Luxury Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary

Costa Rica and Nicaragua 3 Week Itinerary

This carefully curated three-week journey reveals the very best of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, shaped around your interests and paced to feel unhurried. Rainforests, volcanoes, rivers and coastlines form the backdrop, with each stop chosen to unlock experiences that are deeply connected to the landscape.

After landing in San José, you will head to the Central Valley and settle at Xandari Resort & Spa, surrounded by verdant hills and coffee plantations. Here you can reconnect with nature, enjoy spa treatments, and savour farm-to-table cuisine. From the highlands, the journey moves to Pacuare Lodge, where the rainforest comes alive. Glide along the canopy on a zipline, rappel down towering trees, or simply relax by your suite’s private plunge pool, while guided walks reveal abundant wildlife and hidden corners of this protected area.

Next, you will travel to Arenal National Park, an adventure hub, yet while staying at Nayara Tented Camp it also offers the perfect opportunity to relax in style en route to the Nicaraguan border. You will then continue to ORIGINS, a hideaway two hours further north in Tenorio Volcano National Park. This area of scenic beauty, made up of cloud forest, waterfalls and thermal hot springs, is home to flora and fauna such as monkeys, sloths and colourful birds, including the rare umbrellabird.

You will cross the border into Nicaragua and continue to Lake Nicaragua, where you will spend four nights at Jicaro Island Lodge, an eco-lodge on a private islet in Lake Nicaragua. Kayak and paddleboard among neighbouring islands, take guided fishing trips, or visit nearby volcanoes. In the colourful colonial town of Granada, stay at the boutique Tribal Hotel for two nights, wandering cobbled streets and enjoying views of Mombacho Volcano.

There is no better way to conclude your adventure than five days on the beach, and the heavenly private island of Calala provides the perfect finale. With chalk-white beaches, aquamarine waters, and barefoot luxury at every turn, it is a place to unwind completely and savour the Caribbean at its most serene.

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KEY FACTS

PEAK TIME

November-June

PRICE

From GBP £15,000 USD $18,900 pp excl. international flights based on 2 adults travelling

IDEAL LENGTH

22 days

FLIGHT TIME

11 hours 45 mins from London
5 hours 15 mins From NYC

CURRENCY

Costa Rican Colón, Nicaraguan Córdoba

LANGUAGE

Spanish

Where you'll go
Xandari Plantation, San Jose, Costa Rica

Central Valley

Pacuare, Costa Rica

Pacuare

Arenal Volcano, Arenal National Park, Costa Rica

Arenal National Park

Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Tenoiro

Tenorio

Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua

Lake Nicaragua

Granada, Nicaragua

Granada

Calala Island, Nicaragua

Calala Island

When to go

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Best time to visit
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DID YOU KNOW?

Founded in 1524, Granada is Central America’s oldest colonial city. Its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and historic churches offer a step back in time. Vibrant plazas, artisan shops, and views of Mombacho Volcano bring the city’s history to life.

Itinerary Highlights

Canopy Adventure

Zip Wire, Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica

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.

Short Hike, Chocolate Workshop & Hanging Bridges

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

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.

Sloth Tour

Sloth, Costa Rica

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.

Rio Celeste Hike

Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Tenoiro

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.

Island Boat Tour

Islets on Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua

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.

Masaya Volcano Night Tour

Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua

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.

Explore the Colonial City of Granada

Granada, Nicaragua

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.

Enjoy Calala Private Island

Calala Island, Nicaragua

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.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Let us plan your perfect trip to Costa Rica

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Our tailor-made journeys include:

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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Karen Chapman