Costa Rica In Style
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Costa Rica combines an enviable mix of spectacular nature, active pursuits and luxury eco-lodge accommodation. One of the smallest countries in Latin America, it makes up for its small size in rich biodiversity and some of the most pristine landscapes on earth. Beginning in San José, the country’s capital city, your journey takes you first into the magical beauty of the southern part of Costa Rica. On the way to your luxurious oceanside lodge in Piedras Blanca National Park, learn ...
Costa Rica combines an enviable mix of spectacular nature, active pursuits and luxury eco-lodge accommodation. One of the smallest countries in Latin America, it makes up for its small size in rich biodiversity and some of the most pristine landscapes on earth. Beginning in San José, the country’s capital city, your journey takes you first into the magical beauty of the southern part of Costa Rica. On the way to your luxurious oceanside lodge in Piedras Blanca National Park, learn the traditional methods of gold mining and sugar milling. Enjoy jungle hikes and snorkelling amongst the private rainforest reserve. Then it is on to the banks of the beautiful Pacuare River, where you’ll stay in a remote jungle lodge, meet the indigenous Cabecar community and go white-water rafting. The journey then continues to the hummingbird and orchid-rich cloud forest of the impressive Poas Volcano, before moving on to experience little-visited Tenorio National Park’s serene beauty and turquoise river. The adventure ends with a few days of soaking up the charms and tranquillity of the Pacific coast, whiling your days away along the white sand beaches of Playa Guiones before beginning the journey home.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Stay in some of the best ecolodges and properties in Costa Rica
- Search out a staggering diversity of birds and mammals deep in the rainforest
- Try your hand at surfing, abseiling and white-water rafting
- Soak in the hot springs of an active volcano
- Meet the indigenous Cabecar community of the Pacuare River
- Spend a few days relaxing on the Pacific Coast’s Nosara Beach
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: SAN JOSE - ALAJUELA
DAY 1: SAN JOSE - ALAJUELA
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in Alajuela, the second largest province in Costa Rica, known as the “City of Mangos”. Your hotel for the night is Xandari Resort & Spa, a tropical paradise of individually designed villas nestled on a plantation overlooking the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica. Soak up the fantastic views from your terrace, the restaurant or the infinity pool. You can spend this evening being pampered at the spa or walking through the hotel’s scenic nature trails and waterfalls.
DAY 2: ALAJUELA - PUERTO JIMENEZ - PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
DAY 2: ALAJUELA - PUERTO JIMENEZ - PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast will be served at the hotel before you are transferred to the airport for a flight to Puerto Jiménez in the southern part of the country. You will then enjoy two exciting activities, a gold tour and sugar mill tour. Begin with a visit to a small ranch, where Don Juan exhibits some historic tools and relics before he brings you to the river where he hunts for gold. Try catching gold using the artisanal technique with a traditional catcher and canoe. Then tour a traditional sugar mill where sugar cane candy is produced using oxen or horses. Take part in the whole process from cutting sugar cane to working the sugar mill and making delicious desserts. This afternoon, you will take a boat from Puerto Jiménez dock to Playa Cativo Eco Lodge in Piedras Blancas National Park.
DAY 3: PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
DAY 3: PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
The South Pacific coast boasts incredible biodiversity, striking surroundings, exotic lodges and outstanding activities. Over the next two days you will make use of the fantastic activities of Playa Cativo Eco Lodge, set within 1,000 acres of private tropical rainforest reserve and nestled in the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce. Luxury rooms, overlooking the rainforest or ocean, are constructed from reclaimed hardwood and tile works have been crafted by local artisans. Activities include rainforest hikes, kayaking at Golfo Dulce, yoga or snorkelling.
DAY 4: PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
DAY 4: PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK
Another day at leisure to enjoy this fantastic and romantic location and the holistic activities at the lodge.
