Costa Rica: Active luxury

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night San Jose               
• 2 nights Pacuare Lodge
• 2 nights Arenal
• 2 nights Papagayo Peninsula

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose    

On arrival you will be greeted at the airport and taken to San Jose for your overnight stay. Take the opportunity to unwind and relax after the flight – tomorrow is a busy day!

Day 2: San Jose to Pacuare 

It’s an early start today – breakfast is taken en-route from San Jose to the Pacuare River, where you will be briefed by your guides before rafting along the Pacuare River in one of Costa Rica’s most breath-taking rainforests.

The River itself begins in the Talamanca Range and flows into the Caribbean Sea. The rainforest is home to jaguars, monkeys, ocelots and a huge variety of bird species. You’ll pass waterfalls and raft through canyons before arriving at the Pacuare Lodge, your home for the next 2 nights.

Day 3: Talamanca Mountains       

Today you have the opportunity to join a guided hike into the rainforest to discover the flora and fauna and also learn about the Cabecar Indian culture, native to the region. They have retained traditional customs and beliefs which you’ll receive an introduction to at a typical ‘Rancho’ (thatched house) that has been built along the way.

Day 4: Pacuare to Arenal     

After breakfast you will depart by raft for more fun in the rapids before stopping for a picnic lunch along the river. The remaining transfer to Arenal is by car; this is the home to Costa Rica’s most active volcano! The area is known for its exceptionally stunning forests, lakes and hot water rivers.

Day 5: Full day in Arenal    

The day begins with a private Sky Tram and Sky Trek (gondola ride and canopy walk). During this tour you’ll be experiencing an impressive panoramic aerial view of the National Park and volcano, and have the chance to learn about the area through the services of a naturalist guide.

The afternoon includes a private tour of the Arenal National Park (including a great hike on trails close to the volcano and in the surrounding forest) and ends with a well-earned soak in the Tabacon Hot Springs!

Day 6: Arenal to Papagayo Peninsula   

After breakfast, you will be taken back to the Papagayo Peninsula for a couple of nights of pure indulgence and relaxation on the Pacific Coast. Staying at the Four Seasons, you’ll find the ultimate in comfort for the final couple of days of your trip.

Days 7: Free day Papagayo Peninsula   

This stretch of coast is abundant with protected forests, bays, cliffs, beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s a hot climate and the sunshine is plentiful. Spend your days lapping up those rays or exploring the forests and National Parks.   

Day 8: Papagayo to San Jose        

Fly from Liberia Airport back to the capital, San Jose, for your onward travel arrangements.