For such a small country, Costa Rica packs a mighty punch - both in its astounding wildlife spotting opportunities, and its fine selection of beautifully appointed luxury lodges. On this carefully crafted journey you travel through Costa Rica's diverse habitats and stay at some of the finest lodges in the country. Both the Pacuare Lodge and Lapa Rios have received the acclaim of being named National Geographic's 'Unique Lodges of the World' and here you will discover unparalleled wildlife spotting opportunities and eco-adventure in equal measure. Traverse the rainforest clad mountains that tumble to the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, spending time immersed in the activity hub of the Arenal before concluding your time in Costa Rica in an utterly secluded luxury hideaway.
ULTIMATE COSTA RICA
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the wondrous wildlife of the Osa Peninsula - one of the most biodiverse places on the planet
- Wake to the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds from your bungalow in the treetops
- Stay in one of the finest rainforest lodges in the world, Pacuare Lodge, and make a thrilling departure by white water raft
- Enjoy world-class adventures in the Arenal Volcano region, then retreat to a luxurious tented suite with a private thermal pool
- Get well and truly off-the-beaten-track in a magnificent luxury hideaway in northwestern Costa Rica, and experience healing through nature
- Relax on one of the top beaches in the country, in the calm waters of the Papagayo gulf
-
Arrive
-
Day 1 Arrive in San Jose
Arrive in the Costa Rican capital today where you will be privately transferred your hotel. Located in a peaceful and upmarket neighbourhood close to the city centre, the Grano de Oro boasts attractive colonial design features and one of the best restaurants in the city.
Overnight: Hotel Grano de Oro
-
Day 2 Flight to the Osa Peninsula
This morning, take a spectacular flight south to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. On arrival you will be met and driven to Lapa Rios which lies in a 1,000-acre rainforest reserve and is one of the finest wildlife lodges in the country. Tonight fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle from your stylish bungalow perched in the canopy level of the rainforest.
Overnight: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge
-
Day 3 Activities from Lapa Rios
At Lapa Rios there is an enormous choice of rainforest activities designed to maximise your time in this spectacular region. Hike through the jungle in search of myriad mammals and tropical birds, follow the medicine trail or trace a path to a pristine hidden waterfall. Adventures on the water include whale and dolphin watching tours, surfing and paddle boarding. At dusk, venture back into the rainforest to search for the creatures which emerge after dark such as colourful tree frogs, giant anteaters and tapir.
Overnight: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge
-
Day 4 Hiking in the Corcovado National Park
Today you will have the opportunity to set out on a full-day excursion into the Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica's jewel in the crown for biodiversity. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, discover some of the array of tree, plant, bird, insect and mammal species to be found here. Highlights may include the sight of screeching scarlet macaws soaring above the forest canopy or glimpsing all four species of monkey that make their home here.
Overnight: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge
-
Day 5 To Pacuare Lodge
Leaving the Osa Peninsula behind, take a private charter light aircraft flight north to Guapiles in the province of Límon. From here, begin the incredible scenic journey to your boutique hideaway in the heart of the rainforest, looking out to the magnificent Pacuare river. The final stage of your journey takes you through a pristine river valley surrounded by lush rainforest, after which you cross the river by gondola to arrive to your lodge.
Overnight: Pacuare Lodge
-
Day 6 - 7 Activities from Pacuare Lodge
This morning an exhilarating white water rafting expedition takes you out of Pacuare Lodge. A scenic picnic stop will be taken en-route before you eventually reach the river output to change into dry clothes before continuing your journey to Arenal. Here, your base is the magnificent Nayara Tented Camp where each luxurious tented suite features a private outdoor plunge pool warmed by thermal springs.
Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp
-
Day 8 To the Arenal Volcano region
This morning an exhilarating white water rafting expedition takes you out of Pacuare Lodge. A scenic picnic stop will be taken en-route before you eventually reach the office and change into dry clothes before continuing your journey to Arenal. Here, your base is the magnificent Nayara Tented Camp where each luxurious tented suite features a private outdoor plunge pool warmed by thermal springs.
Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp
-
Day 9 Hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park
Today you will set out on a private guided hike in the Arenal Volcano national park, venturing through tropical forests and passing the historic lava flows of the volcano that was once one of the most active in the world. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the wonderful facilities of your hotel which include an indulgent spa, forest trails, a sloth sanctuary and frog-spotting night walks.
Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp
-
Day 10 At leisure in Arenal
Today is free for you to arrange further activities that may be of interest in the Arenal region, or to simply relax and enjoy the facilities on offer at your hotel. Lake Arenal provides the setting for a number of enjoyable adventures; it can be circumnavigated on mountain bike, and traversed by kayak or stand-up paddle board. The pristine forests located on the outskirts of La Fortuna town host hanging bridges and superb canopy zip lining. Join a local cookery class to create your very own Costa Rican hot sauce, or venture further afield to encounter the wildlife of the flooded forest at the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp
-
Day 11 To ORIGINS
Bid farewell to Arenal today and travel northwest, to a boutique hillside hideaway that transports you to entirely different world. ORIGINS is a place to truly disconnect and feel the troubles of daily life melt away as you retreat to one of just seven sensitively designed guest lodges, surrounded by lush forest and emerald hills where toucans and mot-mots dart through the treetops. Unwind after the journey by admiring the distant views of Lake Nicaragua from your fire-heated hot tub before settling into a delicious gourmet dinner prepared with fresh, organic ingredients by the hotel's highly-acclaimed chef.
Overnight: Origins Floral
-
Day 12 - 13 Activities from ORIGINS
A wealth of small group activities can be arranged during a stay at ORIGINS, including a nature night walk, riding, a biodiversity hike, bird watching, a medicinal plants tour, and a hike to the beautiful Oro waterfall. A stay at ORIGINS is equally about slowing the pace, however, and restoring your balance in a sublime natural setting. Enjoy yoga in the elevated outdoor shala, meditation and breathwork as well as an array of nurturing treatments in the spa which are inspired by nature and ancient healing traditions.
Option: Additional offsite activities can also be arranged such as kayaking along the Rio Niño and river tubing. You may also wish to venture out on a hike in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and seek out the dazzling blue waters of Rio Celeste.
Overnight: Origins Floral
-
Day 14 To the Papagayo Gulf
Travel west to the Pacific coast to round off your adventures with some beach relaxation at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. Located on the sheltered Papagayo Gulf, the Four Seasons offers access to calm, clear waters which are perfect for swimming, as well as a wealth of possibilities for activity or pure indulgence.
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
-
Day 15 - 16 Beach relaxation at the Four Seasons
Take advantage of the opportunity to unwind completely in the blissful beachfront surroundings of the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. Slow the pace in the spa and wellness area, or recline in the sunshine on the beach or by one of the resort's four swimming pools. If you find yourselves getting restless, a plethora of activities are on offer ranging from golf, tennis, kayaking and paddle boarding to chocolate workshops, surfing or dolphin watching cruises.
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
-
Day 17 Depart
After a final breakfast at the Four Seasons, transfer to Liberia airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.
-
Depart
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person based on two adults sharing a room
- Some activities at the lodges included incur an additional cost
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast, and all meals at Lapa Rios, Pacuare Lodge and Origins Lodge.
- All transfers on a private basis (excluding shared transfers operated by the lodges).
- Activities detailed in the itinerary, with guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance
- Optional beach extension
-
REASONS TO BOOK
Award-winning travel specialists with expert knowledge and the best contacts in the business.
READ MORE
