Summary
Short description
Through a selection of excellent boutique properties, explore the diversity of Costa Rica's nature and culture in style.
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Highlights
- Marvel at the views of Arenal's volcanic mountain range
- Encounter the elusive Quetzal in Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Indulge in a six-course Costa Rican tasting experience
- Witness the calls of howler monkeys in Golfo Dulce
- Float in your private plunge pool with 180° views of the tropical Osa Peninsula
In Brief
- 2 Nights Bajos del Toro
- 3 Nights Arenal
- 2 Nights Monteverde
- 2 Nights Uvita
- 3 Nights Golfo Dulce
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Bucket-list holidays | Natural world | Wildlife
Explore the nature of one of the world’s most complex and diverse ecosystems through the comfort of specially selected, luxury boutique hotels, chosen to showcase the very best of Costa Rican hospitality. Over the course of two unforgettable weeks, you’ll witness the iconic Arenal Volcano National Park, discover unique wildlife endemic to Monteverde Cloud Forest, and encounter the true essence of Costa Rican heritage and Pura Vida lifestyle through a range of authentic gastronomic and cultural experiences. To top it all off, you’ll end on the heavenly Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast, immersing yourself in a mixture of wildlife excursions, water sports and luxurious pampering.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Fly to San José
Take advantage of your complimentary airport lounge access before your direct day flight to San José, Costa Rica’s bustling capital. You will be greeted by your own private guided transfer who will whisk you away to the cooler highlands of the central volcanic mountain range, to your luxury hideaway retreat in the lush green Bajos del Toro region. Settle into your boutique lodge for a relaxing evening amongst the serene forest surroundings.
Stay: El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Nr. San Jose (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
2
Bajos del Toro
After breakfast at your secluded lodge, you will enjoy a variety of included activities. As a sustainable lodge with 500 acres of private forest, every morning, the hotel gives guests the opportunity to become an organic farmer by waking up the chickens for their morning feed and harvesting the still warm organic eggs they use for breakfast. You will also have the chance to contribute to the hotel’s “plant a tree” initiative, with the ceremony one of the lodge highlights. In the afternoon, the lodge’s eco-concierge will guide you through the forest on their “Four Elements Trail”, giving you a chance to embrace the incredible surroundings.
Stay: El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Nr. San Jose (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
3
Arenal
Relish the beautiful forest views at breakfast this morning before departing on your private transfer to your next adventure. Head north through tiny villages surrounding the dominant Juan Castro Blanco national park, arriving at your next hotel - located on the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, overlooking the San Carlos valley. This exclusive hotel has thirty-one delightfully arranged forest houses. You will enjoy an impressive view of the canyon and the volcano directly from your own Casita. Spend your afternoon at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities; perhaps relaxing in the thermal pools or heading out on one of two marked nature trails.
Stay: Amor Arenal (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Arenal
Following breakfast, head off for a private morning tour to the Arenal Volcano National Park. Beginning with a short 1.5km walk near Arenal Lake, you will be able to enjoy excellent views of the lake and Tilaran volcanic mountain range, viewed from the different observation bays along the trail. Your guide will teach you about its history and geological formation. Following a picnic style snack, you will continue by boat along the edge of the lake, observing the many fascinating creatures, aquatic birds and insects who call this rainforest their home. After arriving back at the hotel, the afternoon is yours to enjoy the facilities.
Stay: Amor Arenal (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
5
Arenal
Today, after a leisurely breakfast, you will have a full day to enjoy the facilities of your luxury hotel. Book a relaxing massage or speak with our specialists to discuss optional excursions. However you decide to spend your day, ensure you are back in time for this evening’s included private Costa Rican gastronomic dinner. This 6-couse tasting experience brings an authentic culinary experience to your table, so that you can live, feel, and enjoy Costa Rica in the eyes and interpretation of a chef with more than 20 years’ experience in delivering world-class cuisine.
