Luxury Costa Rica Highlights: Caribbean to Pacific - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in San José, Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca 

Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in San José and meet your private driver for the 4.5-hour journey east to the Caribbean coast. Your final destination is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a beach town famed for its supreme surf breaks, fringed by mangroves, and backed by thick rainforests home to wildlife. Check into your 5-star hotel, Aguas Claras, which lies behind the pale sands of Playa Chiquita and was devised by artist Elizabeth Steinvorth.

You'll stay in one of the resort's luxury, restored beach homes; each has been individually designed with local art and has an eco-friendly focus. Relax on your veranda, swim in the pool, or head straight to the beach to dip your toes in the balmy waters. Sample some of the area's cuisine this evening; Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is known for its Afro-Caribbean dishes and fresh seafood, which you can enjoy with ocean views.

Day 2: Jaguar Rescue Center Visit & Afro-Caribbean Cooking Class

This morning, you'll take a private tour of the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center, which rehabilitates native animals. Tour the facility to meet its current residents, which range from snakes to monkeys and sloths. Afterward, return to your hotel to freshen up before this afternoon's Afro-Caribbean cooking class with local chefs who'll teach you to cook traditional dishes steeped in history. 

During the class, discover the secrets behind signature dishes such as spicy jerk chicken, coconut rice and beans, coconut base soup, and the rich chocolate desserts for which the area is known. The chefs will also regale you with stories about their cultural heritage as you cook. Finish by feasting on your creations, and then return to your resort for a restful evening.

Day 3: Cahuita National Park Snorkeling & Rainforest Spa Session

Experience the Caribbean coast's natural wonders with a private tour of Cahuita National Park today. This protected park is renowned for its coastal rainforest, soft-sand beaches, and crystal waters, home to the country's largest coral reef system. Start with a cruise to Cahuita Point, where you'll anchor up for some snorkeling. Glimpse over 120 varieties of fish, along with stingrays, octopuses, and perhaps even reef sharks among the coral. 

Back on board, enjoy drinks and fruit to fuel up for your rainforest hike. Your expert guide will be on the lookout for resident wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, dart frogs, iguanas, and rainbow-colored parrots. They'll also point out flora and the medicinal plants used by locals for centuries.

Decompress this afternoon with a decadent two-hour pamper session at the spa. You'll relax with a rainforest immersion massage and facial, beginning with an aromatic foot soak while you sip on a jungle elixir. Next, settle into your open-air treatment room for a full-body massage and facial while listening to the sounds of the jungle. The treatments feature natural ingredients such as coconut and papaya.

Day 4: Bribri Indigenous Community Tour

Get a dose of local culture today with a private visit to the Bribri Indigenous community. The trip begins with a scenic drive to the Panamanian border in the mountains, stopping at the small village of Bambú. From here, you'll take a trip down the Río Yorkín in a dugout canoe to the Bribri Indian village of Yorkín, nestled deep in the forest. 

A guide will teach you about this ancient community's history and traditions as they show you around the village. You'll visit organic coca and banana plantations, then take a swim in the Río Skui. Afterward, enjoy a typical Bribri lunch and meet the women's association, Stibrawpa. Join them for a chocolate-making demonstration and tasting session, as well as a chance to try archery and weaving traditional palm-frond roofs. 

Return to your resort and spend the rest of the day as you please. Hit the beach or lounge by the hotel pool with a cocktail. In the evening, dine on the beachfront under the stars at your hotel's stellar DaLime Beach Club restaurant.

Day 5: Transfer to La Fortuna, Visit Eco Termales Hot Springs

Say goodbye to the Caribbean today and take a private five-hour transfer inland to La Fortuna. Set in the northern highlands, the town lies at the base of Arenal, Costa Rica's youngest stratovolcano, which erupted regularly between 1968 and 2010 but has remained quiet ever since. It's protected by Arenal Volcano National Park, an area of vast, moon-like lava fields created by the initial eruption and lush rainforests.

Check into the chic Arenal Manoa Resort & Hot Springs, where you can take in views of the volcano from the terrace of your luxury casita, set among flower-filled gardens. The resort has its own set of mineral-rich hot springs and a Jacuzzi, as well as a pool with swim-up bars and a spa where you can enjoy everything from hot stone massages to reflexology. 

