Pair the adventurous spirit of a Costa Rica getaway with a little pampering and relaxation and you'll have an unforgettable 9-day vacation. This hand-crafted luxury tour takes you to Arenal Volcano and its soothing hot springs, on a thrilling helicopter ride over Costa Rica’s volcanoes, and sailing around Pacific coast islands at sunset. A delightful mix of active adventures and tranquil relaxation, you'll spend your days actively exploring this rainforest paradise and return to comfort and a little pampering in the evenings. Each lodge and hotel has been chosen specifically for their plush accommodations in the heart of Costa Rica's natural world.
Highlights
Helicopter over the Continental Divide to see Costa Rica's volcanoes
Sail around small islands and watch the sun set over the Pacific
Raft class II-III rapids down the Sarapiqui River
Cruise Arenal Lake at sunset for a bird watching tour
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive on the flight of your choice today. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in San Jose. Tonight, unwind from the day's travels as you enjoy a welcome dinner. Settle into your charming boutique hotel, a converted Victorian mansion that offers the warmth and comfort of a private home in the heart of the city.
This morning transfer to the domestic airport where you take off on a helicopter flight-seeing tour to explore some of Costa Rica's magical volcanoes. High in the air, you will have a chance to see the craters of Irazu, Turrialba, Barva, and Poas Volcanoes. Varying volcanic activity and destruction have given each volcano a unique topography and set of features. Keep your eye out for green crater lakes and smoke that billows from some active peaks.
After the one-hour helicopter tour, drive to Poas Volcano for an up-close look of its steaming crater bubbling with life. The Poas Volcano National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tapirs, coyotes, and hummingbirds.
The afternoon continues with a visit to the Doka Coffee Plantation. Watch how coffee is picked, milled, and ground, and then sample the results! If your eyes are still a little heavy from an early morning, they are sure to perk up from the rich aroma and flavorful tastes of a hot cup of Costa Rican coffee. At this three-generation coffee plantation, discover first hand - or cup - what makes Costa Rican coffee so popular.
This evening, arrive at the Peace Lodge nestled within the private wildlife refuge of La Paz Waterfall Nature Park. The detailed architecture exudes a natural elegance complementing the rainforest setting. Each room offers a Jacuzzi tub, stone fireplace, and indoor cascading waterfalls.
Spend a full day exploring the many trails, waterfalls, and exhibits at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Walk to see four towering waterfalls and take in the incredible views of the La Paz River Valley. The park is also home to a variety of species of hummingbirds, monkeys, a frog exhibit, and the world's largest enclosed butterfly observatory that offers a collection Costa Rica's most brilliant butterflies. Spend time at Trout Lake or walk through the Tica House - a replica of an old local Costa Rican home. Your day is free to stroll the grounds as you like.
Rise and shine! This morning enjoy some classic river rafting on a seven-and-a-half-mile stretch of the clear waters of the Sarapiqui River. You'll begin in the small community of La Virgen, and raft down through some exciting class II and III rapids—Hueco Gringo, Confusion, Superman, Montana Rusa, and Air Force, among others. The rapids alternate with crystal clear still-water pools, where you may get the chance to stop for a refreshing swim and fully enjoy the vibrancy of the landscape with the help of the naturalist guides. You'll leave the river at Chilamate, another small community, and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue on to the Arenal area, and settle into your new hotel located 20 minutes outside of the main town of La Fortuna along the Arenal River. The hotel offers a family-friendly resort atmosphere and a wildlife rescue preserve. It offers prime opportunity for bird-watching, hiking, fishing, and kayaking along the river, as well as breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding valley.
Day 5: Arenal Volcano National Park Hike | Sunset Birdwatching Cruise
Spend the morning with your guide exploring the Arenal Volcano National Park. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano. Hike along the trails near the foot of the volcano and then take a dip in nearby hot springs!
In the evening, head out to Arenal Lake for a sunset bird watching tour. Be sure to keep an eye out for toucans, royal flycatchers, white-fronted nun birds, and cinnamon woodpeckers, or maybe a howler monkey. Once at the Sangregado Dam, continue exploring and looking for birds as the boat navigates near the shores along the west side of the Arenal Volcano. Return to your hotel to relax and have dinner on your own.
Enjoy a leisurely morning today. Later take a tour on the Sky Tram gondolas, giving you an aerial view of the rainforest. Enjoy a slow ride up the mountainside, enjoying amazing views along the way, and keep watch for wildlife! You are accompanied by a bilingual guide who will point out flora and fauna in the ecosystem. At the top, enjoy magnificent views of volcanoes and Lake Arenal from the observation deck. You can spend some time exploring the top area before descending down to the base. One option is to ride back down on the tram, but the more exciting option is the zip-line canopy tour. Enjoy a thrilling ride as you zip on cables running across two mountains all the way to the bottom! The rest of the day is free to explore as you like. Your guide is on hand to assist with any activities or plans.
Spend your last moments in Arenal before transferring to the nearby airport for a short internal flight to Quepos. From here, drive south toward Manuel Antonio National Park to your hotel located just north of the Pacific coast beaches of Playa Espadilla and Playitas. From here you can easily arrange to go for a rainforest hike, bird watching, or go on one of the many tours provided locally. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy. Settle into your luxury hotel connecting with two Pacific coast beaches, complete with two gourmet restaurants and a full-service spa.
Day 8: Manuel Antonio National Park and Sunset Sailing
Spend time this morning with your guide exploring Manuel Antonio National Park. Walk along the expansive white sand beaches and explore the lush vegetation, alive with 109 species of mammals and over 184 species of birds. Many travelers opt to spend the full day relaxing on the beach, or walking the many miles of trails within the park.
This evening, set out on a sunset sailing tour aboard a small yacht and cruise around the outlying marine areas. Keep watch for dolphins, sting rays, sea turtles, and possibly migrating whales. Sail around various islands before arriving to the beach called Biesanz. Here you have the chance to snorkel and explore the majestic marine world underwater. If weather requires, this tour may take place in the morning, with time to explore the park in the afternoon.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Spend your last moments soaking up the fresh coastal air before transferring back to Quepos for your internal flight to San Jose. From here, transfer to the international airport and return home. You can also opt to extend your stay with more time at the coast, or continue your travels!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for Mar 27, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for Mar 27, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,114
Notes
$7,849 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is $1000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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