Stay: Amor Arenal (Deluxe)
Meals: B D
Day
6
Monteverde
This morning, say farewell to Arenal after breakfast and set off on a short private minibus trip back to Arenal Lake. Once at the dam, board a comfortable pontoon-type boat, and after a thirty minute journey you will arrive at Chiquito River, a small community on the other side of the lake. Here, you will continue on land to the Monteverde region. Your boutique hotel stands out in the forefront of the great cloud forest, a prime spot for nature lovers. Spend your afternoon at your leisure, enjoying the many facilities on offer at the hotel, perhaps opting for a night walk after dinner. Walking through a variety of habitats, you will get the opportunity to observe birds and mammals in open areas of secondary and primary rainforest before retiring to your modern and stylish suite this evening.
Stay: Ocotea Boutique Hotel, Monteverde (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
7
Monteverde
Following a healthy breakfast at the hotel, begin a private morning tour through Monteverde Biological Reserve. Several trails offer sightings of more than 500 species of birds, including the majestic Quetzal, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as more than 3000 plants and the largest variety of orchids in the world. A walk to the panoramic viewpoint “La Ventana” allows you to observe the great cloud forest through a small opening, a real photo opportunity. Upon your return to the hotel, spend your afternoon at leisure.
Stay: Ocotea Boutique Hotel, Monteverde (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
8
Uvita
After breakfast, your private transfer will arrive to guide you to the next part of your adventure. After an enjoyable drive, taking the scenic route along the pacific coast, you will arrive at the edge of Osa Peninsula to Uvita, where rainforest covered mountains tumble on to pristine beaches - the perfect scene for your next beautiful pint-size property. Featuring a stunning infinity pool and elegant lounge and bar, settle into your coastal accommodation, taking time to enjoy the 180 degree views of the Pacific horizon from your beautifully appointed villa accommodation.
Stay: Kura Boutique Hotel, Uvita (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
9
Uvita
Once you have enjoyed your breakfast this morning, the day is yours to take full advantage of the range of optional activities on offer. We recommend opting for a tour combining snorkelling with marine wildlife watching, visiting the famous Punta Uvita Whale Tail, Ballena Island, Tres Hermanas Islets and Ventana Sea Caves, where you'll have the chance to spot humpback Whales, pilot whales and dolphins. If you prefer to stay on land, perhaps venture out on another of our recommend excursions to explore Marino Ballena national park, where you can encounter howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, bats, raccoons and other wildlife.
Stay: Kura Boutique Hotel, Uvita (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
10
Osa Peninsula
Following breakfast, a private transfer will take you the Golfo Dulce area, an inlet separating the Osa Peninsula from mainland Costa Rica. Accessible only by boat, your small elegant eco-lodge is nestled right among the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce, with access to over 1000 acres of private rainforest ripe for exploration. Maybe relax and wind down at the luxury spa before heading back to your room to enjoy your very own premium plunge pool. Afternoon lunch and evening dinner is included where you can sample the fresh locally sourced cuisine on offer in the gourmet restaurant.
Stay: Playa Cativo, Osa Peninsula (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Days
11-12
Golfo Dulce
Although it may be tempting to use the next couple of days relaxing by the pool or winding down at the luxury spa, you may miss the chance to encounter the rare and fascinating creatures residing in the surrounding primary forest through a series of included excursions. These include all four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica (capuchin, howler, spider and squirrel) as well as the white-nosed coatis, two species of deer, kinkajous, agoutis, peccaries and sloths. Although rarely seen during the day, the park is also home to five species of cats: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays and jaguarondis. Also included during your stay are kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear as well as a signature cocktail class. Speak to our specialists to discover the full range of activities on offer.
Stay: Playa Cativo, Osa Peninsula (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Days
13-14
Depart
Following breakfast, bid farewell to the jungle paradise and return to San Jose via a short domestic flight. A private transfer will then take you to San Jose’s international airport for your direct overnight flight back to the UK.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
14-day tailor-made holiday
from £8,555 pp incl. flights
Superior / Deluxe
Low Season
from £8,555 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £9,650 pp. incl. flights
Includes
- Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
- Return flights between UK and San Jose
- Domestic flight from Golfito to San Jose
- Private transfers throughout
- 9 nights in a mixture of 4* (Superior) and 5* (Deluxe) hotels and lodges on a B&B basis
- 3 nights in a 4* (Superior) lodge on a full-board basis
- Private touring at Arenal and Monteverede
- Shared touring at El Silencio and Playa Cativo lodges
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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