Costa Rica
Embrace the local 'pura vida' philosophy that infuses every aspect of life
Embrace the local 'pura vida' philosophy that infuses every aspect of life in Costa Rica - a remarkable paradise where pristine rainforests meet volcanic peaks and two distinct coastlines, creating an extraordinary concentration of biodiversity and natural wonder.
Welcome to Costa Rica!
You will start your journey by landing at San Jose International Airport. From here, you will head North to the Papagayo Peninsula, either by a short 45 min flight, or a scenic 4.5 hour private car.
Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste
The northern Pacific coast's crown jewel, Peninsula Papagayo represents Costa Rica's most exclusive corner, where dry tropical forest meets pristine beaches and luxury blends seamlessly with untamed nature. The peninsula's unique microclimate creates the region's most predictable sunny weather, while its protected position offers calm waters perfect for water sports and distinctive wildlife viewing, including rare monkey species that gather in the forest canopy.
Adventures in Papagayo
- World class sports fishing
- Guided Monkey Tours with naturalists
- Private yacht excursions
Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo
The Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo sits between two beaches, offering an elevated luxury experience that blends Costa Rican warmth with sophisticated design and service. The resort seamlessly integrates into its natural setting with rooms and suites terraced into the hillside, each offering panoramic views over the Pacific or bay waters, while accommodations feature expansive terraces and a refined tropical aesthetic that echoes the surrounding landscape.
Sport Fishing
World-class sport fishing in the nutrient-rich Pacific waters, where anglers can target marlin, sailfish, tuna, and roosterfish. The area is renowned for its year-round fishing opportunities, with peak sailfish season from December to April.
Howler Monkey Tour
The Four Seasons offers guided monkey tours with naturalists, typically in the early morning or late afternoon when the monkeys are most active. What makes these tours particularly interesting is that the dry tropical forest's relatively open canopy makes it easier to spot and photograph the monkeys compared to denser rainforest regions. The white-faced capuchins are known for their playful behaviour, while the howler monkeys are famous for their impressive vocalizations that can be heard up to 3 miles away.
Inland to Arenal Volcanic Region
Weather dependant, charter a 25-min flight to La Fortuna airport, or take a 3.5 hour private transfer which offers flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the way.
Arenal
Arenal presents one of the world's most striking volcano settings, where a perfectly conical active peak rises dramatically from lush rainforest, creating its own microclimate and network of thermal hot springs. This geological wonder serves as the backdrop for Costa Rica's most diverse adventure offerings, from world-class white water rafting and waterfall rappelling to horseback riding through primary rainforest, while natural hot springs heated by volcanic activity provide the perfect evening relaxation.
Adventures in Arenal
- Hot Springs Experience
- Canyoning/Waterfall Rappelling
- White Water Rafting
Nayara Tented Camp
Featuring individual luxury tents perched dramatically on stilts across a hillside facing the majestic Arenal Volcano. Each spacious tent combines canvas, wood, and glass elements to create an indoor-outdoor experience, complete with private spring-fed plunge pools fed by the volcano's natural mineral hot springs, expansive decks perfect for wildlife viewing, and sliding glass doors that invite the surrounding rainforest in while maintaining contemporary comfort.
Hot Springs Experience
While there are many thermal hot springs in Arenal, the most exclusive experience is at Tabacon Hot Springs, where naturally heated mineral waters flow through a series of cascading pools in a lush rainforest setting. Unlike other hot springs in the area, Tabacon's waters flow naturally through the rainforest rather than being pumped into man-made pools.
Canyoning the Waterfalls
Rappel down a series of tropical waterfalls, the highest being around 200 feet. This activity combines adrenaline with incredible scenery, as you descend through pristine rainforest canyons with expert guides. It's particularly special because the waterfalls are located in private rainforest reserves away from crowds.
South to Monteverde Cloud Forest
The journey from Arenal to Monteverde takes about 3 hours and combines a scenic drive with a relaxing boat ride across Lake Arenal, known locally as the "taxi-boat-taxi" route. After departing Arenal by private vehicle, you'll take a 30-minute boat journey across the lake with views of the volcano, before continuing by road up into the cloud forest region of Monteverde, where the landscape dramatically shifts from rainforest to misty mountain terrain.
Monteverde
Sitting atop the Continental Divide, Monteverde's cloud forest represents one of the world's most unique ecosystems, where perpetual mist nurtures an extraordinary diversity of life and creates an almost mythical atmosphere. The forest harbours over 2,500 plant species and a remarkable concentration of orchids, while its position straddling the continental divide means visitors can witness how Pacific and Caribbean winds shape the twisted trees and create the mysterious clouds that give the forest its name.
