itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE SAN JOSE
You will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to Xandari Resort & Spa, your home for the night. The rest of the afternoon is free to recuperate after the flight amidst the hotel’s attractive gardens and swimming pools. If you want to stretch your legs, there’s a lovely trail on the property to a series of impressive waterfalls.
Accommodation: Xandari Resort & Spa
DAY 2: TRANSFER TO ARENAL
This morning, make the 3-hour private transfer by road to the exclusive Nayara Resort in Arenal (alternatively, light aircraft flights are available, please enquire with us if interested). The rest of day is free to relax and enjoy the many award-winning facilities at this luxurious property. There are some wonderful walking trails on site which provide good chances of spotting sloths, not to mention the abundant, colourful birdlife.
Accommodation: Nayara Resort
DAY 3: ARENAL - HOT SPRINGS, VOLCANO, ZIP WIRE, WATERFALLS
Today, take your pick of the various tours and attractions in the area. Activity highlights include bathing in the area’s natural hot springs, experiencing a unique and heady challenge at the expansive ‘Skytrek’ zipwire complex, crossing hanging bridges in jaw-dropping surroundings, taking a refreshing dip at the foot of the superb Fortuna Waterfall, and enjoying guided or independent hikes in the beautiful Arenal National Park. We find that a morning of activity followed by an afternoon at the hot pools works well.
The impressive ‘Skytrek’ zipwire complex has a huge visitor centre and restaurant along with no fewer than 7 ziplines covering a massive distance in a zig zag over a vertiginous canyon. Attempting this zipwire is no mean feat and thus it’s not recommended for those who are afraid of heights, or young children who don’t like to be out of their comfort zone. There's also the famed Fortuna Waterfall which cascades about 75 metres down from the tropical rainforest into a swimmable pool - get there early and make the steep but short hike to and from the waterfalls in the relative cool.
The many walking trails dotted around the Arenal Volcano National Park reveal the fascinating history of this stunning volcano. Weather permitting, there will be wonderful views of the towering volcano, and the opportunity to walk on the (thankfully) now dry lava fields with good chances of seeing wildlife, since the ash layer in the soil prevents the growth of large trees. Although the volcano hasn't erupted for many years, it can still occasionally be heard rumbling and small clouds of vapour might be seen emerging from the cone. Walks can be completed independently on marked trails, or we can arrange a guided hike depending on preference.
After a morning of activity, spend the afternoon at the hot springs. There are several hot springs resorts in the area ranging from the natural and romantic (Eco Termales), to the sleek and manicured (Tabacon), to the crazy, fun-filled waterslides of Baldi Hot Springs.
Accommodation: Nayara Resort
DAY 4: ARENAL - HOT SPRINGS, VOLCANO, ZIP WIRE, WATERFALLS
Another day at leisure to explore the many activities on offer in Arenal.
Accommodation: Nayara Resort
DAY 5: FLY TO NOSARA
Small aircraft flight to Nosara, world-class surfing hot spot with wonderful beaches and a ‘chilled-out’ feel.
Accommodation: Gilded Iguana
DAY 6: NOSARA – WORLD-CLASS SURFING HOT-SPOT
Nosara is among the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica, and one of our absolute favourites. The area’s combination of superb beaches and a laid-back atmosphere is hard to beat, and its unique offering of world-class surf, yoga expertise, great food, coffee and craft beer is the cream on the cake.
Although commonly referred to as Nosara, from a traveller's perspective, we are in fact referring to the beach settlements of Playa Guiones (the surf beach) and Playa Pelada (the swimming and sunset restaurant beach). Playa Guiones is a beach break and an ideal location for beginner and intermediate surfers, with miles of golden sands lapped by consistent, clean 3-5 foot waves and a reliable offshore breeze. There are a handful of surf hire shops in town and beginner lessons or intermediate coaching are easy to arrange. The Gilded Iguana has a world-class surf school with a wide range of boards available and there’s also a noteworthy mountain biking centre on site.
Accommodation: Gilded Iguana
DAY 7: NOSARA – SURFING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, YOGA, KAYAKING, CHILLING
If you are travelling with non-surfers there’s a wealth of alternative activities in Nosara to suit all tastes, from mountain biking and kayaking in the enchanting mangroves, to yoga classes or simply chilling out by the pool. There’s also the nearby Ostional Beach which offers some of the best turtle viewing in Costa Rica (seasonal). Turtles return to land to nest in the evenings, particularly during full moons. Ask at your hotel and they will let you know the best time to visit and arrange a tour for you. If self-driving to the beach, please note the road involves a river crossing which may invalidate the insurance on your rental car.
Accommodation: Gilded Iguana
DAY 8: NOSARA – SURFING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, YOGA, KAYAKING, CHILLING
Another laid-back day in Nosara, enjoying all that it has to offer.
Accommodation: Gilded Iguana
DAY 9: NOSARA – SURFING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, YOGA, KAYAKING, CHILLING
A final day in Nosara.
Accommodation: Gilded Iguana
DAY 10: FLY TO THE BEAUTIFUL, UNSPOILT OSA PENINSULA
Today, there’s a small aircraft flight to the outstandingly beautiful Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s crowning glories. This stunning wilderness reveals pristine rainforest tumbling down onto wild beaches and the forest and ocean positively teem with vibrant and varied wildlife. This is one of the best spots in the world for dolphin and bird watching.
With much of the area designated national park, this unspoilt peninsula plays host to an astonishing biodiversity and the few accommodations on offer tend to be superb, small eco-lodges each set within their own slice of virgin rainforest. Accommodation for the next 4 nights is at the luxurious ‘Lapa Rios’, renowned for being the best of all the eco-lodges. This splendid property provides jaw-dropping Pacific Ocean views along with complete immersion in nature.
The many activities offered from ‘Lapa Rios’ include waterfall hikes, night-time walks and birdwatching sessions with one of the lodge’s four exceptional guides. Away from the property itself, there’s horseback riding, mangrove kayaking, dolphin spotting (highly recommended) and trips to the Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica’s largest national park, known for its exceptionally rich biodiversity. Rather handily, Lapa Rios overlooks Pan Dulce, a legendary beach break, which offers long mellow rights if the conditions are right, just saying...
Accommodation: Lapa Rios
DAY 11: OSA PENSINSULA – INTENSE WILDLIFE, HUGE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
Enjoy a second day at leisure in the breath-takingly beautiful Osa Peninsula.
Accommodation: Lapa Rios
DAY 12: OSA PENSINSULA - INTENSE WILDLIFE, HUGE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
Another day free to explore the peninsula and engage in the many activities it has to offer.
Accommodation: Lapa Rios
DAY 13: OSA PENSINSULA - INTENSE WILDLIFE, HUGE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
Final day in the Osa Peninsula.
Accommodation: Lapa Rios
DAY 14: FLY TO SAN JOSE AND HOME
Small aircraft flight to San Jose to connect with your onward International Flight
