9 Days • 8 Nights
Luxury Costa Rica: Eco-Lodges & Coast
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- A design eco-lodge with volcano views at Arenal
- A cloud-forest luxury retreat at Monteverde
- A five-star Pacific beachfront resort
- Private naturalist guides and touring
- Spa treatments overlooking the rainforest
- Sunset catamaran and gourmet dining
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at San Jose airport and transferred in comfort to a design eco-lodge near the Arenal Volcano. Settle into your suite with its private hot-spring terrace and volcano view, and enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner.
A private guided day of hanging bridges and wildlife, a visit to the La Fortuna waterfall, and an afternoon spa treatment overlooking the rainforest.
A day to indulge at your own pace, a private chocolate or coffee estate tour, a Lake Arenal cruise, or simply your suite's plunge pool and hot springs.
A private transfer, part of it across Lake Arenal, takes you up to a luxurious cloud-forest retreat suspended in the mist, with a private evening wildlife walk.
A private morning in the cloud forest reserve seeking the quetzal and hummingbirds, an exclusive canopy experience, and an afternoon of spa or leisure at your retreat.
A private transfer brings you to a five-star beachfront resort on the Pacific, whether Manuel Antonio or the chic Papagayo peninsula. Slip into barefoot luxury with a sunset cocktail.
A private guided walk to see sloths and monkeys, then an afternoon on your private stretch of beach and a sunset catamaran cruise with champagne and canapes.
A free day in coastal paradise, a spa day, a private boat charter, snorkelling, or simply relaxing by the infinity pool, ending with a gourmet farewell dinner.
A final luxurious morning before your private transfer to the airport for your onward international departure.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, gourmet dining as specified, a welcome dinner and hot springs entry
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking naturalist guides
- Ground transfers between regions
- All national park entry fees
- private Arenal, cloud forest and wildlife touring and a private sunset catamaran
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Premium wines, spirits and spa treatments beyond those included
- Optional private charters and scenic flights
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival; carry a passport valid for at least six months and, technically, proof of onward travel
- Currency: The currency is the Costa Rican Colon, though US Dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry some cash for rural areas, small eateries and tips
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is the sunniest and most popular, ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush and quieter, with mostly sunny mornings and afternoon showers
- Pura vida: Costa Rica's famous phrase means 'pure life' and captures the country's relaxed, warm and nature-loving spirit; expect friendly people, an unhurried pace and a deep pride in the environment
- Wildlife & national parks: Costa Rica protects around a quarter of its land and holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity; a naturalist guide dramatically improves wildlife sightings, and park entry fees are included
- Getting around: Distances can be longer than the map suggests due to winding mountain roads; internal ground transfers are included, and we can add short domestic flights to save time on longer legs
- Health & water: No vaccinations are required for most travellers, tap water is generally safe in main areas, and you should bring insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen and a light rain jacket for the cloud forest
- Money & tipping: A ten percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills; extra tips for excellent guides and drivers are appreciated. Power is 120V with US-style plugs, so US travellers need no adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lodges and resorts will we stay in?
You stay in Costa Rica's finest sustainable luxury properties, a design lodge with private hot springs at Arenal, a cloud-forest retreat at Monteverde and a five-star beachfront resort on the Pacific. Exact properties are tailored to your dates and confirmed on booking.
Is everything private?
Yes — this is a fully private, tailor-made journey with private naturalist guides, transfers and touring throughout, and every detail from dining to spa days and a sunset catamaran arranged around you.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or lodge meals in remote areas. Costa Rican cuisine, from fresh tropical fruit to casados and ceviche, is a delight, so most lunches and dinners are left free to explore.
Are transfers between regions included?
Yes — all ground transfers between regions are arranged and included, with English-speaking drivers. On longer itineraries we can add short domestic flights to save time; just ask.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most nationalities do not need a visa and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and cheaper, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain.
Will I see lots of wildlife?
Very likely. With a naturalist guide you can expect sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas and countless birds, and often frogs, coatis and more. Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of rainforest, volcanoes and beach, add or swap regions, change the pace and choose lodges to match your interests and budget.
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