1 Week in Costa Rica - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Luxury Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Beaches

While hopping between lavish accommodations, this luxury itinerary immerses you in Costa Rica's lush landscapes and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-time travelers looking for an elevated introduction to the country's volcanoes, cloud forests, and beaches, you'll spend two days each in La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Playa Conchal. Along the way, enjoy guided hikes, private transportation, and free time to indulge in spa treatments and fine dining.

Welcome to Costa Rica! After landing in San José, set off on a scenic 3.5-hour transfer to La Fortuna, and upon arrival, spend your first evening delighting in the rainforest ambience of your luxury accommodation, the Arenal Kioro Suite and Spa. Enlist the help of a private hiking guide the following day to discover the natural wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park and reward yourself with dinner at the award-winning Heliconia's Restaurant before continuing to Monteverde. Your home for the following two nights is the chic Monteverde Lodge and Gardens, which overlooks the iconic Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. 

During your time in Monteverde, you'll get to know the processes behind coffee and chocolate at a nearby farm, discover fascinating biodiversity on a guided hike, and relish fine dining at El Jardín. Afterward, the beach is sure to be calling, so you'll transfer to Playa Conchal, check into the 5-star W Costa Rica, and treat yourself to an evening enjoying its many high-end amenities. Then, don your swimsuit for a sun-filled day beach-hopping and spend the evening savoring a celebratory dinner at Latitud 10° Norte in anticipation of your transfer to Liberia's airport the following morning. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Luxury Costa Rica from Rainforest to Beach: Turrialba & Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Turn up the adventure and immerse yourself in Costa Rica's wild landscapes on this weeklong luxury tour featuring Turrialba and Puerto Viejo. Crafted especially for those seeking bucket-list activities paired with hints of pampering, you'll have the opportunity to embark on night hikes, go whitewater rafting along class IV rapids, and snorkel in Cahuita National Park. In between, enjoy fine dining, a private tour of the Jaguar Rescue Center, and a two-hour massage experience.

Straight off the plane, you'll leave behind the bustling streets of San José and transfer to Turrialba, a charming town set among leafy volcanic landscapes. Check into Casa Turire, a boutique hotel, and after a refreshing meal at Mano de Tigre Restaurant and a thrilling optional night hike, you'll get your adrenaline pumping during a rafting trip on the Río Pacuare. Next, transfer east to Puerto Viejo, located on the Caribbean coast. Your accommodation for the following three nights is one of Aguas Claras' luxury beach homes, which is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the soft sands of Playa Chiquita.

Spend your first evening in Puerto Viejo learning about native animals at the Jaguar Rescue Center, then enlist the help of an expert guide for a private tour of Cahuita National Park. Start with a cruise to Punta Cahuita to snorkel in tropical fish-filled waters, embark on a rainforest hike, and dive into the local culture during an Afro-Caribbean cooking class. The following day is about pampering yourself, complete with a two-hour massage and free time to relax with a cocktail (or two) in hand. Next, return to San José and check into the elegant Hampton Inn & Suites for your final night in Costa Rica. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Costa Rica Romantic Escape: Arenal & Gulf of Papagayo

Experience the stunning natural beauty and luxury of Costa Rica on this romantic getaway. This itinerary is ideal for couples looking to explore the outdoors and relax in style, taking you from Arenal Volcano National Park to the beautiful Gulf of Papagayo. Highlights include a private surfing lesson, a horseback ride through Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and a romantic sunset catamaran cruise, all wrapped up with luxurious stays in 5-star villas.

Your romantic escape begins with a transfer from San José to La Fortuna, where you'll check into an idyllic, rainforest-surrounded wooden cabin at Amor Arenal. Spend the evening getting acquainted with the lodge's spring water pools and forest trails, and wake up ready to tackle a privately guided hike in Arenal Volcano National Park and to the plunging La Fortuna Waterfall. Then, treat yourselves to a dreamy morning at the Rainforest Spa, which features a menu of healing and relaxing treatments. Before checking out, search for nocturnal creatures on a guided rainforest walk at Ecocentro Danaus.

Midway through your luxury getaway, you'll journey to the Gulf of Papagayo and check into your private villa at Casa Chameleon Hotel. Spend an uninterrupted evening enjoying each other's company while lazing by the hotel pool, then head out the following day to take in the scenic coastline during a private kayaking tour and a couples' surfing lesson. Continue the excitement the next morning with a horseback ride through Rincón de la Vieja National Park on the agenda, and enjoy your final evening onboard a romantic sunset catamaran tour before ending your trip in Liberia. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Costa Rica National Parks & Cloud Forests

Ideal for nature enthusiasts who prefer exploring on foot, this luxury tour of Costa Rica features hikes in Arenal Volcano National Park, Tenorio Volcano National Park, and Monteverde. Tucked-away lavish accommodations provide the perfect base to meander through dense rainforests, searching for exotic wildlife, and discovering idyllic waterfalls. Plus, with fine dining and pamper sessions sprinkled in, you'll finish the trip feeling fully rejuvenated and invigorated by your time in Costa Rica's wild landscapes.

Upon arrival in San José, your luxury journey begins with a transfer to the Arenal region, stopping along the way to seek out native wildlife in La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. After an evening relaxing at Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, don your hiking boots for a guided trek in Arenal Volcano National Park and to La Fortuna Waterfall. Your trip continues north to Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you'll check into Río Celeste Hideaway Resort. Spend the afternoon floating through the rainforest onboard a river tube before savoring a memorable meal at the open-air Kantala restaurant. 

Next, take advantage of your full day in Tenorio Volcano National Park, starting with a hike to the strikingly blue-hued Río Celeste Waterfall and then unwinding during a volcanic hot stone massage. Transferring to Monteverde, your final accommodation is the Senda Monteverde Boutique Hotel. Set in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, two days will soar by as you admire the reserve's exotic wildlife during a visit to Frog Pond Ranario and zipline through the lush rainforest. However, it'll soon be time to savor a celebratory dinner at El Sapo Restaurant in anticipation of your departure home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Luxury Costa Rica Eco-Escape to Corcovado National Park

Osa Peninsula may be tucked away at the bottom of Costa Rica, but it's the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking glimpses of monkeys, toucans, tropical fish, migrating whales, and more. On this weeklong eco-escape, you'll discover the best of the peninsula while staying at the lavish Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort. Snorkel at Caño Island Biological Reserve, trek to majestic waterfalls, and relax on the golden sands of Playa Copa de Arbol. Plus, a day in San José to start and end the trip ensures a well-rounded itinerary.

Kick off your adventure with an exciting day in San José, sampling new foods in the trendy Barrio Escalante neighborhood and admiring the impressive artwork at your accommodation, the 5-star Studio Hotel. Then, transfer by plane and boat to Corcovado National Park and check into the Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort—your home for four nights. Get to know your winged and chirping neighbors during a night hike before spending the following day on a private park tour. Starting at the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, you'll hike along lush park trails to a waterfall and savor a well-earned picnic in the forest.

There's more to see on the Osa Peninsula, so on Day 4, set sail to Caño Island Biological Reserve and spend your afternoon snorkeling in tropical fish-filled waters and sunbathing on Isla del Caño. After a restful evening back at your hotel, perhaps eating at the open-air Miramar Bar and Restaurant, you'll board a boat destined for Sirena Biological Station and dedicate the day to hiking in search of monkeys, sloths, and toucans. The following day, it's time to return to San José, where you'll take a tailored walking tour of the city before celebrating the end of an epic trip at one of the capital's top eateries. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Costa Rica Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these other weeklong Costa Rica itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.