Adventures in Monteverde
- Night Wildlife Walk
- Sky Walk Hanging Bridges
El Silencio Lodge and Spa
El Silencio Lodge & Spa sits nestled in the mystical cloud forest, offering an intimate experience with just 15 upscale suites designed to blend into the misty mountain surroundings. Each suite features panoramic views of the cloud forest through floor-to-ceiling windows, private outdoor spaces to immerse in the atmosphere, and thoughtful touches like warming fireplaces for cool mountain evenings, while the property's strategic location provides private access to forest trails and some of Monteverde's most pristine cloud forest habitat.
Night Wildlife Walk
A guided nocturnal expedition through the cloud forest reveals a completely different ecosystem that comes alive after dark, where you can spot rare species like the glowing ghost mushrooms, sleeping hummingbirds, kinkajous, and if you're lucky, the elusive resplendent quetzal roosting in its favorite wild avocado trees.
Sky Walking
A network of suspended bridges that lets you experience the cloud forest from canopy level, where 90% of the forest's organisms live. Walking through the mist at treetop level offers intimate encounters with orchids, bromeliads, and the chance to spot toucans and bellbirds at eye level in their natural habitat.
South to Manuel Antonio
The drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio takes approximately 4 hours, descending from the misty mountains of the cloud forest through rolling green hills before joining the coastal highway that runs along the Pacific. While the first portion involves winding mountain roads through rural landscapes, the route then offers ocean glimpses and passes through small beach towns before reaching Manuel Antonio.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio offers Costa Rica's most perfect marriage of jungle and beach, where primary rainforest meets pristine Pacific coves, creating an extraordinary ecosystem where you can spot sloths from your beach chair. The national park here represents Costa Rica's smallest yet most biodiverse protected area, where white-faced capuchin monkeys swing through beachfront almond trees and scarlet macaws soar over the coastline.
Adventures in Manuel Antonio
- Stand-up Paddle boarding or Sea Kayaking
- Sunset Sailing
- Private Early Morning National Park Tour
Arenas Del Mar
Arenas Del Mar is nestled into a coastal rainforest hillside where conservation meets comfort. The property offers 38 rooms and suites spread across 11 acres with two private beaches, where guests might spot monkeys and sloths from their balconies or while dining at the ocean-view restaurant, while the sustainable design ensures minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem. What makes this resort particularly special is its position as the only luxury hotel with direct access to both Playitas Beach and Espadilla Beach, combined with its proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding or Sea Kayaking
These activities are particularly special in Manuel Antonio because you can paddle alongside the rainforest coastline, often spotting monkeys in the trees above you while exploring hidden coves and small islands. The calm morning waters make this perfect for beginners and the best time for wildlife spotting.
Sunset Sailing
An evening catamaran cruise along the coastline offers opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal whales while enjoying spectacular views of the coastline. Most tours include snorkelling at secluded bays and a gourmet dinner timed perfectly for watching the sun set over the Pacific.
To the Coast: Osa Peninsula
The drive from Manuel Antonio to the Osa Peninsula takes approximately 5-6 hours along the coastal highway, but most travellers opt for a 30-minute small plane flight from Quepos to Puerto Jimenez instead.
The Osa Peninsula
The Osa Peninsula stands as Central America's last remaining Pacific tropical rainforest, so remote and pristine that National Geographic called it "the most biologically intense place on earth." This untamed paradise hosts an unparalleled concentration of wildlife, including all four of Costa Rica's monkey species, scarlet macaws, and elusive jaguars, while its position between pristine rainforest and the Pacific Ocean creates extraordinary opportunities for both jungle adventures and marine experiences.
Adventures on the Osa Peninsula
- Dolphin and Whale Watching in Golfo Dulce
- Corcovado National Park Full-Day Expedition
Lapa Rios Lodge
Lapa Rios Lodge is an iconic eco-luxury property set within a 1,000-acre private nature reserve featuring 17 private bungalows perched dramatically along a rainforest ridge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Each open-air bungalow is designed to immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness - with the sounds of howler monkeys as your morning alarm, outdoor rain showers surrounded by tropical gardens, and expansive decks where you can spot scarlet macaws soaring past at eye level while lounging in your hammock.
Dolphin and Whale Watching in Golfo Dulce
The gulf waters here are among Costa Rica's best places to spot marine life, particularly because the Golfo Dulce is one of only four tropical fjords in the world. You can often see pods of spotted and bottlenose dolphins year-round, while humpback whales visit from both hemispheres (making it one of the longest whale-watching seasons anywhere), and the calm, deep waters of the gulf make for exceptional viewing conditions.
Corcovado National Park Full-Day Expedition
This iconic trek takes you through "the most biologically intense place on Earth" (according to National Geographic), where you can wade through pristine rivers, spot endangered species, and explore remote beaches. What makes this special is the complete solitude - you might hike for hours without seeing another person, while encountering incredible wildlife like peccaries, anteaters, and potentially even swimming in waterfall pools that few travellers ever reach.
Head North to San Jose
It's time to say goodbye to Costa Rica after an adventure filled trip. Board your 50 min flight to the San Jose Airport, where you will connect to your flight home.