisine.  Fresh drinking water comes from wells and natural springs provide a practically unlimited supply of hot water.

Overnight: Rio Perdido

Day 7 Canyon Adventure

An adventurous, adrenaline-fuelled day playing amongst the rainforest canopy on the swings, platforms, 90ft high bridge and zip wires, cleverly designed by leading adventure designers.  Guaranteed to surprise and delight with a fabulous bird’s eye view of the Rio Blanco canyon and forest’s roof.  In the afternoon head to the main pull in this 600 acre reserve, a 150ft deep thermo-mineral gorge with eight springs ejecting 4000 gallons of hot water every minute, for a restorative and empowering swim.  

Overnight: Rio Perdido

Day 8 Day at Leisure

Fill the day as you please, expending as little or much energy as you wish.  High octane options include white water tubing (12yrs+), mountain biking and trekking up the surrounding mountains for incredible views of the canyon and valleys below. For a more relaxed slower-paced day wallow in the hot springs, cover yourself in volcanic mud before diving into the warm river to rinse off, or book into the spa for a Swedish massage or Aloe Vera moisturising facial.  

Overnight: Rio Perdido

Day 9 Rio Perdido to Punta Islita

Leave the rainforest behind and head to the wilds of the Pacific coastline.  The Punta Islita Hotel, perched on a rugged mountain outpost overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is full of authentic Costa Rican charm, rustic-colonial elegance and spectacular natural surroundings.  Upon arrival dive into the beachside infinity pool and swim up to Harry’s Bar (ranked highly in the world’s best view pool bars) and order the signature cocktail or a fruit smoothie.   

Overnight: Punta Islita

Day 10 - 11 Days at Leisure

Relax and enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the Pacific Coast. Ride horses along the beach, set off on a slow-paced scenic walk, try kayaking or maybe a surf lesson.  Go in search of the boisterous howler monkeys, whose holler can be heard from 3 miles away or grab your binos to enjoy the multitude of brightly coloured birdlife above. Visit the Islita art museum and learn the secrets behind Costa Rica’s favourite dishes with a traditional Tico cooking lesson.   Play golf, enjoy Pilates/Yoga or just de-stress with a treatment or two in the hotel’s spa. 

Overnight: Punta Islita

Day 13 Depart San Jose

Travel back to San Jose Airport by private transfer (regional flight available at a supplement) for your flight home.