DAY 5: PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK - SAN JOSE - PACUARE LODGE
DAY 5: PIEDRAS BLANCAS NATIONAL PARK - SAN JOSE - PACUARE LODGE
Following a boat ride to Golfito, you will fly back to San José and transfer by road to the magical jungle hideaway of Pacuare Lodge. Perched on the banks of the Pacuare River, the lodge sits beside a river that National Geographic listed as one of the world's top ten. Surrounded by luxuriant rainforest, this evening sees you soaking up this natural beauty and tranquillity. The Pacuare River begins at about two thousand metres in the Talamanca Mountain Range and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The rainforest surrounding the river is home to the indigenous Cabecar community, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna. The powerful waters and topography of the river make this a dream area for adventure sports surrounded by the beauty of deep green forests, waterfalls and natural pools.
DAY 6: SIQUIRRES
DAY 6: SIQUIRRES
Waking up to bird song and the soothing sounds of the river, today sees you heading out on an adventure-packed excursion. A chance to truly appreciate the magnificent scenery and breathtaking views that make up part of the largest protected landscape in Central America, you'll hike, climb and abseil amongst the treetops, waterfalls and nearby canyons. There is also the option to go on a hike to a nearby indigenous Cabecar community or go on a sustainability tour to learn about the lodges' recycling program and efforts to protect endangered felines.
DAY 7: SIQUIRRES - ALAJUELA
DAY 7: SIQUIRRES - ALAJUELA
The Pacuare River offers up some of the finest white-water rafting in Latin America; coursing its way through a pristine wilderness of dense vegetation and steep gorges that provides shelter to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys and sloths. After enjoying a morning's rafting excursion, you'll then transfer on to your next hotel, set amongst the rural community of Bajos del Toro, in the shadow of the Poas Volcano.
DAY 8: BAJOS DEL TORO
DAY 8: BAJOS DEL TORO
Today begins with a relaxing hike on one of the trails close to the hotel. Walk through beautiful cloud forest to reach the magical Hummingbird Garden. Then take a stroll through the rural community with rich traditions, unsurpassed landscapes, and intriguing flora. A highlight is Don Martin Porras's private garden. He will show you around his collection of over 400 orchid species, with some so small you need a magnifying glass to fully appreciate them. Finish the day at Doña Olga's Pulpería where you can palm fresh tortillas and buy local pastries.
DAY 9: BAJOS DEL TORO - LA FORTUNA
DAY 9: BAJOS DEL TORO - LA FORTUNA
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to La Fortuna, the base from which to explore the magnificent Arenal Volcano and national park. Naturally heated thermal springs originate from its depth, so several places in the area offer the chance to be surrounded by nature and waterfalls while soaking and relaxing in the mineral waters. Spend tonight at Tabacon Hotel & Thermal Resort for unlimited access to the hot springs here, as well as the private guest, adult-only section of the springs. Tabacon is a five-star, carbon-neutral resort located in Costa Rica's luscious northern region, at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, you can enjoy a tempting treatment at the spa.
DAY 10: ARENAL - RIO CELESTE
DAY 10: ARENAL - RIO CELESTE
Two crystalline streams come together to form the blue waters of the heavenly Rio Celeste, your next destination. Tinted by a combination of sulphur and calcium carbonate produced by the Tenorio Volcano, the river's length is scattered with hot springs, volcanic fumaroles and a dazzling array of flora and fauna. Home to tapir and the rarely seen puma, you'll take a short trek from the hotel up to the majestic setting of a unique waterfall, whose characteristics so typify the natural beauty of the area. Return to Rio Celeste Hideaway and its unique, luxurious casitas separated from each other by exuberant tropical landscaping.
DAY 11: RIO CELESTE - PLAYA GUIONES
DAY 11: RIO CELESTE - PLAYA GUIONES
After breakfast this morning you'll be transferred on to your beach hotel on Playa Guiones, lying close to the Tico settlement of Nosara. A sweeping arc of white sand, the Nosara Beach runs for some seven kilometres, providing an ideal spot to enjoy some surfing or partake in a number of other optional activities that include horse riding, volleyball, kayaking, zip-lining and paddle-boarding.
DAY 12: PLAYA GUIONES
DAY 12: PLAYA GUIONES
The following days have been set aside to make the most of this tranquil setting; relaxing on the beach or enjoying the wealth of more adventurous activities on offer.
DAY 13: PLAYA GUIONES
DAY 13: PLAYA GUIONES
A day at leisure at your beach hotel.
DAY 14: PLAYA GUIONES
DAY 14: PLAYA GUIONES
A day at leisure at your beach hotel.
