A country famed for its pristine nature reserves, incredible biodiversity and ‘pura vida’ attitude, Costa Rica is a natural adventure playground.
Begin by rafting into a remote lodge on the Pacuare River, then fly south to the Osa Peninsula for rainforest, wildlife and time on the water. Continue to a family-run cattle ranch near Tenorio Volcano before ending beside the Pacific at Playa Hermosa, just north of Santa Teresa, for surfing, yoga and beach time.
This itinerary is merely a suggestion to inspire your adventures; we tailor-make each and every journey from the ground up to ensure it’s a perfect fit.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
December – April
SUGGESTED LENGTH
14 nights
DAYS 1 – 4
Pacuare Lodge: The Central Valley
Begin with an overnight near San José before setting off for the Central Valley. The adventure starts en route: raft down the Pacuare River, one of the world’s great white-water journeys, to arrive at your jungle hideaway, Pacuare Lodge – a remote, back-to-nature eco-lodge on the banks of the river, with a spectacular setting amongst protected tropical forest, and spoiling service.
Wake to the calls of howler monkeys, then set out each day to explore the rainforests, narrow canyons and crystalline waterfalls surrounding the lodge. Swim beneath hidden waterfalls, swing through the treetops on the canopy adventure tour, or hike to a nearby Cabecar community to learn about their ancient traditions and natural remedies made from forest plants. and set out on rainforest hikes with naturalist guides. Discover the flavours of the rainforest with during an indigenous cooking class, or take an educational walk to learn about the lodge’s commitment to preservation and sustainability.
At the end of each day, relax in your villa’s private pool and enjoy a moment of peace overlooking the treetops. One evening, we’ll arrange a candlelit meal under the stars on the banks of the river.
DAYS 5-7
Osa Peninsula
Fly south by light aircraft to the Osa Peninsula, a wild frontier where the rainforest runs into the Pacific, and one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet. The peninsula is home to more than 350 recorded bird species, as well as monkeys, sloths, tapirs, anteaters and scarlet macaws. On arrival, continue by boat along the coast to Golfo Dulce Retreat: reached only from the water, this four-suite eco-lodge sits within a private 1,000-acre rainforest reserve on the edge of the gulf.
Spend your days exploring the calm waters and mangroves by kayak or boat, or walk into the forest with a guide to reach waterfalls and natural pools. Fishing trips with local fishermen can be arranged, along with early-morning or sunset excursions on the gulf. After dark, join the resident naturalist for a night walk, when frogs, insects and other nocturnal species emerge, and participate in a camera trap retrieval led by a resident naturalist.
You’ll also have unlimited access to the resort’s kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore the waters at your own pace, as well as the option for self-guided hikes.
DAYS 7-10
Guanacaste
Next, head inland for a few days at Hacienda Montezuma, a private family farm and working cattle ranch between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes, run by owner Floriana, who is the consummate host.
Days at Hacienda Montezuma offer a full immersion into the Costa Rican countryside and culture. Visit a cacao farm down the road and produce your own small batch of chocolate. Raft and fish along the Tenorio River. Hike to secret waterfalls and natural pools. Indulge in a spoiling lakeside picnic or take a tractor ride into the highlands for a picnic with a view. Horseback ride along beautiful trails and spot bird species, monkeys, sloths and toucans. Under the masterful hands of a local chef, learn how to prepare, and later enjoy, delicious, typical Costa Rican dishes. Join in with the daily farm activities and help the sabaneros, while they work the cattle. In the evenings, feast on the riches of the farm at kitchen suppers and traditional asados on the terrace.
DAYS 11-14
Santa Teresa
A short, scenic flight along the Pacific coast takes you to the Nicoya Peninsula and the bohemian beach town of Santa Teresa. Reached by 4×4 down a dusty track, Santa Teresa is an offbeat Pacific paradise where the surf is fantastic, sunsets are stunning and fresh seafood is caught daily, to be eaten barefoot in shaded beach shacks. The handful of bars dotted along the coast are filled with laid-back yoga and surf lovers.
Stay in a private beachfront villa, where high ceilings and shaded verandas open onto palm groves and the ocean beyond. It’s the perfect finale – golden sands, a pool to retreat to in the heat, and complete freedom to spend the days as you please.
Spend the day in a hammock watching the tide roll in, take a yoga class under the shade of a towering palm tree, or horseback ride along the beach, splashing through the shallows. Explore the coastline on a private Catamaran. Find remote spots to snorkel and marvel at the magical sea life. Whizz through the treetops along a zip line or hike through the forests to discover hidden waterfalls. The uncrowded beaches and warm waters are perfect for beach days and surf lessons for all levels, while keen anglers can join local fishermen deep-sea fishing before barbecuing the day’s catch on the beach, washed down with chilled champagne.
In the evenings, head down to Santa Teresa to check out the buzzy restaurant scene. We’ll be happy to recommend some of our favourites. One evening make sure to arrange a private chef dining experience at your villa.
Our Approach
Every journey begins with a conversation. We’ll get to know how you like to travel, what you want to do and how much you prefer to fit into each day, then use our experience of Costa Rica to put the route together.
We plan the practical details carefully, including domestic flights, boat journeys, road transfers and the pacing between each stop. We also know the guides, naturalists, hosts and property owners who make these places more interesting once you arrive. While you’re travelling, our concierge team is available around the clock to help with restaurant reservations, changes of plan or anything else that comes up along the way.
CONTACT US
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