Costa Rica and Nicaragua 3 Week Itinerary

Most of the rainforest’s drama unfolds high in the canopy, and this treetop adventure brings you straight into the action. After a short walk into a private reserve, you’re surrounded by birdsong and layered jungle views, with Costa Rica’s rich ecosystems all around. Glide between towering trees, abseil down into the heart of the forest and descend through the canopy towards Pacuare Lodge itself, the final descent delivering you directly to the lodge.

At the family-run Finca Bienestar, you’ll see cacao’s journey from bean to chocolate, learning about its cultivation and cultural significance before crafting your own to enjoy fresh. From there, rainforest trails beneath Arenal Volcano wind past ancient lava flows, offering dramatic views and moments to pause in the lush surroundings. High above the jungle, suspended forest trails reveal vibrant birds, hidden wildlife, and the intricate layers of the canopy, guided by an expert naturalist who brings the rainforest vividly to life.

Get up close with some of Costa Rica’s most endearing residents as you explore the treetops around Arenal Volcano. Watch sloths lazily hanging in their favourite branches, while your expert bilingual guide points out hidden spots where 2-toed and 3-toed sloths make their home. As a bonus, you’ll also have the chance to see monkeys, brightly-coloured toucans, elusive iguanas, and poison dart frogs.

Discover Tenorio Volcano National Park on the Rio Celeste Hike, a private experience through lush forest teeming with birds, monkeys, and sloths. Witness where volcanic gases shape the landscape and marvel at the Teñideros, where two rivers meet and the water turns a vivid blue. The trail leads to Río Celeste’s waterfall and azure lagoon, where the water tumbles into a brilliant turquoise pool, creating a magical, otherworldly scene. This is a challenging yet unforgettable walk, revealing one of Costa Rica’s most remote and magical corners.

Explore the Las Isletas archipelago on a private boat tour, gliding across calm waters framed by forested islands. Formed by a volcanic eruption over 20,000 years ago, these islands are home to vibrant wildlife and fishing communities. Your guide will share local stories, point out the rich flora and fauna, visit a historic Spanish fortress, and highlight the sustainability projects that help preserve the islands’ natural beauty and way of life.

Afterwards, whilst staying at Jicaro Island Lodge, you are able to borrow their kayaks and explore the nearby islets yourself whenever you like.

Experience the Masaya Volcano Night Tour, one of Nicaragua’s most famous volcanoes, historically known to the Spanish as the “Mouth of Hell.” Feel the thrill as you witness molten lava glowing in the crater just meters away, a raw display of nature’s power. This awe-inspiring encounter connects you to a landscape once sacred to pre-Columbian Nicaraguans, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

Discover the enchanting Spanish colonial charm of Granada, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. Stroll through its cobblestone streets lined with colourful, historic buildings and visit landmarks like the iconic Granada Cathedral and Plaza de la Independencia. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

For lunch, relax at a colonial café with a delightful patio, where you can savour traditional Nicaraguan cuisine or international dishes while enjoying the ambiance of lush greenery and colonial architecture.

Spend five nights at Calala Private Island, a secluded Caribbean retreat where turquoise waters, soft white sands, and intimate beachfront suites offer complete privacy. Explore the surrounding islets by kayak or paddleboard, snorkel among vibrant reefs, or simply relax while bespoke dining and attentive service take care of every detail.