Luxury Costa Rica Itinerary

Costa Rica: Nature, Romance and Pura Vida

Set off on a 12-day luxury experience for a kaleidoscope of passion, adventure and wonder, with our Costa Rica itinerary. From hikes amongst volcano and waterfalls to bliss on the beach and intimate dinners surrounded by wildlife, this luscious journey stimulates all the senses.

One of the smaller, most beautiful countries in Central America, Costa Rica is renowned for its warm, welcoming people and their passion and dedication to preserving the country’s stunning environment. Boasting Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, dozens of national parks, wildlife refuges, protected zones and reserves that are home to volcanoes, tantalising waterways and diverse wildlife, this is the ultimate destination for nature lovers.

Be introduced to the Costa Rican people with a personalised cultural experience in Los Bajos, then explore the cloud forest reserve surrounding your luxury lodge and spa at Bajos del Toro. This self-contained paradise is blessed with streams and waterfalls, and flanked by the Poas Volcano and Juan Castro Blanco National Parks. 

Enjoy breath-taking views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake from above with a sky-tram or sky-walk, then get a water-level perspective of the volcano and surrounding national park, kayaking the Arenal Lake. Explore the volcano on a hike and venture into its wild surroundings on a mountain-biking adventure.  

In Santa Teresa take some time to relax on pristine beaches and wander amongst the cascading waterfalls of Montezuma before discovering the untouched beauty of Cabo Blanco National Park with a captivating, guided hike. 

Cap off your adventure in Peninsula De Osa at the exquisite Playa Cativo Lodge, where the lush rainforest meets the ocean, choosing from a range of incredible activities and leisure experiences.

READ MORE +
KEY FACTS
PEAK TIME

December-April

PRICE

From GBP £10,500 USD $12,495 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

12 days

FLIGHT TIME

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

CURRENCY

Costa Rican Colón

LANGUAGE

Spanish

Where you'll go

Bajos del Toro

Arenal

Santa Teresa

Peninsula de Osa

When to go

  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

LOCAL LOWDOWN

The small town of Bajos del Toro name means “low bull” and was given this name as when facing down the cataract of a massive waterfall (of which there are many in this area) you can feel as though you’re facing down a charging bull.

The itinerary

Private Las Gemelas Waterfall (from El Silencio Lodge)

Let your private guide take you on a challenging and so-worth-it hike to reach a pair of Costa Rica’s most magical, azure waterfalls. The vibrant glowing blue colour from the reflections of volcanic mineral content within the water creates a sight to behold and great photo opps.

Los Bajos Cultural Experience

A private driver will take you on a short trip from the lodge to be immersed in the living culture of Bajos del Toro, highlighting unique elements of Costa Rica’s rural communities along the way. Learn the traditional way of making fresh tortillas at Doña Olga’s house and share a lovely visit with her.

Sky Tram and Sky Walk

Glide through the rainforest for the best views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake, ziplining through the rainforest, across canyons and sometimes even between clouds. The Sky Tram open-air gondolas rise smoothly over the canopy, offering endless views of the rainforest, while Sky Trek is an exciting zipline circuit over the forest, stretching from mountain to mountain, up to 600-feet high and 2,000-feet long.

Arenal Volcano Hike

Enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a gentle hike along the base of this marvellous volcano. The hike begins in one of the trails close to the volcano, which will lead you through the forest over recent lava flows and the area destroyed in 1968 that’s now in the process of regeneration.

El Castillo Mountain Biking

This route begins on an old path that connects the Arenal Dam with the main entrance to the Arenal National Park, then on to the small town of Castillo by a path surrounded by dense forest and farms. There are magnificent views of the Arenal Volcano along the way as well as a good chance of seeing howler monkeys, coatis and a great variety of birds. You’ll stop on the shores of Lake Arenal for a snack and the opportunity to swim.

Exploring from Playa Cativo

Nestled between rainforest and ocean, there is no end to the adventures on the menu at the exquisite Playa Cativo Lodge, from nature trekking and birdwatching with the lodge’s expert guides to spotting the exquisite marine life thriving in the crystal-clear waters. As well as exclusive use of the in-house expert guides, you’ll have open access to boats, kayaks, paddleboards and daily yoga sessions on the beach.

The itinerary

Accommodation

Where to stay

Nothing but the best. On this suggested Costa Rica itinerary these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested choices.

El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Bajos del Toro

Hidden in Costa Rica’s central volcanic region, this luxury eco-friendly sanctuary for soft-adventure and relaxation, includes accommodations featuring private verandas, whirlpools and fireplaces.

Las Ventanas Restaurant, part of Relais & Chateaux, promises a rich culinary experience, while Esencia Spa, enveloped by soothing streams and roaring torches, pampers guests with forest spa treatments. Enjoy spectacular birdwatching, hiking, kayaking, river rafting, canopy zip-lining, archery, horse riding and yoga.

READ MORE +

Nayara Springs, Arenal

Secluded and serene, Nayara Springs is a charming, boutique hotel surrounded by emerald forests, tropical gardens and unspoilt nature.

Sitting on the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano National Park with only a 250ft wooden bridge to connect it from the rest of the world, guests can enjoy the immediacy of unspoilt nature and the Arenal Volcano as its picturesque backdrop. All villas feature their own private plunge pool and gardens.

READ MORE +

Hotel Nantipa, Santa Teresa

This chic hotel on the pristine Santa Teresa Beach features luxurious accommodations scattered amongst gardens and terraces with an outdoor pool meandering through the grounds.

Ocean-view bungalows include private terraces with plunge pools and outdoor showers. As well as the delightful Numú Wellness Centre, there’s a thatched-roof bar/restaurant on the beach, as well as Manzú Beachfront Restaurant where guests can enjoy the delicious international cuisine and sea-breezes.

READ MORE +

Playa Cativo, Peninsula de Osa

Sitting serenely on the Osa Peninsula, Playa Cativo Lodge is surrounded by rainforest and the tropical waters of the Golfo Dulce Fjord.

Its seclusion is unparalleled, with only the Piedras Blancas National Park as its 35,000-acre neighbour. With over 1000 acres of private reserve and an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna at its doorstep, the ecolodge is the perfect base for experiencing nature without interruption.

READ MORE +

Let us plan your perfect trip to Costa Rica

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

YOUR TRIP

Currency

YOUR DETAILS

Name

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

Other itineraries you may like

Chile + Argentina: The Beautiful South of South America

Together, Chile and Argentina make up 20% of South America, and this 19-day itinerary covering the south-west of the continent is certainly comprehensive. While Argentina enjoys almost 3000 miles of South Atlantic coastline...

VIEW ITINERARY +

Indonesia: Islands of diversity

One of the most diverse environments on earth, Indonesia’s palette covers white sands, blue seas and lush green forest landscapes. As well as some of the world’s most celebrated spiritual and...

VIEW ITINERARY +

Jamaica: Where Every Little Thing is Going to be Alright

The home of Bob Marley is, of course, known for its music and Caribbean beats, and part of the thrill of being in Jamaica is to...

VIEW ITINERARY +

Transitory Exploring: Legendary Andean Holiday

A voyage of legendary proportions through Peru and Bolivia comprising cultural excursions, gastronomic indulgence and wildlife encounters, plus history and community visits.

VIEW ITINERARY +

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch with us and one of our travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream trip.

Caroline Maber
Karen Chapman
Serena Winn-Darley