Experience the lush forests and pristine Pacific beaches of Costa Rica on this stylish itinerary, staying in some of the finest and most original properties and discovering some of its remoter and less explored gems. A perfect trip for a honeymoon or special occasion, or for those who like to mix adventure with luxury.
Start with a little time to relax among the coffee plantations and verdant green highlands of Costa Rica's Central Valley with its pleasant climate, staying in one of the country's most original properties. Then take a scenic flight along the coast to the most pristine primary rainforest in all of Costa Rica to arrive by sea to your beautiful lodge on the very edge of Corcovado National Park, including wildlife spotting and a snorkelling trip to Cano Island.
Return north to spend a few days relaxing at a hot springs resort in the shadow of the awesome Arenal Volcano and exploring the trails around Monteverde cloudforest reserve before then heading to the tranquil Pacific waters of the Nicoya Peninsula for a stay at the delightfully romantic boutique property of Punta Islita.
UK - San Jose
Depart the UK for your daytime flight to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Situated in Santa Barbara de Heredia and a short drive from the airport, Finca Rosa Blanca is an elegant resort set in an organic coffee plantation. Rooms are individually decorated and feature either a veranda overlooking the Central Valley or a secluded patio surrounded by lush colourful gardens.
Accommodation: Finca Rosa Blanca
Central Valley
Free day to relax or exploring the nearby coffee plantations and verdant green highlands. Excursions are on foot or by horseback, relax by the pool or indulge in a coffee body scrub at the hotel's excellent spa.
Corcovado National Park
Fly south from San Jose by small charter plane along the Pacific Coast to Palmar Sur on the Osa Peninsula. Travel along the Sierpe River out to the ocean to arrive at your beautiful forest lodge, Casa Corcovado, with its delightful sunset bar overlooking the sea. There is no road access to Casa Corcovado so it truly is a special isolated retreat. Corcovado National Park has been called 'the most biologically intense place on earth' by the National Geographic Society.
The lodge itself is set in a 170 acre private reserve bordering the national park. It was designed and built by an American naturalist who took into consideration the landscape and environment. Casa Corcovado holds a five leaf rating from the national tourist board.
Accommodation: Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
Corcovado National Park
Spend the day with your expert local guides exploring the pristine forests of Corcovado National Park. Early morning at 5am take a morning bird tour. As morning dawns the jungle comes alive and it is the perfect time to bird watch. Other wildlife you may spot includes morpho butterflies and monkeys.
During the daytime hike through the park with your naturalist guide again with fantastic opportunities for wildlife.
Cano Island
Journey by boat out to Cano Island, dolphin spotting on the way and spending the day at the island snorkelling in the clear blue waters offshore and enjoying a sumptuous picnic lunch on San Josecito beach. An ideal opportunity to relax whilst enjoying the myriad of fish.
Corcovado - Arenal
Return to Palmar Sur and fly to San Jose. Travel overland through the Central Valley to La Fortuna and to the beautiful Tabacon Hot Springs Resort. Located at the foot of Arenal volcano this is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region and the resort has it's own natural hot springs, whilst the spa bases its treatments around the hot springs location with options such as volcanic mud wraps !
Accommodation: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Arenal
Free day to luxuriate in the thermal waters of the hot springs or take optional active tours in the area such as rafting, horse riding or forest canopy walks. The hotel offers a wide selection of excursion - visit the Arenal hanging bridges, take the sky tram or visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Arenal - Monteverde
Depart La Fortuna to cross Lake Arenal by boat and continue overland to the misty mountain air of Monteverde cloudforest reserve, staying at El Establo Hotel. Arenal Lake is the largest and most important lake in the country and was man made in 1974 to provide hydroelectric energy.
El Establo is one of the most luxurious options in the area and is owned by a half Costa Rican, half Quaker family. On a clear day you can enjoy a great view of the Nicoya Gulf. After a packed day of exploring visit the indoor heated pool or a relaxing spa treatment.
Accommodation: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Free day to explore the Monteverde region. You can arrange optional tours to the Cloud Forest Reserve to hike the trails or visit the butterfly garden and the Sky Walk in Santa Elena. Other options include trekking, horseback riding and night tours to experience the cloud forest noctural sounds.
Monteverde - Pacific Coast
Transfer by land to Punta Islita, where you stay at this stunning beachfront retreat on the Nicoya Peninsula. Surround by tropical dry forest you are immersed in the areas unique flora and fauna. The tiered layout guarantees spectacular ocean views and seclusion. Dining is inspired by local fresh ingredients and tropical flavours with a Costa Rican flair. Relax in the infinity pool or visit the Borrancho Beach Club at ocean level.
Accommodation: Punta Islita
Pacific Coast - Punta Islita
Free time to relax by the Pacific Ocean - enjoy an optional activity and explore the local area, take a dip in the infinity swimming pool, visit the Casa Spa or just relax in a hammock with a good book.
San Jose - UK
Return flight to San Jose to connect with your homeward flight back to the UK.
Pricing Information & Dates
14 day tour, from £4120 per person
Price Includes:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Transfers
Price Notes
Price includes all accommodation, breakfast (full-board in Corcovado), excursions as mentioned, transfers internal and international flights in Economy Class.
Image Gallery
Click on images to enlarge
