Classic Costa Rica
Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's natural wonders on this 11-day luxury trip. Experience the biodiversity of Tortuguero National Park with exclusive boat tours and lavish riverside lodges. In Arenal, enjoy panoramic views of the volcano, adrenaline-pumping activities and hot spring relaxation. Next, Monteverde boasts exquisite birdlife and finally, Nicoya Peninsula is all about the beautiful beaches and landscapes.
Trip highlights
- Spot endangered green sea turtles in Tortuguero
- Drink in spectacular views along the way
- Cross the Arenal Reserve's hanging bridges
- See vibrant birds and wildlife in Curicancha Reserve
- Take a long and leisurely Sabanero style horse ride
- Go white water rafting and get adventurous in Arenal
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–2
An introduction to Costa Rica's capital city
In the heart of the Central Valley, San Jose, the vibrant capital city, is a captivating blend of culture, history and modernity and the perfect place to begin your Costa Rica tour. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history through its landmarks, including the majestic National Theater, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and the historic Barrio Amón, known for its beautifully preserved colonial buildings. Art enthusiasts will delight in the city’s numerous galleries and museums, such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of indigenous artifacts. Beyond its cultural treasures, San Jose offers a thriving culinary scene, with an abundance of restaurants serving up traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as international cuisine.
Where you could stay
Days 2–4
Two nights in Tortuguero
Embark on exciting adventures in Tortuguero where lush rainforests, tranquil waterways and abundant wildlife await exploration. Kayak through winding rivers, spot colourful birds and elusive wildlife with knowledgeable guides. Enjoy fishing expeditions, witness endangered sea turtles laying eggs and venture on rainforest treks discovering the ins and outs of the region. Wildlife excursions in small boats offer up-close encounters with caimans, river otters and howler monkeys, promising unforgettable adventures in one of Costa Rica’s most captivating destinations.
Days 4–7
Three nights in Arenal
At the forefront of Arenal’s allure is its namesake volcano, a towering colossus that looms over the landscape, shrouded in mist and mystery. Though no longer actively erupting, its symmetrical cone and rugged slopes provide a dramatic backdrop for exploration and photography.
Venturing beyond the volcano, you will discover a wealth of outdoor activities. Hike through the dense rainforest of Arenal Volcano National Park, where trails wind past steaming vents, lava fields and hidden waterfalls. Embark on a zip-lining tour through the treetops, soaring above the canopy with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Or, for a more leisurely experience, take a dip in the natural hot springs that bubble up from the earth, providing relaxation and rejuvenation in equal measure.
Where you could stay
Get active
White water rafting
Zip-lining
Suspension bridges
Rushing rapids in Arenal
Prepare for an exhilarating white water rafting adventure amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Arenal.
Feel the adrenaline surge as you navigate through the rushing waters of pristine rivers, surrounded by lush rainforest scenery.
With expert guides leading the way, you’ll tackle thrilling rapids and conquer challenging stretches of the river, each bend offering a new rush of excitement.
As you paddle through the heart of nature, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the diverse wildlife that calls Costa Rica home – from playful monkeys swinging through the trees to colourful birds soaring overhead.
A zip-lining canopy adventure
Experience the exhilaration of this aerial escapade as you begin from a towering platform standing at an impressive 13 meters (43 feet) high.
Glide effortlessly along eight galvanized stainless steel cables, ranging from 80 meters (262 feet) to an astounding 750 meters (2460 feet) in length, with an average height of 38 meters (125 feet) above the forest floor.
Reach speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour (37 mph) as you soar through the canopy! Strategically positioned at various heights, all 14 platforms, including five ingeniously crafted within the trees themselves, offer unparalleled vantage points for observing the rainforest from diverse angles.
Experience Arenal's hanging bridges
Feel the rush of adrenaline as you traverse suspended bridges high above the forest canopy, offering breathtaking of the the surrounding landscapes.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the tropical wilderness, as you encounter exotic wildlife and vibrant flora at every turn.
The trails in the reserve have been designed for all levels of trekkers and cover about 3100m (10,170 feet) of the mountainous zone.
Days 7–9
Mystical and magical Monteverde
Monteverde is the country’s most renowned destination for cloud forests. A small town hemmed in by the Santa Elena and Monteverde Reserves, it is also very close to the Arenal volcano area. Here you can hike along the trails that traverse these copious habitats of lichen, moss and orchids. Populated by ocelots, butterflies, umbrella birds and the endangered Quetzal, your stay here is the perfect Costa Rica wildlife exploration.
Where you could stay
Birdwatching adventure
Together with your naturalist guide, you’ll explore the stunning nature trails of Curicancha Reserve, a hot spot for birdwatchers. During this four-hour private tour you’ll have the opportunity to spot species like the resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, blue-crowned motmot and orange-bellied trogon. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded here. Besides the feathered occupants of the reserve, there are plenty of other creatures to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled and you could spot armadillos, two-toed sloths, mantled howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys.
Days 9–11
Unwind on the Nicoya Peninsula
Known for its stunning semi-deserted beaches linked together by grey stone cliffs or tangles of knotted mangroves, the rustic Nicoya Peninsula is the ideal destination for a Costa Rica beach retreat. From wildlife excursions and surf lessons to waterfall treks and cultural experiences, your time here is sure to be rewarding and memorable. Life moves at a fairly relaxed pace here, and it’s easy to get used to the unhurried swing of things. Here it’s all about taking the time to appreciate your surroundings and enjoying the natural wonders on your doorstep.
Where you could stay
Horseback riding Sabanero style
Enjoy an unforgettable shared horseback riding Sabanero style experience. You’ll ride along a deserted beach and through spectacular natural landscapes of rivers, mountains and forests accompanied by a local cowboy and bilingual nature guide. It’s an opportunity to experience Costa Rica in a rewarding and personal way as your guide shares stories about this part of the country and your natural surroundings with you.
We chose to travel to beautiful Costa Rica with Jacada Travel and it was the best decision we made! Having found them on google even though they had fabulous reviews I was still apprehensive as I didn’t know anyone else who’d heard of them and being a country we weren’t familiar with and taking our three young boys, I was…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