DAY 15: PLAYA GUIONES - SAN JOSE
DAY 15: PLAYA GUIONES - SAN JOSE
This morning transfer to Nosara airport and fly on to San José to catch your return flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Pacuare Lodge, Siquirres
Pacuare Lodge is a premier eco-lodge offering elegant accommodation, exquisite cuisine, luxurious spa facilities and outdoor adventures in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The lodge is located on Costa Rica's most spectacular white-water route with a plethora of birdlife and butterflies in the surrounding rainforest. Getting there is half the adventure, as you arrive by boat along the river through lush jungle and narrow canyons where tropical trees tower over the riverbank and crystalline waterfalls plummet out of the greenery.
El Silencio, Bajos del Toro
El Silencio Lodge and Spa provides an immersive experience into rural Costa Rican culture and nature. Set in a 500-acre tropical forest, with a winding river and three waterfalls cascading down the mountainside, the hotel encourages guests to switch off from modern day distractions. The fifteen suites do not feature televisions or Wi-Fi; however, guests instead can open their floor-to-ceiling, sliding glass doors out on to a private deck from which to enjoy the spectacular surrounding mountain or river views from their own outdoor whirlpool. The main building houses a lounge café and Las Ventanas Restaurant, serving fresh local fare from the hotel’s organic mini farm.
Rio Celeste Hideaway, Tenorio Volcano National Park
Rio Celeste Hideaway is a small resort-style and ecologically-oriented hotel that provides a truly unique rainforest experience, located next to the Volcan Tenorio National Park (where the amazing Rio Celeste gains its sky-blue colour). There are 26 bungalows, a wonderful restaurant and amenities surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Each one of the 26 spacious bungalows provides an exclusive retreat in which you can relax amidst the breathtaking rainforest. The lodge is located just one hour from Arenal volcano.
Harmony Hotel, Playa Guiones
Harmony is a beautiful boutique beach hotel with 24 elegant rooms and suites. It is a surfer's paradise with lots of activities available or you can choose to relax on the beach or in your luxurious accommodation. The bungalows have huge decks with rocking chairs and outdoor showers. There is a heated pool amongst the hotel's tropical garden and the spa hosts daily yoga classes and guided meditation. There are plenty of dining options nearby but spend some time at the seafood restaurant and open-air juice/cocktail bar.
Xandari Resort & Spa, Alajuela
Xandari Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise of 24 individually designed villas nestled on a 40-acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica. At an elevation of 3,900 feet (1200 metres), Xandari enjoys a stable year-round climate with warm days to swim in one of the full-length pools or cool off in natural waterfalls, and cooler evenings when guests can make use of the outdoor jacuzzi or indulge in a bit of pampering at the spa. There are 22 individually designed modern villas, each with a large panoramic view terrace and quaint, wooden, nature-inspired décor. The hotel serves farm-to-table international dishes using fresh produce at the indoor/outdoor restaurant.
Tabacon Resort & Spa, Arenal
Tabacon Resort & Spa is located away from La Fortuna, offering privileged access to the Tabacon Hot Springs, where several natural pools provide a therapeutic break after a day of activities. It won the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice for best Central American resort in 2018. You can get involved by planting a tree (book a day in advance) in the nursery, which will eventually be moved to a reforestation location. The luxury resort has 103 guest rooms and suites, beautifully appointed with modern amenities and rich handicrafts and furnishings made by Costa Rican artisans. Rainforest rooms are in a separate building and feature rainforest views from a private terrace.
Playa Cativo Lodge, Golfito
Set in the heart of Costa Rica’s Rainforest on the coast of Golfo Dulce, Playa Cativo is a luxury eco lodge offering exquisite accommodations in a truly harmonious setting. Accessible only by boat, its 1000 acres of private rainforest reserve are surrounded by Piedras Blancas National Park. Playa Cativo’s design compliments the natural surroundings of the rainforest, stunning grounds and oceanfront setting. The exclusive eco lodge offers 18 guestrooms with beach or garden views, including an inviting private casita nestled on the beach, a block of rooms with its own shared pool, one air-conditioned room above the main lodge and family-size casitas with their own plunge pools.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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