An immersive journey fusing verdant jungle landscapes, prolific wildlife, and white-sand beaches. Discover Arenal’s adventure activities and stunning landscapes, the far southern Osa Peninsula, coined by National Geographic as the most biologically diverse place on earth and teeming with wildlife, and the Papagayo Peninsula on the Pacific Coast, home to remote bays, beautiful beaches, and true relaxation. This itinerary encompasses the best that Costa Rica has to offer.
Highlights
- Prolific wildlife viewing, from sloths to toucans, monkeys to macaws and more
- Adventure-junkies will relish in horse riding, waterfall hikes, zip-lining, surf and yoga lessons
- Engage in culinary activities with a coffee masterclass and a cooking lesson
- Immerse ocean-side with kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and beach time
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive San Jose – Arenal Coffee Masterclass, Afternoon at Leisure
Costa Rica’s verdant landscapes welcome you today, as you take a scenic drive from the airport to the region of Arenal, famed for hot springs, waterfalls and the Arenal Volcano. This afternoon discover the Nayara Springs Resort, your respite for the next three nights. Enjoy an afternoon coffee masterclass at the funky coffee bar onsite. Relax in your private plunge pool, indulge in a spa treatment to the sounds of the rainforest, walk the suspension bridge above the rainforest canopy or take a dip in the pool with views to Arenal volcano. Delicious food and fantastic service await.
DAY 2
Arenal – Hanging Bridges Wildlife Tour, Horse Riding, Sloth Tour
As the jungle awakens to a new day, traverse the hanging bridges of Arenal set high above the rainforest canopy to spot sleepy sloths, iguanas, monkeys, myriad bird species including hummingbirds, and a multitude of wildlife. Embark on a horse-riding adventure through the farming landscapes and verdant rolling hills of the Arenal region, to an incredible lookout over the Arenal volcano. In the afternoon, head to a wildlife reserve in search of the adorable two-toed and three-toed sloth species.
DAY 3
Arenal – Arenal Waterfall, Zip Lining, Hot Springs
Savor your morning coffee, and head to the Arenal waterfall. The cool, crystal-clear water here is a refreshing respite after an invigorating hike through the rainforest. After lunch, explore the region from a different perspective as you soar above the treetops via zipline, with views across the Arenal volcano and off to the ocean in the distance. Soak away sore muscles at the Tabacon hot springs this evening; a series of clear pools of varying temperatures, fed by natural volcanic springs. The gardens here are divine, providing a truly relaxing immersion into lush surroundings.
DAY 4
Osa Peninsula – Medicinal Plants Walk
Transfer to the airport for your scenic flight to the far southern depths of Costa Rica, famed as one of the most wildlife-prolific regions on earth. You’ll relish three nights at the National Geographic lodge Lapa Rios, resting among the rainforest canopy with views to the ocean. Wildlife sightings from the lodge are constant, with four species of monkey, toucans, giant green iguana and a multitude of bird species. A delicious lunch is served at the lodge. This afternoon, wander the vegetable gardens to understand the homeopathic properties of plants, and sustainability efforts the lodge has to protect the rainforest.
DAY 5
Osa Peninsula – Bird Watching Tour, Beach Stroll, Nocturnal Wildlife Walk
At sunrise, bird species are most active. Accompanied by binoculars and a state of the art telescope, your naturalist guide will point out species such as toucan, motmot, parrot, macaw and more. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely walk to a nearby beach, searching for sloths and monkeys en-route. After dark, take a nocturnal exploration of the jungle to discover poison dart frogs, sleeping birds, tarantulas, and other unique creatures that come out at night.
DAY 6
Osa Peninsula – Rainforest Hike and School Visit
Head into the depths of the jungle today, through primary rainforest, across scenic ridges and plateaus to spot wildlife and endemic plant species. Keep an eye out for spider and howler monkeys adorning the trees overhead! This afternoon, visit the Carbonera school built by Lapa Rios and meet the children of the community to gain insight into local village ways of life.
DAY 7
Papagayo Peninsula – Beach Adventures and Sunset with Panoramic Ocean Views
Transfer to the airstrip for your charter flight to the Papagayo Peninsula. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to the pier for a speedboat journey along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. The beautiful Kasiiya is your destination for the next three nights, where relaxed beachfront luxury meets African-inspired charm. Embrace the white-sand beach by kayak, paddleboard or snorkel. Take a golf buggy to the sunset restaurant with possibly the most breathtaking ocean views in all Costa Rica. Indulge in holistic treatments at the spa nestled deep in the forest. This is a place of adventure and pure relaxation.
DAY 8
Papagayo Peninsula – Bird Watching, Surfing Lesson, Cooking Class
At sunrise, enjoy a morning walking the trails of the property in search of green macaws and coastal bird species. Take a boat trip along the coast to a nearby beach for an optional surfing lesson. This afternoon, take an interactive approach to Costa Rican cuisine with an entertaining cooking class. Perhaps you’d like dinner served this evening to the sound of the waves, with your feet in the sand.
DAY 9
Papagayo Peninsula – Yoga, Day at Leisure, Stargazing
Immerse in an optional yoga class this morning, before a day at leisure. The adventurous may wish to partake in a guided tree-climbing session, a fishing adventure or a kayak to nearby secluded beaches. If you crave relaxation, pamper yourself with a reiki treatment or massage at the spa. The ocean beckons between meals. Spectacular stargazing awaits this evening.
DAY 10
Flight to San Jose – Begin Your Journey Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Embrace a camera packed with incredible wildlife images and a mind full of cherished memories as you bid farewell to a perfectly balanced jungle and beach adventure.