After you've settled in, take a trip to nearby Eco Termales Hot Springs, a series of geothermal pools heated by the Arenal volcano. Hop between the healing pools, which range from 89°F (32°C) to 106°F (41°C), while taking in views of the volcano surrounded by bird-filled rainforest. In between soaks, cool off in the cold pools and waterfall. The trip includes a lavish buffet meal complete with Costa Rican dishes, salads, and tropical fruit. 

Day 6: Coffee & Chocolate Tour, Hanging Bridges & Waterfall Hike

Start the day with a private coffee and chocolate tour at a nearby farm, where you'll learn about the entire production process, from bean to cup and bar, and then indulge in a tasting session. Next, head into the rainforest with your personal guide to explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges in Arenal Volcano National Park. 

This trail system leads 2 miles (3 km) through a 593-acre (240 ha) rainforest reserve, crossing 10 dizzying suspension bridges above the treetops. As you venture across the elevated walkways—some of which tower up to 180 feet (55 m) above the rainforest floor—you'll take in sweeping views of the canopy and Arenal volcano in the distance. Look out for some of the rainforest's 350 exotic bird species during your hike. 

After lunch, continue through the national park to the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. Set at the foot of the Chato volcano, the falls plunge nearly 250 feet (75 m) into a topaz lagoon. Hike down 530 steps to the base of the falls for the best views and to take a dip in the clear waters. Afterward, return to your hotel to rest before dinner, where you can savor international fine dining at La Saca or wood-fired pizza on the patio at the popular Alambique Bistro.

Day 7: Mountain Biking Around Lake Arenal & Sunset Cruise

Get your heart pumping today with a private backroad mountain biking adventure around Lake Arenal. Start from El Fosforo, where you'll meet your personal cycling guide and gear up before hitting the trail. Pedal through the rainforest and rural farmland on the outskirts of Costa Rica's largest lake, which spans 21,000 acres (8,500 ha). Enjoy views of the Arenal volcano as you go, spotting monkeys and toucans in the trees, eventually crossing the Río Caño Negro. 

Relax after your bike ride with a private cruise on Lake Arenal. Sip on fine wines paired with cheese as you sail while a naturalist helps you spot diverse birdlife that lives on the lake. Watch the sunset paint the sky shades of gold and pink, silhouetting the conical outline of Arenal in the distance. Return to your resort afterward to soothe your muscles with a final soak in the hot springs.

Day 8: Transfer to Monteverde, Tenorio Volcano National Park Hike

Today, you'll return to Lake Arenal and sail across the sapphire waters, continuing by private car to Monteverde, set in the rugged Tilaran Mountain Range. Next, spiral up to the iconic Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, 26,000 acres (10,500 ha) of highland cloaked in mist. Check into your luxurious suite or bungalow at Koora Hotel, which lies within the reserve. Your balcony showcases never-ending views of the forest stretching to the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean; you'll regularly spot birds, monkeys, and coatis around this lush resort. 

Settle in before heading out to nearby Tenorio Volcano National Park. Join a private guide for a three-hour hike along rainforest trails, spotting wildlife such as monkeys, blue morpho butterflies, and anteaters. The park is named after the active Tenorio volcano, which soars 6,286 feet (1,916 m) into the sky, and its landscape is ripe with geothermal activity, from smoking fumaroles to hot springs and bubbling mud pots.

The hike takes you alongside the Río Celeste, passing the confluence of two rivers whose minerals combine to create a turquoise hue. According to local legend, God washed his brushes in the river after painting the sky. Eventually, you'll descend 253 steps to reach the base of the Río Celeste Waterfall, where you'll marvel at the otherworldly blue waters before hiking back to the park entrance.

Day 9: Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike & Treetop Dining Experience

Immerse yourself in Monteverde's astounding nature today on a private hike through the cloud forest reserve, home to 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. This natural haven sits at 4,724 feet (1,440 m) above sea level and is carpeted with vegetation like emerald moss, giant ferns, and orchids, and home to an array of wildlife, including 120 mammal species and over 400 bird species. Highlights include the vibrant green-and-red quetzal and purple-crowned fairy.

Follow your guide along winding trails, learning about the different types of flora and fauna and their ecological importance. Stop to admire everything from frogs to butterflies and birds, as well as varieties of moss, snaking vines, and towering trees. Afterward, you'll enjoy a unique treetop dining experience at the boutique hotel, San Lucas. Relish a nine-course degustation dinner in a glass box suspended 50 feet (15 m) in the rainforest, offering spectacular canopy views.

