Luxury Costa Rica Romantic Escape: Arenal & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica, Transfer to La Fortuna

Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in the thriving capital San José, a cultural hub ringed by mountains and volcanic peaks that rise from the fertile Central Valley. Meet your driver for the 3.5-hour journey northwest to La Fortuna, a town at the base of Arenal, Costa Rica's youngest stratovolcano. During the drive, take a break in the highland town of Zarcero for coffee and sweeping plantation views.

Continue to Amor Arenal in the heart of the rainforest, where you'll check into your romantic wooden cabin. Features include vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with uninterrupted views of the forest and the Arenal volcano; your suspended deck has a heated whirlpool bath and loungers for relaxing with your beloved. 

Settle in and take a dip in one of the three spring water pools of varying temperatures reaching up to 104°F (40°C), one with a swim-up bar, or stretch your legs on one of the hotel's forest trails. If you're keen to delve into Costa Rican culture, embark upon an optional 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.

Day 2: Hiking in Arenal National Park

Experience the beauty of Arenal Volcano National Park today on a private hike. Accompanied by a guide, you'll trek through a dense rainforest filled with exotic birds to the base of the enormous conical volcano, which erupted regularly between 1968 and 2010 but has remained quiet ever since. Explore vast, moon-like lava fields created by the initial eruption and marvel at the striking topography and petrified lava from panoramic vistas. 

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 crystal waters. Afterward, return to your hotel for another soak in the hot spring pool, cocktails at La Jaranita, and international cuisine with a Latin American twist at the hotel's flagship El Rancho restaurant.

Day 3: Luxury Spa Session & Rainforest Night Walk

Pamper yourself with a couples' session at Amor Arenal's world-class Rainforest Spa this morning. Choose from a menu of healing and relaxing treatments, including volcanic mud scrubs and wraps. Next, let an expert therapist soothe your muscles with one of their signature massages; the Sleepy Sloth experience includes a back, neck, shoulders, and scalp massage with warm oil, while the Healing Howler Monkey uses hot stones and aromatic herbs to align your chakras. 

This afternoon is yours to wander hand-in-hand along forest trails, bask on your private deck, or lounge by the pool. After dinner, you'll take a rainforest walk at Ecocentro Danaus, a nearby ecological reserve 2.75 mi (4.5 km) east of La Fortuna. Your private guide will lead you through the protected forest, searching for nocturnal creatures, from insects and birds to amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Highlights include spotting rare frog species such as red-eyed tree frogs and poison dart frogs.

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Gulf of Papagayo, Free Afternoon

Say goodbye to Arenal today and make the three-hour journey to Costa Rica's idyllic Gulf of Papagayo for a romantic beach break. Set in the far northwest, Papagayo is known for its rugged coastal scenery, film-worthy beaches, and high-end resorts. During the scenic private transfer, you'll pass through unspoiled hilly countryside dotted with rural villages, eventually spotting the sparkling Pacific Ocean in the distance. 

Check into a chic private pool villa at Casa Chameleon Hotel, perched on a hilltop above the traditional town of Las Catalinas. Throw open the doors to your terrace, which features a saltwater plunge pool and views of the ocean and Islas Catalinas. The rest of the day is yours to laze by the hotel pool, book an in-villa massage, or hit the beach for sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling.

Day 5: Private Ocean Kayaking Tour & Surfing Lesson

After breakfast, discover the wonders of the Gulf of Papagayo with a private ocean kayaking tour. Gear up and then, accompanied by a private guide, paddle onto the calm, aquamarine water. Soak up views of the beach-lined coast backed by rainforest and glimpse marine life such as sea turtles, tropical fish, and dolphins leaping through the waves. 

Take a lunch break before returning to the ocean for a couples' surfing lesson. Learn to ride the waves with an expert instructor, then take a well-earned rest on the beach. While away the afternoon at your leisure, returning to your resort for sunset cocktails overlooking the ocean at the award-winning Sentido Norte, where you can feast on fine Costa Rican coastal cuisine.

Day 6: Visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park on Horseback, Sunset Sailing Tour

Start the day with a private tour of Rincón de la Vieja National Park on horseback. This protected park is named for its mighty volcano and sprawls over 60 square miles (160 sq km) of diverse terrain, from waterfall-studded forests to hot springs, savanna, and bubbling mud pots. Enter through the Las Pailas Entrance, which translates to "the cauldrons," where you'll enjoy show-stopping views of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano and pass steaming fumaroles and volcanic clay pools.

As you ride along the 2.5-mile (4 km) Las Pailas Loop Trail, your naturalist guide will point out some of the park's 300 bird species, native flora, and mammals, such as sloths, coatis, and spider monkeys. Eventually, you'll reach the Oropendola Waterfall, where you can hike down to watch the impressive 82-foot (25 m) falls plunge into a turquoise pool and take a refreshing swim. 

Spend your final afternoon in Costa Rica on a romantic sunset catamaran tour. Board your private boat and glide through the ocean, admiring the coast, tropical beaches, and forests. You'll stop in a remote bay for some swimming and snorkeling, then stroll on a deserted white-sand beach. The crew will serve drinks and snacks as you sail back to shore and admire the fiery sunset over the ocean.

Day 7: Transfer to Liberia, Depart

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

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