Day 10: Monteverde Hike, Transfer to Manuel Antonio & Catamaran Tour

Savor a final hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve this morning, crossing hanging bridges through the canopy with your private guide. Afterward, escape to Costa Rica's beach-studded Pacific coast with a four-hour private transfer south to the peaceful town of Manuel Antonio. Surrounded by beaches, Manuel Antonio is beloved for its namesake national park, which is packed with mangroves, waterfalls, and wildlife-saturated rainforests perfect for hiking, rafting, and zipline tours. 

Check into the 5-star Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, steps from the soft sands of Playa Playitas and Playa Espadilla. Set in an 11-acre (4 ha) rainforest reserve, you'll regularly spot sloths and monkeys around the resort, and naturalists are on hand to help you discover the native plants. Check into your modern room or suite with an ocean-view balcony, then take a swim in one of the resort's two infinity pools.

End the day with a sunset boat tour onboard a private catamaran. You'll glide along the Gold Coast, passing isolated bays and white-sand coves backed by never-ending jungle. Stop at a remote beach where you can swim and snorkel, enjoying drinks and snacks. As you sail back to your resort, watch the sunset over the ocean and listen to waves lapping the sides of your luxury vessel. 

Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike & Spice Farm Visit

This morning, you'll take a private hike in nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, which is Costa Rica's smallest park, covering just 1,700 acres (688 ha) of land and 136,000 acres (55,000 ha) of ocean. The park is a haven for 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species, as well as migrating whales and marine life that thrive among the pristine reefs.

On your trek, your guide will highlight medicinal plants and wildlife, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and coatis. Along the way, stop at panoramic vistas to drink in coastal views. Freshen up at your resort before this afternoon's private spice farm tour at Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation. 

You'll visit the post-harvest warehouse to discover how different spices are dried and packaged, then wander along a jungle trail through the farm, your guide pointing out vanilla, cacao, and cinnamon crops. Sample gourmet drinks and delicacies (made by an in-house pastry chef) with a view, then stop at the farm shop to stock up on souvenirs, from organic vanilla beans to chili-infused hot chocolate and Ceylon cinnamon. 

Day 12: Catamaran Snorkeling Tour

Dive into the dazzling beauty of the Pacific Ocean today on a sailing and snorkeling tour. Board a private catamaran at Quepos Marina, where you'll meet the crew and set sail on sparkling waters surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park. Your guide is on hand to point out marine wildlife and landmarks as you float past remote islands, striking rock formations, and bird-nesting grounds. 

Your captain will drop anchor at Biesanz Bay, where you can plunge into the glass-clear waters and snorkel to your heart's content. You'll likely spot everything from parrotfish to angelfish, starfish, and even dolphins. Back on board, have a delicious barbecue lunch with ocean views before returning to the marina. 

Spend the rest of the day as you please. Sunbathe on the beach, snorkel or swim in the azure waters, or lounge by the pool. For the ultimate pamper session, head to your resort's Las Brisas Wellness Center, where you can indulge in everything from cocoa scrubs to aloe wraps, hot stone massages, and reflexology. End with a meal at the Mirador restaurant and relish a final night in your opulent suite.

Day 13: Transfer to San José, Guided Night Walk with Dinner

Bid farewell to Costa Rica's Pacific coastline today and join your private driver for the three-hour journey back to the bright lights of San José. Check into the Hotel Grano de Oro, a Victorian home that's been restored and converted into a boutique hotel featuring elegant rooms with turn-of-the-century-style wood paneling, handmade tiles, and antiques.

For your final evening in Costa Rica, head into the buzzing capital for a private walking tour. Stroll down Avenida Central, where you'll learn about the city's history, and stop to admire the architecturally-renowned Teatro Nacional. Pass through the parks of Morazán and España en route to Barrio Escalante, a neighborhood known for its eclectic food scene and thrumming nightlife. Here, you'll enjoy a three-course Costa Rican meal with top wines.

Day 14: Depart San José 

Today your luxury two-week adventure in Costa Rica comes to an end. Take a private transfer to the airport in time for your homebound flight. Safe travels!

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